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How to Get from Delhi to Bhopal

Delhi to Bhopal by air or rail: non-stop flights in about 1 hour 30 minutes, the Bhopal Shatabdi in 8 hours 25 minutes, plus an overnight train.

India Delhi

Last updated: October 29, 2026

How to Get from Delhi to Bhopal
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Leaving the frantic energy of India's capital for the City of Lakes feels like a move between two different Indias. Delhi thrives on monumental scale and noise, while Bhopal is calmer, a city of lakes where old mosques and green parks sit side by side. The journey south takes you from the plains around Delhi into the heart of Madhya Pradesh.

Train, Bus, Flight and Ferry tickets

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Delhi to Bhopal by Flight

Flying is the fastest way. IndiGo flies non-stop three times a day, at 05:45, 14:45 and 17:00, and the flight takes 1 hour 25 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes. Fares start at around โ‚น4,600 (October 2026). You leave from Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) and land at Raja Bhoj Airport (BHO), 15 km northwest of the city centre.[1]

The early flight puts you in Bhopal in time for a Bhopali lunch. From the city it is a day trip to Sanchi, about 40 km away, where the hilltop Buddhist monuments form the oldest surviving Buddhist sanctuary and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.[2]

Delhi to Bhopal by Train

The Bhopal Shatabdi (12002) is the daytime train: it leaves New Delhi at 06:00 and reaches Habibganj in Bhopal at 14:25, about 8 hours 25 minutes later. For the way back, the train (12001) leaves Habibganj at 15:00 and arrives in New Delhi at 23:30.[3]

The building of New Delhi railway station
The building of New Delhi railway stationPhoto: Pulakit / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0

The overnight option is the Bhopal Express (12156). It leaves Hazrat Nizamuddin at 20:55 and arrives at Habibganj at 07:05, so you wake up in Bhopal and save a night in a hotel. In the other direction, the train (12155) leaves Habibganj at 21:05 and reaches Hazrat Nizamuddin at 08:00.[4] Overnight trains have air-conditioned sleeper berths and the basic Sleeper class, and AC chair cars suit the daytime trains.

Comparing Your Options

Mode Departure from Delhi Duration
Flight (IndiGo, non-stop) 05:45, 14:45, 17:00 1h 25min - 1h 30min[1]
Train (Bhopal Shatabdi 12002) 06:00 from New Delhi 8h 25min[3]
Train (Bhopal Express 12156) 20:55 from Hazrat Nizamuddin 10h 10min[4]

Tips for Traveling from Delhi to Bhopal

  • Book Trains Early: Indian Railways tickets for the Shatabdi and the overnight trains sell out, so book as soon as your dates are fixed.
  • Choose Your Station: The Bhopal Shatabdi leaves from New Delhi (NDLS), the Bhopal Express from Hazrat Nizamuddin (NZM). Check the station on your ticket before you head out.[3][4]
  • Pack Snacks: Carry bottled water and a few snacks, even on trains with catering.
  • Arrival in Bhopal: Use a pre-paid taxi booth or a ride-hailing app to reach your hotel.

Timetable

Delhi - Bhopal More info / Tickets
Flight Delhi - Bhopal $ 42.19โ€“100.32 1h 20m โ€“ 1h 30m
  • โ†’ย  Economy 06:15, 10:40, 11:50, 17:40, 20:10
Train Delhi - Bhopal $ 7.38โ€“39.64 7h 40m โ€“ 13h 30m
  • โ†’ย  1A - AC First Class Sleeper 04:25, 05:20, 07:00, 08:30, 13:00, 14:05, 15:05, 15:15, 15:35, 16:00, 16:10, 16:55, 19:50, 20:20, 20:40, 21:05
  • โ†’ย  2A - AC 2-Tier Sleeper 05:10, 11:30, 13:00, 14:10, 16:00, 16:10, 16:55, 20:00, 20:10, 20:20, 20:30, 20:40, 21:05, 22:40, 23:15
  • โ†’ย  3A - AC 3-Tier Sleeper 05:10, 13:00, 14:10, 16:00, 16:10, 20:00, 20:10, 20:20, 20:30, 21:05, 23:15
  • โ†’ย  3E - AC 3-Tier Economy Sleeper 14:10, 20:10, 20:30, 20:40, 21:05, 23:15
  • โ†’ย  CC - AC Chair Class 06:00
  • โ†’ย  SL - Sleeper Class 05:10, 11:30, 13:00, 14:10, 16:00, 16:10, 20:00, 20:10, 20:20, 20:30, 20:40, 21:05, 23:15
  • โ†’ย  EC - Extended AC Chair Class 06:00

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I book tickets from Delhi to Bhopal?

Use the booking tool on this page to compare the transport options currently available from Delhi to Bhopal, including current prices and schedules.

What is the cheapest way to get from Delhi to Bhopal?

The train is the budget choice. Overnight trains such as the Bhopal Express offer the basic Sleeper class, and Indian Railways sets the fare by class and distance. Flights are quicker but cost more.

What is the fastest way to get from Delhi to Bhopal?

The fastest way is the non-stop IndiGo flight, which takes 1 hour 25 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes. The fastest train, the Bhopal Shatabdi, takes about 8 hours 25 minutes.

How long does it take to get from Delhi to Bhopal?

A non-stop flight takes about 1.5 hours. The Bhopal Shatabdi takes 8 hours 25 minutes and the overnight Bhopal Express about 10 hours.

Are there overnight trains available for this route?

Yes. The Bhopal Express leaves Hazrat Nizamuddin at 20:55 and arrives in Bhopal at 07:05. Book an AC 2-Tier or 3-Tier sleeper for a comfortable night.

Is food provided on the journey?

Premium trains such as the Shatabdi serve meals through a pantry car. Other express trains have pantry cars or vendors at station stops, and you can always bring your own food.

Sources and background

Numbers in the text such as [1] refer to these sources.

  1. [1] IndiGo: Delhi to Bhopal Flights. Retrieved October 25, 2026.
  2. [2] UNESCO World Heritage Centre: Buddhist Monuments at Sanchi. Retrieved October 26, 2026.
  3. [3] Indian Railways: Shatabdi Train Names with Details. Retrieved October 25, 2026.
  4. [4] Indian Railways: Mail/Express/Superfast Train List. Retrieved October 25, 2026.

Guide prices and journey times are indicative, not live quotes. A booked package may include transfers and waiting time as well as the main journey. Check the selected offer, pickup point and current conditions before booking.