Shortest Vande Bharat train journeys in India that just take 5 hours

Some of the country's quickest Vande Bharat routes get you from one destination to another in roughly five hours or less, making them perfect for weekend plans, business travel, or spontaneous getaways.

Since its launch, the Vande Bharat Express has changed the way many Indians travel by rail. With faster travel times, comfortable seating, modern interiors and onboard conveniences, it has become a preferred option for travellers looking to skip long hours on conventional trains. If you're hoping to experience India's flagship semi-high-speed train without committing to an overnight trip, these routes are among the shortest you can book.

1. Udaipur City to Asarva (Ahmedabad)

Journey time: 4 hours 15 minutes

Distance: 296 km

Holding the distinction of being the shortest Vande Bharat journey in the country, this route links Rajasthan's lake city, Udaipur, with Ahmedabad's Asarva station in Gujarat. The service has made travel between the two states considerably quicker, allowing both tourists and business travellers to cover the journey in just over four hours.

2. Srinagar to Jammu Tawi

Journey time: 4 hours 45 minutes

Distance: 267 km

Running through the Kashmir Valley, the train passes dramatic mountain landscapes, long tunnels and impressive railway engineering. One of the biggest highlights is the iconic Chenab Rail Bridge, which has become a landmark attraction in itself. The route combines speed with scenery, making it popular among visitors exploring Jammu and Kashmir.

3. Dehradun to Anand Vihar Terminal

Journey time: 4 hours 45 minutes

Distance: 302 km

Travelling between Uttarakhand's capital and Delhi has become far more convenient thanks to this Vande Bharat service. Covering just over 300 kilometres in under five hours, it has become a practical option for both weekend breaks and same-day travel.

4. Mumbai CSMT to Sainagar Shirdi

Journey time: 5 hours 10 minutes

Distance: 343 km

Among the busiest pilgrimage routes in western India, this Vande Bharat service has reduced travel time between Mumbai and Shirdi. Devotees heading to the famous Sai Baba temple can now complete the journey in a little over five hours, making day trips and weekend visits much easier to plan.

5. SCSMT Kolhapur to Pune

Journey time: 5 hours 15 minutes

Distance: 326 km

Connecting two important cities in Maharashtra. Kolhapur's rich cultural heritage and Pune's educational and business hubs generate regular travel between the cities, and the Vande Bharat has helped reduce the journey considerably.

6. Mangaluru Central to Madgaon

Journey time: 5 hours 30 minutes

Distance: 319 km

For travellers who value the journey as much as the destination, this Konkan Coast route stands out. Winding through lush forests, rivers, rolling hills and numerous tunnels, the train also offers occasional views of the Arabian Sea.