Have you even really been to India if you haven’t taken an Indian train? Train travel in India is more than just a means of transport. It truly is part of the culture and experience of travel in India.
The India train network spans 63,000 km of rail routes and 6,800 stations so it’s fairly safe to say you can travel between almost any two destinations in India by train.
I’m going to detail an entire travel guide to India trains below. But the first piece of advice I have to share is simply; take the train.
Don’t be afraid of taking trains in India. Don’t be worried they’re crowded or that you might not understand where to get on or off. Taking a train in India is an entire experience.
- Where to start?
- Booking tickets
- Classes of train travel
- How much does it cost?
- Car and carriage numbering
- Facilities on board
- Indian train stations
- Train travel in India with kids
- Questions (and answers) about train travel in India
- Download the right apps
Do you need an advance reservation for train travel in India?
Yes, you definitely need a reservation for train travel in India. Trains often get booked out weeks or even months in advance.
It used to be common that some trains had a reserved Foreign Tourist Quota (seats reserved for tourists making last minute reservations to important destinations). But with the advancement of online bookings this can’t be counted on. I recommend making your booking as far in advance as possible.
BOOKING TICKETS – Train Travel in India
Because trains in India get booked in advance I recommend buying tickets online before you travel.
If you have a contact or friend in India it might be easier to book through them ahead of time. Otherwise there are essentially 3 options for you to book train travel in India:
- Go to a railway station and book in person when you arrive
- Book online directly from Indian Railways at the IRCTC website www.irctc.co.in
- Book online through third party 12GoAsia.
Booking online through ticketing agency 12go.asia is without doubt the easiest and most straightforward option.
This is the option we used to book all our train travel in India. But I will detail both online options below.
Online Option 1: Book online directly from Indian Railways IRCTC website
This is not the most straightforward option but once you are registered you’ll have access to all routes, trains, classes and ticket types at a lower cost than booking through a third party. (This is a less reviewed way of booking train travel in India as up until 2016 IRCTC did not accept international credit cards).
However (in theory) it works now from overseas.
- First you need to register an account with IRCTC. Go to www.irctc.co.in and click REGISTER top right. Enter the details to create an account.
- Choose a username and enter your mobile number with country code (it will now accept international country codes).
- Check your emails for the Online Rail Ticket Reservation User Registration Confirmation. Click the link to activate your account and enter your chosen ID and password to log in.
- Fill in the destination and boarding point along with the date of desired journey.
- Check the list of times and options for different classes of train travel and select your choice. A new window opens for filling the required passenger details.
- Make your payment through the preferred payment gateway.
- Check your emails for a message of confirmation and your electronic ticket details.
Online Option 2: Book through 12GoAsia
This is the quickest and most reliable booking option we have found. Albeit you do need to pay a bit extra for the booking fee. But for sure the ease of service and reliability of this option makes it worth it.
The website is very straightforward. Enter your destination details and desired date of journey and the different timing options and classes will be displayed if available.
Your electronic ticket will be emailed to you.
This is all you need to show at the train station and/or to the guard or attendant on board.
CLASSES – Train Travel in India
There are 8 classes of seats and accommodation to purchase for train travel in India. Not all of them are available on every train.
We have tried nearly all classes now and can recommend different options for distances and comfort (and adventure) around India.
These are the train classes listed below in descending order according to price per fare.
First Class (1A)
This is the most expensive class of train travel in India. There are 4-berth cabins and 2-berth coupes available on popular routes. The main difference between this class and 2-Tier AC is that First Class has a lockable cabin door for complete privacy.
Second AC – 2-Tier AC (2A)
This is a comfortable class for overnight travel. This is the train travel class we would recommend for intercity, overnight or mid-long journeys.
This Second Class AC has 4 berths per cabin with bedding provided.
The only shortfall on 2A Class is that it lacks a lockable door on the cabin (a curtain is provided instead).
Third AC – 3-Tier AC (3A)
Third Class AC is an air-conditioned coach cabin with 64 berths per carriage.
The bottom berth is folded down during the day (with 3 numbers above each seating space) for seated travel. Bedding is provided.
Sleeper Class (SL)
This is the most common class of train travel in India.
Sleeper (SL) has regular sleeping coaches with three berths vertically facing each other but without any air conditioning.
This is probably our favourite train travel experience in India. I would recommend Sleeper for an early morning and short distance journey purely for the experience.
AC Executive Chair Class (EC)
This is a seated air-conditioned class with four seats in a row and spacious seating and legroom.
AC Executive Chair Class is now only found on the popular Shatabdi Express, Vande Bharat Express &Tejas Express trains.
Seated AC / AC Chair Car (CC)
This is a similar seated air-conditioned coach with five seats in a row.
General / Second Class Seats (2S, II)
These are the lowest class of train travel in India.
The General compartment are open plan cars with wooden or padded plastic seats.
This is the most basic and cheapest class of travel (recommended for short daytime journeys when you’re feeling up for it). Seats are often non-reserved so you will need to join the rush on entering…
COST – How much does it cost to ride trains in India?
Fares vary for train travel in India depending on class and distance (obviously). Plus, ticket prices will also be higher booking through a third party (like 12GoAsia).
Here are example ticket prices for the popular 3-hour(ish) train journey New Delhi to Agra:
- First Class (1A): 1510 INR
- Extended AC Chair (EC): 1285 INR
- 2-Tier AC (2a): 945 INR
- 3-Tier AC (3A): 740 INR
- AC Chair Class (CC): 640 INR
- Sleeper (SL): 242 INR
TRAIN STATIONS – Train Travel in India
This almost warrants documenting as an entire adventure in itself. Navigating Indian train stations can be intense. But there are also smaller stations and stops where you will be offered help and food and a place to sit (even if you weren’t looking for it).
On our second trip to India we took a multi-day train from Kolkata to Mumbai – literally right across India!
Kolkata Railway Station (Howrah) is enormous. But it functions like clockwork with systems that have been improved upon and working for decades. Albeit that is if you can find your name on the typewriter-printed paper charts pinned to wall to allocate seating!
The smaller stations (like Jodhpur, Jaisalmer etc) give you a bit of breathing room to understand how an Indian train station functions.
There are ticket booking lines, electronic arrival and departure screens, an enquiry booth, security checks, shops and stalls, bathrooms, waiting rooms and the sound of chai wallahs making their call.
- Tip: There is often a waiting room for customers booked in any of the AC Class. It is sometimes called a ‘Retiring Room’…
COACHES AND CARRIAGES – Carriage Numbering
This is important. (Learn from our mistakes here).
Coaches and carriages on longer distance Indian trains are numbered according to class like this:
- AC1: Car H1, H2, H3 (1, 2 and 3 are the number of coaches of that class on the train)
- 2A/2-Tier: Car A1, A2, A3 etc.
- 3A/3-Tier: Car B1, B2, B3 etc.
- AC Chair Car: Car C1, C2, C3 etc.
- Sleeper/SL: Car S1, S2, S3 etc.
So for example, if you have booked a 3-Tier AC ticket your booking status will show:
- B2/25/Lower
Where B2 is the car number and 25 is the seat number (lower berth).
Each carriage or car is labelled on the outside with the according number (eg. B1 or B2). Some stations have electronic boards above the platform to let you know which car is lined up at that spot on the platform.
We underestimated the importance of getting on the correct train car in Jodhpur on our first trip.
We saw ‘2-Tier’ and just jumped on. But the Ranikhet Express has over 24 carriages. That is a long way to run with two backpacks on and two kids in tow to find your correct car as the train signal is sounding!
- Tip: Check your ticket ahead of time and determine your Car Number, Class and Seat.
TRAVEL WITH KIDS – Train Travel in India
Travelling in India with kids certainly adds to the adventure. You need to have your wits about you navigating busy train stations. Though that is pretty standard advice for travel with children in general, right?
There is a discount for purchasing a child ticket on Indian trains. But unless your child is very young (and small in size) I recommend booking a full ticket and entire berth or seat.
Plan ahead and bring snacks and water. There are stops along the way and attendants selling small juices, water and food as you go. But it’s a given rule to always be prepared with snacks for the kids.
Bring toilet paper and wet-wipes or soap to make efforts for hygiene even on Indian trains. Little hands touch all kinds of things and it will give you peace of mind to know you are at least making all attempts to keep things as hygienic as possible.
- Read our detailed India With Kids Travel Guide.
MEALTIMES – What about food on long trains?
On long distance trains there will often be the option to purchase a ‘food-included option’ when buying your ticket online.
But don’t panic it you can’t see this option available.
There aren’t restaurant or buffet cars on Indian Railways. But on long distance trains there are plenty of train attendants who will come to your cabin or car and ask if you would like to order food.
The attendant may come by with the box of food for breakfast. Then for lunch and dinner the attendant will come by earlier and take your order.
It is not expensive and will likely have a veg and non-veg option to choose from.
For snacks, drinks, water and chai on the popular routes the attendants come through the cars regularly selling different options for a few rupees.
- Read tips on how to avoid Delhi Belly during travel in India.
TOILETS – What are the facilities like?
As above, the facilities available on different train lines and in stations are varied depending on which class you are travelling. Or which train station you are embarking at.
In our experience, the AC Classes (1A, 2AC, 3AC) have two toilets in each carriage – there is usually one western style toilet and one squat toilet. There should be water to wash your hands. But unless you are in First Class there almost definitely won’t be toilet paper provided. (Plan ahead with that one).
Train stations also have varied toilet facilities in the waiting rooms. Though there are shops selling everything from wet-wipes to water and colouring-in books for kids.
- Tip: Facilities really depend on the size of city and station. But if you have any doubts or questions, don’t be afraid to ask someone for help.
What are the toilets like?
I’m not going to lie. We were nervous about this aspect of train travel in India. But I can honestly say the toilet experience turned out to be better/less-disappointing than we dared anticipate.
Perhaps we are getting concerningly more seasoned?!
Train toilet facilities are pretty much as expected. They are basic but functional and varying by class and capacity.
Each carriage has 1-2 toilets and in 1A and 2A there is often one western option.
There isn’t likely soap or toilet paper (be prepared with that). But because tickets are pre-purchased in the AC carriages and seating is assigned there isn’t a problem of over-crowding.
Can you leave the train to buy water and snacks?
This always a worry.
In theory the latest IXIGO App should indicate how long a stop will be at a station. But we found it more reliable the old fashioned way and asked the nearest guard (or passenger) if we had time to run and grab snacks.
Otherwise don’t stress yourself about missing the train or being left behind in the middle of rural India somewhere.
Each train we have travelled on has friendly chai wallah’s that will sound out their call throughout the train, “Chai, chai, pani, chai…”.
Just go with what is on offer and enjoy the adventure!
ELECTRICS – Recharging mobiles and devices
There are electric shaver plug sockets in 1A, 2A and 3A sleeper cars. These usually also have a plug which can be used to recharge mobile phones and devices.
The sockets sometimes do work…
BEDDING – What are the beds and sheets like?
In 1A, 2A and 3A fresh sheets and pillowcases are provided for anything above a medium distance journey. They have been bleached and pressed to perfection and come packaged per passenger in a paper bag.
The beds are basic berths as the pictures depict. It’s hot up on the top bunk in Sleeper Class but in AC the temperature is controlled and it is a comfortable way to travel.
The bed length is standard and long enough (even for us as tall NZ-travellers) to sleep comfortably. Plus there is ample storage under the bottom bunk for luggage.
Do the trains run on time?
India has a massive railway network and many different types of train (local, express, long-distance). So punctuality can’t always be relied on.
Though in all our years of travelling by train in India I have to say it hasn’t been too bad!
- Tip: The IXIGO app is useful for checking the status of your train departure.
How do you know where to get off?
Station nameboards are clearly shown at every station.
If you have service on your mobile you can check ahead on Google Maps (I called this the old fashioned way before we braved the app). But the app actually has an alarm that can be set to warn you when your station is coming up.
Otherwise, ask someone in your carriage. People are friendly and happy to help.
- Tip: The chances are you won’t even have to ask and people will give you a heads up you are nearly at your station!
APPS TO DOWNLOAD – Train Travel in India
There are many (far too many) different apps for train travel in India including plenty of third party apps.
Though out of all of them, we recommend the IRCTC app or Ixigo. Both are available for iPhone and android.
IRCTC Connect
With this app you can check train schedules between destinations and input your PNR to check the status of your booking (and timing of your train). The app has real-time details of whether your train is running on schedule and will tell you which platform you are departing from.
IXIGO Indian Rail App
This is the official Rail info app of Ixigo.com travel planner website. It provides most of the information required to plan a train journey in India allowing you to check the trains for your destination, ticket availability etc. You can book tickets on IRCTC from within this Ixigo app for all your train journeys.
ENJOY THE ADVENTURE – That is Train Travel in India!
The most important tip for train travel in India is simply to enjoy your Indian train travel journey!
Depending on what sort of experience you are looking for you might find your favourite class of train for travel in India surprises you.
But regardless of the destination or the class of travel, it is the journey that is an adventure. You’ll meet locals, try new snacks and you can relax while the Indian countryside rolls on by.
Enjoy the adventure of train travel in India!
ACCOMMODATION – Where we stay and recommend in North India
These are the hotels and guesthouses we stay in travelling in India and can recommend for your trip.
- Delhi (Airport) / Mid-Range: Taurus Sarovar Portico
Beautiful hotel only a few km’s from Delhi International Airport and great first stop arriving in India with buffet breakfast included and a restaurant onsite.
- South Delhi / Mid-Range: Haveli Hauz Khas
A homestay style Haveli in the popular Hauz Khas area of South Delhi.
- New Delhi / Mid-Range-Luxury: Shangri La’s Eros Hotel
The hotel has a few in house restaurants, including the signature Shang Palace and Sorrento. There’s also a gym, an outdoor pool and a spa.
- New Delhi / Budget: Smyle Inn
Extremely basic hotel in small back alley but with very friendly, helpful staff and simple breakfast included. Just off Main Bazaar.
- Agra / Budget-Mid: Aman Homestay
Very friendly family-run homestay with rooftop views of The Taj Mahal. Great rickshaw driver service and home cooked meals. We stay here with our Group Trips to India.
- Agra / Budget-Mid: The Coral House Homestay by the Taj
Located only 700 metres from Taj Mahal with a relaxing homestay feel and comfortable common areas. A great dinner and breakfast option. We really enjoyed staying here.
- Agra / Mid-Luxury: Hotel Taj Resorts
Beautiful resort style accommodation only 600 metres from the Taj. Enjoy the incredible restaurant on-site and refreshing swimming pool.
- Amritsar / Mid: Hotel Regency Amritsar
Fabulous hotel in Amritsar with swimming pool and restaurants on site.
- Varanasi / Budget-Mid: Hotel Temple of Ganges
Simple rooms with options for triple/family accommodation. Close to Assi Ghat with rooftop views to the River Ganges.
ACCOMMODATION – Where we stay and recommend in North India
- Jaipur / Mid-Range: Jaipur Haveli
We recommend Jaipur Haveli and stay here on our India Group Trips. It is an incredible old haveli home in heart of Jaipur with beautiful rooms, great attention to detail and very friendly staff and owners.
- Jaisalmer / Budget: The Wanderlust Guesthouse
AMAZING guest-house! We love staying here and can highly recommend. Great rooms; rooftop restaurant overlooking the fort; awesome camel safaris!
- Bikaner / Budget: The Prince Haveli
The haveli has been lovingly restored and is located right in the centre of the old city. It is a basic accommodation, but the rooms are comfortable, and it is an affordable way to experience a traditional Haveli in Bikaner.
- Jodhpur / Budget: Raj Mandir Boutique Homestay
Good location in Blue City, spacious room with small balcony inside Haveli style home. Tiny little doors, lots of unique decor and artefacts.
- Udaipur / Budget: Hotel Lake Star
The hotel is a family run business with breakfast included and great views from the simple, but spacious rooftop restaurant.
Read more about travel in North India
- Epic 10 Day Rajasthan Itinerary.
- Things To Do In Jaisalmer, Rajasthan.
- What To See In Jaisalmer Fort.
- Local Desert Cuisine And Food To Try In Jaisalmer.
- Getting The Bus From Jaisalmer To Jodhpur Or Bikaner.
- Overnight Train Delhi To Jaisalmer.
- Taking The Train Jaipur To Jaisalmer.
- Leaving Jaisalmer To Jaipur (Jodhpur) By Overnight Train.
- Choosing The Best Camel Safari In Jaisalmer.
More about travel planning for India and beyond
These are the companies we use and can recommend for planning and booking travel.
- Booking.com – The best all-around accommodation booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates.
- 12GoAsia – Book trains anywhere in India.
- Skyscanner– This is by far our favourite flight search engine. They are able to search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites often miss. We book all our flights through Skyscanner.
- GetYourGuide– Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions offered all around the world including everything from walking tours, to street-food tours, cooking classes, desert safaris and more!
- SafetyWing – A global travel insurance that covers people from all over the world while outside their home country. You can buy it short or longterm; and even if you are out of the country.
- World Nomads – Travel insurance tailored for longterm travel and nomads (including those who have already left home). Make sure you have insurance before embarking on train travel in India!
5 thoughts on “Worried about taking the train in India? Don’t be. Read This Guide To India Trains.”
Very clear and easy to follow advice, thank you
Thanks Jonathan 🙂
CC class in a train stands for AC Chair Car. It is a type of train car that features seats arranged in rows, similar to those found in an airplane. These seats might not lean back, and they might not have their own screens.CC class is usually found in long distance trains and is considered as a more comfortable option compared to other classes like general compartment or sleeper.
https://www.letsdiskuss.com/what-is-cc-class-in-a-train
Thank you for your clear information ….from an Indian abroad travelling all around India by train very shortly. Much appreciated
I love train travel. It’s a great feeling to watch that scenery slowly, I will take your suggestions into consideration, I read your article with pleasure.