The Lucknow railway station can be confusing for first-time travellers because two stations with different station codes are located adjacent to each other. Therefore, passengers need to gather details to know which station their train departs from.
From the outside, passengers may think it is one big complex, but the two stations operate under different administrations. Both stations are confused with Lucknow station, with station codes LJN and LKO. Since both stations share the same area, both are confused with the name Charbagh railway station.
However, passengers looking to travel through railway station Lucknow, must collect the details to avoid confusion or missing the train. This post will explain the Lucknow station and its facilities, trains passing through it, and what makes it different from its adjacent railway station.
Lucknow Junction (LJN): Choti Line But Major Gateway
LJN station is locally associated with the “Choti Line”, located in Charbagh. The station is operated under the North Eastern Railway zone and Lucknow NER Division. Since the station handled the meter gauge (Choti Line) route in the past, it became famous locally as the Choti Line.
However, Lucknow Junction has been converted to broad gauge, but locals still remember it by its historic name. Currently, the station handles about 50,000 passengers daily and handles popular trains like Vande Bharat, Tejas Express, Shatabdi Express, and Lucknow Mail. So, passengers must check their PNR status to find the station code and identify the right station.
Moreover, it is a terminal station, which means trains must stop and make a reversal to depart. The station is connected to Durgapuri Metro Station at platform number 1 via a skywalk. The station connects the Uttar Pradesh capital to major cities of North-East India.
Lucknow Railway Station Overview
- Station Name: Lucknow Junction or Lucknow NE
- Station Code: LJN
- City: Lucknow
- State: Uttar Pradesh
- Zone: North Eastern Railway (NER)
- Number of Platforms: 6
Lucknow Charbagh (LKO): Another Major Station Beside LJN
The Lucknow Charbagh station code LKO is another major station sharing the same location but with a different zone and administration. Many passengers get confused with this station, which sometimes becomes a major reason for missing trains. Therefore, passengers must check the train schedule and station code to avoid last-minute surprises and ensure comfortable boarding.
The Lucknow Charbagh railway station (LKO) operates under the Northern Railway zone. Arrival at this station or conversion between the two stations can be easy, but ticket booking requires separate attention. Therefore, passengers must check the station code before ticket booking because each station code represents a different station.
- LJN: Lucknow Junction
- LKO: Lucknow Charbagh
Popular Trains at Lucknow NE Station
Lucknow NER station, commonly known as Lucknow NE or Choti Line, handles several premium and popular trains offering a comfortable journey in a short time. Trains connecting multiple cities across India can be found through Lucknow Jn Railway Station (LJN). However, some of the popular trains at LJN railway station are as follows.
LJN-DDN Vande Bharat Express 22545
The Lucknow railway station offers the 22454 Vande Bharat Express to connect Lucknow NE to Dehradun railway station. The train completes its journey of 545 km in 8 hours and 25 minutes. The train improves connectivity between Lucknow LJN and Dehradun including other stations Shahjehanpur, Bareilly, Moradabad, Najibabad Jn, and Haridwar Jn.
Lucknow Junction-Anand Vihar Terminal Double Decker Train
Trains from Uttar Pradesh capital Lucknow to National Capital Region Delhi include the Double Decker Trains. It is a bi-directional superfast express offering short travel time to cover 480 kms in 8 hours. However, the 12583/12584 Double Decker train stops at Bareilly, Moradabad, and Ghaziabad to connect the stations.
Kanpur Central-Kathgodam Garibrath Express
The train 12209 Garibrath Express covers the Lucknow NE railway station in its route, offering a comfortable and affordable journey to passengers. However, it covers major stations like Bareilly, Rampur, Lal Kuan, and Haldwani on its route.
Lucknow-New Delhi Shatabdi Express
Lucknow LJN station connects Uttar Pradesh with Delhi, offering the 12003/12004 Shatabdi Express to complete 512 km in 6 hours and 55 minutes. During the journey, it covers Kanpur Central, Etawah Jn, Aligarh Jn, and Ghaziabad railway station. Passengers can check the live train running status to find real-time updates and plan accordingly.
Agra Fort-Lucknow Superfast Express
Multiple trains run between Agra and Lucknow. Train number 12179 Agra Fort-Lucknow Superfast Express is known for connecting multiple stations in its route and covering 329 km in about 5 hours. During the journey, it connects major stations like Kanpur Central, Etawah Jn, Shikohabad Jn, Firozabad, and Tundla Jn, improving connectivity.
What Makes Lucknow Junction (LJN) Different from Other Railway Stations?
Multiple things make LJN railway station different from other railway stations.
- The station operates under the NER zone with station code LJN and is located adjacent to the main Lucknow railway station, Charbagh, with station code LKO.
- Platform number 6 offers a dedicated underpass cabway for vehicles like two-wheelers, autos, and cabs with direct access.
- The station operates major premium trains with originating and terminating destinations like Tejas Express, Swarn Shatabdi, and others.
- However, the unique feature making LJN Railway Station different from other stations is that it provides access to all platforms at ground level without using an overhead footbridge.
Facilities Available at Lucknow NE Railway Station
Multiple facilities are available at Lucknow Railway Station, offering comfort during the journey.
Platforms at Lucknow Railway Station
6 Active platforms equipped with digital boards and speakers are available, managing multiple trains originating and terminating at the station.
Tickets and Enquiries at LJN Junction
The station offers computerised reservation counters and automatic ticket vending machines. Moreover, touch-screen enquiry terminals are also available for passenger comfort.
Waiting Area at Lucknow NER
Passengers can use the AC or non-AC waiting area. It helps to rest while waiting for trains or when changing trains.
Refreshment Area
The railway station Lucknow offers a food court to get snacks and meals during the journey. However, passengers can use the RailMitra train food delivery service to get restaurant-quality meals on wheels.
Cloakroom Service at Lucknow Junction
The LJN station also offers cloakroom services to store luggage and explore the nearby area. Moreover, it can also be used during long waits to explore the station without heavy luggage.
Retiring Room at LJN Railway Station
Passengers can also plan short stays in the station premises using the retiring room. It allows booking dormitory, AC, or non-AC rooms available on the first floor.
Lifts and Escalators Connecting Platforms
For easy mobility, the station also provides lifts and escalators connecting foot over bridges to change platforms. However, ground-level access to each platform is also available at the start of the railway station.
Entry and Exit Facility at Multiple Platforms
Passengers can access Durgapuri Metro station from platform number 1. Moreover, passengers can also access the NER station Cabway road through platform number 6. However, the main entry provides direct access to each platform of LJN Station.
Easy Access to Charbagh Railway Station in Charbagh
The railway stations LKO and LJN are adjacent to each other. Therefore, passengers can access the Lucknow railway station Charbagh just by walking.
FAQ’s on Lucknow Railway Station
Q. What is Lucknow Junction Station code?
Ans. The station code for Lucknow Jn railway station is LJN. However, it is also known as Lucknow NE or “Choti Line” station located at Charbagh.
Q. Is Lucknow Junction and Charbagh Lucknow the same?
Ans. Both Lucknow Jn and Charbagh Lucknow station are different from each other. Lucknow Jn station code is LJN and Lucknow Charbagh railway station code is LKO. However, both are located at Charbagh, adjacent to each other at walking distance.
Q. Which railway zone operates the Lucknow Junction?
Ans. The Lucknow Junction is operated by the North Eastern Railway (NER) zone. Therefore, it is also known as Lucknow NE station.
Q. How many platforms are available at railway station Lucknow?
Ans. The LJN railway station has six platforms, handling hundreds of trains daily. However, each platform is connected to ground-level access and foot overbridges.
Q. What are the entry or exit points for Lucknow Railway station?
Ans. The railway station offers platform no. 1 direct access to Durgapuri Metro station for comfortable connectivity to different regions of Lucknow. However, Platform No. 6 offers Cabway Road with two-wheelers, cabs, or auto-rickshaws. Moreover, it has direct access from the front gate of the station adjacent to Charbagh Lucknow.
Q. Does Lucknow Junction have a retiring room and Cloakroom facility?
Ans. Yes, Lucknow NE has both a retiring room and cloakroom facility. However, it offers other facilities, like parking, lifts, escalators, direct access to the metro, refreshment area, waiting area, and many more.
Q. How can passengers avoid confusion between LJN and LKO?
Ans. Passengers must check the PNR status and find the station code. LJN station is a terminus station with six platforms. Similarly, passengers with tickets mentioning LKO can reach Charbagh station, which has 9 platforms adjacent to LJN and is within walking distance.
Read More: Heading to Mathura Railway Station? Explore the Complete Guide
Read More: Kalyan Railway Station Details: Routes, Platforms, and Facilities












