Delhi to Patna by Train — Best Trains, Routes, Fares & Tips

Delhi to Patna is one of the highest-demand train routes in India. This 1,000+ km corridor connects the national capital with Bihar's capital, and it's consistently among the hardest routes to get confirmed tickets on — especially during Chhath Puja and Diwali. Knowing which trains to target and when to book is essential.

Route Overview

Detail	Info
Distance	1,001 km (via Mughalsarai)
Journey Time	12h 30m — 22h 00m
Trains Per Day	15+ direct
Origin Stations	New Delhi (NDLS), Anand Vihar (ANVT), Delhi Junction (DLI)
Destination	Patna Junction (PNBE) or Rajendranagar (RJPB)
Key Stops	Kanpur, Allahabad (Prayagraj), Mughalsarai (DDU)

Best Trains — Ranked

#1: Patna Rajdhani Express (12309/12310)

Detail	Info
Departure	4:20 PM (from New Delhi)
Arrival	7:15 AM (at Patna)
Duration	~14h 55m
Classes	1A, 2A, 3A
Type	Rajdhani (all AC, meals included)

The Rajdhani is the gold standard. All AC, complimentary meals (dinner + breakfast), clean coaches (LHB), and arrives in Patna by early morning. The 3AC fare includes meals, making it surprisingly good value. Fare: ~₹1,600-1,900 (3A), ~₹2,400-2,800 (2A), ~₹4,500+ (1A) — meals included.

#2: Sampark Kranti Express (12393/12394)

Detail	Info
Departure	2:10 PM (from New Delhi)
Arrival	4:00 AM (at Rajendranagar)
Duration	~13h 50m
Classes	2A, 3A, SL
Type	Superfast

Slightly faster than the Rajdhani on paper, and has Sleeper class for budget travelers. Terminates at Rajendranagar (RJPB), which is about 8 km from Patna Junction. Fare: ~₹1,200 (3A), ~₹350 (SL)

#3: Magadh Express (12401/12402)

Detail	Info
Departure	2:30 PM (from New Delhi)
Arrival	6:00 AM (at Patna Sahib/Patna)
Duration	~15h 30m
Classes	2A, 3A, SL, 2S
Type	Superfast

Another reliable option. The Magadh has a loyal following and decent punctuality.

Other Good Options

Train	Number	From	Departs	Arrives	Duration
Vikramshila Express	12367	ANVT	7:00 AM	12:25 AM	~17h 25m
Shramjeevi Express	12391	NDLS	11:50 AM	3:00 AM	~15h 10m
Jan Shatabdi	12561	NDLS	2:15 PM	7:30 AM	~17h 15m
Poorva Express	12381	NDLS	4:45 PM	8:30 AM	~15h 45m
Garib Rath	12203	NDLS	3:35 PM	6:35 AM	~15h
Mahabodhi Express	12397	NDLS	6:10 PM	10:00 AM	~15h 50m
Tejas Rajdhani	22413	NDLS	Various	Various	~12h 30m

Two Route Options

Trains take one of two main routes:

Via Prayagraj (Allahabad) — Northern Route

• Delhi → Kanpur → Prayagraj → Mughalsarai (DDU) → Patna
• ~1,001 km, most common route
• Used by: Rajdhani, Magadh, Poorva, Shramjeevi

Via Lucknow — Northern Route

• Delhi → Lucknow → Varanasi → Patna
• ~1,050 km, slightly longer
• Used by: Some trains, check specific schedules

Most premium trains take the via-Prayagraj route.

Fare Comparison

Class	Approximate Fare Range
Sleeper (SL)	₹350-500
AC 3 Tier (3A)	₹900-1,900
AC 2 Tier (2A)	₹1,500-2,800
AC First (1A)	₹2,800-5,000
3A Economy (3E)	₹800-1,200

The wide range is because of flexi-fares on Rajdhani and dynamic pricing variations. Book early for the lowest fares.

The Chhath Puja Problem

Let's address the elephant in the room. During Chhath Puja (October-November), this route becomes nearly impossible:

• Trains are fully booked within minutes of reservation opening (120 days before)
• Waitlists of WL/200+ are common
• General coaches are dangerously overcrowded
• Special trains are added but still insufficient

Strategy for Chhath:

1. Book exactly at 120 days (8 AM on the opening day)
2. Book Tatkal as a backup
3. Consider alternate routes (fly to Patna, or train to Varanasi + bus to Patna)
4. VIKALP scheme enrollment helps — you get alternate train if your WL doesn't confirm
5. Check special Chhath trains announced by Railways (usually 2-3 weeks before the festival)

Similar surge happens during Diwali, Holi, and summer holidays.

Station Details

New Delhi (NDLS)

• Most premium trains to Patna depart from here
• Metro connected (New Delhi Metro Station, Yellow Line)
• Excellent facilities, lounges available
• Arrive 45-60 minutes before departure for Rajdhani

Anand Vihar Terminal (ANVT)

• Some trains like Vikramshila depart from here
• Metro connected (Anand Vihar ISBT Metro, Blue Line)
• Less crowded than NDLS
• Good if you're coming from East Delhi/Ghaziabad

Patna Junction (PNBE)

• Main station, centrally located
• Well-connected by auto and city transport
• Can be very crowded — watch your belongings
• Prepaid auto counter available outside

Rajendranagar Terminal (RJPB)

• Secondary station, 8 km from Patna Junction
• Less crowded, easier to navigate
• Some trains terminate here instead of PNBE
• Auto to Patna city center: ₹100-150

Delhi to Patna by Train vs Flight

Factor	Train (Rajdhani)	Flight
Journey time	13-15 hours	1h 45m
Fare	₹1,600-1,900 (3A)	₹3,500-8,000
Departure options	Evening	Multiple daily
Comfort	Good (berth + meals)	Okay (cramped seats)
Luggage	40 kg free	15-20 kg
Total time (door to door)	14-16 hours	4-5 hours

Flights make sense if: time is critical, you book early (cheap fares), or trains are fully booked. Train makes sense if: you want to save money, you're carrying heavy luggage, or you enjoy overnight travel.

Booking Strategy

1. Book 90-120 days in advance for Rajdhani. It's the most in-demand train on this route.
2. Sleeper class on Magadh or Sampark Kranti is easiest to get for budget travel.
3. Use VIKALP — enroll in the alternate train scheme when booking. If your preferred train doesn't confirm, you might get a berth on another train.
4. Avoid general class on this route unless absolutely necessary. The Delhi-Patna general coaches are among the most crowded in the country.
5. Garib Rath offers 3AC-equivalent comfort at lower cost — good middle-ground option.
6. For groups/families, book Sleeper class early — you can get an entire bay (6 berths) together.

Check availability and compare all trains on indianrail.app before booking. On this route, being a few days flexible with your travel date can make the difference between a confirmed berth and WL/50.