Which Train to Varanasi?

I'm planning on booking a train from Delhi to Varanasi for 2 people in 1st class. Which is the better train to take?

Swatantrta S Ex - Depart Delhi @ 20:40 and arrives Varanasi @ 08:35

Shiv Ganga Exp - Depart Delhi @ 18:45 and arrives Varanasi @ 07:30

Are they both pretty similar in AC1 or is one better quality than the other? I@ve heard that the Shiv Ganga Exp is almost always delayed many hours

There seems to be more availability in AC1 on the Shiv Ganga Exp as well

Thanks in advance

Andrew

Hi

When posting queries about trains it is best to quote the train number. The Shiv Ganga is 12560 from Delhi to Varanasi (12559 in the opposite direction) This train has a full coach of 1AC accommodation and a shorter trip.

The Swatantrata (12562) has only a half coach (max 10 berths) of 1AC and goes to Darbhanga, about 400 km beyond Varanasi which means some berths are reserved for people who wish to make the full trip.

I can't comment on the relative punctuality of these trains but unless you hear compelling evidence to the contrary I would suggest going for #12560

Additional - Booking train 12560 will improve your chances of being allocated a 2 berth coupe as the train will have 3 of these rather than just one on the 12562. You won't know whether you have been allocated a coupe until charting takes place. Your tickets will just be listed as confirmed once you book.

Thanks for the advice, i think i will go ahead and book 12560 just for the better chance of getting a 2 berth coupe!

Make sure that you request one upper and one lower berth when booking.

Two remarks here:

1. Be warned that First class AC is likely to be super cold for western standards, because it is part of the concept, you pay for it, so you should get it veeery cold.

2. For the price of first class AC you could also almost take a flight. Spicejet has two flights a day between Delhi and Varanasi, if booked not less than 15 days ahead of time a ticket is (at the moment) Rs 3500 which does not compare badly with the Rs 2100 for an A1 ticket.

Spicejet is a good lowcost airline. www.cleartrip.com is a reliable booking site.

Not our experience


But of course you will then need another night in a hotel , either in Delhi or Varanasi.

Can be a day gained. No extra night in Delhi, as Spicejet has an evening flight as well. (3 flights spread thru the day, not 2 as I erroneously mentioned above.)