The Vande Bharat Express on the Varanasi–Kanpur section is your fastest, most comfortable rail option between these major Uttar Pradesh cities. This semi-high-speed train gives you a premium day travel experience with air-conditioned seating and limited stops.
If you need a quick, efficient trip for business, pilgrimage, tourism, or family visits between Varanasi and Kanpur, this is one of the best trains available — but always reconfirm details on IRCTC before booking.
Overview of the Route
Though the main train continues beyond Kanpur to New Delhi on its full journey, the Varanasi to Kanpur segment is highly popular.
- Approx Distance: 320 km (Varanasi → Kanpur)
- Approx Duration: 3 h 26 min (Varanasi → Kanpur)
- Speed: 90 + km/h average (semi-high speed)
This route is one of the quickest connections between the spiritual heartland around Varanasi and the industrial-economic belt around Kanpur.
Vande Bharat Varanasi to Kanpur Timings (Both Directions)
This service is technically part of the 22415/22416 Varanasi–New Delhi Vande Bharat Express, but you can board or deboard at Kanpur Central.
| Direction | Train No. | Departure Station & Time | Arrival Station & Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Varanasi → Kanpur (Part of 22415) | 22415 | Varanasi Jn (BSB) – 06:00 | Kanpur Central (CNB) – 09:26 |
| Kanpur → Varanasi (Return via 22416) | 22416 | Kanpur Central (CNB) – 19:12 | Varanasi Jn (BSB) – 23:05 |
22416 is the reverse service from New Delhi → Varanasi passing through Kanpur; exact timing for the Kanpur → Varanasi segment varies with daily schedule published on IRCTC.
Vande Bharat Detailed Time Table (Varanasi → Kanpur)
Below is the official segment of the schedule for the 22415 Vande Bharat Express between Varanasi and Kanpur.
| Stop No. | Station Name | Arrival Time | Departure Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Varanasi Junction (BSB) | — | 06:00 |
| 2 | Prayagraj Junction (PRYJ) | 07:30 | 07:34 |
| 3 | Kanpur Central (CNB) | 09:26 | 09:30 |
Key Summary
• Departure Station: Varanasi Junction (BSB)
• Arrival Station: Kanpur Central (CNB)
• Approx Journey Duration: 3 h 26 min
• Ideal Travel Option: Morning business or day-trip passengers
Vande Bharat Express Ticket Price
Vande Bharat fares are generally premium compared to regular express trains because they include modern features and onboard services.
| Class | Quota Type | Fare (One-Way) |
|---|---|---|
| AC Chair Car (CC) | General | ₹935 |
| AC Chair Car (CC) | Tatkal | ₹1,200–1,300 (vary by date) |
| Executive Chair Car (EC) | General | ₹1,740 |
| Executive Chair Car (EC) | Tatkal | ₹2,200+ (vary by date) |
Important Notes
• Fares are approximate as per IRCTC and third-party data — final price seen during booking may differ.
• Tatkal ticket pricing is dynamic and subject to availability rules on Indian Railways.
• Catering charges, if included, may show separately at IRCTC checkout.
What Is Included in Ticket
• Seat type: All seats are reserved, air-conditioned chair cars.
• Catering: E-catering / onboard meals available (depending on route policy for 22415).
• Amenities: Rotatable seats, tray tables, charging points, large windows, overhead racks, onboard infotainment.
Stations & Major Stoppages Explained
• Varanasi Junction: Major UP hub & pilgrimage gateway.
• Prayagraj Junction: Key cultural and administrative city mid-route.
• Kanpur Central: Major economic and industrial centre — deboarding point for this segment.
How to Book Tickets
Online Booking via IRCTC
- Go to www.irctc.co.in or the IRCTC app.
- Login or create an account.
- Enter Varanasi Jn (BSB) → Kanpur Central (CNB).
- Choose date and select train 22415.
- Pick class (CC/EC), seats, and complete payment.
Tatkal Booking Option
• Tatkal opens 1 day before journey at specific hours (IRCTC rules apply). Book within minutes — seats sell fast.
Assisted Booking Support
• You can also book via IRCTC agents, travel partners, or railway counters if online quota fills.
Seat Availability & Booking Strategy
• Weekdays (Mon–Fri) fill slower; weekends & holidays fill quickly.
• Early morning departure means securing seats early is recommended.
• Check flexibility for alternate dates if booking fails.
Why Choose Vande Bharat on This Route?
• Quickest scheduled train between these cities (~3 h 26 m).
• Comfortable air-conditioned seating.
• Limited stops reduce travel time.
• Ideal for day return or business travellers.
Travel Tips
• Arrive at station 30 min early.
• Carry a valid ID for verification.
• Check live running status on NTES/IRCTC on day of travel.
FAQs — Varanasi to Kanpur Vande Bharat
Varanasi to Kanpur Vande Bharat Express operates as Train 22415, departing from Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation-listed schedule at Varanasi Junction at 06:00 AM and arriving at Kanpur Central at 09:26 AM, covering the journey in approximately 3 hours 26 minutes on operational days.
Varanasi to Kanpur Vande Bharat Express takes approximately 3 hours and 26 minutes to complete the journey. The train maintains high average speed with limited stoppages, making it the fastest and most time-efficient premium daytime rail option between these two Uttar Pradesh cities.
Varanasi to Kanpur Vande Bharat Express fare is approximately ₹935 for AC Chair Car (CC) and around ₹1,740 for Executive Chair Car (EC) under General quota. Tatkal fares are higher and dynamically priced as per Indian Railways rules at booking time.
Varanasi to Kanpur Vande Bharat Express runs six days a week as per the notified schedule of Varanasi–New Delhi Vande Bharat Express, with one weekly maintenance day. Passengers must verify the running day for their travel date on IRCTC before final booking confirmation.
Yes, catering is available on Varanasi to Kanpur Vande Bharat Express. Meal options are selectable during booking, and charges are either included or added separately based on IRCTC preference selection. Passengers can opt in or opt out while confirming tickets.
Varanasi to Kanpur Vande Bharat Express offers two seating classes: AC Chair Car (CC) and Executive Chair Car (EC). Both are fully air-conditioned with reserved seating, while Executive Class provides wider seats, additional legroom, and enhanced onboard comfort features.
Tatkal booking for Varanasi to Kanpur Vande Bharat Express opens one day prior to journey date, at 10:00 AM for AC classes including CC and EC. Seats are limited and sell quickly, so passengers should log in early on IRCTC.
Varanasi to Kanpur Vande Bharat Express has a key intermediate stoppage at Prayagraj Junction before reaching Kanpur Central. Limited halts ensure faster journey time, making it ideal for business travelers and same-day return passengers between these cities.
Yes, Varanasi to Kanpur Vande Bharat Express is currently the fastest scheduled train between the two cities, completing the journey in around 3 hours 26 minutes with minimal stoppages and premium onboard comfort compared to conventional express trains.
Final Verdict
For travel between Varanasi and Kanpur, the Vande Bharat Express segment of train 22415/22416 is the fastest and most premium option. Book well in advance, confirm timings and fares on IRCTC, and plan your day trip with confidence. Nothing beats the combination of speed and comfort that Vande Bharat offers on this route.
