Train Travel in India

When you think of train travel, the vast, colorful, and chaotic network of Indian railways that connects every corner of the country. Also known as Indian railways, it's not just a way to get from A to B—it’s a cultural experience, a social hub, and often the cheapest way to see India up close. Over 23 million people ride trains every day in India. That’s more than the population of Canada. And whether you’re hopping between Delhi and Agra for a quick temple visit or settling in for a three-day journey across South India, the train is where the real India lives.

Train travel in India isn’t just about the destination. It’s about the chai wallahs selling hot tea at 5 a.m., the vendors hawking samosas through crowded corridors, and the surprise stops in tiny villages where you might be the only foreigner on board. The Indian railways, the fourth-largest rail network in the world, operated by the government and serving over 8,000 stations. Also known as rail network India, it includes everything from high-speed Vande Bharat trains to slow, rattling local lines that crawl past rice fields and temple spires. You’ll find routes that climb into the Himalayas, like the Kalka-Shimla toy train, or slice through the desert of Rajasthan on the Palace on Wheels. Some trains are luxury experiences with marble bathrooms and butlers. Others are packed with students, farmers, and migrant workers—all sharing the same space, same heat, same stories.

Planning your ride? The best part about train travel in India is how simple it can be. You don’t need to book months ahead unless you’re going during Diwali or Eid. Most travelers grab a ticket at the station, pick a class—sleeper, AC 3-tier, or first class—and just go. You’ll learn quickly: bring snacks, carry water, and always keep your bag close. The budget travel India, a way to explore the country without breaking the bank, often centered around train journeys. Also known as affordable India travel, it’s how backpackers, students, and even retirees see the country for less than $10 a day. And if you’re curious about what to pack, which trains to avoid, or how to handle delays (yes, they happen), you’ll find real advice in the posts below.

What you’ll find here aren’t generic travel brochures. These are real stories from people who’ve taken overnight trains to Varanasi, slept on the floor of a 3rd class coach near Mysore, or waited hours at a platform in Kerala because the train was late. You’ll read about the best routes for culture, the quietest trains for sleep, and the ones you should skip unless you’re feeling adventurous. Whether you’re planning your first trip or you’ve ridden the Rajdhani five times, there’s something here that’ll make your next journey better.