If you’re planning a fast, comfortable, and premium train journey between Dehradun (Uttarakhand) and Lucknow (Uttar Pradesh), the Vande Bharat Express is now one of the best options on this route. This semi-high-speed service combines speed, modern coaches, onboard catering, and a near-air-conditioned bus-like experience – but with the reliability and convenience of Indian Railways.
Below is a full, traveler-first, booking-ready guide to help you plan your trip smartly and confidently.
Overview: Dehradun ↔ Lucknow Vande Bharat Express
Railway Distance: ~545 km between Dehradun (DDN) and Lucknow Junction (LJN).
Journey Time: ~8 hours 15–25 minutes each way.
Why It’s Popular:
- One of the fastest train connections between Uttarakhand’s capital and Uttar Pradesh’s city centre.
- Modern, comfortable, AC-only seating with onboard services.
- Ideal for business travellers, weekend trips and day return options.
Vande Bharat Express Timings (Both Directions)
This train runs 6 days a week (closed on Mondays) – always confirm live before travel.
| Direction | Train No. | Departure Station & Time | Arrival Station & Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dehradun → Lucknow | 22546 | Dehradun (DDN) – 14:25 | Lucknow Junction (LJN) – 22:40 |
| Lucknow → Dehradun | 22545 | Lucknow Junction (LJN) – 05:15 | Dehradun (DDN) – 13:40 |
Detailed Time Table (Station-Wise)
Here’s the typical stopping pattern for this Vande Bharat service:
| Stop No. | Station Name | Arrival Time | Departure Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Dehradun (DDN) | – | 14:25 |
| 2 | Haridwar (HW) | 15:26 | 15:31 |
| 3 | Najibabad Junction (NBD) (experimental stop) | 16:17 | 16:19 |
| 4 | Moradabad Junction (MB) | 17:40 | 17:45 |
| 5 | Bareilly Junction (BE) | 19:00 | 19:02 |
| 6 | Lucknow Junction (LJN) | 22:40 | – |
Quick Summary:
- Departure: Dehradun
- Arrival: Lucknow Junction
- Approx Journey Duration: ~8h 15–25m
- Ideal Travel Option: Business or quick daytime travel
Vande Bharat Express Ticket Price (Approx Fare)
This is a premium service with inclusive features, so fares are higher than regular express trains.
| Class | Quota Type | Fare (One-Way) |
|---|---|---|
| AC Chair Car (CC) | General | ₹1,505 |
| AC Chair Car (CC) | Tatkal | ₹1,900 |
| Executive Chair Car (EC) | General | ₹2,740 |
| Executive Chair Car (EC) | Tatkal | ₹2,200 |
💡 Notes:
• Tatkal opens typically at 10:00 AM one day prior – check IRCTC rules.
• Catering charges may be optional or bundled.
What’s Included in Your Ticket
Your Vande Bharat experience includes:
- Reserved air-conditioned seating with large windows
- Executive Chair Car options for more space
- Onboard catering or e-catering services
- Clean coaching and modern interiors
- Priority rake and faster transit compared to conventional trains
Stations & Major Stoppages Explained
- Dehradun (DDN): Starting point and capital station of Uttarakhand.
- Haridwar (HW): Major city junction and gateway to pilgrimage traffic.
- Najibabad Junction (NBD): Important intermediate stop on some timetables.
- Moradabad (MB): Industrial and transit hub in western UP.
- Bareilly Junction (BE): Regional city and transfer point for eastern UP/Delhi trains.
- Lucknow Junction (LJN): Final station in Lucknow city center.
How to Book Tickets
🔹 Online on IRCTC (App / Website)
- Open IRCTC Railways app or irctc.co.in.
- Enter Dehradun ↔ Lucknow and your travel date.
- Choose 22545/22546 Vande Bharat Express.
- Select class (CC / EC).
- Pay securely & get e-ticket.
- Display PNR at boarding.
🔹 Tatkal Booking
- Typically opens 10:00 AM, one day before departure.
- Try early for popular dates to get seats.
🔹 Assisted Booking
Offline booking counters at stations or trusted agents can help you reserve seats if you face online issues.
Seat Availability & Booking Strategy
- Seats fill quickly on Fridays, weekends, and festive seasons.
- Booking 45-60 days in advance often gives good availability.
- Tatkal is a fallback if general quota is sold out.
Why Choose Vande Bharat on This Route
- One of the fastest options between Dehradun and Lucknow (8+ hours).
- Comfortable air-conditioned seating with modern interiors.
- Fewer stops and priority on the network.
- Great choice for business trips or day travel.
Travel Tips
- Arrive at station at least 30–45 minutes before departure.
- Carry a valid ID proof for verification.
- Pre-order meals via e-catering for fresh food.
- Monitor PNR status and platform info on the day of journey.
FAQs (Quick Answers)
The Dehradun to Lucknow Vande Bharat Express (Train No. 22546) departs Dehradun at about 14:25 and arrives at Lucknow Junction (LJN) at roughly 22:40, covering 545 km with key halts at Haridwar, Najibabad, Moradabad and Bareilly.
The Dehradun to Lucknow Vande Bharat Express operates six days a week — Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday — with Monday as the weekly non-running day per the latest Indian Railways timetable.
This train offers fully air-conditioned seating in AC Chair Car (CC) and Executive Chair Car (EC) classes with ergonomic, airline-style seats and modern onboard amenities as configured by Indian Railways.
Standard one-way fare for the Dehradun to Lucknow Vande Bharat Express is approximately ₹2,740 for Executive Chair Car (EC) and ₹1,505 for AC Chair Car (CC), aligned with Indian Railways fare structure including catering.
The Dehradun to Lucknow Vande Bharat Express covers the 545 km distance in about 8 hrs 15 min, offering one of the fastest rail connections between Dehradun and Lucknow.
Yes, the Dehradun to Lucknow Vande Bharat Express provides onboard catering included in the fare with vegetarian and non-vegetarian options and e-catering services available as per Indian Railways standards.
Indian Railways offers standard quotas on the Dehradun to Lucknow Vande Bharat Express, including General, Tatkal and other applicable quotas during booking on IRCTC as per official rules. (Verified IRCTC/Railways quota norms)
Major scheduled halts for the Dehradun to Lucknow Vande Bharat Express include Haridwar Junction, Najibabad Junction, Moradabad Junction and Bareilly Junction before reaching Lucknow Junction.
The Dehradun to Lucknow Vande Bharat Express runs as Train No. 22546 from Dehradun to Lucknow Junction and returns as Train No. 22545 under North Eastern Railway.
Yes, Indian Railways equips the Dehradun to Lucknow Vande Bharat Express with onboard Wi-Fi, infotainment screens, electric outlets, reading lights and the Kavach safety system for enhanced passenger comfort. (Standard Vande Bharat features)
Final Verdict
The Vande Bharat Express between Dehradun and Lucknow is a top choice for anyone seeking speed, comfort, and reliability. Its premium features make it worth the extra fare compared to standard trains. Book early on IRCTC and plan stops carefully for a smooth, hassle-free journey.
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.