Delhi–Agra Express & Delhi–Varanasi Sleeper: Complete Train Guide 2025

My Train Booking Experience in India

You can technically buy tickets through IRCTC, the official Indian Railways website. But full KYC (KYC stands for Know Your Customer, it is a verification process used by banks, financial institutions, and online platforms like IRCTC or PayTM to confirm a customer’s identity and address) is now required for certain IRCTC features, especially bookings.

Instead, I switched to 12go.asia, which I can honestly recommend. The tickets are about 20% more expensive, but the process takes just two minutes: instant confirmation, and the actual ticket arrives a few days later.

Once you receive your ticket, it’s important to double‑check the departure time the day before. Go to the IRCTC website or ConfirmTkt , enter your PNR number (found on the ticket) and travel date, and you’ll get the updated schedule. That part works flawlessly – no glitches at all.

Railway stations – you can also buy tickets directly at the station. Expect queues, a bit of chaos, and sometimes limited English, but it works. For foreign travelers, there’s often a Foreign Tourist Quota counter at major stations like Delhi, Agra, or Varanasi.

⚠️ Be Aware of Scams at Indian Railway Stations

When you arrive at the station, you might encounter people approaching you with “helpful” advice. They’ll say things like:

• “You need to come with me to a special counter for foreigners.”
• “There’s a different queue for non‑Indians.”
• “You can’t enter without my assistance.”

All of that is a lie.

Once you have your ticket, you don’t need anything else. You simply go to the platform and board the train exactly the same way as Indian passengers. There is no special cashier, no separate queue, no mandatory guide.

Taj Express → My Delhi to Agra Train Experience

On September 1st, 2025, I took the Taj Express (Train No. 12280) from New Delhi Main Station (NDLS) to Agra Cantt (AGC). The train departed at 06:55 and arrived at 09:25, covering 195 km in just under 2.5 hours. I booked a Second Sitting (2S) seat – confirmed, window side, and perfectly comfortable for a short morning ride. Return train was delay around 1h.

Booking Details

• The train departed on time at 06:55 from Platform 13
• Ticket fare: ₹110 + fees (total ₹128.66)
• Coach/Seat: D1/54 – window side, confirmed (CNF status)
• Once you receive your ticket, double-check the departure time the day before using your PNR number. I recommend ConfirmTkt – it works smoothly and updates are reliable.

Travel Notes

• The train coach stopped exactly where the platform screen indicated – no chaos, no guessing. Just follow the signs and you’ll be right where you need to be (see the photos below).
• My coach was packed – it was crowded, noisy, and absolutely wonderful.
• I shared a tiny seat with a lady.
• I ended up talking to almost everyone around me – it felt like a rolling living room full of stories and smiles.
• No AC, but the windows were open and the breeze was enough.

Delhi → Varanasi Sleeper 3A class– My Overnight Train Experience

On September 2nd, 2023, I boarded the Swatantrata Senani Express (Train No. 12562) from New Delhi Railway Station (NDLS) to Varanasi Junction (BSB). The train departed on time (21.15 in my case) at night from Platform 13, just like my Taj Express to Agra. The coach stopped exactly where the screen said it would – no chaos, no guessing.

My Experience

• I had a confirmed sleeper berth 3A class in coach B2, and it was surprisingly comfortable. Bedding and pillow are provided.
• I paid 1 469 INR ₹ (15 $) at 12go.asia.
• I slept 8 full hours – no interruptions, no noise, just the gentle rhythm of the train.
• The coach had AC, and charging sockets everywhere – both regular and USB.
• There was an option to order meals, tea, coffee, which made the journey even smoother.
• At night, everyone respected each other’s space – no loud talking, no chaos. Just quiet, shared rest.
• On the return trip, it was exactly the same – peaceful, punctual, and respectful.

Booking & Practical Tips

• This train is in high demand, so book well in advance – especially if you want a confirmed sleeper berth.
• Use 12go.asia. It is much easier for foreign cards and no Indian numer needed.
• Always check your PNR status the day before – ConfirmTkt is your best friend or IRCTC site.
• Platform 13 again – same as Agra, and again the coach stopped exactly where the screen showed.

Most Popular Trains on the Delhi–Varanasi Route

• Shiv Ganga Express (12560): Fast (~11 hours) and always in high demand.
• Kashi Vishwanath Express (14034): Slower, but considered a classic choice.
• Swatantrata Senani Express (12562): My pick – a traditional overnight sleeper.

Ticket Price Range

• Sleeper Class (SL): from ₹743 ≈ $9
• 3AC (Air‑Conditioned, 3‑tier): ₹1,200–1,500 ≈ $15–18
• 2AC (Air‑Conditioned, 2‑tier): ₹1,800–2,200 ≈ $22–25
• 1AC (Air‑Conditioned, 1‑tier): ₹3,000+ ≈ $35+