[farangfellow]

My wife and I would like to travel from Varanasi to Kolkata by train - is it possible to do this without changing trains? How long would this train take - Is an A/C cabin available? Thank you for any help you can render - kind regards, Lee

[dzibead]

Yes, it's definitely possible.  Take a look at this website, and look at "Trains Between Important Stations" http://www.indianrail.gov.in/  

There are more options if you go from Mughal Sarai, near Varanasi, rather than from Varanasi itself.  The duration of the trip will vary - but even the fastet train will be about 8 hours.  Most take longer.  You asked about an air conditioned cabin - do you mean your own private compartment?  This is available only in 1AC class and not every train has this class. There are 2-berth and 4-berth 1AC cabins, so only a 2-berth cabin would be truly private for you and your wife.  2AC and 3AC classes are also airconditioned, but you don't get a private cabin.

[cyberhippie]

Getting a private AC cabin for two is a bit of a lottery. As Dzi says not so many trains have AC first class, though there certainly 1st AC are options between Varanasi and Kolkata.
Even if you CAN book in first class AC there are two kinds of cabins, one with a four bed system and one with just two beds.
There´s no way of being sure of a two bedded cabin and you won´t know until just before departure, as they wait until just before the train leaves to make the final cabin allocation, This is to do with trying to keep the two sexes in diferent cabins, so they have to wait and see the full passenger compliment list.

With that in mind the AC two tier might be the best ideas for you, it offers enough space and a modicum of privacy, it´s a nice way to have a chat with Indians along the way too.
I´ve travelled this way many times with my wife and it´s comfortable and at least you know what you are getting straight away.

AC Two tier means within the compartment there are two beds on either side, plus two on the corridor side
The compartment is closed off from the corridor by a curtain.

AC Three tier mens three bed inside and two on the coridor side.

Sleeper class has the same layout as AC three tier but without the AC.

So what are the train options well certainly an overnight train is the best option. for long journeys like this.

The most reliable train for this would probably be the Kolkata Rajdhani express, which although it leaves from Delhi some 12 hours away it is a priority train and mostly runs on time, It's downside is the dparture time 01.55 not ideal but it takes only a shade over 8 hours to make the run between Mughal Sarai to Kalkota.
All food news papaers are included in the price of the ticket in this class of train and it is subsequently a little bit more expensive than other express trains.

2302 KOLKATA RJDHNI MGS 01.55 HWH 09.55 travel time 08.00 hours
Cost
AC 1 Rs 2050
AC 2 Rs 1230
AC 3 Rs  920

Another slower option from Varanasi itself

2334 VIBHUTI EXPRESS BSB 18.00 HWH 07.55 travel time 13.55 hours
Cost
AC 1 Rs 1716
AC 2 Rs 1026
AC 3 Rs  756

There are many other option but they either don't run daily or are coming over large distances before passing through Varanasi. Which makes delays very possible, the second slower train I mention has it's starting point at Varanasi, which means there shouldn't be any major delays in departure, well in theory anyway.



For a look at the trains in India I prefer to use Erail, it takes its info from The Indian Railways server and is far more efficient way to find you trains, than the old clunker at the official Indian Railways website'..............

Have fun and keep the questions coming.

[WonderWomanUSA]

You should also note, farangfellow, that in A/C class, the railroad provides sheets, a blanket, a pillow with a clean pillowcase, and a small towel, so you do not have to deal with taking bedding when you travel. Someone will deliver these to you after the train starts and will collect them before the end point of your journey.

[jyotirmoy]

While alloting berths for 1AC coaches the railway authorities try to allot a 2 berth coupe to couples.