Lucknow to Delhi by Train — Tejas Express and Others

The Lucknow to Delhi return direction has its own rhythm. The train departures cluster in the afternoon and evening from Lucknow, meaning you get a morning in the city before heading back. The Tejas Express return timing is particularly good — depart after lunch and reach Delhi by evening.

Trains from Lucknow to Delhi

Train	Number	From	Departs	Arrives NDLS	Duration	Fare Range
Lucknow Tejas	82502	LJN	14:30	20:30 NDLS	~6h	₹1,200–₹2,500
Swarna Shatabdi	12004	LKO	15:30	21:45 NDLS	~6h 15m	₹700–₹1,500
Lucknow Mail	12230	LKO	21:15	05:25+1 NDLS	~8h 10m	₹300–₹1,800
Pushpak Express	12534	LJN	20:30	04:00+1 NDLS	~7h 30m	₹300–₹1,500
Gomti Express	12420	LJN	06:30	13:10 NDLS	~6h 40m	₹200–₹700

Check indianrail.app for live status.

Tejas Express Return — Best Afternoon Service

The return Tejas departs Lucknow Junction at 2:30 PM and reaches New Delhi by 8:30 PM. This is excellent timing — you have the full morning and early afternoon in Lucknow, and you arrive Delhi at a reasonable evening hour.

The service quality matches the outbound journey — IRCTC-operated, better food, individual screens, and that money-back guarantee for significant delays. The afternoon departure means you'll see the UP countryside in golden late-afternoon light, which is actually pleasant through the winter wheat fields.

Gomti Express — Morning Departure

The Gomti Express (12420) departs Lucknow Junction at 6:30 AM and reaches Delhi by 1:10 PM. It's the only major morning departure and perfect if you need to reach Delhi by afternoon. It has SL and CC classes at budget-friendly fares.

The early departure means you need to leave your Lucknow hotel by 5:30 AM at the latest. Worth it if you have an afternoon engagement in Delhi.

Overnight Return

The Lucknow Mail (12230) departs at 9:15 PM from Lucknow NR (LKO) and arrives New Delhi by 5:25 AM. For overnight returnees, this is the classic. You can enjoy a full last evening in Lucknow — dinner at Tunday Kebab or a walk through the illuminated Bara Imambara — before heading to the station.

The 5:25 AM Delhi arrival is early but workable. The Metro starts running at 5 AM, or you can wait for morning Uber/Ola availability.

Lucknow Departure Tips

Lucknow Junction (LJN): The grand Charbagh station. For afternoon trains (Tejas, Shatabdi), arrive by 1:30-2 PM. The upper-class waiting room is AC and relatively comfortable. The station has been renovated and has better food options than before. Lucknow NR (LKO): Some trains depart from here. It's about 2 km from Charbagh. Auto between the two stations: ₹50-80. Check your ticket station.

What to Do in Lucknow (Before Your Train)

If you have a morning before an afternoon train:

• Bara Imambara: One of India's most impressive Mughal-era monuments. The maze (Bhool Bhulaiya) inside is genuinely confusing and fun. Opens 6 AM.


• Chota Imambara: Nearby, smaller, beautifully decorated. Combined ticket available.


• Aminabad Market: Old Lucknow's commercial heart. Good for chikankari embroidery shopping.


• Hazratganj: Lucknow's Connaught Place equivalent. Good for a morning walk and breakfast.

For food before departure:

• Tunday Kebab (Aminabad): The galawati kebab is a pillow of minced meat that melts in your mouth. Arrive before noon to avoid the rush.


• Idris Biryani (Chowk): Lucknowi biryani is different from Hyderabadi — it's lighter, with more fragrant rice.


• Sharma Ji Ki Chai (various locations): The city runs on this milky, over-sweet chai.

Booking Notes

The Lucknow-Delhi direction is slightly easier to book than Delhi-Lucknow because the weekend rush flows the other way (Friday Delhi→Lucknow, Sunday Lucknow→Delhi). But Sunday evening trains still fill up fast.

The Tejas has a slightly lower occupancy rate than the Shatabdi because of its higher price. If the Shatabdi is waitlisted, check the Tejas — you might find confirmed seats.

Fog Impact

January fog affects the Lucknow-Delhi morning and late-night trains most. The Gomti Express (6:30 AM departure) can be delayed by 3-5 hours during dense fog. Afternoon trains (Tejas, Shatabdi) are much less affected since fog typically clears by 10-11 AM.

If traveling during fog season, the afternoon options are far more reliable than morning or overnight trains.