India possesses one of the largest railway networks in the world, stretching across thousands of miles. Travelling by train offers an incredible way to see the country up close, though the booking system and station environments can surprise a first-time visitor.
The biggest hurdle for foreign travellers is the booking system, run by the IRCTC (Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation). The website and app are notoriously confusing for foreigners, often requiring account verification that fails with non-Indian mobile numbers. You need to register well before your trip to ensure your account works properly.
Independent booking platforms like 12Go or MakeMyTrip can act as a bridge if the official system gives you trouble. These sites sync with the IRCTC database but accept international credit cards much more easily. Keep in mind that popular routes between major tourist cities sell out weeks in advance, so early booking is essential.
Indian trains offer a variety of classes, and your choice will shape your entire trip. For long-distance journeys, you should generally avoid unreserved general compartments and standard Sleeper Class if you prefer comfort and personal space. Instead, look for Air Conditioned (AC) classes, which provide a quieter environment.
Air Conditioned Three Tier (3AC) and Two Tier (2AC) are the most popular choices for holidaymakers. In 3AC, you get three tiers of bunks on each side, while 2AC offers two tiers, giving you more headroom and curtains for privacy. Overnight journeys in these classes are comfortable because the train staff provide clean sheets, pillows, and blankets for the night.
Once you're at the station, managing your trip requires constant internet access. You'll need data to check real-time PNR status, view live train tracking apps, and receive instant notifications about platform changes. Trains can be delayed, and platforms often change at the very last minute without clear English announcements.
Relying on station Wi-Fi is rarely a viable option for tourists. Most railway stations offer free Wi-Fi through RailTel, but connecting requires an Indian mobile number for OTP verification. Without a local number, you won't be able to log on. Because of this restriction, having an active data connection on your own device is vital. If you want to know what are good alternatives to expensive roaming charges abroad, you should compare UK mobile networks before you depart.
Major UK networks charge steep daily rates for India. EE puts it in Zone 2 at £7.50 a day, and Vodafone charges around £6–8 a day for India roaming, depending on when you signed up. Over a two-week trip, that's £84 to £110 from one phone alone.
Lebara is one of the few UK providers that includes free India roaming as standard on all its SIM-only plans, with up to 30GB of data, the same allowance you'd get roaming in Europe. For a multi-week rail trip where you'll rely on your phone for live train tracking and PNR updates, that's a significant saving over daily pass rates.
India features several routes where the train ride itself is the main attraction. The Konkan Railway, which runs along the western coast from Mumbai down towards Goa, offers stunning views of the Arabian Sea and the lush Western Ghats mountain range. It's worth pointing out that this route crosses hundreds of bridges and delivers beautiful views of rural villages.
Another classic option is the historic mountain railways, often called toy trains. The route up to Darjeeling climbs steep Himalayan slopes, giving passengers views of tea plantations and snow-capped peaks. These slower journeys offer a brilliant contrast to the fast-paced express trains connecting the major capital cities.
Taking a train in India is a memorable experience that connects you directly with local life. Success comes down to early planning, securing the right class of travel, and ensuring you can look up live schedule updates on the move.
Once you handle the logistics, you can relax and watch the scenery change from your window. With the right ticket in hand and a reliable data connection on your phone, you're fully prepared to experience one of the world's most iconic railway networks.
