For millions of pilgrims who visit the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine each year, the train journey from Delhi to Katra marks the beginning of one of India’s most cherished religious expeditions. The rail network connecting New Delhi to the Katra railway station is well-developed, offering multiple daily departures across a range of travel classes and budgets.
This guide covers the essentials — Delhi to Katra distance, current train timings, class-wise ticket prices, and a practical walkthrough on how to book your Delhi to Katra train ticket through IRCTC.
Delhi to Katra Distance: What the Route Looks Like
The Delhi to Katra distance by rail is approximately 575 kilometres. Trains depart from New Delhi Railway Station (station code: NDLS) and arrive at Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra Railway Station, commonly referred to by its code SVDK.
The Katra railway station was developed specifically to support the Vaishno Devi Yatra. Situated close to the base of the Trikuta Hills, it serves as the entry point for pilgrims before the foot trek to the shrine begins. The station is equipped with waiting halls, cloak rooms, pre-paid taxi counters, and other basic facilities to accommodate the high volume of pilgrim traffic throughout the year.
Depending on the train selected, the journey time on this route ranges from 8 hours 20 minutes (on the fastest trains) to approximately 16 hours 40 minutes on slower overnight services.
Delhi to Katra Train Timing Today: Trains Currently Operating
A total of approximately 36 to 37 weekly trains operating from Delhi to Katra, with about 8 trains running daily on this route. The table below lists the most frequently used services with their current departure and arrival timings.
Daily Trains
These trains run every day of the week, providing consistent connectivity for pilgrims and travellers.
| Train Name & Number | Departure (Delhi) | Arrival (Katra/Jammu) | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Malwa Express (12919) | 04:30 (NDLS) | 16:30 (SVDK) | 12h 00m |
| Shalimar Malani (14661) | 15:51 (DEC/DLI) | 05:40 (JAT) | 13h 49m |
| Shri Shakti AC Exp (22461) | 19:05 (NDLS) | 05:40 (SVDK) | 10h 35m |
| Jammu Mail (14033) | 20:05 (DLI) | 09:20 (SVDK) | 13h 15m |
| Jammu Rajdhani (12425) | 20:40 (NDLS) | 05:00 (JAT) | 08h 20m |
| Uttar Sampark Kranti (12445) | 20:50 (NDLS) | 07:55 (SVDK) | 11h 05m |
| Galtadham Pooja Exp (12413) | 20:56 (DLI/DEC) | 07:30 (JAT) | 10h 34m |
| Jhelum Express (11077) | 21:35 (NDLS) | 09:45 (JAT) | 12h 10m |
Popular Trains from Delhi to Katra
| Train Name | Train No. | Departure (New Delhi) | Arrival (Katra) | Operating Days |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vande Bharat Express | 22439 | 06:00 | 14:20 | Daily except Wednesday |
| Vande Bharat Express | 22477 | 15:00 | 23:20 | Daily except Wednesday |
| Shri Shakti AC SF Express | 22461 | 19:05 | 05:40 | Daily |
| Uttar Sampark Kranti Express | 12445 | 20:50 | 07:55 | Daily |
The first train from Delhi to Katra is 12919 – MALWA EXPRESS departing at 04:30 AM from New Delhi Railway Station(NDLS).
Note: For real-time Delhi to Katra train timing today, always check the IRCTC website or Rail Connect app. Timings can change during festivals, maintenance periods, or due to operational decisions by Indian Railways.
Other trains that operate on this route on select days include the Swaraj Express, Hemkunt Express, and seasonal specials such as the Mahakumbh Special and Kumbh Mela Special during high-demand periods.
Delhi to Katra Train Ticket Price: Full Class-Wise Breakdown
The Delhi to Katra train ticket price varies based on three main factors: the train you select, your preferred travel class, and the booking quota (general, Tatkal, or Premium Tatkal). Below is a clear breakdown of fares across all available classes.
Vaishno Devi Train Ticket Price Sleeper Class
The Sleeper Class is the most economical way to travel on this route and is available on non-AC overnight trains such as the Malwa Express and Uttar Sampark Kranti Express. The Vaishno Devi train ticket price in Sleeper Class currently ranges between ₹355 and ₹415 under the general quota. Tatkal surcharges apply if booking one day before travel.
Sleeper coaches are non-air-conditioned and have three-tier open berths. They are practical for budget travellers, though comfort levels on overnight journeys depend on coach condition and co-passengers.
Delhi to Katra Train Ticket Price 3rd AC
The Delhi to Katra train ticket price in 3rd AC (3A or 3E) ranges from ₹915 to ₹1,065 under the general quota. Third AC coaches are air-conditioned with three-tier berths and curtains for privacy. This is among the most in-demand classes on overnight trains, particularly for families and small groups.
The Shri Shakti AC SF Express, being a fully AC train, offers this class daily and is a preferred choice for those who want overnight AC travel at a mid-range price.
2nd AC (2A)
Second AC coaches offer two-tier berths with more space per passenger and better privacy. The Delhi to Katra train ticket price in 2nd AC generally falls between ₹1,315 and ₹1,485. This class suits travellers who prioritise a quieter journey with more berth width.
1st AC (1A)
First AC offers enclosed cabins with two or four berths and is the most premium class available on overnight trains. Fares on the Delhi–Katra route for 1st AC range from approximately ₹2,285 to ₹2,470. Availability in this class is limited, so booking well in advance is advisable.
Delhi to Katra Train Ticket Price Vande Bharat
The Vande Bharat Express operates as a fully chair-car day train and does not offer berths. It is the fastest Delhi to Katra train, covering 575 km in approximately 8 hours 20 minutes. Two Vande Bharat services currently run on this route — one departing in the morning and another in the afternoon.
The Delhi to Katra train ticket price on Vande Bharat is as follows:
- Chair Car (CC): Approximately ₹1,635
- Executive Chair Car (EC): Approximately ₹2,800 to ₹3,080
Because the Vande Bharat runs during daylight hours, it is well-suited for pilgrims who want to arrive at the Katra railway station in the evening and begin their yatra the same day or the next morning.
General Rajdhani Express Delhi to Katra Ticket Price
No dedicated Rajdhani Express currently runs directly from Delhi to Katra. However, premium AC superfast trains on this route — such as the Shri Shakti AC SF Express and Uttar Sampark Kranti Express — offer a comparable travel experience in terms of AC comfort and overnight timing.
For reference, fares on these Rajdhani-class equivalents are:
- 3rd AC (3A): ₹915 – ₹1,065
- 2nd AC (2A): ₹1,315 – ₹1,485
- 1st AC (1A): ₹2,285 – ₹2,470
Passengers often search for General Rajdhani Express Delhi to Katra ticket price as a benchmark for premium overnight travel on this corridor. The Shri Shakti AC SF Express is the closest equivalent and operates daily.
Weekly and Special Trains Delhi to Katra
Several other trains run on specific days of the week, including:
- Himsagar Express (16317): Departs weekly on Sundays.
- Swaraj Express (12471): Runs 4 days a week (Sun, Mon, Thu, Fri).
- Jat Duronto Express (12265): Runs on Sundays, Tuesdays, and Fridays.
How to Book Delhi to Katra Train Ticket on IRCTC
Understanding how to book a Delhi to Katra train ticket correctly can save time and reduce the risk of missing out on confirmed seats, especially during peak pilgrimage seasons. Here is a structured walkthrough of the booking process.
Step 1: Log In to Your IRCTC Account
Go to irctc.co.in or open the IRCTC Rail Connect app on your phone. Registration is free. If booking during Tatkal hours, log in at least 10 minutes before the booking window opens to avoid server delays.
Step 2: Enter Journey Details
In the “Book Ticket” section, fill in:
- From Station: New Delhi (NDLS)
- To Station: SVDK (Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra)
- Date of Journey
- Travel Class: SL, 3A, 2A, 1A, CC, or EC
Step 3: Review Train Options and Availability
The results page will show all available Delhi to Katra trains for that date along with real-time seat availability — marked as CNF (confirmed seats available), WL (waitlist), or RAC (reservation against cancellation). Review departure times and class availability before selecting.
Step 4: Select Berth Preference
After choosing a train, you can indicate your berth preference — lower, middle, upper, side lower, or side upper. While IRCTC allots berths subject to availability, selecting a preference increases the likelihood of getting your desired position, particularly on less crowded trains or for early bookings.
Step 5: Add Passengers and Complete Payment
Fill in passenger details — name, age, gender, and ID proof type. For faster checkout, particularly during Tatkal booking, use:
- UPI (Google Pay, PhonePe, Paytm) for near-instant transaction completion
- IRCTC e-Wallet preloaded with funds for the quickest checkout
- Net banking as a reliable alternative
Avoid credit card payments during Tatkal windows if they require OTP, as the added step can cause booking failures when thousands of users are competing for the same seats simultaneously.
Delhi to Katra Train Booking: Understanding the Quota System
The Delhi to Katra train booking process is influenced significantly by which quota you book under. Indian Railways divides available seats across multiple pools, each released at different times:
General Quota: Seats open 60 days in advance for most trains on this route. This is the primary window for advance planning.
Tatkal Quota: Opens one day before departure — at 10:00 AM for AC classes and 11:00 AM for Sleeper class. Fares include a Tatkal surcharge over the base price.
Premium Tatkal: Operates on the same opening schedule as Tatkal but with dynamic pricing — fares can increase substantially during peak demand.
Ladies Quota: Reserved berths for female passengers travelling alone or in groups of women. Claiming this quota during booking (if eligible) improves confirmation chances.
Senior Citizen Quota: Discounted fares and reserved lower berths are available for passengers above 60 years (male) and 58 years (female). This is particularly relevant for Vaishno Devi pilgrimages, which draw a large number of elderly devotees.
Defence Quota: Allocated for serving military personnel with valid ID.
Current Booking: Tickets may be available a few hours before departure if seats remain. This option is accessible at the station booking counter or online, depending on the train.
Common Mistakes to Avoid During Delhi to Katra Train Booking
Even experienced travellers make avoidable errors when booking on high-demand routes. The following points are worth keeping in mind:
Booking too late: On this particular route, tickets during Navratri, summer holidays, and long weekends sell out well before the 60-day advance booking window closes. Setting a calendar reminder for the opening date is a practical precaution.
Confusing train names and numbers: Several trains on the Delhi–Katra route have similar-sounding names. Always cross-check the train number alongside the name before confirming your booking.
Skipping berth preference: Not selecting a berth preference leaves the allotment entirely to the system, which may assign an unfavourable position. Always fill in this field.
Not verifying the station code: Ensure the destination is entered as SVDK (Katra) and not a similarly named station. Tickets booked to the wrong station cannot be used.
Ignoring alternate trains: If one train is heavily waitlisted, checking others departing on the same day or the day before often reveals better availability.
Choosing the Right Berth on an Overnight Delhi to Katra Train
For overnight journeys in Sleeper or AC coaches, berth selection plays a meaningful role in travel comfort:
Lower Berth: Easiest to board and exit, suitable for senior citizens and travellers with children. Books up fastest — prioritise this if you have any mobility concerns.
Side Lower Berth: Offers a degree of privacy and, in many coaches, a good view from the window. A practical choice for solo travellers.
Upper Berth: Generally quieter as it is above the flow of passenger movement. Requires some physical effort to climb, but once up, offers uninterrupted sleep.
Mid-Coach Berths: Positioned away from the entry/exit points of the coach and tend to experience less noise and vibration compared to berths at either end.
Berths near toilets: These positions — typically numbered at the lowest and highest ends of each coach — see higher foot traffic and ambient noise throughout the night. They are best avoided when other options are available.
PNR Status and Waitlist Tracking
If you are travelling on a waitlisted ticket, monitoring your PNR status regularly provides clarity on confirmation likelihood:
- Enter your 10-digit PNR number in the “PNR Status” section on the IRCTC website or app. Click here to Check PNR
- The system shows your current waitlist position and an estimated CNF probability based on historical booking patterns for that train
- Waitlist tickets below a certain threshold on popular trains often confirm closer to the departure date as cancellations accumulate
If your ticket does not confirm by chart preparation (usually 4 hours before departure), the fare is automatically refunded to your original payment source.
IRCTC App vs Website: Which to Use for Delhi to Katra Train Booking
Both the IRCTC app and the desktop website support complete booking functionality, but each has situational advantages:
IRCTC App: Better suited for quick bookings, Tatkal sessions, and on-the-go ticket management. The passenger master list feature on the app allows auto-filling of details in seconds.
IRCTC Website: Preferred for group bookings, detailed seat map viewing, comparing multiple trains on the same date, and accessing the full range of quota options.
For time-sensitive Tatkal bookings on the Delhi–Katra route, many experienced travellers use the desktop website for a larger screen and faster navigation, with payment via a pre-loaded IRCTC wallet.
Key Facts Delhi to Katra Train
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Delhi to Katra Distance | ~575 km |
| Cheapest Option | Jhelum Express (11077) offer budget-friendly sleeper class tickets |
| Fastest Train | Vande Bharat Express (~8 hrs 20 mins) |
| Slowest Option | ~16 hrs 40 mins (select overnight trains) |
| Delhi Station Codes | New Delhi (NDLS), Old Delhi (DLI), Delhi Sarai Rohilla (DEE), and Delhi Safdarjung (DSJ) |
| Katra Station Code | SVDK |
| Sleeper Class Fare | ₹355 – ₹415 |
| 3rd AC Fare | ₹915 – ₹1,065 |
| 2nd AC Fare | ₹1,315 – ₹1,485 |
| 1st AC Fare | ₹2,285 – ₹2,470 |
| Vande Bharat CC/EC | ₹1,635 – ₹3,080 |
| Advance Booking Window | 60 days (General Quota) |
| Tatkal AC Opening | 10:00 AM, one day before |
| Tatkal Sleeper Opening | 11:00 AM, one day before |
| Total Daily Trains | 14 (varying days) |
The Delhi to Katra train route is one of the most systematically served pilgrimage corridors in Indian Railways’ network. With trains running across a full spectrum of travel classes and timings, pilgrims have meaningful flexibility in planning their journey. Booking through the official IRCTC platform, understanding the quota system, and selecting the right class for your needs are the three most practical steps toward a smooth start to the Vaishno Devi Yatra.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): Delhi to Katra Train
Q1. How many trains run daily from Delhi to Katra?
A total of 14 trains operate on the Delhi to Katra route across various days of the week. Among these, trains like the Shri Shakti AC SF Express (22461), Uttar Sampark Kranti Express (12445), and Malwa SF Express (12919) run daily. The Vande Bharat Express (22439 and 22477) operates daily except Wednesdays.
Q2. What is the Delhi to Katra distance by train?
The Delhi to Katra distance by train is approximately 575 kilometres. Trains depart from New Delhi Railway Station (NDLS) and arrive at Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra Railway Station (station code: SVDK).
Q3. What is the fastest Delhi to Katra train and how long does it take?
The Vande Bharat Express is the fastest train on this route, covering the 575 km distance in approximately 8 hours and 20 minutes. Two Vande Bharat services operate — Train No. 22439 departing at 06:00 and Train No. 22477 departing at 15:00 from New Delhi.
Q4. What is the Delhi to Katra train ticket price in Sleeper Class?
The Vaishno Devi train ticket price in Sleeper Class on the Delhi to Katra route ranges from ₹355 to ₹415 under the general quota. Tatkal surcharges apply if booking one day before the journey date.
Q5. What is the Delhi to Katra train ticket price in 3rd AC?
The Delhi to Katra train ticket price in 3rd AC (3A or 3E) falls between ₹915 and ₹1,065 under the general quota. This class is available on overnight AC trains such as the Shri Shakti AC SF Express and Uttar Sampark Kranti Express.
Q6. What is the Delhi to Katra train ticket price on the Vande Bharat Express?
The Delhi to Katra train ticket price on the Vande Bharat Express is approximately ₹1,635 for Chair Car (CC) and between ₹2,800 and ₹3,080 for Executive Chair Car (EC). The Vande Bharat is a daytime chair-car service and does not offer sleeping berths.
Q7. Is there a Rajdhani Express from Delhi to Katra?
No dedicated Rajdhani Express currently operates directly on the Delhi to Katra route. However, premium overnight AC trains such as the Shri Shakti AC SF Express serve a comparable purpose. For those searching for the General Rajdhani Express Delhi to Katra ticket price as a fare benchmark, the equivalent fares on these superfast AC trains range from ₹915 in 3rd AC to ₹2,470 in 1st AC class.
Q8. How do I check Delhi to Katra train timing today?
To check Delhi to Katra train timing today, visit the IRCTC website at irctc.co.in or open the IRCTC Rail Connect app. Go to the “Train Schedule” or “Find Train” section, enter the train name or number, and select your journey date. The schedule will display live departure and arrival timings along with any delays.
Q9. How to book a Delhi to Katra train ticket on IRCTC?
To book a Delhi to Katra train ticket on IRCTC, log in to your account on irctc.co.in or the IRCTC app, enter New Delhi (NDLS) as the source and SVDK as the destination, select your travel date and class, choose a train from the available options, fill in passenger details, select berth preference, and complete payment using UPI, net banking, or the IRCTC e-wallet.
Q10. What is the Tatkal booking time for Delhi to Katra trains?
Tatkal booking for Delhi to Katra trains opens one day before the journey date. For AC classes (1A, 2A, 3A), the window opens at 10:00 AM. For Sleeper Class (SL), it opens at 11:00 AM. Logging in a few minutes early and keeping passenger details pre-saved in the IRCTC master list improves your chances during this high-demand window.
Q11. How far in advance can I book a Delhi to Katra train ticket?
Under the General Quota, Delhi to Katra train tickets can be booked up to 60 days in advance. Tatkal and Premium Tatkal bookings open one day before departure. Booking as early as possible is recommended, particularly during Navratri, summer holidays, and other peak pilgrimage periods.
Q12. Which is the best class for the Delhi to Katra overnight journey?
The right class depends on your budget and comfort preference. Third AC (3A) offers a balance of affordability and air-conditioned comfort, making it a popular choice for families and groups. Sleeper Class suits budget travellers comfortable with non-AC travel. For those prioritising more space and privacy, 2nd AC (2A) is a worthwhile upgrade on overnight journeys.
Q13. What facilities are available at Katra railway station (SVDK)?
Katra railway station (SVDK) is equipped with passenger waiting halls, retiring rooms, cloak room facilities, food stalls, pre-paid taxi and auto-rickshaw counters, and basic medical assistance points. The station is designed to manage the high volume of pilgrim traffic efficiently, with connectivity to the main Katra town and the starting point of the Vaishno Devi trek.
Q14. Can I book a window seat on the Delhi to Katra train?
A specific window seat cannot be guaranteed, but you can increase your chances by selecting the “berth preference” option during booking on IRCTC. Side lower berths are located near windows in many coaches and are generally a reliable choice for travellers who prefer natural light or a view during the journey.
Q15. What happens if my Delhi to Katra waitlist ticket does not get confirmed?
If your waitlisted ticket does not reach a confirmed status by the time the chart is prepared — usually 4 hours before the train’s scheduled departure — the full ticket fare is automatically refunded to your original payment source within a few business days. You will not be permitted to board the train on an unconfirmed waitlist ticket.
