Vande Bharat Express is India's homegrown semi-high-speed train — and it's grown from a single Delhi-Varanasi route in 2019 into one of the largest fast-train networks in the country. If you're deciding whether to book one for an upcoming trip, here's how it actually compares to a regular express train, and what to know before booking.
How Big Is the Network Now?
As of recent reporting, the Vande Bharat network has grown to roughly 164 train services running across about 82 routes, spanning 16 Indian Railway zones and reaching 274+ districts. The network has expanded rapidly year over year since its 2019 launch, and new routes continue to be added — so treat any specific route list as a snapshot rather than the final word; check irctc.co.in directly for current availability on your specific route.
What Makes Vande Bharat Different
| Feature | Vande Bharat | Typical Express Train |
|---|---|---|
| Speed | Semi-high-speed, generally faster point-to-point | Standard express speeds |
| Seating | Fully AC chair car (most routes); reclining seats | Mix of AC and non-AC classes |
| Typical journey length | Usually under ~10 hours between major cities | No fixed range — short and long-haul |
| Onboard features | Automatic doors, onboard infotainment, catering included on most routes | Varies widely by train |
| Fare | Higher than standard AC chair car on the same route | Standard fare structure |
The New Sleeper Version
Most Vande Bharat services are chair-car only, designed for daytime intercity travel. A sleeper variant has started operating on longer routes — the Howrah-Guwahati route has run with two Vande Bharat Sleeper rakes in both directions, aimed at overnight long-distance journeys where a seated chair car isn't practical. Expect the sleeper variant to expand to more long-haul routes over time, following the same pattern as the original chair-car rollout.
How to Book
- Search your route on the IRCTC website or app just like any other train — Vande Bharat services appear in the regular train search results, not a separate booking flow.
- Vande Bharat follows the same general booking window as other trains, currently the 60-day Advance Reservation Period — see our Tatkal and advance booking guide for how ARP works.
- Because these are high-demand, limited-capacity trains, popular routes can sell out quickly — booking as early as the ARP window allows is worth doing if you have a fixed travel date.
- Tatkal quota is generally available on Vande Bharat services too, subject to the same rules as other trains.
Executive vs Standard Chair Car
Most Vande Bharat routes offer two class options: Executive Chair Car (EC) — wider seats, more legroom, a small fare premium — and Standard Chair Car (CC), which still runs fully AC but at a lower price point than EC. Both classes are meaningfully more comfortable than a typical general-quota AC chair car on an older train, but EC is the closer equivalent to a premium domestic flight seat if that's the comparison you're making when weighing fare against a short-haul flight.
Catering and Onboard Service
Most Vande Bharat routes include catering in the fare — meals served at the seat during the journey, similar to how catering works on premium trains like Rajdhani/Shatabdi. Exact meal inclusion can vary by route and time of day (a short daytime run may only include snacks/tea rather than a full meal), so check the specific train's catering details when booking if that matters to your trip.
Is It Worth the Extra Fare?
For daytime intercity travel where speed and comfort matter more than price, Vande Bharat's faster journey times and consistent AC chair-car experience are a genuine upgrade over older express trains on the same route. For budget-conscious travel or routes where a regular train barely takes longer, the fare premium may not be worth it — check the actual time saved on your specific route rather than assuming it's dramatically faster everywhere, since the speed advantage varies by route and track conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Vande Bharat trains are running in 2026?
Recent reporting puts the network at roughly 164 services across about 82 routes and 16 railway zones — and it continues to expand, so check current availability for your specific route on irctc.co.in.
Is there a sleeper Vande Bharat?
Yes — a sleeper variant has begun operating on longer routes, including Howrah-Guwahati, aimed at overnight journeys. Most Vande Bharat services remain chair-car only for now.
How do I book a Vande Bharat Express ticket?
Search your route on IRCTC's website or app as normal — Vande Bharat trains show up in regular search results. Booking follows the same 60-day advance reservation window as other trains.
Is Vande Bharat more expensive than a regular train?
Yes, generally — the fare runs higher than standard AC chair car on the same route, reflecting the faster journey time and onboard amenities.
Does Vande Bharat have Tatkal quota?
Generally yes, subject to the same Tatkal rules as other trains. See our Tatkal booking guide for timings and limits.