Train Travel India

When you think of train travel India, a deeply woven part of the country’s identity that connects cities, cultures, and centuries in one rhythmic ride. Also known as Indian railways, it’s not just a way to get from A to B—it’s a living museum, a social experiment, and sometimes, the main attraction. Over 23 million people board trains every day, making it the world’s largest rail network under single management. And while planes get you there faster, trains let you feel India—its chaos, its calm, its colors.

There are different kinds of luxury train India, opulent, all-inclusive journeys that mimic royal travel with fine dining, private cabins, and curated stops at heritage sites. Also known as Palace on Wheels, these trains like the Deccan Odyssey or Maharajas’ Express don’t just move you—they immerse you. You’ll wake up outside Jaipur’s forts, sip chai as the Ganges glides by, and dine under stars near Ranthambore—all without unpacking a bag. But not everyone needs five-star rails. For budget travelers, the Indian railway journey, the backbone of affordable, authentic travel across the country. Also known as local trains, these are where you’ll find students, farmers, pilgrims, and backpackers sharing space, stories, and samosas. A sleeper ticket from Delhi to Agra costs less than a coffee in New York, and you’ll still see the Taj Mahal rise in the distance.

Want to visit the Taj Mahal? The fastest route isn’t a flight—it’s the Shatabdi Express from Delhi. It leaves early, gets you there before the crowds, and drops you five minutes from the gate. Want to go deeper? Take the train to Varanasi, then hop on the Ganga Express to Allahabad for a spiritual detour. Or ride the Konkan Railway along the coast, where tunnels carve through green cliffs and windows frame waterfalls. These aren’t just routes—they’re experiences shaped by geography, history, and local life.

Train travel India isn’t just about where you go. It’s about how you move through the country. Whether you’re sipping chai from a vendor on the platform, watching farmers wave from fields outside the window, or sharing a meal with strangers who become friends by sunrise, the journey becomes part of the destination. You’ll find stories here—about a grandmother heading to Kashi, a couple on their honeymoon in a luxury cabin, a photographer chasing monsoon light on the Nilgiri Mountain Railway.

Below, you’ll find real guides on what these journeys actually cost, which trains are worth the splurge, how to avoid tourist traps on Indian rails, and why some of the most unforgettable moments happen not at the destination—but between stations.