Vande Bharat Sleeper and Rajdhani Express are premium overnight trains in India. Both offer air conditioned sleeping accommodation but they differ in train design, fares, reservation rules and onboard features. Keep reading to know in detail.
Vande Bharat Sleeper vs Rajdhani Express: Key Differences
Vande Bharat Sleeper is a newer trainset designed for long-distance overnight journeys. Rajdhani Express is an established premium overnight train service. Both offer AC sleeper classes. Both can operate at speeds of up to 160 km/h on suitable railway sections. Vande Bharat Sleeper does not have RAC or waiting list tickets. Rajdhani services follow the regular reservation system applicable to the train.
What Is the Ticket Price of Vande Bharat Sleeper?
Vande Bharat Sleeper follows a distance-based fare structure. The notified base fare for AC 3-Tier is ₹2.40 per km. The base fare for AC 2-Tier is ₹3.10 per km. The base fare for AC First Class is ₹3.80 per km. A minimum distance of 400 km is chargeable. Therefore, the minimum base fare is ₹960 for 3AC. The minimum base fare is ₹1,240 for 2AC. The minimum base fare is ₹1,520 for First AC.
Is Vande Bharat Sleeper More Expensive Than Rajdhani?
Vande Bharat Sleeper has a premium fare structure. On some routes, its fare can be higher than the comparable Rajdhani fare. The difference depends on the route, distance, class and other charges. There is no single Vande Bharat Sleeper fare for all routes.
What Is the Speed of Vande Bharat Sleeper?
Vande Bharat Sleeper has a maximum design speed of 160 km/h. It is designed for faster long distance travel. The train does not run at 160 km/h throughout the entire journey. Actual speed depends on track conditions.
What Is the Speed of Rajdhani Express?
Rajdhani Express trains can operate at speeds of up to 160 km/h on suitable sections. The actual speed varies from one route to another. Journey time depends on the route and timetable. The number of stops also affects the total travel time.
Vande Bharat Sleeper vs Rajdhani: Berth Comparison
Vande Bharat Sleeper Berths
Vande Bharat Sleeper has AC 3-Tier accommodation. It has AC 2-Tier accommodation. It also has AC First Class. The coaches have a modern interior design. Charging facilities are provided for passengers.
Rajdhani Express Berths
Rajdhani Express provides AC 3-Tier accommodation. It also has AC 2-Tier accommodation. AC First Class is available on applicable services. The coaches use the conventional AC sleeper coach layout.
Vande Bharat Sleeper vs Rajdhani: Quick Comparison
| Feature | Vande Bharat Sleeper | Rajdhani Express |
| Train type | New-generation sleeper trainset | Premium overnight train |
| Maximum design/operating capability | Up to 160 km/h | Up to 160 km/h on suitable sections |
| AC 3-Tier | Yes | Yes |
| AC 2-Tier | Yes | Yes |
| AC First Class | Yes | Yes |
| RAC | No | Available where applicable |
| Waiting list | No | Available where applicable |
| Overnight travel | Yes | Yes |
| Fare | Distance-based premium fare | Route-based fare |
| Catering | Available | Available |
| Train design | Modern trainset | Conventional train formation |