My family which is my parents, wife, our son aged 16 years old and sister and her husband are making plans to go to Shirdi Sai Baba in Shirdi. Our travel options would be on public trasnsport due to the large number of us. We have thought it would be best to travel by train to Shirdi from Hyderabad where we are residing. I need some help in arranging the travel and would like to know how to reach Shirdi by train.
Hello there, welcome to the forum. The nearest railway station to Shirdi Sai Baba is the Sainagar Shirdi Railway Station. It is only about five kms away from the Holy Temple of Shri Sai Baba Samadhi. Back then, the nearest railway stations were Kopargaon Railway Station (20 kms from the temple) and Manmad Junction (60 kms from the temple). With the construction of the Sainagar Shirdi Railway Station, pilgrims have a more convenient option to reach the Shirdi Sai Baba Samadhi. The Shri Sai Baba Sansthan Trust even has buses plying from the station to the temple to transfer pilgrims, free of cost. The station is well connected to other cities like Hyderabad, Secunderabad, Mumbai, Chennai and Chandigarh. Here are the train timings from Hyderabad to Sainagar Shirdi Railway Station: Secunderabad Sainagar Shirdi Express Train No. 17002 - This train departs from Secunderabad Junction only during Sundays and Fridays at 16:40. It arrives on Sainagar Shirdi Railway Station during Mondays and Saturdays at 9:15. Kakinada Sainagar Shirdi Express Train No. 17206 - This train departs from Secunderabad Junction only during Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays at 16:40. It arrives on Sainagar Shirdi Railway Station during Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays at 9:15. Vijayawada Sainagar Shirdi Express Train No. 17208 - This train departs from Secunderabad Junction only during Tuesdays at 16:40. It arrives on Sainagar Shirdi Railway Station during Wednesdays at 9:15. Tirupati Sainagar Shirdi Weekly Express Train No. 17417 - This train departs from Malkajgiri only during Tuesdays at 21:31. It arrives on Sainagar Shirdi Railway Station during Wednesdays at 12:15. Visakhapatnam Sainagar Shirdi Express Train No. 18503 - This train departs from Secunderabad Junction only during Thursdays at 22:00. It arrives on Sainagar Shirdi Railway Station during Fridays at 12:15. Journey time is around 13 hours to 16 hours. Fares differ depending on the class: SL is at Rs. 395 per passenger, AC 3 is at Rs. 1,070 per passenger and AC 2 is at Rs. 1,545 per passenger. Children aged 5 to 11 years old have half fares: SL is at Rs. 190 per passenger, AC 3 is at Rs. 515 per passenger and AC 2 is at Rs. 750 per passenger. Seniors also have different fares: SL is at Rs. 210 for female passenger & Rs. 245 for male passenger, AC 3 is at Rs. 555 for female passenger & Rs. 660 for male passenger and AC 2 is at Rs. 800 for female passenger & Rs. 950 for male passenger. I hope this helps.
Traveling to Shirdi by train is a convenient option, and here's a general guide on how to reach Shirdi from Hyderabad by train: **1. Identify the Nearest Railway Station in Hyderabad: Find the nearest railway station in Hyderabad from where trains to Shirdi are available. Major railway stations in Hyderabad include Secunderabad Junction and Hyderabad Deccan Railway Station. **2. Check Train Routes: Explore train routes that connect Hyderabad to Shirdi. Trains from Hyderabad to Shirdi may have different routes, so check for direct or connecting trains. **3. Search for Direct Trains: Look for direct trains from Hyderabad to Shirdi, if available. Direct trains can simplify the journey, especially when traveling with a group. **4. Use Online Railway Booking Platforms: Visit official railway booking platforms or apps to check train schedules, availability, and ticket prices. Popular platforms include the Indian Railways website, IRCTC, or third-party booking apps. **5. Book Tickets in Advance: Book train tickets well in advance, especially if you are traveling with a large group. This ensures availability and allows you to secure seats together. **6. Consider Class of Travel: Choose the class of travel based on your preferences and budget. Options include Sleeper Class (SL), AC 3 Tier (3A), AC 2 Tier (2A), and others. **7. Plan Departure and Arrival Times: Check the departure and arrival times of the selected trains. Consider schedules that suit your group's preferences and convenience. **8. Pack Essentials: Pack essentials for the journey, including tickets, identification documents, snacks, and any necessary items for the family members. **9. Board the Train: Reach the railway station on time and board the train. Ensure that all family members are accounted for and have the necessary tickets. **10. Arrival in Shirdi: - Upon reaching Shirdi, the nearest railway station is Sainagar Shirdi Railway Station. Plan local transportation options to reach the main pilgrimage site, the Shirdi Sai Baba Temple. Tips: Check for special or seasonal trains to Shirdi that might offer additional convenience. Keep an eye on the weather and pack accordingly. Plan your stay in Shirdi in advance, especially during peak seasons. Remember to verify the latest train schedules and availability, as they may be subject to change. This general guide should help you get started on arranging your family's train journey to Shirdi. Safe travels and a blessed visit to Shirdi Sai Baba!