Train Stations in India: Your Guide to Navigating Rail Travel Across the Country

When you think of travel in India, train stations, the vital hubs where millions begin and end their journeys every day. Also known as railway stations, they’re not just places to catch a train—they’re living rooms of the nation, where vendors sell chai, families reunite, and stories unfold on every platform. India’s rail network is the fourth largest in the world, carrying over 23 million passengers daily. Whether you’re heading from Delhi to Agra or Mumbai to Goa, your journey starts at one of these stations—and knowing what to expect makes all the difference.

Not all train stations, from grand colonial-era terminals to small rural halts. Also known as railway stations, they vary wildly in size, service, and atmosphere. Major hubs like New Delhi Railway Station or Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus in Mumbai feel like cities within cities, with food courts, waiting lounges, and ticket counters stretching for blocks. Smaller stations, like those in Rajasthan or Kerala, offer a slower pace—locals chat on benches, children run between platforms, and the scent of samosas drifts from carts. Understanding this range helps you prepare: bring snacks if you’re heading to a quiet stop, but expect crowds and noise in big cities.

What connects these places? Indian railways, the backbone of ground travel for students, workers, pilgrims, and tourists alike. Also known as Railway Board, it runs over 7,000 stations across the country, linking remote villages to metro cities in ways buses and flights simply can’t match. You’ll find temple tours starting from Jaipur Junction, pilgrims boarding at Haridwar, and tourists heading to heritage sites like Mundeshwari Temple via nearby rail stops. Even when you’re not riding the train, stations themselves are cultural landmarks—some built over a century ago, still standing strong with arched windows and hand-painted signs.

Planning your trip? Pay attention to the difference between major terminals and local halts. A ticket from Bengaluru to Mysore might start at a big station like Krantivira Sangolli Rayanna, but the train could stop at a tiny platform with no shelter. Know your station’s code (like BNC for Bengaluru), check platform numbers early, and always arrive at least 30 minutes before departure—especially during festivals or holidays when crowds swell. Don’t assume everything’s digital; cash is still king at many counters, and English signs aren’t always reliable.

Behind every journey is a network of people: ticket vendors who remember your face, porters who carry your bags without asking, and station masters who shout the next train’s name like a chant. These aren’t just services—they’re part of the experience. And while flights get faster, trains get you closer to the rhythm of India: the clatter of wheels at dawn, the smell of wet earth after a monsoon shower, the sound of a distant bell signaling departure.

Below, you’ll find real stories and tips from travelers who’ve navigated these stations—whether they’re learning how to book tickets, avoiding scams, or finding the best food near platform 3. No fluff. Just what works.