{"id":30976,"date":"2026-09-24T05:00:57","date_gmt":"2026-09-24T05:00:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/tezgyan.com\/index.php\/2026\/09\/24\/vande-bharat-vs-rajdhani-vs-shatabdi-key-differences-in-speed-seats-and-travel\/"},"modified":"2026-09-24T05:00:57","modified_gmt":"2026-09-24T05:00:57","slug":"vande-bharat-vs-rajdhani-vs-shatabdi-key-differences-in-speed-seats-and-travel","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/tezgyan.com\/index.php\/2026\/09\/24\/vande-bharat-vs-rajdhani-vs-shatabdi-key-differences-in-speed-seats-and-travel\/","title":{"rendered":"Vande Bharat vs Rajdhani vs Shatabdi: Key differences in speed, seats and travel"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><br \/>\n<\/p>\n<div id=\"article-detail-19996775\">\n<div class=\"jsx-528c01f272b45d91 narticle-author narticle-author-photogallery\">\n<div class=\"jsx-528c01f272b45d91 nauthor-left\"><span class=\"jsx-528c01f272b45d91 nauthor-name\">By<!-- --> <a id=\"photo-author-click-8681\" title=\"CNBCTV18.com\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cnbctv18.com\/author\/cnbctv18-com-8681\/\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"jsx-528c01f272b45d91 photo_author_click\"><span class=\"jsx-528c01f272b45d91 photo_author_click\"> <!-- --> <!-- -->CNBCTV18.com<!-- --> <\/span><\/a>\u00a0<span class=\"jsx-528c01f272b45d91 pub-date\">September 24, 2026, 9:38:46 AM IST<!-- --> (Published)<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><h2 class=\"jsx-5f64a7e68694fc85 schema-summary-target\">Vande Bharat, Rajdhani and Shatabdi are among Indian Railways\u2019 premium trains. Here\u2019s how they differ in speed, seating, sleeper berths, routes, trave&#8230;<button class=\"jsx-5f64a7e68694fc85 mrtxt summary_expand\">Read More<\/button><\/h2>\n<\/p>\n<div class=\"jsx-5f64a7e68694fc85 imageGallery\">\n<div class=\"jsx-5f64a7e68694fc85 photo-article-body articleWrap\">\n<figure id=\"article-photo-19996775-0\" data-url=\"https:\/\/www.cnbctv18.com\/photos\/travel\/vande-bharat-vs-rajdhani-vs-shatabdi-key-differences-in-speed-seats-and-travel-19996775.htm\" data-flag=\"true\" class=\"jsx-5f64a7e68694fc85 para-img  photo-slide \">\n<div class=\"jsx-5f64a7e68694fc85 fgrimg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"\" title=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"1\" style=\"color:transparent\" src=\"https:\/\/images.cnbctv18.com\/uploads\/2026\/09\/image-2026-09-c972728d44897e8bd57803234700981a.jpg?impolicy=website&amp;width=640&amp;height=360\"\/><\/p>\n<div class=\"jsx-5f64a7e68694fc85 p-img-count\"><img loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Image count\" title=\"Image count\" id=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"1\" class=\"uncommon\" style=\"color:transparent\" src=\"https:\/\/www.cnbctv18.com\/_next\/static\/media\/img.d7072e01.svg\"\/><span class=\"jsx-5f64a7e68694fc85\"><b class=\"jsx-5f64a7e68694fc85\">1<\/b>\/<!-- -->8<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\"jsx-5f64a7e68694fc85 img-info\">\n<div class=\"jsx-5f64a7e68694fc85 \">\n<p class=\"jsx-5f64a7e68694fc85\">Indian Railways operates several premium train services designed to offer faster and more comfortable travel between major cities. Vande Bharat, Rajdhani and Shatabdi are among the best-known names in this category, but each has a different purpose, seating arrangement and travel experience. From daytime intercity journeys to overnight travel, here\u2019s a look at the key differences between Vande Bharat, Rajdhani and Shatabdi trains.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"article-photo-19996775-1\" data-url=\"https:\/\/www.cnbctv18.com\/photos\/travel\/vande-bharat-vs-rajdhani-vs-shatabdi-key-differences-in-speed-seats-and-travel-19996775-2.htm\" data-flag=\"false\" class=\"jsx-5f64a7e68694fc85 para-img  photo-slide \">\n<div class=\"jsx-5f64a7e68694fc85 fgrimg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"\" title=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"1\" style=\"color:transparent\" src=\"https:\/\/images.cnbctv18.com\/uploads\/2026\/08\/untitled-design-2026-08-12t160351343-2026-08-884445c259a012474181a71f92ea00de.jpg?impolicy=website&amp;width=640&amp;height=360\"\/><\/p>\n<div class=\"jsx-5f64a7e68694fc85 p-img-count\"><img loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Image count\" title=\"Image count\" id=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"1\" class=\"uncommon\" style=\"color:transparent\" src=\"https:\/\/www.cnbctv18.com\/_next\/static\/media\/img.d7072e01.svg\"\/><span class=\"jsx-5f64a7e68694fc85\"><b class=\"jsx-5f64a7e68694fc85\">2<\/b>\/<!-- -->8<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\"jsx-5f64a7e68694fc85 img-info\">\n<div class=\"jsx-5f64a7e68694fc85 \">\n<p class=\"jsx-5f64a7e68694fc85\"><strong>Vande Bharat Express<\/strong> | Designed mainly for fast, daytime intercity travel, Vande Bharat trains offer air-conditioned Chair Car and Executive Chair Car seating. The trains can operate at speeds of up to 160 kmph on eligible sections, although actual speeds depend on the route and track conditions. With the introduction of Vande Bharat Sleeper, the train service is also expanding beyond daytime chair-car journeys to offer air-conditioned sleeper accommodation for long-distance travel.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"article-photo-19996775-2\" data-url=\"https:\/\/www.cnbctv18.com\/photos\/travel\/vande-bharat-vs-rajdhani-vs-shatabdi-key-differences-in-speed-seats-and-travel-19996775-3.htm\" data-flag=\"false\" class=\"jsx-5f64a7e68694fc85 para-img  photo-slide \">\n<div class=\"jsx-5f64a7e68694fc85 fgrimg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"\" title=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"1\" style=\"color:transparent\" src=\"https:\/\/images.cnbctv18.com\/uploads\/2026\/09\/rajdhani-express-2026-09-6c7f52dee2d915cc87d213db6480df11.jpg?impolicy=website&amp;width=640&amp;height=360\"\/><\/p>\n<div class=\"jsx-5f64a7e68694fc85 p-img-count\"><img loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Image count\" title=\"Image count\" id=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"1\" class=\"uncommon\" style=\"color:transparent\" src=\"https:\/\/www.cnbctv18.com\/_next\/static\/media\/img.d7072e01.svg\"\/><span class=\"jsx-5f64a7e68694fc85\"><b class=\"jsx-5f64a7e68694fc85\">3<\/b>\/<!-- -->8<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\"jsx-5f64a7e68694fc85 img-info\">\n<div class=\"jsx-5f64a7e68694fc85 d-none\">\n<p class=\"jsx-5f64a7e68694fc85\"><strong>Rajdhani Express<\/strong> | Introduced in 1969, Rajdhani Express is designed for long-distance and overnight travel, connecting New Delhi with major cities across India. It offers fully air-conditioned First AC, Second AC and Third AC accommodation, with sleeping berths for passengers travelling overnight.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"article-photo-19996775-3\" data-url=\"https:\/\/www.cnbctv18.com\/photos\/travel\/vande-bharat-vs-rajdhani-vs-shatabdi-key-differences-in-speed-seats-and-travel-19996775-4.htm\" data-flag=\"false\" class=\"jsx-5f64a7e68694fc85 para-img  photo-slide d-none\">\n<div class=\"jsx-5f64a7e68694fc85 fgrimg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"\" title=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"1\" style=\"color:transparent\" src=\"https:\/\/images.cnbctv18.com\/uploads\/2026\/09\/shatabdi-express-2026-09-b8441c7a940e1e71571baa27457b7b13.jpg?impolicy=website&amp;width=640&amp;height=360\"\/><\/p>\n<div class=\"jsx-5f64a7e68694fc85 p-img-count\"><img loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Image count\" title=\"Image count\" id=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"1\" class=\"uncommon\" style=\"color:transparent\" src=\"https:\/\/www.cnbctv18.com\/_next\/static\/media\/img.d7072e01.svg\"\/><span class=\"jsx-5f64a7e68694fc85\"><b class=\"jsx-5f64a7e68694fc85\">4<\/b>\/<!-- -->8<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\"jsx-5f64a7e68694fc85 img-info\">\n<div class=\"jsx-5f64a7e68694fc85 d-none\">\n<p class=\"jsx-5f64a7e68694fc85\"><strong>Shatabdi Express<\/strong> | Shatabdi trains are premium daytime services connecting major cities with important business and tourist destinations. They offer air-conditioned Chair Car and Executive Chair Car seating and are designed for journeys that can generally be completed within a day.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"article-photo-19996775-4\" data-url=\"https:\/\/www.cnbctv18.com\/photos\/travel\/vande-bharat-vs-rajdhani-vs-shatabdi-key-differences-in-speed-seats-and-travel-19996775-5.htm\" data-flag=\"false\" class=\"jsx-5f64a7e68694fc85 para-img  photo-slide d-none\">\n<div class=\"jsx-5f64a7e68694fc85 fgrimg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"\" title=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"1\" style=\"color:transparent\" src=\"https:\/\/images.cnbctv18.com\/uploads\/2026\/09\/image-2026-09-fc821436afb6d9b2e06fb5a04259904c.jpg?impolicy=website&amp;width=640&amp;height=360\"\/><\/p>\n<div class=\"jsx-5f64a7e68694fc85 p-img-count\"><img loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Image count\" title=\"Image count\" id=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"1\" class=\"uncommon\" style=\"color:transparent\" src=\"https:\/\/www.cnbctv18.com\/_next\/static\/media\/img.d7072e01.svg\"\/><span class=\"jsx-5f64a7e68694fc85\"><b class=\"jsx-5f64a7e68694fc85\">5<\/b>\/<!-- -->8<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\"jsx-5f64a7e68694fc85 img-info\">\n<div class=\"jsx-5f64a7e68694fc85 d-none\">\n<p class=\"jsx-5f64a7e68694fc85\"><strong>Seats vs sleeping berths<\/strong> | The biggest difference is the type of accommodation. Standard Vande Bharat and Shatabdi services primarily offer reclining seats, while Rajdhani trains provide air-conditioned sleeping berths in First, Second and Third AC classes. With the introduction of Vande Bharat Sleeper, Vande Bharat is also entering the long-distance sleeper segment.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"article-photo-19996775-5\" data-url=\"https:\/\/www.cnbctv18.com\/photos\/travel\/vande-bharat-vs-rajdhani-vs-shatabdi-key-differences-in-speed-seats-and-travel-19996775-6.htm\" data-flag=\"false\" class=\"jsx-5f64a7e68694fc85 para-img  photo-slide d-none\">\n<div class=\"jsx-5f64a7e68694fc85 fgrimg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"\" title=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"1\" style=\"color:transparent\" src=\"https:\/\/images.cnbctv18.com\/uploads\/2026\/09\/vande-bharat-vs-rajdhani-vs-shatabdi-indian-railways-2-2026-09-3d53a562e24dbe0cfbd708ef10370970.jpg?impolicy=website&amp;width=640&amp;height=360\"\/><\/p>\n<div class=\"jsx-5f64a7e68694fc85 p-img-count\"><img loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Image count\" title=\"Image count\" id=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"1\" class=\"uncommon\" style=\"color:transparent\" src=\"https:\/\/www.cnbctv18.com\/_next\/static\/media\/img.d7072e01.svg\"\/><span class=\"jsx-5f64a7e68694fc85\"><b class=\"jsx-5f64a7e68694fc85\">6<\/b>\/<!-- -->8<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\"jsx-5f64a7e68694fc85 img-info\">\n<div class=\"jsx-5f64a7e68694fc85 d-none\">\n<p class=\"jsx-5f64a7e68694fc85\"><strong>Route coverage<\/strong> | Vande Bharat trains primarily connect major cities on intercity routes, with services operating across different parts of the country. Rajdhani Express trains connect New Delhi with several major cities through long-distance routes, while Shatabdi services link major cities with important business and tourist destinations.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"article-photo-19996775-6\" data-url=\"https:\/\/www.cnbctv18.com\/photos\/travel\/vande-bharat-vs-rajdhani-vs-shatabdi-key-differences-in-speed-seats-and-travel-19996775-7.htm\" data-flag=\"false\" class=\"jsx-5f64a7e68694fc85 para-img  photo-slide d-none\">\n<div class=\"jsx-5f64a7e68694fc85 fgrimg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"\" title=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"1\" style=\"color:transparent\" src=\"https:\/\/images.cnbctv18.com\/uploads\/2026\/09\/vande-bharat-vs-rajdhani-vs-shatabdi-indian-railways-1-2026-09-453bb907a86bb1fa86b2e0fa73814628.jpg?impolicy=website&amp;width=640&amp;height=360\"\/><\/p>\n<div class=\"jsx-5f64a7e68694fc85 p-img-count\"><img loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Image count\" title=\"Image count\" id=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"1\" class=\"uncommon\" style=\"color:transparent\" src=\"https:\/\/www.cnbctv18.com\/_next\/static\/media\/img.d7072e01.svg\"\/><span class=\"jsx-5f64a7e68694fc85\"><b class=\"jsx-5f64a7e68694fc85\">7<\/b>\/<!-- -->8<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\"jsx-5f64a7e68694fc85 img-info\">\n<div class=\"jsx-5f64a7e68694fc85 d-none\">\n<p class=\"jsx-5f64a7e68694fc85\"><strong>Travel time and speed<\/strong> | Vande Bharat is designed for faster intercity journeys and can operate at speeds of up to 160 kmph on eligible routes. Rajdhani and Shatabdi services generally have maximum operational speeds of around 130 kmph, although actual journey times vary depending on the route, number of halts and track conditions.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"article-photo-19996775-7\" data-url=\"https:\/\/www.cnbctv18.com\/photos\/travel\/vande-bharat-vs-rajdhani-vs-shatabdi-key-differences-in-speed-seats-and-travel-19996775-8.htm\" data-flag=\"false\" class=\"jsx-5f64a7e68694fc85 para-img  photo-slide d-none\">\n<div class=\"jsx-5f64a7e68694fc85 fgrimg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"\" title=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"1\" style=\"color:transparent\" src=\"https:\/\/images.cnbctv18.com\/uploads\/2026\/09\/image-2026-09-0237f9228b49a471d7f263c264f37f82.jpg?impolicy=website&amp;width=640&amp;height=360\"\/><\/p>\n<div class=\"jsx-5f64a7e68694fc85 p-img-count\"><img loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Image count\" title=\"Image count\" id=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"1\" class=\"uncommon\" style=\"color:transparent\" src=\"https:\/\/www.cnbctv18.com\/_next\/static\/media\/img.d7072e01.svg\"\/><span class=\"jsx-5f64a7e68694fc85\"><b class=\"jsx-5f64a7e68694fc85\">8<\/b>\/<!-- -->8<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\"jsx-5f64a7e68694fc85 img-info\">\n<div class=\"jsx-5f64a7e68694fc85 d-none\">\n<p class=\"jsx-5f64a7e68694fc85\"><strong>Food and catering<\/strong> | Catering is available on all three premium services, although menus and meal schedules vary by route and train. Passengers on longer Rajdhani journeys can receive multiple meals and refreshments, while Vande Bharat and Shatabdi services generally offer catering based on the journey duration and departure time.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<p><button type=\"button\" id=\"continue-btn\" aria-label=\"Continue Reading\" class=\"jsx-1955953135 continue-btn continue_reading\"><span class=\"jsx-1955953135 continue_reading\">Continue Reading<\/span><\/button><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><br \/>\n<br \/><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cnbctv18.com\/photos\/travel\/vande-bharat-vs-rajdhani-vs-shatabdi-key-differences-in-speed-seats-and-travel-19996775.htm\">Source link <\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>By CNBCTV18.com \u00a0September 24, 2026, 9:38:46 AM IST (Published) Vande Bharat, Rajdhani and Shatabdi are among Indian Railways\u2019 premium trains. Here\u2019s how they differ in speed, seating, sleeper berths, routes, trave&#8230;Read More 1\/8 Indian Railways operates several premium train services designed to offer faster and more comfortable travel between major cities. Vande Bharat, Rajdhani and&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":30977,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[47],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-30976","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-travel"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/tezgyan.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/30976","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/tezgyan.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/tezgyan.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/tezgyan.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/tezgyan.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=30976"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/tezgyan.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/30976\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/tezgyan.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/30977"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/tezgyan.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=30976"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/tezgyan.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=30976"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/tezgyan.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=30976"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}