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Leaving the chaotic energy of Delhi for the spiritual convergence of Prayagraj is a journey from India's political heart to one of its holiest cities. Known historically as Allahabad, Prayagraj is where the Yamuna, the Ganges and the mythical Saraswati rivers meet. The route is a staple for pilgrims, history buffs and business travelers alike.
Whether you are heading there for the Magh Mela, to see Alfred Park, or to witness the evening aarti at the Sangam, the realistic choices are the overnight train and the direct flight. Long-distance buses also serve the route, but their operators and times change, so check them with the bus operator or the state transport corporation when you plan.
Delhi to Prayagraj by Train
Indian Railways runs trains from Delhi to Prayagraj Junction (PRYJ). The Prayagraj Express (12418) leaves New Delhi at 21:20 and reaches Prayagraj Junction at 06:50 the next morning; in the other direction, train 12417 leaves Prayagraj Junction at 21:30 and arrives in New Delhi at 07:00.[1] That makes it a night train: you sleep on board and arrive in time for the morning at the Sangam.
Choosing a Class
On an overnight train the usual choices are AC First Class (1A), AC 2-Tier (2A), AC 3-Tier (3A) and Sleeper (SL). The AC classes are air-conditioned, while Sleeper class is not and is the simplest and cheapest option. Daytime trains also offer chair cars (CC and EC). You can compare classes and book on GoAsia.cc.
Tickets can be reserved up to 60 days before the date of journey,[2] so book early for festival dates.
Delhi to Prayagraj by Flight
IndiGo operates a non-stop flight every day from Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) to Prayagraj Airport (IXD). In October 2026 it departed at 10:40 and landed at 12:10, a flight time of 1 hour 30 minutes.[3] IndiGo advertised fares from about ₹5,323 for the route.[3] Prayagraj Airport is in Bamrauli, about 12 km from the city,[3] so plan on a taxi into town after landing.
Comparing Your Options
| Mode | Schedule | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Train | New Delhi 21:20 to Prayagraj Junction 06:50 (12418)[1] | Overnight, bookable up to 60 days ahead |
| Flight | 1h 30min, 10:40 to 12:10 (October 2026)[3] | Non-stop with IndiGo, fares from about ₹5,323 |
Tips for Traveling from Delhi to Prayagraj
- Book Early: This is a high-demand route, especially during Hindu festival seasons, so reserve train tickets as soon as booking opens.
- Station Logic: Delhi has several railway stations. Check the departure station on your ticket before you leave for the station.
- Food and Water: Carry bottled water and some dry snacks for the journey.
- Winter Fog: Between December and February, fog in northern India often delays trains and sometimes flights, so keep your plans flexible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Use the booking tool on this page to compare the transport options currently available from Delhi to Prayagraj, including current prices and schedules.
The fastest way is the non-stop IndiGo flight, which takes 1 hour 30 minutes. By train, the overnight Prayagraj Express leaves New Delhi at 21:20 and arrives at 06:50.
The flight takes 1 hour 30 minutes. The Prayagraj Express (12418) takes about 9 hours 30 minutes, from 21:20 to 06:50 the next morning.
Yes. The Prayagraj Express (12418) leaves New Delhi at 21:20 and reaches Prayagraj Junction at 06:50.
Train 12418 starts at New Delhi station. Other trains can leave from other Delhi stations, so always check the departure station on your ticket.
Indian Railways opens reservations up to 60 days before the date of journey.
Sources and background
Numbers in the text such as [1] refer to these sources.
- [1] Indian Railways: Mail/Express/Superfast Train List. Retrieved October 16, 2026.
- [2] Indian Railways: Advance Reservation. Retrieved October 15, 2026.
- [3] IndiGo: Delhi to Prayagraj Flights. Retrieved October 16, 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.