If you regularly travel between Eastern Uttar Pradesh and the state capital, the Vande Bharat Express Gorakhpur to Lucknow is one of the fastest and most comfortable options available today.
Operated by Indian Railways, this semi-high-speed train is ideal for business travelers, government officials, students, and families who want a same-day return option with premium comfort.
Let’s break down everything you need to know before booking.
Overview of the Route
The Gorakhpur to Lucknow Vande Bharat connects:
- Gorakhpur Junction (GKP)
- Lucknow (LJN – Lucknow Junction)
Distance: Approx. 270–280 km
Average Journey Duration: Around 3.5–4 hours
This route is popular because:
- Lucknow is the administrative capital of Uttar Pradesh
- Gorakhpur is a major religious, business, and railway hub
- High daily passenger movement between the two cities
Gorakhpur to Lucknow Vande Bharat Timings (Both Directions)
The Vande Bharat on this route runs with a fixed notified schedule. It is designed for convenient morning departures and comfortable daytime travel.
Passengers can complete official work in Lucknow and return the same day, depending on schedule alignment.
Timings Table
| Direction | Train No. | Departure Station & Time | Arrival Station & Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gorakhpur → Lucknow | 22549 | Gorakhpur Jn – 06:05 | Lucknow – 09:45 |
| Lucknow → Gorakhpur | 22550 | Lucknow – 15:20 | Gorakhpur Jn – 19:00 |
Vande Bharat Gorakhpur to Lucknow Detailed Time Table
The train has limited stoppages to maintain faster travel time. It primarily connects major commercial and junction stations.
Station-wise Time Table (Gorakhpur → Lucknow)
| Stop No. | Station Name | Arrival Time | Departure Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Gorakhpur Jn | — | 06:05 |
| 2 | Basti | 07:00 | 07:02 |
| 3 | Mankapur Jn | 07:30 | 07:32 |
| 4 | Ayodhya Cantt | 08:15 | 08:20 |
| 5 | Lucknow Jn | 09:45 | — |
Journey Summary
- Departure Station: Gorakhpur Junction
- Arrival Station: Lucknow Junction
- Approximate Journey Duration: 3 hrs 40 mins
- Ideal Travel Option: Same-day official or business travel
Vande Bharat Express Gorakhpur to Lucknow Ticket Price
Vande Bharat is a premium chair car train. Pricing is dynamic and may vary depending on demand and quota.
Fare Structure
| Class | Quota Type | Fare (One-Way) |
|---|---|---|
| AC Chair Car (CC) | General | ₹900 |
| AC Chair Car (CC) | Tatkal | ₹1,055 |
| Executive Chair Car (EC) | General | ₹1,680 |
| Executive Chair Car (EC) | Tatkal | ₹1,720 |
Important Notes
- Fare may vary based on dynamic pricing.
- Tatkal opens 1 day before journey date.
- Catering charges are included unless opted out (where applicable).
What Is Included in the Ticket?
When you book Vande Bharat on this route, you get:
- Comfortable airline-style reclining seats
- Rotatable seats (in Executive Class)
- Onboard catering service
- Bio-vacuum toilets
- Large windows
- Charging ports at every seat
- Fully air-conditioned coaches
It offers a smooth and quiet travel experience compared to regular express trains.
Stations & Major Stoppages Explained
Gorakhpur Junction – One of North India’s largest railway junctions. Major starting point for Eastern UP.
Basti – Serves central districts of Uttar Pradesh.
Mankapur Junction – Important regional rail connection.
Ayodhya Cantt – Key station for pilgrims visiting Ayodhya.
Lucknow Junction (LJN) – Main arrival point for central Lucknow access.
How to Book Tickets
Online Booking via IRCTC
Book through IRCTC:
- Visit IRCTC website or app
- Login or create account
- Enter From: Gorakhpur (GKP)
- Enter To: Lucknow (LJN)
- Select journey date
- Choose Vande Bharat (Train 22549/22550)
- Select class & quota
- Make payment
You will receive e-ticket confirmation via SMS/email.
Tatkal Booking Option
Tatkal opens at:
- 10:00 AM (AC classes)
- 1 day before journey date
Seats fill quickly on weekends and festive periods.
Assisted Booking Support
Passengers can also:
- Book via authorized railway agents
- Visit railway reservation counters
- Use IRCTC authorized travel portals
Seat Availability & Booking Strategy
- Weekdays (Tuesday–Thursday) usually have better availability
- Friday evenings and Mondays fill faster
- Book 5–7 days in advance for confirmed seats
- Tatkal works best if logged in before 10 AM
Executive Class sells out first due to limited seats.
Why Choose Vande Bharat on This Route?
✔ Faster than most intercity trains
✔ Limited stoppages
✔ Premium seating comfort
✔ Reliable day travel schedule
✔ Ideal for business & official visits
If time and comfort matter, this is currently the best daytime rail option between Gorakhpur and Lucknow.
Travel Tips
- Reach station 20–30 minutes early
- Carry valid ID proof
- Opt out of meal if not required (where applicable)
- Check platform details on station display boards
- Reconfirm train status on journey day
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The Vande Bharat Express Gorakhpur to Lucknow (Train 22549) departs Gorakhpur Junction at 06:05 and arrives at Lucknow Charbagh at 10:20, with intermediate stops at Basti and Ayodhya. Return (22550) leaves Lucknow at 19:15 and reaches Gorakhpur at 23:25.
The Vande Bharat Express Gorakhpur to Lucknow covers the approximate 296 km distance in about 4 hours 15 minutes non-stop between major stations, offering one of the fastest rail links on this route.
On the Vande Bharat Express Gorakhpur to Lucknow you get AC Chair Car (CC) and Executive Chair Car (EC) seating with air-conditioning, ergonomic seats, onboard charging points, and reserved seating for comfort.
For Vande Bharat Express Gorakhpur to Lucknow, AC Chair Car fares are approximately ₹900–₹1,000 and Executive Chair Car is about ₹1,600–₹1,700 one-way; actual ticket price visible at IRCTC at booking.
Yes, the Vande Bharat Express Gorakhpur to Lucknow includes onboard catering as part of the fare unless you choose to opt-out during IRCTC booking, with meals served at your seat.
The Vande Bharat Express Gorakhpur to Lucknow typically operates six days a week, with one weekly scheduled rest/day off; verify exact running days on IRCTC before booking for your date.
Yes, Tatkal quota is available on Vande Bharat Express Gorakhpur to Lucknow for both AC Chair Car and Executive Chair Car, opening at 10:00 AM one day before date of journey on IRCTC.
The Vande Bharat Express Gorakhpur to Lucknow has limited halts at Basti and Ayodhya Junction before arriving at Lucknow Charbagh, ensuring faster end-to-end travel.
Seat availability on Vande Bharat Express Gorakhpur to Lucknow tends to fill quickly on weekends, holidays, and festival periods, so book early or try Tatkal if regular quota shows low availability.
Always reconfirm the Vande Bharat Express Gorakhpur to Lucknow departure/arrival timing and platform on the IRCTC app or enquiry on the day of travel, as schedules may change due to operational requirements.
Final Verdict
The Gorakhpur to Lucknow Vande Bharat Express is the fastest and most comfortable day-travel option on this route today.
It is best suited for:
- Government officials
- Business travelers
- Pilgrims visiting Ayodhya
- Students and professionals
For confirmed seats and accurate fare, always verify real-time details on IRCTC before finalizing your journey.
If you value speed, comfort, and reliability — this is the train to book.
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.