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BUDDHA EXPRESS

Fixed itineraryPublished departuresLimited cabins
Our special tariff from USD 1144* per person on twin sharing basis
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The journey

A legendary rail experience through India

Buddha Express – A Spiritual Luxury Train Journey

Dreaming about a unique travel experience which offers a perfect mix of comfort, spirituality and culture? If yes then Buddha Express is a special train which lets you travel through the most important Buddhist landmarks in India. Whether you are a history buff or a spiritual seeker or someone who loves traveling in style, this luxury train India makes your journey comfortable and amazing.

 

Brief Overview of Buddha Express

The Buddha Express Train takes travelers through the most important sites of the Buddhist circuit. Starting from Bodh Gaya where Lord Buddha attained enlightenment, the journey moves to Sarnath where he gave his first sermon and ends at Kushinagar, the place of his Mahaparinirvana. Along the way, travelers also visit other significant locations like Rajgir and Nalanda which makes it a complete spiritual experience. This train is designed for comfort, with cozy cabins, modern facilities and tasty meals included. At each stop, expert guides provide insights into the history and cultural importance of the sites. Traveling on the Buddha Express allows travelers to explore the Buddhist heritage of India in a relaxing, convenient and unforgettable way.

 

Destinations Covered by Buddha Express

Travel across key Buddhist landmarks Buddha by train and enjoy a seamless spiritual adventure. Below we have mentioned the destinations covered by Buddha Express:

Bodh Gaya

Visit the famous Mahabodhi Temple and the sacred Bodhi tree, where Lord Buddha attained enlightenment. The serene atmosphere makes it a perfect place for meditation and reflection.

Sarnath

Explore the Dhamek Stupa and the site where Buddha gave his first sermon. The Sarnath Museum showcases ancient Buddhist artifacts and sculptures.

Kushinagar

See the Mahaparinirvana Temple where Buddha passed away. The peaceful surroundings offer a deep sense of spirituality and history.

Rajgir

Discover ancient monasteries, stupas and hot springs, all set amidst scenic hills that were part of Buddha’s travels.

Nalanda

Walk through the ruins of the historic Nalanda University which is one of the world’s earliest centers of learning and Buddhist scholarship.

Lumbini

The sacred birthplace of Lord Buddha, Lumbini is a calm and spiritual destination. With beautiful monasteries, gardens and the Maya Devi Temple, it offers a peaceful atmosphere where travelers can connect with Buddha’s early life.

Varanasi

The holy Ganga ghats, evening aarti and ancient temples make it a powerful place for prayer, meditation and cultural experiences.

Agra

Famous for the Taj Mahal, Agra adds a touch of history and romance to the journey. This city lets travelers enjoy India’s architectural beauty while being part of the Buddha Express route.

 

Buddha Express Train Ticket Price

The Buddha Express train ticket price depends on the cabin type and package you choose. Luxury cabins provide extra comfort, while other options are available for travelers on a budget. Most packages include sightseeing, guided tours and meals which makes the trip convenient and stress-free. Booking your train ticket in advance is recommended, especially during peak seasons, to ensure you get your preferred cabin.

 

Onboard Luxury Features of Buddha Express

Explore India’s heritage and scenic beauty in comfort on a luxury circuit tour India. Here’s the list of luxury features you will get while traveling in Buddha Express:

  • Comfortable cabins: Enjoy cozy beds, clean washrooms and air conditioning which makes your journey restful and relaxing throughout.
  • Fine dining: Savor freshly prepared meals with a mix of Indian and international flavors, served in a comfortable dining area.
  • Lounges and common areas: Spacious areas where you can socialize with fellow travelers or relax or enjoy the passing landscapes.
  • Personal convenience: Each cabin has reading lights, ample storage and friendly staff ready to assist with any need.
  • Scenic experience: Large windows provide uninterrupted views of India’s countryside, deserts and cities as you travel.

 

Why Book Buddha Express?

  • The Buddha Express train is one of the easiest ways to visit all the famous Buddhist places in India. You don’t have to worry about staying or transfers as everything is arranged for you.
  • Your travel, food, stay and sightseeing are all taken care of, to make your journey peaceful without any hassle.
  • This train follows the Buddhist circuit so you can cover Bodh Gaya, Sarnath, Kushinagar and more in one trip.
  • Cozy cabins, clean washrooms, air conditioning and freshly prepared meals make the journey pleasant.

 

Booking and Travel Tips

  • Book your Buddha Express train ticket early to secure the cabin you want.
  • Wear comfortable clothes for sightseeing and temple visits.
  • Respect local customs when visiting religious sites.
  • Families can choose Buddhist circuit train fam tour packages which include kid-friendly activities.

 

Best Time to Travel by Buddha Express

The ideal time to plan your journey on the Buddha Express is between October to early December or February to March. During these months, the weather is pleasant for sightseeing and exploring spiritual sites. Summers can be very hot in this region but winters are cool and comfortable for travel. It is smart to check Buddhist circuit train ticket price and book in advance as December and January are the busiest season.

Choosing the right season makes your trip smooth and enjoyable. If you want a deep and peaceful visit to Nalanda and other Buddhist sites then Buddha Nalanda travel trains are the perfect choice for this journey.

 

Contact us to get a free quote.

Journey highlights

Highlights

  • Traverse around the city of Bodhgaya.
  • Explore the city of Nalanda and Rajghir.
  • Spend some time enjoy the arti at the ghats in Varanasi.
  • Discover the spectacular place of Sarnath, Lumbini, Gorakhpur, Balrampur, Kushinagar. 
  • Visit Taj Mahal and make the most of your trip.
     
What the published tariff includes

Inclusions

  •  Journey by Exclusive Air-conditioned Train as per the Itinerary. 
  •  Road transport by AC coaches as per the itinerary. 
  •  Sightseeing as per the itinerary. 
  •  Accommodation as per the itinerary. 
  •  Meals as per the itinerary. 
  •  English / Hindi speaking Tour Escort. 
  •  Entrance fees of monuments/sightseeing trips as per the itinerary. 
  • Travel Insurance.
Your passage through India

Day-by-day itinerary

Day 1: Arrive Gaya

Gather at Safdarjung railway station and board the Buddhist circuit train. Get ready to leave for Gaya and dinner will be on board the luxury train. Overnight stay at the Buddhist circuit train.

Today have your breakfast on board and enjoy some time in the train as you reach Bodhgaya. On arrival check into the hotel and relax for a while. Later get ready to explore the beautiful city of Bodhgaya. First head to Mahabodhi Temple & Niranjana River. Mahabodhi temple is one of the ancient temples of India that showcases the religious aspect of the country. The temple is one of the oldest Buddhist shrines that have attracted tourists from across the globe. Then you will be proceeding to Niranjana River which is also considered to be the major spot of attraction during the Buddhist circuit tour. Later continue your sightseeing tour to Thai Temple, Japanese Temple, Buddha Statue that showcases the true aspect of Buddhist religion. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.

Enjoy delicious breakfast at the hotel and then check out from the hotel and proceed to Rajgir by coach. On arrival at Rajgir, enjoy sightseeing tour of the city that includes Bimbimsara Jail, Gridhakut hill & Venuvan. Visit these well known attractions and discover some interesting facts about the region. Have your lunch at the hotel and proceed to Nalanda where you will be visiting Nalanda University & Nalanda Museum. After the city tour, proceed to Gaya railway station for your onward journey. Board the train at Gaya and depart for Varanasi. Dinner and overnight stay on board the Buddha Express

Sip in your morning tea on board and arrive at Varanasi. Enjoy delicious breakfast on board and later proceed to visit Sarnath. You will be exploring the beautiful city of Sarnath that covers places like Dhamekh Stupa, Sarnath Museum, Ashokan Pillar and Mulgandha Kuti Vihar. Sarnath is an important place for the Buddhist as it is the place where he preached his first discourse in the deer park. After the sightseeing tour, check in and have your lunch at the hotel. In the evening visit River Ganges Ghat where you will get to witness the spiritual arti. Later return to the station where you will be coming back to the train. Dinner will be served on board and you will be proceeding to Nautanwa for a visit to Lumbini in Nepal.

Enjoy your morning tea on board followed by scrumptious breakfast. Arrive at Nautanwa railway station and proceed by coach to Lumbini. Make sure to keep you passport and visa ready just for security reasons. On arrival, check into the hotel and have your lunch. Proceed for sightseeing tour of Lumbini where you will be visiting Maya Devi Temple and Ashokan Pillar which are the main two attractions of the region. Munch in your dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.

Today after breakfast, check out from the hotel and proceed to Kushinagar by coach. On arrival at Kushinagar head to the hotel for lunch. Post lunch head to visit some of the interesting places of the city such as Mahaparinirvan Temple, Rambhar Stupa, Mata Kutir Temple and other sites that exhibit the true side of the city. Later depart for Gorakhpur by coach. On arrival, depart to Balrampur by Buddhist Train. Have your dinner on board and then proceed to Balrampur to visit Sravasti. Overnight on board the Buddhist train.

You will be arriving at Balrampur railway station and enjoy your morning tea on board. You will be then departing to Sravasti by coach. On arrival, check into the hotel and rest for a while. Later get ready for sightseeing tour that includes places like Jetvana Vihara, Pakki Kuti & Sehat Mahet. Munch in your lunch at the hotel and rest of the day is for leisure. Later proceed to Balrampur railway station and depart for Agra which is your next stop on this Buddhist circuit tour. Overnight and dinner on board the train.

Wake up today with delicious tea on board and later arrive at Agra city railway station. Munch in your breakfast on board and then proceed for sightseeing tour of Agra city. Later proceed to visit Taj Mahal. Built by Shah Jahan, Taj Mahal is considered to be the finest epitome of love attracting tourists from all walks of life. It is also considered to be one of the Seven Wonders of the World making it a unique spot for every kind of travelers. After the tour proceed to Agra Cantt railway station and depart for New Delhi. Have your lunch on board and enjoy tea as well. Later arrive at Safdarjung Railway Station where your luxury train tour will come to an end.
Plan around published operations

Fixed departures & tariff

View published dates and cabin tariffs

Buddhist Circuit Special Train Schedule for 2025-26 & 2026-27

Month Dates
November, 2025 8,22
December, 2025 20
January, 2026 03
February, 2026 21
March, 2027 21

Tariff for Buddhist Train For Season 2024-25 (USD)

Class of Travel Rates (Per Person Per Day)  Tariff for Full Tour (7N/8D) 
AC FIRST CLASS  USD 175 USD 1400
AC TWO TIER USD 145 USD 1160

Tariff for Buddhist Train For Season 2024-25 (INR)

Class of Travel Rates (Per Person Per Day) Tariff for Full Tour (7N/8D) 
AC FIRST CLASS  INR 14375 INR 115000
AC TWO TIER INR 11875 INR 95000

*Surcharge (Per pax):*
1. USD 150 or *INR 12,600* for confirmed 2 berth cabin in AC I class of Full/Partial Tour.
2. USD 200 or *INR 16,800* for single occupancy in hotel for entire tour (applicable for AC I and II). Or USD 50 or INR 4200 per stay/freshen up in hotel.
3. USD 669 or *INR 56,200* (full/partial journey) would be applicable for confirmed allocation of one lower berth only in a 2 seater first class cabin. Upper berth would not be allocated to other passenger.
4. USD 669 or *INR 56,200* (full/partial journey) would be applicable for confirmed allocation of two lower berths in a 4 seater first class cabin. Two upper berths would not be allocated to other passengers.

Note-

• All rates are on per person per journey on twin sharing basis.
• Package rates are inclusive of GST.
• In case of Single Occupancy, supplement charge shall be payable.
• Rates subject to change in case of any change or amendment in the routing, itineraries, inclusions etc.
• Child policy - Child below 5 Years without a berth, sharing berth with the parents is complimentary & child aged between 5 – 12 Years shall be charged 50% of the package rate in an exclusive berth.
• Itineraries and scheduled departures are subject to approval from Ministry of Railways and may change without prior notice.
• Part journeys - Minimum 3 Nights / 4 Days travel may be permitted on pro rata basis in Buddhist Circuit Special Train. 
• INR rates are subject to change.

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Namaste Tra-Eminent India Tours Team,

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Thank you Traeminent India Tours for making my yatra safe and successful. Highly recommended from Singapore.

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Hara Hara Madahev

September, 2026
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Mrs Nirmalaben Gohil

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Mr Nimesh Patel

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This is definitely a company you can trust. I booked my Ladakh trip through TraEminent just by an online search. I took a risk but was met by a truly professional and efficient set up.

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Mr Vijay K Varma

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Mrs Sumita Anant

Singapore & Malaysia · Singapore

We booked a trip to Ladakh based on positive reviews on tripadvisor. It was a personal 7 nights 8 days trip. They asked us our preferences and came up with an itinerary and price with 3 or 4 star hotel options. The trip included leh, pangong tso, shyok,nubra valley, turtuk, alchi and travelling through high altitude snowy passes khardungla and changla and kargil (we added kargil). We went late june early july. It was beautiful and flowers were starting to come up, and also snowmelts. A bit scary in shyok as the road in places disappeared and we drove over stones and through water for a few kilometres. We saw marmot, wild donkey and free horses, yak and several birds. The mountains are majestic. The altitude does make you a bit breathless, none of us had any health condition and we felt it. Our local contact in leg provided by traeminent tours advised us on altitude sickness and he emphasised several times on contacting him if we ever felt unfortable beyond the usual symptoms, how much and when to sleep. We followed his instructions carefully. We also took diomax for tge altitude breathlessness the first night which helped but it makes you thirsty and gives you a headache so we stopped taking it after. For our stay in Pangong tso our Leh person Gurmeet told us to take an oxygen cylinder reason being its higher altitude and there are no hospitals. An oxygen cylinder has 3 hours worth of oxygen should you need to drive to a hospital. We considered the Rs 2,500 an insurance and we did feel more breathless at pangong. While we could have managed without oxygen the oxygen did help ease the tightness in our chest (maybe coming from hot humid sea level singapore we took probably longer to adapt). We chose the 3 star option and did not regret it. Most cases the rooms were spacious and had great views. At pangong tso we asked to upgrade to a room with a view for an additional Rs 6.6k per person we were 3, sharing a room so we paid Rs 19.8k we felt was steep but were told taxes are high and dinner was included. Our Rs 51k per person for the trip included an excellent calm careful and informative driver Jimme and a sturdy spacious vehicle, breakfast and in two places dinner. Jimme's playlist is also great so after our trip we asked him for it. We saw beautiful monastries at Alchi, Lamayuru, Diskit, moonland the impressive Indus, Shyok and Suru rivers which we drove along. Jagmohan our tour coordinator was helpful and accommodating of our requests to add Kargil. Over all an excellent trip and we were glad we chose Traeminent. 

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