The Vande Bharat Express between Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra and Srinagar is one of Indian Railways’ most exciting additions.
It connects the sacred pilgrimage city of Katra with the stunning valley town of Srinagar in under 3 hours — a game changer for tourism, leisure travelers, and devotees alike.
Ideal for:
✔ Kashmir vacations
✔ Vaishno Devi pilgrims combining journeys
✔ Travelers wanting fast, premium rail travel in the Himalayas
Overview of the Route
- Distance: ~189 km between SVDK and SINA
- Journey Duration: ~2 hrs 58 mins (approx)
- Why Popular: Drastically cuts travel time vs. road, scenic mountain views, premium onboard facilities.
The route runs along the newly completed Udhampur–Srinagar–Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL), including the iconic Chenab Bridge, bringing Kashmir rail connectivity into a new era.
Vande Bharat Timings (Both Directions)
Here’s the latest operational schedule as per Indian Railways data:
| Direction | Train No. | Departure Station & Time | Arrival Station & Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Katra → Srinagar | 26401 | SVDK – 08:10 | SINA – 11:08 |
| Srinagar → Katra | 26402 | SINA – 14:00 | SVDK – 16:58 |
Note: Train does not run on Tuesdays. Reconfirm running days and timings on IRCTC before booking.
Detailed Time Table
Below is the station-wise schedule for the core Vande Bharat service:
| Stop No. | Station Name | Arrival Time | Departure Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra (SVDK) | — | 08:10 |
| 2 | Reasi (REAI) | 08:28 | 08:30 |
| 3 | Banihal (BAHL) | 09:56 | 09:58 |
| 4 | Srinagar (SINA) | 11:08 | — |
- Departure Station: Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra (SVDK)
- Arrival Station: Srinagar (SINA)
- Approx. Journey Duration: 2 hrs 58 mins
- Ideal Travel Option: Morning outbound from Katra to Srinagar / afternoon return from Srinagar
Ticket Price – Approximate (IRCTC)
Vande Bharat is a premium train with allocated seating and faster service.
| Class | Quota Type | Fare (One-Way) |
|---|---|---|
| AC Chair Car (CC) | General | ₹720 – ₹880 |
| AC Chair Car (CC) | Tatkal | Higher than general (dynamic) |
| Executive Chair Car (EC) | General | ₹1,750 – ₹1,800 |
| Executive Chair Car (EC) | Tatkal | Higher than general (dynamic) |
Important Notes:
• Final fare shows up on IRCTC at booking.
• Tatkal quota opens as per IRCTC rules (usually 1 day before travel).
• Catering charges may be extra (or included depending on booking).
What Is Included in Your Ticket
- Reserved Air-Conditioned seating (CC or EC)
- On-board catering & e-catering options
- Large windows, infotainment, charging points
- Climate-adapted features for winters
- Advanced safety systems (like Kavach)
Stations & Major Stops Explained
Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra (SVDK): Start point — gateway to Vaishno Devi yatra.
Reasi (REAI): New halt added to serve local passengers and the Reasi district.
Banihal (BAHL): Mountain pass station en route with scenic views.
Srinagar (SINA): End point — Kashmir’s summer capital, close to Dal Lake and city centre.
How to Book Tickets
🟦 Online Booking Via IRCTC
- Visit www.irctc.co.in or IRCTC app.
- Enter SVDK → SINA (or reverse).
- Select date & check 26401/26402.
- Choose class (CC or EC).
- Make payment and download e-ticket.
🚀 Tatkal Booking
• Opens ~1 day before journey.
• Try early morning booking for best seats.
• Tatkal prices are higher and fill up fast.
🤝 Assisted Booking Support
• Travel agents can help if IRCTC is difficult.
• Provide passenger details clearly to avoid errors.
Seat Availability & Booking Strategy
- Best Days to Book: Weekdays (Tue excluded).
- Peak Seasons: Summer & pilgrimage months — book early.
- Seats Fill Fast: Especially Executive Chair Car.
Expert Tips:
📌 Check seat availability for 4 months ahead on IRCTC.
📌 Book as soon as Tatkal opens if general seats are unavailable.
Why Choose Vande Bharat on This Route?
✔ Fastest public transport between Katra & Srinagar
✔ Comfortable seating with modern amenities
✔ Fewer stops → shorter journey
✔ Great option instead of road in winter
Travel Tips
- Arrive 20–30 mins before departure.
- Keep valid ID ready for verification.
- Carry warm clothing (Kashmir can be chilly).
- If no catering, pre-order on e-catering.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Vande Bharat Express Katra to Srinagar operates as Train No. 26401 from Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra at 08:10 AM, reaching Srinagar at 11:08 AM. The return service, Train No. 26402, departs Srinagar at 02:00 PM and arrives Katra at 04:58 PM. The train does not run on Tuesdays.
Vande Bharat Express Katra to Srinagar covers approximately 189 km in about 2 hours 58 minutes. It is currently the fastest rail connection between Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra and Srinagar, significantly reducing travel time compared to road journeys through mountainous terrain.
The approximate fare as per IRCTC for Vande Bharat Express Katra to Srinagar is ₹720–₹880 for AC Chair Car and ₹1,750–₹1,800 for Executive Chair Car under General quota. Tatkal fares are higher due to dynamic pricing. Final fare is confirmed during IRCTC booking.
Vande Bharat Express Katra to Srinagar offers two seating classes: AC Chair Car (CC) and Executive Chair Car (EC). Both are fully air-conditioned with reserved seating. Executive Chair Car provides wider seats, extra legroom, and premium onboard comfort compared to standard Chair Car.
Catering is generally included in the ticket fare for Vande Bharat Express Katra to Srinagar unless passengers opt out during booking where applicable. Meals are served onboard based on journey timing. E-catering options are also available as per Indian Railways guidelines.
Vande Bharat Express Katra to Srinagar stops at Reasi and Banihal between Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra and Srinagar. The train has limited stoppages to maintain high average speed and ensure a fast, premium travel experience across the Udhampur–Srinagar rail section.
Tatkal booking for Vande Bharat Express Katra to Srinagar opens one day before the journey date as per IRCTC rules. AC classes, including Chair Car and Executive Chair Car, open at 10:00 AM. Tatkal seats are limited and usually sell out quickly.
You can book Vande Bharat Express Katra to Srinagar tickets through the IRCTC website or official mobile app. Enter source SVDK and destination SINA, select Train No. 26401 or 26402, choose class, complete passenger details, and make online payment to confirm booking.
Vande Bharat Express Katra to Srinagar operates six days a week and remains cancelled on Tuesdays as per the latest Indian Railways schedule. Passengers should always check live running status and availability on IRCTC before planning their journey.
Yes, Vande Bharat Express Katra to Srinagar is currently the fastest train between Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra and Srinagar, completing the journey in under three hours. Its limited stops, modern coaches, and high operational speed make it the quickest rail option available.
Final Verdict
The Vande Bharat Express from Katra to Srinagar is a top choice for travelers seeking speed, comfort, and unbeatable scenery. It’s perfect for pilgrimages, Kashmir vacations, and anyone wanting a premium train experience. Book early on IRCTC, reconfirm fares & schedule live, and enjoy one of India’s most scenic semi-high-speed rail routes!
I’m Rohit Kumar Sonkar, a senior travel writer and Indian Railways expert with 6+ years of hands-on experience in train route analysis, ticket fares, schedules, and IRCTC booking systems. I specialize in premium and scenic rail services such as the Vande Bharat Express, Vistadome Coach, and Tejas Express, and I focus on creating accurate, traveler-friendly content that helps people plan smooth and hassle-free train journeys across India.