Delhi to Prayagraj Distance: Train vs Flight vs Road – Which Saves Time? [2025]

When planning to cover the Delhi to Prayagraj distance, choosing the right mode of transportation can save you both time and money. I’ve travelled this route numerous times and discovered that each option offers distinct advantages depending on your priorities. The journey spans approximately 676 km by road, taking 10-13 hours, while a direct flight covers it in just 1.5 hours, but at a higher cost.

For the upcoming Kumbh Mela 2025, this decision becomes even more crucial. With millions of devotees expected at this significant spiritual fair once every 12 years, transportation options are already seeing increased demand. Train travel from Delhi to Prayagraj typically takes 6-9 hours with fares ranging from ₹300 for sleeper class to ₹3,500 for first-class AC. Meanwhile, flight tickets normally cost between ₹3,000-₹5,000 but can jump to ₹10,000 during peak times like the Kumbh.

Over the years, I’ve tried all possible routes between these cities and received countless comments asking for my tips and tricks. In this guide, we’ll compare all travel options—from the 900 special trains introduced for the Kumbh to the fastest road routes—helping you make the most economical and time-efficient choice for your journey.

Delhi to Prayagraj by Train: Speed, Comfort, and Cost

The train journey between Delhi and Prayagraj offers a perfect balance of comfort, affordability, and convenience. Having taken this route dozens of times, I’ve discovered it’s often the smartest choice for most travellers.

Train Duration: 6 to 12 hours, depending on service

The travel time from Delhi to Prayagraj by train varies significantly based on the service you choose. The fastest option is the Vande Bharat Express, completing the 636 km journey in just 6 hours and 8 minutes. At the other end, slower trains can take up to 12 hours for the same distance. Most express trains, however, complete the journey in approximately 8 to 9 hours. The Prayagraj Express (12418), a popular overnight option, departs New Delhi at 10:10 PM and arrives at Prayagraj Junction at 7:00 AM, taking 8 hours and 50 minutes.

Popular Trains: Vande Bharat, Rajdhani, Prayagraj Express

Among the 77 trains running between Delhi and Prayagraj, three stand out for their speed and comfort:

• Vande Bharat Express (22436): The fastest train, operating six days a week (except Thursday), departing Delhi at 6:00 AM and arriving at 12:08 PM.

• Prayagraj Express (12417/12418): A premium overnight train with 24 LHB coaches—the only train in India running with so many. These modern coaches feature bigger windows, bio-toilets, and sound insulation.

• Rajdhani/Shatabdi: Premium options with excellent onboard service and catering.

Ticket Pricing: ₹300 (Sleeper) to ₹3500 (1st AC)

Train tickets offer options for every budget:

Additionally, Tatkal tickets cost approximately ₹1,855 for 2AC and ₹1,335 for 3AC, ideal for last-minute bookings.

Availability During Kumbh: Special Trains and Booking Tips

For Kumbh Mela 2025, Northern Railways has announced four special trains to manage the surge in passenger traffic. Three operate between Delhi and Prayagraj, with specific departures:

• Train 04420: New Delhi to Prayagraj Junction at 19:00 hours

• Train 04422: New Delhi to Prayagraj Junction at 21:00 hours

• Train 04424: Anand Vihar Terminal to Prayagraj Junction at 20:00 hours

From my experience, booking at least 30 days in advance is crucial during Kumbh. Furthermore, consider boarding from less crowded stations like Anand Vihar instead of New Delhi Railway Station.

Delhi to Prayagraj by Flight: Fastest but Costliest Option

For travellers prioritising speed over cost, flying from Delhi to Prayagraj offers unmatched time savings. After countless journeys between these cities, I’ve found air travel particularly valuable during time-sensitive visits or Kumbh Mela pilgrimages.

Flight Duration: 1.5 hours non-stop

The aerial route between Delhi and Prayagraj spans just 1 hour and 30 minutes for direct flights. Some carriers advertise even shorter durations of about 1 hour 20 minutes, though actual flight times may vary slightly depending on weather conditions. Compared to the 6-12 hours by train or 10-13 hours by road, flying saves approximately 80% of your travel time—perfect for business travellers or those with limited vacation days.

Airlines Operating: IndiGo, Air India

IndiGo currently dominates this route with one daily direct flight departing Delhi at 10:40 AM and arriving in Prayagraj at 12:10 PM. For the upcoming Kumbh Mela 2025, Air India has announced special daily services from January 25 to February 28. These flights will depart Delhi at 14:10 (January) and 13:00 (February), returning from Prayagraj at 16:00 and 14:50 respectively. Additionally, Alliance Air operates direct flights between these cities, providing travellers with more scheduling options.

Ticket Prices: ₹3000 to ₹10,000 during peak season

Standard fares begin around ₹3,150, yet prices fluctuate considerably based on booking time and seasonal demand. Round-trip tickets typically start from ₹4,221, while some promotional fares can drop as low as ₹2,599. Nevertheless, during Kumbh Mela, expect substantial price increases—potentially reaching ₹10,000 for one-way journeys. From personal experience, booking 2-3 months in advance can save you 40-50% on airfare, especially if you’re flexible with travel dates.

Airport Transfers: From Bamrauli Airport to City Centre

Prayagraj’s Bamrauli Airport sits approximately 12 km from the city center and railway junction, with the city bus stand about 10 km away. Established in 1919, this historic airbase serves both civilian and military operations. For reaching downtown, prepaid taxis offer the most convenient option, though recent e-bus services provide more economical alternatives. Despite the additional transfer time, the overall journey remains significantly faster than other transportation modes.

Delhi to Prayagraj by Road: Car, Bus, and Scenic Routes

Road travel between Delhi and Prayagraj unveils the heartland of Uttar Pradesh, offering scenic beauty and flexibility that trains and flights simply cannot match. As someone who’s driven this route countless times, I’ve discovered the best stops, routes, and money-saving strategies along the way.

Distance by Road: 670–742 km via NH19 or Agra-Lucknow Expressway

The exact Delhi to Prayagraj distance varies depending on your chosen route. The most direct path via NH19 spans approximately 676 km, while the Agra-Lucknow Expressway route extends to about 723 km. Interestingly, each route offers distinct advantages – NH19 provides the shortest distance, whereas the expressway route features smoother roads with less traffic. The upcoming Ganga Expressway project will eventually connect Delhi and Prayagraj in just seven hours, cutting travel time significantly.

Travel Time: 10–13 hours, depending on traffic

Most road journeys from Delhi to Prayagraj take between 10-13 hours. The NH19 route typically requires about 11 hours, making it the faster option. In contrast, the Agra-Lucknow Expressway route takes 12-13 hours but offers a more comfortable drive with fewer traffic bottlenecks. From my experience, departing early morning (around 5 AM) helps avoid Delhi’s notorious traffic and can shave off an hour from your journey time.

Bus Options: UPSRTC, Volvo, Sleeper Buses

With 97 daily bus services, you’ll find plenty of options to suit your budget and comfort preferences. UPSRTC (government) buses offer the most economical choice at ₹600-900 for non-AC services. For overnight journeys, AC sleeper buses cost ₹1,200-1,500, while premium Volvo coaches range from ₹2,000-3,000. Most buses depart from ISBT Kashmere Gate or Anand Vihar Terminal, arriving at the Civil Line bus stand in Prayagraj after 10-12 hours.

Car Rentals and Self-Drive: Route Options and Pit Stops

Self-driving or hiring a cab offers unmatched flexibility. Two primary routes deserve consideration:

• Route 1: Delhi – Faridabad – Mathura – Agra – Etawah – Kanpur – Prayagraj (faster)

• Route 2: Delhi – Faridabad – Agra – Etawah – Lucknow – Raebareli – Prayagraj (smoother)

Consider breaking your journey at Agra for breakfast at Rambabu Paratha Bhandar or Kanpur for kebabs at Zayka Restaurant. Roadside dhabas like Shiv Dhaba and Pahalwan Dhaba along NH19 offer authentic local flavours.

Estimated Costs: Fuel, Tolls, and Rentals

A self-drive journey costs approximately ₹5,000-7,000 for fuel plus ₹1,200-1,500 for tolls. Cab services range from ₹8,500 for sedans to ₹12,790 for an Innova. For groups, Tempo Travellers (9-12 seaters) cost ₹15,000-18,000 for a round trip. I’ve found that booking Uber Intercity during non-peak hours can save up to 30% on the standard rate of ₹12,658.

Which Mode Saves the Most Time and Money?

_{Image Source: Pixabay}

After analysing all transportation options between these cities, I can now reveal the most efficient choices based on my multiple journeys along this route.

Time Comparison: Flight vs Train vs Road

When comparing travel duration, flights undoubtedly win the race, completing the journey in just 1.5 hours. This saves approximately 5 hours compared to the fastest train (Vande Bharat at 6 hours 48 minutes). Road travel requires the most time investment, at 10-13 hours by car and 11-12 hours by bus. Consequently, if time efficiency is your priority, the flight’s 80% time saving makes it unmatched.

Cost Comparison: Budget to Premium Options

From my experience, train travel offers the best value-for-money with these price ranges:

• Most Economical: Sleeper class train tickets (₹355-390)

• Mid-Range: AC 3-tier train (₹730-990)

• Premium Economy: Volvo bus services (₹2,000-3,000)

• Business Class: Flights (₹4,640-7,594)

Bus fares start from ₹649 for basic services and can reach ₹5,000 for luxury overnight buses. Essentially, train travel delivers the perfect balance between cost and comfort for most journeys.

Best Option for Families vs Solo Travellers

For families, trains or self-driving cars make the most sense. A family of four would spend ₹12,000-30,000 on flights versus ₹3,000-5,000 on train tickets. Additionally, trains eliminate airport transfers and waiting time. Solo travellers might find flights worthwhile during promotions (starting ₹2,599), otherwise, overnight trains offer unbeatable convenience.

Car rentals (₹12,658 average) prove cost-effective for groups of 3-4 sharing expenses, plus they provide flexibility to stop at attractions en route.

Tips to Book Early and Save During Kumbh

My top money-saving strategies include:

1. Book train tickets precisely at 8:00 AM, 120 days before the travel date

2. For flights, book 2-3 months ahead and use fare comparison tools

3. Consider boarding trains from Anand Vihar instead of the crowded New Delhi station

4. Look for RTC buses with booking discounts (₹250 off for new users)

5. Travel mid-week (Tuesday/Wednesday) when tickets are typically 25-30% cheaper

Remember that during Kumbh Mela, demand skyrockets across all modes, with prices increasing by 40-100%. Indeed, advance planning makes all the difference between affordable travel and budget-busting expenses.

Comparison Table

Conclusion

After countless journeys between Delhi and Prayagraj, I can confidently say that each transportation option offers distinct advantages depending on your priorities. Trains ultimately provide the best balance of comfort, cost, and convenience for most travellers. The Vande Bharat Express specifically cuts travel time to just over 6 hours while maintaining reasonable fares. Flights, though significantly more expensive, save precious time with their 1.5-hour duration, particularly valuable during the upcoming Kumbh Mela 2025, when other modes will face tremendous congestion.

Road travel, whether by bus or car, grants unmatched flexibility to explore attractions along the way but demands the greatest time investment. My personal preference has evolved over the years; I now book AC 3-tier train tickets for overnight journeys when travelling alone and opt for self-driving cars when travelling with family to enjoy the scenic route through Uttar Pradesh.

Therefore, your ideal choice depends on three key factors: budget constraints, time sensitivity, and group size. Solo budget travellers should prioritise sleeper-class trains, while business travellers might find flights worth the premium. Families, consequently, often benefit most from AC train travel or shared car rentals that distribute costs effectively.

Above all, booking well in advance makes the biggest difference to your wallet. This becomes even more critical during Kumbh Mela when prices across all transportation modes surge by 40-100%. My exhaustive travel experience between these cities has taught me countless money-saving tricks that I continue sharing based on reader comments and questions. Subscribe to our newsletter for regular updates on special fares, new routes, and exclusive travel hacks I discover on my ongoing journeys.

The Delhi-Prayagraj journey offers more than mere transportation—it provides a gateway to one of India’s most spiritually significant destinations. Regardless of which mode you choose, the destination’s cultural and religious importance makes every hour of travel worthwhile.

FAQs

Q1. What is the fastest way to travel from Delhi to Prayagraj?

The fastest way to travel from Delhi to Prayagraj is by air. Direct flights cover the distance in approximately 1.5 hours, significantly quicker than train or road options.

Q2. How long does the train journey from Delhi to Prayagraj typically take?

The train journey from Delhi to Prayagraj typically takes between 6 to 12 hours, depending on the type of train service chosen. The Vande Bharat Express is the fastest option, completing the journey in about 6 hours.

Q3. What are the cost ranges for different modes of transport between Delhi and Prayagraj?

Train tickets range from ₹300 for sleeper class to ₹3,500 for 1st AC. Flight tickets typically cost between ₹3,000 to ₹10,000, especially during peak seasons. Bus fares start from ₹600 for basic services and can go up to ₹3,000 for luxury options.

Q4. Are there special travel arrangements for Kumbh Mela 2025?

Yes, there are special arrangements for Kumbh Mela 2025. Indian Railways has announced special trains, and airlines like Air India have scheduled additional flights to manage the increased passenger traffic during this period.

Q5. Which mode of transport is best for families travelling from Delhi to Prayagraj?

For families, train travel or self-driving cars are often the best options. Trains offer a good balance of comfort and affordability, while cars provide flexibility for stops along the way. The choice depends on the family’s size, budget, and time constraints.