Janmashtami Special Trains from Delhi to Mathura, Ringas and Varanasi

As the streets of Delhi start humming with the festive buzz of Janmashtami, the railways are doing their part – launching a handful of special trains that aim to smooth out the expected rush of pilgrims.

Two morning services will depart from Hazrat Nizamuddin on September 3, 4 and 5, bound for Mathura, the city that holds the birthplace of Lord Krishna. The first leaves at 9:45 am, the second at 10:30 am, giving travelers a choice of departure times. Both stop at familiar way‑points – Faridabad, Palwal, Kosi Kalan, Vrindavan and Bhuteshwar – before pulling into Mathura’s busy station.

For those heading southwest, an overnight option to Ringas has been added. The Old Delhi‑Ringas special departs at 6:50 pm, threading its way through the night to arrive around 12:40 am. Its return journey kicks off at 2 am, making it a true night‑escape for Janmashtami worshippers.

Travellers eyeing the eastern stretch can hop on the Old Delhi‑Varanasi special, which rolls out at 9:10 pm. Unlike the Mathura and Ringas runs, this train is not unreserved – it offers AC, sleeper and general‑class coaches, so passengers can pick the comfort level that suits them. It reaches Varanasi at about 3 pm the following day.

One important nuance: the Mathura and Ringas specials are unreserved, meaning you’ll need to board on a first‑come‑first‑served basis. The Varanasi train, however, has booked seats across its various classes, so it’s worth checking reservations in advance.

In short, whether you’re planning a quick morning hop to Mathura, a midnight trek to Ringas, or an extended pilgrimage to Varanasi, the railway’s extra services aim to keep the journey as smooth as the festive spirit itself. Keep an eye on the official time‑tables, arrive a little early, and enjoy the celebrations.