Pune's Vande Bharat Express: Is Saving 90 Minutes Worth Paying Double The Price?

By Prashant for PuneriPages.in

So here’s the thing — Pune’s shiny new Vande Bharat trains are fast, sleek, and definitely turning heads. They’re cutting down travel time on key routes, and if you’re someone who likes being on the go (like me), that’s exciting. But the catch? The fares. We’re talking up to 300% more than your regular superfast trains. So I had to ask myself: is that extra speed worth the extra spend?

I put together this simple breakdown to help both of us decide.

Head-to-Head Comparison: What Do You Really Get?

Pune to Solapur

Feature	Vande Bharat	Hutatma Express (Superfast)
🕒 Travel Time	~ 3 hours	~ 4.5 hours
💸 AC Chair Car Fare	₹900 – ₹1100	₹500 – ₹600
💸 Executive Class Fare	₹1,800 – ₹2,000	N/A
⚡ Time Saved	~ 1.5 hours	–
💰 Extra Cost	60-100% more	–

Pune to Mumbai

Feature	Vande Bharat	Deccan Queen (Superfast)
🕒 Travel Time	~ 3 hours	~ 3.5 – 4 hours
💸 AC Chair Car Fare	₹115	₹60-80 (2S/CC)
💸 Executive Class Fare	₹195	N/A
⚡ Time Saved	~ 45 mins – 1 hour	–
💰 Extra Cost	~ 60-120% more	–

Pune to Secunderabad

Feature	Vande Bharat	Shatabdi/Superfast
🕒 Travel Time	~ 7.5 hours	~ 9.5 – 10.5 hours
💸 AC Chair Car Fare	₹1,500+	₹800 – ₹1,000
💸 Executive Class Fare	₹2,800+	N/A
⚡ Time Saved	~ 2-3 hours	–
💰 Extra Cost	~ 70-100% more	–

The Real Value of Time Saved

For Business Travelers: If you’ve got back-to-back meetings, saving even an hour is gold. You could close a deal and still make it to your next destination the same day. That’s productivity.

For Families: Let’s be honest – traveling with kids can be chaotic. Cutting down on travel time means fewer meltdowns (for them and you).

For Day-Trippers: Planning a same-day return? More time at your destination is always a win.

So, Who Should Choose What?

✅ Go for Vande Bharat If:

You’re traveling for work and time is critical.
You prefer clean, modern trains.
You’ve got only a day to spare.
You’re traveling with elders or kids.

✅ Stick With Superfast Express If:

You’re watching your wallet (hello students!).
You’re in no rush.
You need last-minute flexibility.

Comfort & Experience: Not Just About Speed

Vande Bharat

Feels premium with rotating seats and touchscreens.
Quiet, clean, and efficient.
Onboard food (optional, but convenient).

Superfast Trains

Simple and familiar.
Sleeper class = budget-friendly.
Food? You’ll find something at major stops or bring your own.

Final Thoughts: What Do You Value More?

For me, it really comes down to the situation. If I’m traveling for work or with family, I don’t mind shelling out more for comfort and time. But when it’s a solo trip and I’m not in a hurry, I’ll stick with the classics.

At the end of the day, there’s no “one-size-fits-all” here. It’s about priorities.

Hope this breakdown helps you decide better. If you found this useful, share it with someone who’s planning their next Pune trip.

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