Indian Railways has finalised the fare structure for its new Vande Bharat Sleeper Express trains, introducing a distance-based pricing model that is higher than many existing premium services. A key change is that there will be no Reservation Against Cancellation (RAC) or waiting-list tickets — all passengers will book only fully confirmed berths from the first day of booking. This approach marks a shift toward airline-style confirmed seating on long-distance overnight rail journeys.
Fare Structure — Distance-Based Pricing
Railways has set fares on a per-kilometre basis for three air-conditioned classes. A minimum chargeable distance of 400 km applies even if the actual journey is shorter. GST will be levied separately.
Fare Chart (Base Ticket Price)
| Distance Covered | 3AC (₹) | 2AC (₹) | 1AC (₹) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Up to 400 km (Min.) | 960 | 1,240 | 1,520 |
| Up to 800 km | 1,920 | 2,480 | 3,040 |
| Up to 1,000 km | 2,400 | 3,100 | 3,800 |
| Up to 2,000 km | 4,800 | 6,200 | 7,600 |
| Up to 2,800 km | 6,720 | 8,680 | 10,640 |
| Up to 3,500 km | 8,400 | 10,850 | 13,300 |
These fares reflect the premium positioning of Vande Bharat Sleeper trains, often slightly higher than popular Rajdhani Express prices on comparable routes.
No RAC, No Waiting List
One of the most notable changes in this service is the complete removal of RAC and waiting-list options. According to the fare notification:
- Only confirmed tickets will be issued for every journey.
- All berths will be available for booking at the start of the advance reservation period.
- Standard quotas for women, senior citizens, persons with disabilities and staff duty passes will still apply.
This ensures passengers know their seat or berth status at booking time, reducing uncertainty and streamlining travel planning — especially for peak seasons and long routes.
Why Fares Are Higher
Vande Bharat Sleeper trains combine faster overnight travel with a modern comfort level that includes advanced coach design, better ride quality, and improved amenities compared with traditional sleeper services. The premium pricing positions them closer to existing top-tier services while adding the benefit of guaranteed overnight travel with no RAC hassles.
Booking And What To Expect
Passengers can book these trains through India’s regular railway reservation channels, including online portals and official apps. Given the policy of confirmed berths only, travellers are advised to plan and reserve well before peak travel dates to secure their preferred class and dates.
Overall, the new fare structure reflects the government’s intent to modernise long-distance rail travel by blending comfort, speed and assured reservations in a way that aligns with evolving passenger expectations.
