Shirdi train booking is straightforward through IRCTC.co.in. The nearest station is Sainagar Shirdi (code SNSI), about 10 km from the Samadhi Mandir. Direct trains include the Sainagar Shirdi Express from Hazur Sahib Nanded, Shirdi Sai Express from Visakhapatnam, and dedicated services from Jodhpur, Mumbai, and Pune.
Sainagar Shirdi Station (SNSI) — The Basics
Sainagar Shirdi railway station opened in March 2009 to bring devotees directly to the temple town. It sits on the Manmad-Daund line of Central Railway and currently handles around 15 daily train services, including originating and pass-through services. The station is modern, accessible, and built in an Indo-Saracenic style with arched windows that mirror the Samadhi Mandir’s design vocabulary.
The station has two platforms, a foot-over-bridge with lifts, retiring rooms, a waiting hall with seating for 400, three vegetarian food stalls, a Sansthan information kiosk, and a pre-paid auto-rickshaw booth.
Major Direct Trains to Shirdi
From Mumbai
- Sainagar Shirdi Express (12715/12716) — Hazur Sahib Nanded to SNSI via LTT Mumbai. Runs daily, overnight journey, 5-6 hours from Lokmanya Tilak Terminus.
- Mumbai LTT – SNSI Special — additional services during festival weeks, check IRCTC schedule.
- CSTM – SNSI Superfast — Wednesday and Saturday weekly service from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus.
From Pune
- Shirdi Sai Express (12193/12194) — Visakhapatnam to Saharsa via Pune and SNSI. The most popular pilgrimage train, runs through Pune (PUNE station) and reaches Shirdi in 3-4 hours.
- Pune – SNSI Tri-weekly Express — dedicated short-haul service, 3.5-hour journey.
From Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana
- Sainagar Shirdi Express (17063/17064) — Secunderabad to SNSI, 12-15 hour overnight journey, daily service. The single most popular pilgrim train for South Indian devotees.
- Shirdi Sai Express (12193) — passes through Vijayawada and reaches SNSI via Pune.
From Bangalore and Karnataka
- Yesvantpur – SNSI Express (16531/16532) — Yesvantpur (Bangalore) to SNSI, 20-hour journey, weekly service. Books out quickly during festivals.
- KSR Bengaluru – SNSI — seasonal special trains around Ram Navami and Punyatithi.
From Chennai and Tamil Nadu
- Chennai Central – SNSI Express (22601/22602) — weekly service, 25-hour journey via Pune.
- Tirupati – SNSI Sai Express — combines two major Indian pilgrim destinations, runs twice weekly.
From Jodhpur and Rajasthan
- Bhagat ki Kothi – SNSI Express (12493/12494) — Jodhpur to SNSI, 24-hour overnight service.
- Jodhpur – SNSI Sai Express — popular with Rajasthani families combining a Mathura-Shirdi yatra.
From North India
- Hazur Sahib Nanded – SNSI Express — also serves Aurangabad and Manmad junction.
- Pilibhit / Lucknow / Delhi connections — via Manmad junction, change to local SNSI service.
How to Book Shirdi Train Tickets
Step 1: Create an IRCTC Account
Visit irctc.co.in or download the official IRCTC Rail Connect app. Register with your mobile number, email, and Aadhaar verification. Account creation is free but mandatory for online booking.
Step 2: Search for SNSI
Enter “Shirdi” or station code “SNSI” in the destination field. The search will return direct trains and connecting options. Set the travel date and quota (General, Tatkal, Premium Tatkal, Ladies, Senior Citizen).
Step 3: Booking Windows
- Advance Reservation — opens 120 days before journey date. Best for festival travel.
- Tatkal — opens at 10 AM (AC) or 11 AM (non-AC) one day before journey. Premium fare applies.
- Premium Tatkal — dynamic pricing, fewer seats but better availability than regular Tatkal.
Step 4: Payment and Ticket
Pay via UPI, net banking, debit card, credit card, or IRCTC eWallet. The e-ticket arrives by SMS and email — carry the SMS plus a valid government ID (Aadhaar, voter ID, passport, or driving licence) on the train.
Tatkal Tips for Shirdi Trains
Shirdi-bound trains during festival weeks (Ram Navami, Guru Purnima, Punyatithi, Datta Jayanti) are notoriously hard to book through normal channels. Tatkal strategies:
- Log in by 9:55 AM and have passenger details pre-saved.
- Use the IRCTC Rail Connect mobile app — it’s faster than the desktop site during Tatkal.
- Try AC Tatkal at 10 AM first; if seats are gone, switch to non-AC at 11 AM.
- Use Premium Tatkal as a backup — fares are 1.5x-3x higher but availability is better.
- Consider connecting routes via Pune, Daund, or Manmad if direct trains are full.
Other Stations Near Shirdi
Kopargaon (KPG)
15 km from Shirdi, an older and well-connected junction on the Manmad-Daund line. Many long-distance trains stop at Kopargaon before SNSI. Auto-rickshaws and shared taxis run between Kopargaon and Shirdi for Rs 100-200.
Manmad Junction (MMR)
58 km from Shirdi, a major junction with frequent connections to Mumbai, Pune, Nashik, and Aurangabad. If your preferred train doesn’t stop at SNSI, alight at Manmad and take a bus or taxi to Shirdi (1.5 hours).
Ahmednagar (ANG)
83 km from Shirdi, located on the Pune-Daund-Manmad line. Useful if you’re combining a Shirdi visit with Shani Shingnapur or other Ahmednagar district shrines. See our places to visit near Shirdi for itinerary ideas.
From SNSI Station to Samadhi Mandir
Auto-Rickshaw
Pre-paid auto-rickshaws operate from the station booth at fixed rates — Rs 50-100 for single-passenger trips, Rs 150-200 for family-of-four shared autos. Always insist on the pre-paid receipt; touts outside the station often quote Rs 300-500.
Sansthan Bus Service
The Shri Sai Baba Sansthan Trust runs a free shuttle bus between SNSI and the Bhakta Niwas accommodation complex during peak hours (5 AM to 10 PM). Look for the saffron-coloured Sansthan bus parked outside the station main exit. No ticket required.
Private Taxi
Ola, Uber, and local taxi operators charge Rs 200-300 for the SNSI-to-mandir route. Useful if you’re carrying heavy luggage or travelling with elders. Pre-book through the app before exiting the station.
Sai Baba Airport (SAG) Connection
If you’re flying in, Sai Baba Airport (Shirdi Airport, code SAG) is just 14 km from the mandir. Domestic flights connect from Mumbai, Delhi, Hyderabad, and Bangalore. From SAG, taxi to mandir is Rs 400-600. Full details on our how to reach Shirdi page.
Important Tips for Train Travel
- Carry printed e-ticket plus the original ID used during booking.
- Reach SNSI station 30 minutes before departure (or arrival, if you’re meeting someone).
- Use cloak rooms at the station if you have early-morning arrival and check-in after noon — Rs 20-30 per piece.
- Avoid food vendors selling unsealed food on platforms; carry your own packed snacks for long journeys.
- For overnight trains, book lower or middle berth for elders.
- During monsoon, allow buffer time — some routes experience delays in July-August.
Combining Train Travel with Other Pilgrim Sites
Shirdi pairs well with several other sacred destinations accessible by train:
- Shirdi + Trimbakeshwar — via Nashik Road station, 90 km north
- Shirdi + Ajanta-Ellora — via Aurangabad station, 130 km
- Shirdi + Pandharpur — via Pune-Solapur route
- Shirdi + Tirupati — direct trains run during Sai-Tirupati special weeks
- Shirdi + Shani Shingnapur — easiest by road, 70 km
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the station code for Shirdi?
SNSI — Sainagar Shirdi. Use this code on IRCTC and railway enquiry portals. Do not confuse with Kopargaon (KPG) or Manmad (MMR), which are nearby but different stations.
How far is Sainagar Shirdi station from the Samadhi Mandir?
About 10 kilometres by road. Auto-rickshaw takes 20-25 minutes, free Sansthan shuttle takes 30 minutes including stops, and taxi takes 15-20 minutes.
Are there direct trains from Delhi to Shirdi?
Limited direct services. Most Delhi-Shirdi journeys are routed via Manmad junction with a change of train. Check IRCTC for the latest Hazrat Nizamuddin and New Delhi connections during festival seasons when special trains are added.
Is Tatkal worth it for Shirdi-bound trains?
For weekday journeys outside festival weeks, Tatkal is usually unnecessary — regular booking 60 days ahead works fine. For festival weeks, Tatkal and Premium Tatkal are often the only realistic options.
Can I cancel my Shirdi train ticket and get a refund?
Yes, IRCTC follows standard Indian Railways cancellation rules — full refund up to 48 hours before departure (minus minor charges), partial refund within 48 hours, and no refund after the train leaves. Tatkal tickets are non-refundable except in cases of train cancellation.
Are there ladies-only compartments on Shirdi trains?
Yes, most Shirdi-bound long-distance trains have a Ladies Coach. Book under the “Ladies Quota” during reservation. Mumbai LTT-SNSI and Pune-SNSI services are particularly well utilised by female solo pilgrims.
What’s the cheapest way to reach Shirdi from Mumbai?
Sleeper class on Sainagar Shirdi Express — around Rs 250-300 one-way. For slightly more comfort, 3AC at Rs 700-900 is the most popular middle-ground option.
Are foreign tourists allowed to book IRCTC tickets to Shirdi?
Yes. Register on IRCTC with your passport and create an international user account. Foreign Tourist Quota (FTQ) seats are available on most pilgrim trains and can be booked at major reservation counters in person or via authorised agents.
