The first time I arrived at New Delhi Railway Station, I had no idea what I was doing. I was in my early twenties, freshly embarked on my 18-month solo backpacking adventure in Asia, and trying to make sense of the crowds, the noise, and where the heck was my train. I remember wondering “how am I ever going to figure this year out?”.
Fast-forward to spending months living in Jaipur and travelling to all corners of India, and trains became one of my favorite ways to get around. Once you understand the booking system and find which coach class is right for you, the rest is relatively straightforward.
But I won’t pretend that my first few train experiences were anything but easy to navigate, especially when you’re booking your first ticket or trying to figure out which platform you’re supposed to be on.
Whether you’re traveling to the next town over or heading all the way south to Kerala, this guide covers everything I wish I’d known before my first train journey, from booking tickets, choosing a class, to understanding waitlists, staying safe, and knowing what to expect.
1. Booking Train Tickets in India
One thing I’d recommend doing before you arrive in India is sorting out your train bookings. I initially assumed I could just buy tickets as I went (and you definitely still can do that!), but popular routes can sell out well in advance, and booking online as a foreign visitor isn’t always as simple as it should be.
You can book or check train routes through the official IRCTC website.
Setting up an account with a foreign phone number and paying with an international card can take a little patience, so give yourself time to get everything working before your trip.
A few things worth knowing:
- Book ahead when you can. Regular train tickets generally open 60 days before departure, although booking windows can vary by train and route.
- Check the payment options carefully. Some international cards work, while others may be declined. Follow the international payment options available at checkout.
- Look into the Foreign Tourist Quota. Some trains reserve a limited number of seats for eligible foreign tourists, which can be helpful on busy routes.
- Don’t leave popular journeys until the last minute. Trains between major destinations can fill up quickly, especially during holidays and peak travel seasons.
2. Which Train Class Should You Book?
Indian trains have several classes, and choosing between them can feel confusing at first. The best option really depends on your budget, how long you’ll be traveling, and your comfort level.
- Sleeper Class (SL): The budget-friendly option. It’s non-air-conditioned, with open windows, sometimes fans (but they don’t always work), and shared sleeping bays. It can be a great experience, but expect shoulder-to-shoulder crowds and the occasional toddler plopped on your lap.
- AC 3-Tier (3A): A good middle ground for overnight journeys. You’ll share an open bay with other passengers and bedding is generally provided.
- AC 2-Tier (2A): Similar to 3A, but with fewer berths per bay and more space.
- AC First Class (1A): The most private option, with lockable compartments in many carriages. It’s definitely more expensive and isn’t always available on every train.
- AC Chair Car (CC): A seated, air-conditioned carriage (no berth) that’s useful for shorter daytime journeys.
- Executive Chair Car (EC): A more spacious seating option (no berth) available on certain trains.
If you’re traveling on a tighter budget, Sleeper Class can be a memorable way to experience India. If it’s your first journey though, I’d consider 3A or 2A for a more comfortable introduction. When you’re traveling during the night, I’d personally prioritize a class with a sleeper berth so you can lie down and get some real shut-eye.
3. What to Expect on Your First Train Journey
Indian railway stations can be busy and chaotic. Give yourself plenty of time to find your platform, especially at larger stations in cities like Delhi and Mumbai.
Check the station name carefully, too. Large cities can have several different stations, and assuming you’re departing from the main one can lead to an unpleasant surprise.
Once you’re at the station:
- Check the electronic departure boards for your train number and platform.
- Look for the coach-position displays on the platform to work out where your carriage will stop (not all platforms will have this, but worth checking so as to avoid shuffling through the crowd when the train arrives).
- Keep an eye on announcements, as platforms can sometimes change.
- Keep your valuables secure.
- Don’t panic and always ask for help if you’re unsure (English is widely spoken in India)!
And one small piece of advice from personal experience: be wary of anyone approaching you outside the station claiming your train has been cancelled or the ticket office has moved. These are scam tactics and they may sell you overpriced or even fake tickets.
4. Understanding Confirmed Tickets, RAC, and Waitlists
As much as I enjoy traveling by train in India, this is one of those things that are just unnecessarily complicated when you book a train in India.
When you’re booking online, you might see one of three statuses:
- CNF (Confirmed): Your reservation is confirmed, and you’ll have an assigned seat or berth.
- RAC (Reservation Against Cancellation): You’re generally permitted to board, but your seat may initially be shared.
- WL (Waitlist): You’re waiting for a place to become available. A waitlisted ticket doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll get a seat.
If your ticket is waitlisted, don’t assume you’ll be able to board. The rules depend on the ticket type and whether it was booked online or in-person. Fully waitlisted online tickets are generally cancelled after the final reservation chart is prepared.
You can check your booking status through IRCTC or use the official National Train Enquiry System for train information.
My advice? If a journey is important to your itinerary, try to secure a confirmed ticket rather than building your plans around the hope that a waitlist will clear.
5. Food, Luggage, and Life on Board
One of my favorite parts of travelling by train in India is the journey itself. There’s always something happening: vendors selling chai or samosas, passengers sharing food, families chatting across the berths, and curious children coming up to you to practice their English or ask you a million questions about what life is like back home.
You can often buy food and drinks right outside the station or on the platform, and some trains even offer onboard catering (at your risk, however). I always like to carry a few snacks and a bottle of water.
A few other things:
- Bring a light layer. Air-conditioned carriages can get surprisingly cold overnight.
- Keep your essentials close. Store your passport, phone, money, and other valuables in a small bag you can keep with you, in your berth and within reach. I even saw some travelers secure their bags to the berth using a cable lock on overnight journeys (I never did this, but an innovative idea!).
- Bring toilet paper. Not much to explain here. Little warning that not all trains have “western” style toilets, so be prepared.
If you’re travelling overnight, remember that the lower berths often double as shared seating during the day. Passengers generally use the lower berths for sitting between around 6 a.m. and 10 p.m., so don’t expect to stretch out and sleep whenever you like. I always prefer to book the top berth for maximum privacy.
6. Some Beautiful Train Journeys to Consider
If you’re not sure where to start, India has plenty of routes worth adding into your itinerary. Some are practical connections between popular destinations, while others are experiences in their own right.
- Delhi to Agra: A convenient option if you’re visiting the Taj Mahal.
- Delhi to Varanasi: A longer journey that takes you to one of India’s most fascinating and culturally significant cities.
- Kalka to Shimla: A scenic mountain journey through the state of Himachal Pradesh, with tunnels, bridges, and beautiful views along the way.
- Darjeeling Himalayan Railway: A historic route winding through the hills of West Bengal.
- The Konkan Railway towards Kerala: A lovely option for travelling down India’s western coast, with glimpses into the green countryside, coconut groves, and water outbacks.
Train schedules and services can change, so always check current departure times and availability beforehand.
7. Final Tip
If there’s one thing I’d tell someone taking their first train in India, it’s this: expect a little chaos, but don’t let it put you off. Leave a little room for the unexpected. Some of my favorite travel memories have come from the hours spent getting from point A to point B, sharing a cup of chai with a stranger while waiting for the train or watching the scenery change from my window.
Once you get the hang of it, train travel can be one of the best and most reliable ways to explore India.
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