The Vande Bharat Express New Delhi–Prayagraj service is one of Indian Railways’ fastest, most comfortable intercity train options between the national capital and Prayagraj (Allahabad). Ideal for business travellers, pilgrims, and tourists, this semi-high-speed train cuts down travel time significantly compared with ordinary express services.
Overview of the Route
While the official train service is designated New Delhi–Varanasi Vande Bharat Express (Train Nos. 22436/22435), it stops at Prayagraj Junction en route in both directions — meaning you can use it effectively for New Delhi ⇄ Prayagraj travel.
- Approx distance: 635 km (NDLS ⇄ Prayagraj Junction leg).
- Approx journey time (NDLS → Prayagraj): 6 h 10 min.
- Why popular: Fast, punctual (on most days), premium onboard experience with air-conditioned seating and included catering.
Vande Bharat New Delhi to Prayagraj Timings (Both Directions)
This service is primarily between New Delhi and Varanasi, but Prayagraj is a key intermediate stop.
Here’s how it works in both directions:
| Direction | Train No. | Departure Station & Time | Arrival Station & Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Delhi → Prayagraj | 22436 | New Delhi (NDLS) – 06:00 | Prayagraj Junction (PRYJ) – 12:08 |
| Prayagraj → New Delhi | 22435 | Prayagraj Junction (PRYJ) – 16:32 | New Delhi (NDLS) – 23:00 |
Train 22435 originates at Varanasi – departing there at ~15:00 and reaches Prayagraj ~16:30.
Vande Bharat New Delhi–Prayagraj Detailed Time Table
Instead of a standalone train number for NDLS–Prayagraj, this service is part of the New Delhi–Varanasi Vande Bharat Express (22436/22435). For your convenience, here’s the Prayagraj-inclusive section of the timetable:
| Stop No. | Station Name | Arrival Time | Departure Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | New Delhi (NDLS) | — | 06:00 |
| 2 | Kanpur Central (CNB) | 10:08 | 10:10 |
| 3 | Prayagraj Junction (PRYJ) | 12:08 | 12:10 |
| 4 | Varanasi Junction (BSB) | 14:00 | — |
Return service reverses the route: Varanasi → Kanpur → Prayagraj (arr ~16:30, dep ~16:32) → New Delhi.
Summary at a Glance
• Departure Station: New Delhi (NDLS)
• Arrival Station (for this article): Prayagraj Junction (PRYJ)
• Approx Journey Duration: ~6 h 10 min (NDLS → PRYJ)
• Ideal Travel Option: Premium seat-only day travel between Delhi and Prayagraj
Vande Bharat Express New Delhi–Prayagraj Ticket Price
Vande Bharat fares are premium compared with normal express trains because of higher speeds, onboard services, and included catering. The NDLS–Prayagraj segment is priced based on the larger New Delhi–Varanasi service fare brackets.
| Class | Quota Type | Approx Fare (One-Way) |
|---|---|---|
| AC Chair Car (CC) | General | ₹1,420 |
| AC Chair Car (CC) | Tatkal | Variable |
| Executive Chair Car (EC) | General | ₹2,760 |
| Executive Chair Car (EC) | Tatkal | Variable |
Important Notes:
• Fares might vary due to dynamic pricing or railway fare revisions.
• Tatkal quota opens typically at 10:00 AM one day before travel — check IRCTC rules.
• Catering charges are usually included.
What Is Included in Ticket
When you book this Vande Bharat service, you get:
• AC Chair Car or Executive seating – fully reserved, airline-style.
• On-board catering included in fare (meals/beverages).
• Comfortable seats with reclining & rotatable features.
• Infotainment & charging points.
Stations & Major Stoppages Explained
- New Delhi (NDLS): Major rail hub with ample parking, lounges, and connectivity.
- Kanpur Central (CNB): Industrial city junction with food options on platforms.
- Prayagraj Junction (PRYJ): Main station for Allahabad/Prayagraj city — best boarding/deboarding point for pilgrims and local travellers.
- Varanasi Junction (BSB): Terminus for this train (not directly needed for NDLS–PRYJ bookings).
How to Book Tickets
Online Booking via IRCTC
- Open IRCTC app/website and log in.
- Enter New Delhi (NDLS) → Prayagraj Junction (PRYJ).
- Select journey date.
- Choose 22436 Vande Bharat (up direction) or 22435 for return.
- Pick class (CC/EC).
- Pay and confirm.
Tatkal Booking Option
• Opens at 10 AM one day before travel.
• Use fast auto-refresh in IRCTC to grab seats.
Assisted Booking Support
• Visit a railway reservation counter or trusted travel agent.
• Useful if you face payment or quota issues.
Seat Availability & Booking Strategy
• Best days to book: At least 2–3 weeks before travel for weekends/holidays.
• Seats fill fast on Fridays, Sundays, and holidays.
• Tatkal is best for last-minute plans.
Why Choose Vande Bharat on This Route?
• Fastest option between Delhi and Prayagraj by rail.
• Comfortable seating & inclusive meals.
• Great for day trips and business travel.
Travel Tips
• Arrive 30–45 min early at the station.
• Check platform at NDLS night before travel.
• Keep a digital copy of your ticket/PAN card.
FAQs
The New Delhi to Prayagraj Vande Bharat Express (part of Train 22436 New Delhi–Varanasi Vande Bharat) departs New Delhi (NDLS) at 06:00 AM and reaches Prayagraj Junction (PRYJ) at 12:08 PM on scheduled days.
The New Delhi to Prayagraj Vande Bharat Express covers the approximately 630–636 km distance in about 6 hours 8 minutes, making it the fastest premium rail option on this route.
The New Delhi to Prayagraj Vande Bharat Express (22436) runs six days a week — Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday — except Thursday in current IRCTC scheduling.
This service offers AC Chair Car (CC) and AC Executive Chair Car (EC) classes; typical IRCTC one-way fares from New Delhi to Prayagraj are around ₹1,420 (CC) and ₹2,760 (EC).
Key scheduled halts between New Delhi and Prayagraj are Kanpur Central (CNB) before the train proceeds non-stop to Prayagraj Junction (PRYJ) as per its published timetable.
Yes, onboard catering is provided on the New Delhi to Prayagraj Vande Bharat Express with meals and beverages available to passengers based on their IRCTC booking food preferences.
Yes, Tatkal quota is generally available on the New Delhi to Prayagraj Vande Bharat Express under IRCTC rules, with Tatkal booking opening one day before departure subject to availability.
Yes, the New Delhi to Prayagraj Vande Bharat Express has fully reserved seating only in CC and EC; all passengers must have confirmed reservations through IRCTC before boarding.
The New Delhi to Prayagraj Vande Bharat Express traverses approximately 630–636 km between New Delhi and Prayagraj Junction on the Indian Railways network.
For the New Delhi to Prayagraj Vande Bharat Express, passengers should arrive at least 30–45 minutes before departure for security, ticket checks and boarding formalities as per Indian Railways guidelines.
Final Verdict
For travellers between New Delhi and Prayagraj, this Vande Bharat service offers speed, comfort, and convenience unmatched by other trains on the same route. To secure the best seats and prices, book early on IRCTC and reconfirm timings before departure.
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.