Indian Railways — Train Travel in India
The Indian Railways are the backbone of the Indian transport system — the fourth largest railway network in the world with over 68,000 km of tracks and 13 million passengers daily. Traveling by train in India is an experience you shouldn't miss.
Train Classes (from economical to comfortable)
- Sleeper (SL): The cheapest class with berths. Open (no AC), noisy, crowded, but authentic. Delhi–Jaipur: approx. 200 ₹ (~2.30 €).
- AC 3-Tier (3A): Air-conditioned, curtains, bedding. The best compromise between price and comfort. Delhi–Jaipur: approx. 500 ₹ (~5.60 €).
- AC 2-Tier (2A): Wider, more space, only two berths stacked instead of three. Delhi–Jaipur: approx. 750 ₹ (~8.50 €).
- AC 1st Class (1A): Enclosed 2- or 4-bed cabins. Most expensive class, quietest. Delhi–Jaipur: approx. 1,200 ₹ (~13.50 €).
- AC Chair Car (CC): Air-conditioned seats for day trips. Delhi–Agra on the Shatabdi: approx. 600 ₹ (~6.80 €).
Booking Tickets
Indian trains are popular — tickets for popular routes are often sold out weeks in advance!
- IRCTC (irctc.co.in): The official booking site. Registration required (possible for foreigners too). Tickets are released 120 days in advance.
- Foreign Tourist Quota: A contingent of reserved seats for foreign tourists. Available at major stations (International Tourist Bureau, e.g., at New Delhi Railway Station). Passport and visa required.
- Tatkal: Last-minute tickets (1 day in advance), more expensive and quickly sold out.
- Waitlist (WL): If a train is fully booked, you get on the waitlist. Your status (e.g., "WL 15") moves up as others cancel. Possible up to 4–6 hours before departure. An adventure in itself.
Popular Routes
| Route | Duration | Train | Price (CC/3A) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Delhi → Agra | 2–3h | Gatimaan Express | 750 ₹ (~8.50 €) |
| Delhi → Jaipur | 4.5–5h | Shatabdi Express | 600 ₹ (~6.80 €) |
| Delhi → Varanasi | 8–12h | Various Expresses | 800–1,200 ₹ |
| Jaipur → Udaipur | 6–8h | Chetak Express | 400–700 ₹ |
💡 Tipp
Download the "ixigo Trains" app — it shows live status, platform numbers, and delays of all trains. Indian trains are notoriously late (1–4 hours delay is normal). Always plan a buffer and do not book connecting flights on the same day as a long train journey.
Achtung
Be cautious with your luggage in Sleeper-Class trains. Chain your backpack with a bicycle lock to the metal rod under your berth — theft occurs, especially at night. In AC classes, the risk is significantly lower.
