Best Train Travel In India: Practical Tips For A Beginner

I set off across India with an ill-fitting backpack, anticipating the campy scenes of Darjeeling Limited.

After a personal hiatus, I hoped this journey across India would bring me some clarity.

The dimly lit hostels in India, the sputtering Rickshaws, the congested markets, the iconic monuments, and long stretches of travel proved to be distractions.

While planning my trip, most of my friends advised me to take a flight, as the process would be much easier and more convenient. But I always prefer train journeys.

This was when I realized that many people find train travel in India very daunting because they lack substantial information to plan one.

A train travel in India can be confusing, but with the right information, every experience will be one of a kind.

Initially, I was not ready to take up this topic as it seemed childish. Then, a member of the Dream and Travel board quipped, “ I have never made a long-distance journey in a train. I have no idea about how it feels like.”

I was taken aback and thought that there must be many like him who do not know what it takes to cover a long distance by train.

So, I decided to do the piece and discuss everything you need to know about the best train travel in India.

The railway is the lifeline of our country, and the country is on the verge of experiencing a paradigm shift in the long-distance train travel experience with the introduction of the Vande Bharat Sleeper Trains.

So, there could not be a better time than to discuss the best train travel in India along with practical tips.

Embracing The Unexpected For A Train Travel In India

You will be surprised to know that the list of things no one tells you is long, but I was happy to embrace India’s sprawling cities.

We took the train from Delhi to Rajasthan, passing through Agra, Khajuraho, and Varanasi. Then we continued to Darjeeling.

What is the Real Experience of Train Travel in India?

Once you experience train travel in India, you will find out that it is quite unexpected and unforgettable.

You’ll learn more about India’s culture by playing cards with other employees in the train station or sharing chapatis with strangers than in any museum.

Before boarding any train, ensure you check your PNR status, especially on longer journeys.

Delays and last-minute changes are common, so having up-to-date info can save you from surprises.

You can check your PNR status easily online or via SMS once you’ve completed your train ticket booking.

What Is the Story of Indian Train Classes?

Indian Train classes have evolved significantly, whether it is moving from basic travel to a variety of options catering to different budgets and comfort levels.

It has a lot of stories to tell! Eager to know? Read on…

1. Sleeper Class On An Indian Train

Indian trains are divided into eight classes. However, not all trains have each class.

AC vs. non-AC and sleeping vs. standing are the two main differences between fare types. The fares are listed below in order from most expensive to least expensive.

2. AC First Class

It has lockable, air-conditioned berths accommodating 2-4 passengers. The cabins have washrooms and bedding.

The most expensive option offers maximum privacy and comfort for long journeys.

3. AC 2-Tier (2a Or AC2)

There are lockable, air-conditioned berths with bedding for 2-4 persons. Washrooms are located at each end of the vehicle.

4. AC 3-Tier

These are lockable, air-conditioned berths that can accommodate 2-6 passengers. There are washrooms at either end. AC 3-Tier is slightly more crowded and lacks the privacy curtains found in AC 2-Tier.

5. First Class (FC)

This class does not have air conditioning and has berths that can accommodate 2-4 passengers. However, its popularity is declining, with most travellers choosing AC1.

6. AC Chair Car (CC)

It is air-conditioned, with five seats per line. This class is ideal for daytime travel and costs about three times as much as a second-seat train ticket.

7. Sleeper (SL)

It is not air-conditioned. There are open berths with no bedding for 2-6 persons. Washrooms are located at each end. The beds fold up from the wall like bunks.

8. Second Sitting (2S)

Please note that this is not an air-conditioned room, featuring both wooden and padded chairs. As a result, you may not secure a seat in this class.

This is a great option for short journeys, but not for overnight trips.

How To Book An Online Train Ticket?

This is a common concern for many. Although booking a train ticket online is much more convenient for many reasons, if you are planning to train travel in India, it can be a tad bit confusing.

I am jotting down a detailed, step-by-step guide that you can use whenever you need to book a train ticket, one that’s not confusing.

The best website for booking train tickets online is always IRCTC. It is both trustworthy and convenient. Hop onto this website and create an account.
You then have to enter your travel details one by one. You have to input details such as destination, source, desired class, and travel date.
Then you will choose the train that aligns with your needs and check if there are any seats available.
The next step for you will be to provide the necessary personal details. If you are booking seats for anyone else, make sure to recheck their details for clarity.
The last step for you will be to choose a preferred payment method. Once you have completed the transaction, your e-ticket will reach you via email or your mobile number.

There are also various other sites available, which you can use as an alternative to IRCTC. They are generally third-party platforms, such as

MakeMyTrip
Trainman
Ixigo
redBus

Additionally, try to carry a hard copy of your e-ticket, in case you are not able to access it on your device. This is just an additional tip to be on the safe side.

Which Indian Train Class Do You Choose?

Once you start planning for the train class, you will see that it’s a matter of budget. Nevertheless, you can always find a seat tailored to your needs.

If you are a backpacker, you can travel in non-air-conditioned sleeper classes, but be aware that it may be uncomfortable. If you want to balance comfort with economy, I recommend AC 3-Tier.

Alternatives to Train Travel in India

You don’t like trains? There are other options to consider when traveling long-haul in India.

• Flights: India is home to numerous reliable and affordable airlines. It is the most convenient way to travel long distances.

• Private Driver: Many travelers hire a chauffeur to drive them around. Hiring a driver may be costly, but it’s often a better option than renting a car, which can be challenging for most travellers.

You can check out forums or ask other travelers for recommendations. To avoid any misunderstandings, ensure that you agree on a price in advance.

• Bus: The bus is a good option when trains are unavailable or sold out. You can use the redBus app to book bus trips online.

Pay attention to the pictures and specifications, as some websites may use misleading images to mislead you.