The Indian Railways can be a bittersweet journey—one filled with confusion, chaos, and many conversations. With a history dating back more than 160 years when the first journey kickstarted between Bori Bunder (in Bombay, now Mumbai) and Thane, today the Indian railways covers a route length of over 69,000 kilometers, and is widely credited for being one of the world's busiest railway networks (for instance, a press release issued by the Ministry of Railways stated that the Indian Railways transported over three crore passengers in a single day on November 4, 2024.)
With such a rush thronging its platforms on a daily basis, taking a train in India can be a daunting task, especially for first-timers. But, fear not! With these insider tips and tricks, your next train ride in India can be comfortable, memorable, and even magical.
Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation or IRCTC is your go-to for online bookings. Try booking in advance, especially in peak season, as tickets can sell out quickly. If possible, be flexible with dates. While budget backpackers often rely on Sleeper Class, they can often get crowded with many jostling for space. Opting for the AC class, though limited and costlier than Sleeper Class, heightens the chances of a comfortable journey. Those looking for privacy can opt for the seats on the top birth, provided staircases are not a hurdle for you. The lower seats are ideal if you like gazing out the window—a luxury that is missing upon picking higher seats.
Minimalism is your best friend! Given train journeys in India can get crowded, the biggest hack to travel comfortably is to travel light. If possible, carry only a duffel bag or backpack. Should you need a bigger suitcase, try opting for cabin size ones as lugging heavy gear can be cumbersome and space in trains is limited. Keep valuables, chargers, medications, and travel documents in your hand baggage.
Long train journeys are the ideal time to catch up on your favourite movies, series, or podcasts. Given network is patchy while traversing the country, prepare beforehand and download your preferred entertainment on your devices well before your journey commences. Consider carrying a book (or few!) to read along the way. If you're travelling with a group, handy pocket games or playing cards are a good option, too.
Carry a reusable water bottle that can be refilled whenever possible. If possible, and if the halts are long enough, step out onto the platform and refill your bottle at the station. Keep an eye out for water purification systems though as tap water in India is not suitable to drink.
Vendors often sell tea, coffee, or juice, too.
While train catering exists, packing dry snacks and muchies is a good move, especially if you have dietary restrictions. Station vendors offer tempting treats, but choose wisely and be mindful of hygiene. Increasingly, online restaurant aggregators such as Zomato and Swiggy have started offering "deliver to train" services so you can have your favourite meals sent to you from global (or even local) food chains, even if your train halts only for half an hour.
Irrespective of how much one romantices train journeys, motion sickness can be a complete buzzkill! Motion sickness can occur when your inner ear (which helps with balance) senses movement that your eyes don't confirm. On a train, this feeling can be induced if you're focussed on a stationary object in the train but your body continues to feel the swaying and vibrations of the locomotive. In turn, your brain gets confusing signals, stirring up nausea or dizziness.
To beat this, try opting for seats in the middle of the train as the sways and jostles here are relatively lesser. Focus on the horizon outside the window, helping your eye confirm the movement your inner ear is sensing. Stray away from greasy snacks and opt for lighter munchies instead. And ginger, a natural antidote for nausea, is your ally!
