Mumbai to Delhi is the busiest and most competitive train route in India. Roughly 1,400 kilometres, a dozen premium trains, and millions of passengers every year. The options can be overwhelming — Rajdhani, Duronto, August Kranti, Garib Rath, Vande Bharat — each with different fares, timings, and levels of comfort.

I am going to break down the top choices so you can pick the right one for your budget, schedule, and comfort preference.

The Routes: Western vs Central

Before comparing trains, note that Mumbai to Delhi trains take two main routes:

Western Railway route (via Vadodara, Ratlam, Kota) — Slightly shorter, about 1,384 km.

Central Railway route (via Nashik, Bhusawal, Bhopal, Jhansi) — About 1,534 km but passes through more major cities.

Your train choice determines the route. Rajdhani goes via the Central route, while August Kranti Rajdhani takes the Western route.

Rajdhani Express — The Gold Standard

Train: Mumbai Central to New Delhi (12951/12952)

Route: Central Railway via Vadodara, Ratlam, Kota

Journey time: Approximately 15 to 16 hours

Classes: 1AC, 2AC, 3AC

Meals: Included (evening snack, dinner, breakfast)

Runs: Daily

The Mumbai Rajdhani is the flagship train on this route. It departs Mumbai Central in the evening and reaches New Delhi by morning — perfect timing for business travellers. The 3AC fare is around Rs 1,800 to Rs 2,200, and 2AC is Rs 2,800 to Rs 3,500.

Best for: Business travellers, families who want overnight travel with meals, anyone prioritizing punctuality. The Rajdhani rarely runs more than 30 minutes late.

August Kranti Rajdhani

Train: Mumbai Central to Hazrat Nizamuddin (12953/12954)

Route: Western Railway via Surat, Vadodara, Ratlam

Journey time: About 17 hours

Classes: 1AC, 2AC, 3AC

Meals: Included

Runs: Daily

Very similar to the Rajdhani but terminates at Nizamuddin instead of New Delhi. The fare and experience are nearly identical. If your Delhi destination is in South Delhi, Nizamuddin might actually be more convenient.

Duronto Express — Non-Stop Speed

Train: Mumbai CST/LTT to New Delhi (12263/12264 and others)

Journey time: 16 to 17 hours

Classes: 1AC, 2AC, 3AC, SL

Meals: Included in AC classes

Runs: 2 to 3 times a week

Duronto means "non-stop" in Bengali, and while the train does make a few technical halts, it has no commercial stops where passengers board or alight. This means fewer delays and a straighter run.

Best for: Passengers who want Sleeper class at a lower cost than Rajdhani but still want a premium train. The SL fare is around Rs 700 to Rs 900 — much cheaper than any AC option.

Downside: Does not run daily, so you need to plan around its schedule.

Garib Rath — Budget AC Option

Train: Mumbai to Delhi Garib Rath (12909/12910)

Journey time: 18 to 20 hours

Classes: 3AC only

Meals: Not included

Runs: 2 to 3 times a week

Garib Rath (literally "chariot for the poor") was designed to make AC travel affordable. The fare is about 25 to 30 percent less than Rajdhani 3AC. No meals are included, so you bring your own food or order via E-Catering.

Best for: Budget-conscious AC travellers. The coaches are slightly older than Rajdhani but perfectly functional.

Vande Bharat (When It Launches)

At the time of writing, a Mumbai-Delhi Vande Bharat is in the planning stage. If launched, it would be a daytime chair car train covering the distance in approximately 12 to 13 hours — faster than the Rajdhani. Keep an eye on ConfirmYatra for announcements.

Quick Comparison Table

Here is a rough comparison to help you decide:

Rajdhani: 15 to 16h, 3AC Rs 2,000, Meals Yes, Daily, Most reliable

August Kranti: 17h, 3AC Rs 2,000, Meals Yes, Daily, Ends at Nizamuddin

Duronto: 16 to 17h, SL Rs 800 / 3AC Rs 1,800, Meals in AC, 2 to 3 per week

Garib Rath: 18 to 20h, 3AC Rs 1,400, Meals No, 2 to 3 per week, Budget AC

Mail/Express: 22 to 26h, SL Rs 500 / 3AC Rs 1,300, Meals No, Daily options, Cheapest

How to Choose

Tight budget + long distance comfort? Duronto Sleeper is the sweet spot — fast, comfortable enough, and cheap.

Business trip + need to arrive fresh? Rajdhani 2AC. Depart at night, sleep in a full berth, arrive morning. Meals included. No hassle.

Budget AC travel? Garib Rath 3AC. Pay less, get the same destination.

Flexible dates and want the best deal? Check all trains for your date on ConfirmYatra. The platform shows fares, availability, and travel times side by side. You might find a lesser-known train with better availability and a lower fare than the popular options.

Peak season and everything is sold out? Try the Delhi-Mumbai route via Jaipur or via Ahmedabad with connecting trains. ConfirmYatra's alternate route finder shows these combinations automatically.

Booking Tips for This Route

Book Rajdhani at least 30 to 45 days in advance. Within 120 days, the 3AC fills up within the first month. 2AC lasts a bit longer. 1AC is expensive enough that availability is usually better.

For Tatkal, try the Duronto or lesser-known mail/express trains instead of Rajdhani — the competition for Rajdhani Tatkal is brutal.

Search for all options on ConfirmYatra, compare, and book smart. The Mumbai-Delhi route has enough choices that no one needs to settle for a bad seat or pay more than they should.