The Ultimate Guide to Train Travel Across India
                     The Ultimate Guide to Train 
Travel Across India

Ahh, the wonderful old Indian Railway. Be it what you like or not, the most effective way to explore India is without a doubt via the 
amazing Indian Railway. We'd even go so far as to say that you shouldn't go to India without experiencing the excitement and 
atmosphere that trains provide, particularly on a sleeper class train! Train travel within India can be very stressful, so checking the 
today train status in advance can help you plan better and make your journey smoother.
We traveled all over India for nine weeks, and throughout that time, we had plenty of train rides. We formed a love/hate bond with trains that 
travel through India but we would not change anything. Train travel India experiences are a few of our best memories (mostly positive) of the 
journey. Train travel gives you the chance to meet locals and other travelers. You can eat food that you haven't seen in other places. Take 
gallons of freshly brewed Chai tea and enjoy the beautiful Indian rural landscape pass through.
Pin this post to your Pinterest board to come back future reference!
If you don't pay at least more than twice the price of more expensive carriages or are traveling at night, evening, you may think about not 
having your private space in the carriage in which to sit and read or just relax. The trains in India are usually packed, so people who are 
friendly to you. Will want to know everything about your. What country you're from. The reason you're here. Bring food to you. Take a photo of 
yourself and then include you to Facebook. This is all part of making train travel India exciting! If you're familiar with some local dialect, you 
may be able to know them also.
If you've not been on trains in India before, the picture in your mind might comprise of an over-crowded full to the rafters. With people looking 
out of the windows and sat at the top of the train. Nowadays trains travel in India is not as crowded as it was unless people are heading to a 
huge religious event. We were a bit dissatisfied with this because those places would have provided wonderful photo opportunities!
The Indian Railway is a mostly well-maintained, safe and comfortable even if it is busy to travel.
What we didn't know prior to arriving in India was it was that Indian Railway has a efficient seat reservation method. So we had reserved 
seats on each trip. I was expecting to get on trains in India together with hundreds of others. Our backpacks would get in our as well as 
everyone else's, while trying to take that last seat. However these days are over. The train journey in India is an organized and generally 
enjoyable experience. Once you have a grasp about how to use the Indian Railway class and booking system!
If we'd booked our trip in advance, we had to show up about 30 minutes prior to departure. We'd highly recommend who is doing the same. 
The majority of the platforms are large. Therefore, it may take time to understand the platform you're looking for and finding it. If possible, do 
not show up at a time that is at a time that is too close to departure time. Travelling by train within India will require you to become more 
organized than you are.
Indian Railway: classes explained
It's quite overwhelming, however there are eight classes of carriages along the Indian Railway. Yes, that's exactly. Travelling by train in 
India is divided into eight classes! It's a little difficult at first, but you'll soon be used to them, just like we did. You'll be glad to learn that the 
majority of trains in India employ only a few between these types of classes. In every train we rode over the nine weeks, it was that same 
class: AC1 AC2, AC2, 2S and SL. This made our train journey through India more enjoyable.
We'll select all Indian Railway classes in ascending in cost when we travelled. It's mainly because it makes it easier for you, but also because 
the less expensive classes on the upper end are likely to be only classes available unless you book months or a few months in advance.
Trains operating in India typically display only the abbreviations with two or three letters however we'll also show their complete meanings.
2S (2nd class seats)
It is by far the most basic and most expensive train class that travel in India. So the people with the lowest incomes in India utilize this class. 
Open-plan cars that have padding plastic seats or even wooden seats that are padded. Sometimes reserved and displayed as 2S. If not, then 
they will show as II.
If you reserve it, the Indian Railway class is OK for daytime travel of short distances for those on a budget. We have used this class a time or 
two for that reason, but we would not recommend it for long overnight trips. It's not going to make for an extremely comfortable night's to sleep!
SL (Sleeper Class Train)
This sleeper train was designed designed for those who are less financially privileged Indian population because of its affordable cost. Non-air-
conditioned cars comprise of open-plan berths that can accommodate six persons along one aisle, and smaller berths for two passengers on 
the other. When it gets dark the six-berth can be converted into two bunks with three levels and the two berths can be transformed can be 
transformed into a two-tier bunk. Bunks are cushioned lightly with a plastic sheet, however there is no bedding.
In the majority of cases, you'll see most vehicles that travel on long distances Indian Railway journey will be sleeper class trains. This is the 
type of train we used on the majority train journeys in India and is likely to be similar to yours in case you're traveling on your own. Trains in 
India are often booked well in advance, particularly those in the upper class.
Through our many trips on the sleeper train, we are able to discuss the experience in greater in depth.
For a backpacker on a budget sleeper class train should be the first option for train travel during the day within India.
It's a very affordable and most thrilling of carriages. Sleeper class trains get a glimpse into the world of fascinating Indian customs and 
cultures. You can engage in conversations with Indians across the nation.
One time, a family invited us to have dinner together in their bed. We enjoyed a variety of curries as well as freshly baked breads that were 
freshly prepared for the ladies. Delicious! The husbands enjoyed our British manner of conduct hilarious as we constantly expressed our 
appreciation. You wouldn't get this kind of kindness on an British train!
There are many opportunities to purchase food items and tea chai from any of the vendors that are walking around these carriages.
The majority of vendors aren't allowed to enter the upper classes and thus do not get in. A favorite memory is the rousing cry of "Chai chai 
garam chai' as it came down the aisle. Some of the most delicious chai teas were consumed on the trains of India.
Since there isn't any air conditioning, outside doors to carriages are usually left open for breezes to flow through. We loved standing at doors, 
standing clearly, for full views of the stunning countryside, and chatting with children who were smiling while passing through the rural villages. 
An absolute highlight for train journeys in India.
In the evening, sleeper class train isn't as entertaining and if you're able you, we suggest booking class AC3 or better. The sleeper 
class bunks train are usually exhausted and have little padding, which can result in uncomfortable to sleep. Also, there is no bedding so a 
sleeping bag and a pillows will be required for keeping warm. The only pillows we had were our rolled-up jumpers. It did well for a couple of 
days of sleepless.
The safety of the public is also a worry at night.
A lot of people wander around these vehicles. Also, in the dark, it could be alarming. If you find yourself on an overnight sleeper train of class, 
we suggest purchasing an item with a lock and chain so you can lock your luggage during rest. We have slept through many sleeper train 
journeys that were overnight and didn't encounter any issues, but it is something worth considering. Particularly if you're traveling on your own.
Windows aren't sealed off in sleeper trains, so cold winter air and dust easily enter. We weren't ready for one particular night's journey towards 
Jaisalmer. We weren't aware of how cold it was in this part of India. We hopped on the train at 3am, and the train started going, it was clear 
that the temperatures inside the carriage was uncomfortable. A typical cold, freezing breeze could blow through the train and carry dust and 
dirt of the train tracks beneath. Luckily, it was only a five-hour journey, and we decided to stay in the carriage until we arrived at our 
destination. We figured that journeys by train in India was extremely hot, humid and sweaty! We were not.
Also, there is no privacy in sleeper class trains since the bunks and berths aren't have curtains as they do in classes. There's no mention of 
the cockroaches and mice. We'll just leave it at that.
CC (AC Chair class)
The class you are in is like the one you're probably familiar with within your home countries. Comfortable seats for airline passengers in rows 
of 3 and 3 with arm rests as well as air cooling. Ideal for trips during the day in hot climates.
EC (AC Executive chair class)
We haven't seen this class, but it is one of the biggest train chair classes in India. Soft, comfortable seats are arranged in rows of only 2 and 2 
with armrests, ample legroom, and air cooling. Drinks and food are included in the price of your fare!
FC (First Class)
This class doesn't deserve its first class status, however it is now nearly gone due to its elimination in the hands of Indian Railway in favour of 
AC2. This means that you will not see it. However, if you're interested, it has secure, private 4 and 2 birth rooms that could be transformed into 
bunk beds. But there's no air conditioning, there is no bedding in the fare, and no windows that are sealed, so the rooms are quite shabby.
AC3 (or 3A) (Air-conditioned 3rd level)
The layout of the open plan in AC3 is similar to the sleeper class trains above, but with air conditioning, bedding, and window curtains to give 
you privacy. The windows are sealed and AC3 is also hygienic, meaning it is less likely that you will share the same bunk with dust mice, and 
dirt! We didn't encounter any of these issues during AC3's three Indian Railway journeys we took in AC3. Additionally, thanks to the closed 
windows and sealed doors, you can enjoy the peace contrasted with the noisy sleeper train.
The above factors makes it our budget-friendly choice for long overnight trips with trains within India. It is possible to have a great 
night's rest in AC3 and it is still quite affordable. Because it's more costly than other classes, you're less worried about security or the 
possibility of your possessions disappearing in the dark. The locals you'll be traveling with are more familiar with Westerners which means you 
won't get caught up in conversations every so often as you do on a sleeper train.
AC3 was the most expensive class we had the pleasure of experiencing because the higher courses are always completely booked prior to the 
time we booked. Even just a few weeks ahead!
AC2 (or 2A) (Air-conditioned 2 Tier)
AC2 is like AC3 however instead of the berths that are used for 6 persons, they're actually 4 persons. This provides greater headroom. A bunk 
with three levels could feel a bit stifling and, unless you're a tiny child, it's impossible to sit up straight. Additionally, fewer bunks mean the 
possibility of less people keeping awake in the night with loud snoring and chatting.
In line with AC3 An attendant will distribute clean sheets, pillows and blankets during the evening.
AC1 and 1A (Air-conditioned 1A (Air-conditioned)
You'll pay more as it's more than twice the cost of AC2, however AC1 is the most comfortable and pleasant option for journey by train on the 
Indian Railway. We tried booking an AC1 only once to get the experience but on each of the trains we rode, AC1 was always fully booked.
The aisle runs along the sides of the car instead of through the middle offering access to a private and locked births of 4 and 2 persons. Births 
are accompanied by air conditioning bedding, carpet, and wash basins for private use. What do you think of this in trains from India? Couples 
tend to be preferred due to the birth of two persons and families over the four, but it's not 100% guaranteed. In AC1, you'll be traveling with 
officers from the army or bank executives, as well as monied tourists.
Checking Schedules and Booking Tickets for Trains in India
Making reservations and checking Indian Railway trains can be quite a difficult job. With over 63,000 kilometers of track The Indian Railway 
network is the third-largest worldwide. It is only beaten by Russia in the same category as China. Indian Railway is also the largest employer in 
the world, employing over 1.5 million employees! It is possible to move from one town or city to another via train within India.
Where can you look for tickets to purchase and where 
do?
The official Indian websites: Indian Railways (website) and Indian Rail. It can be a bit confusing to navigate through, so our suggestion is to 
visit Cleartrip. It's a privately-owned agency website that is simple to use. Simply go to the "Trains section, enter the standard information and 
you'll get access to trains' schedules and fare information. But you'll need an account for the purchase of tickets through Cleartrip.
As we mentioned above, Indian Railway trains often become completely booked. Therefore, if you're able to do so, we recommend booking as 
far in advance as you can. We typically made reservations a few weeks in advance and the majority of the time we offered sleeper class trains 
and the odd AC3. It's not the most pleasant experience having to plan when you will arrive and depart a location for so long in advance. It 
doesn't give you any room to be spontaneous. This is among the disadvantages of traveling by train in India.
Indian Railway reservations are typically open for 120 
days prior departure.
If you're planning an hour-long trip to India make sure you get your seats reserved! This is particularly crucial during Indian celebrations and 
religious days since trains transport in India is very well-liked by people living in the area. It was the time of weddings while we were traveling 
across Rajasthan which meant that trains were crowded packed with Indian families. This resulted in some amazing wedding street parades 
and events however, it also meant restricted Indian Railway seat availability.
There were a few occasions, when we were passing the station, we purchased tickets in the train station just a couple of days prior to 
departure. Stations tend to be busy, especially in the larger cities. Expect long lines and be forced through the station several times. It is not 
the case that everyone in India is aware of the queueing system so be patient!
To cut down on the lines at stations To avoid the long lines at stations, some of the most popular cities such as New Delhi, Mumbai, Jaipur, 
Agra, Calcutta and Varanasi have an international Tourist Bureau where tourists can purchase tickets for trains. Be sure to conduct your 
homework to find out precisely where the right website is since scams are common. We've heard of people traveling to the right bureau being 
contacted by scammers saying that the office has been relocated to another location, shut down or burned down. It's all part of their scheme to 
lead you to an unofficial agency where they'll earn a profit. If you're victimized by this do not be upset and avoid the people. Even if they 
appear to be someone from the official world and flash the Indian Railway badge at you. This is all part of their strategy. Another issue with 
trains in India.
Once you've secured your seat the train, all other travel to India is straightforward.
As we mentioned, you should show up at least 30 minutes before departure to check your platform, the section of platform, and coach. Print an 
alphabetical list of all passengers' names on every coach and hang it on the door of the train. You'll be able to locate your name and confirm 
that you're on the correct train carriage.
The Indian Railway really is an organized and trusted network. I don't know how they manage it with all the trains in India operating at the 
same time. In the nine weeks we only experienced one train that was late. We were grateful that this was the only time that we had to wait! 
Traveling by train across India is something you can't avoid. Why would you. The reason is that it's an aspect of an Indian adventure!