The Shatabdi pair
The Shatabdi Express between New Delhi and Rani Kamlapati, Bhopal, runs as 12002 towards Bhopal and 12001 in the other direction. Schedules list Mathura Junction as its second stop after Delhi, about 141 km from New Delhi, with a one-minute halt. The whole run covers roughly 707 km.
Stops on the Bhopal side include Bina, Lalitpur, Jhansi, Gwalior, Morena, Dhaulpur and Agra Cantt. Since the halt at Mathura is so short, make sure everyone stands near the door with luggage ready well before arrival.
Other ways
Many Delhi-bound express trains from Madhya Pradesh also pass Mathura. If you can leave overnight, an AC sleeper puts you here by morning. Flying to Delhi takes just over an hour, but you then need a cab for three and a half hours, so the saving is small.
By road, Bhopal to Mathura is a very long drive. We recommend the train.
Four days that feel like a yatra
- Day 1: arrive by Shatabdi, check in at Laladham, Banke Bihari and evening aarti.
- Day 2: Mathura Janmasthan, Dwarkadhish and Vishram Ghat, and Gokul.
- Day 3: Govardhan with a local guide, Radha Kund and Barsana.
- Day 4: Prem Mandir at sunrise, then the afternoon train.
On the way, or on the way back
Bhopal travellers have an unusual advantage: Orchha, Gwalior and Jhansi lie along the same line. A stop at Orchha, then onward to Braj, ties two Rama and Krishna centres in a single journey. This needs a second day, so plan your tickets accordingly.
Madhya Pradesh in Braj
Many Bhopal pilgrims come to fulfil family vows at Banke Bihari or Radha Raman, and many have ties to Ujjain, where Krishna studied. A guide who knows the story of Sandipani and Krishna's school days adds a layer to the Mathura visit.
Planning the tickets
Chair car on the Shatabdi sells out around Kartik, Holi and Diwali. Book the moment the window opens, and keep an alternate on an overnight express if you are a group. For a larger party, we can offer cab-only transport from Agra Cantt or Mathura, so only part of the group needs the same train.
Keep one person at the door and one with the bags.
Madhya Pradesh to Braj, in one frame
The same railway line passes Gwalior and Jhansi, which means the past of the land is visible out of the window: forts, rivers, and the Chambal ravines. Many Bhopal travellers say the train ride itself puts them in the right mood for the yatra.
Our responsibility
We try to act as the Gita teaches, doing the task in front of us with full care. Your driver is already at the Mathura platform exit before the Shatabdi arrives.
- Shatabdi running days and exact timings in the direction of travel
- Whether the Vande Bharat on this line stops at Mathura
- Direct flights from Bhopal to Delhi and Agra
Dates checked: 2026-10-23