GoAsia
India

How to Get from Ludhiana to Delhi

How to get from Ludhiana to Delhi by train: Shatabdi Express times, seat and berth classes, Delhi stations and tips for the trip.

India Delhi

Last updated: November 1, 2026

How to Get from Ludhiana to Delhi

Photo: Biswarup Ganguly / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 3.0

Contents

Ludhiana, Punjab's industrial heart, sits on the main rail line to the capital. The route runs through flat, green farmland that feeds much of India, then ends in the layered chaos of Delhi, with its Mughal monuments, markets and the airport for onward flights.

Train, Bus, Flight and Ferry tickets

Booking and payment are handled by 12Go, not GoAsia. We may receive a commission when you book through our links.

Ludhiana to Delhi by Train

The train is the practical way to make this trip. The Shatabdi Express is an all-seated daytime train: 12038 leaves Ludhiana Junction at 16:40 and arrives in New Delhi at 22:10.[1]

Train From Departs To Arrives
12038 Shatabdi Express Ludhiana Junction 16:40 New Delhi 22:10[1]
12037 Shatabdi Express New Delhi 07:00 Ludhiana Junction 12:25[1]

Other express and mail trains also run between Punjab and Delhi. Search Ludhiana to New Delhi on IRCTC for your date to see all departures and which Delhi station they use.

Daytime Seats: AC Chair Car and Executive Chair Car

Day expresses such as the Shatabdi offer reserved reclining seats in AC Chair Car (CC) and Executive Chair Car (EC). Executive Chair Car has more legroom and a 2x2 layout instead of 3x2.

Overnight Berths: 1A, 2A, 3A and 3E

  • 1A (AC First Class): Lockable compartments with 2 or 4 berths, the quietest option.
  • 2A (AC 2-Tier): 2 levels of bunks with privacy curtains.
  • 3A and 3E (AC 3-Tier and Economy): 3 levels of bunks, air-conditioned and the most affordable AC berths.

Budget Classes: Sleeper and Second Sitting

Sleeper Class (SL) and Second Sitting (2S) are not air-conditioned. They are the cheapest way to travel and the most crowded, with open windows and ceiling fans.

Tips for Traveling from Ludhiana to Delhi

  • Choose the right Delhi station: New Delhi, Old Delhi and Hazrat Nizamuddin are far apart. Pick the train that ends closest to your hotel.
  • Food and water: Carry sealed water and dry snacks. Vendors sell chai and samosas at major stops.
  • Luggage: Lock your bags to the rings under the lower berths, especially if you plan to sleep.
  • Winter fog: December and January fog can delay trains badly. If you have a flight from Delhi in those months, leave a wide buffer.
  • Book early: Seats on popular trains sell out, especially around festivals and wedding season.

Timetable

Ludhiana - Delhi More info / Tickets
Train Ludhiana - Delhi $ 4.86–24.59 3h 28m – 9h 27m
  • →  2S - Second Sitting Class 05:10, 11:50, 18:05
  • →  1A - AC First Class Sleeper 01:45, 02:10, 05:30, 05:50, 06:15, 07:45, 08:12, 09:40, 15:15, 16:30, 18:43, 21:10
  • →  2A - AC 2-Tier Sleeper 00:55, 01:45, 02:10, 02:30, 03:50, 04:30, 05:30, 05:50, 06:15, 07:45, 08:12, 09:40, 10:15, 11:40, 15:15, 16:30, 18:43, 21:10, 23:10
  • →  3A - AC 3-Tier Sleeper 00:55, 01:45, 02:10, 02:30, 03:50, 04:30, 05:30, 05:50, 06:15, 07:45, 08:12, 09:40, 10:15, 11:00, 15:15, 16:30, 17:05, 21:10, 23:10
  • →  3E - AC 3-Tier Economy Sleeper 00:55, 02:10, 02:30, 05:50, 10:15, 11:40, 15:15, 16:30
  • →  CC - AC Chair Class 05:10, 07:02, 10:18, 10:32, 11:50, 18:05, 18:55
  • →  SL - Sleeper Class 00:55, 02:10, 02:30, 03:50, 04:30, 05:50, 07:45, 08:12, 09:40, 10:15, 11:00, 11:40, 15:15, 16:30, 17:05, 23:10
  • →  EC - Extended AC Chair Class 07:02, 10:18, 10:32, 18:55

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I book tickets from Ludhiana to Delhi?

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

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

The cheapest way is the train in Second Sitting (2S) class, a reserved seat in a non-air-conditioned carriage.

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

The Shatabdi Express is a quick daytime option: 12038 leaves Ludhiana Junction at 16:40 and reaches New Delhi at 22:10.

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

The Shatabdi Express 12038 takes 5 hours 30 minutes from Ludhiana Junction to New Delhi. Other trains run to different timetables, so check IRCTC for your date.

Which Delhi station should I choose?

Pick the one closest to your hotel: New Delhi is central, Old Delhi lies to the north and Hazrat Nizamuddin to the south.

Is it safe to travel by train at night?

Yes, it is generally safe. Keep valuables close, lock your luggage and choose an AC class for a calmer carriage.

How far ahead should I book?

Book as soon as your dates are fixed. Popular trains sell out, especially around festivals and the wedding season.

Sources and background

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

  1. [1] Indian Railways (CRIS): Shatabdi Train Names with Details. Retrieved November 1, 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.