Amtrak in India? What You Really Need to Know About Train Travel

When people ask about Amtrak, the U.S. national passenger railroad service that connects cities across America. Also known as America’s train system, it’s known for scenic routes and reliable service—but it doesn’t exist in India. And that’s okay. Because India’s railways? They’re something else entirely. Over 23,000 stations. More than 12,000 trains daily. A system so massive it carries more passengers in a single day than Amtrak does in a year. This isn’t just transportation—it’s a cultural experience, a social hub, and sometimes, the only way to truly feel the heartbeat of the country.

If you’re thinking of India like a scaled-up version of Amtrak, you’re missing the point. Indian trains aren’t just about getting from A to B. They’re where you’ll find a street vendor selling chai at 3 a.m., a family sharing meals on the floor, or a group of pilgrims chanting hymns as the train rolls past a temple. The Indian railways, the world’s largest railway network under a single management, serving over 20 million passengers daily isn’t just a transit system—it’s the backbone of daily life. And if you’ve ever wondered about South India train travel, a slower, more immersive way to explore temples, backwaters, and tea estates, you’ll find it’s not about speed—it’s about rhythm. Unlike Amtrak’s reserved seats and quiet cars, Indian trains buzz with life. You’ll buy tickets from a window, stand in line for water, and maybe even share your seat with a goat.

But don’t think you need to rough it. India also has luxury trains that rival the Orient Express, a legendary luxury train service known for elegance and vintage charm—only with better food, hotter spices, and views of palaces instead of Alps. The Palace on Wheels, Deccan Odyssey, Maharajas’ Express—they’re not just trains, they’re floating five-star hotels with tracks. You won’t find that on Amtrak. And while Amtrak struggles with delays, Indian trains? They’re chaotic, unpredictable, and somehow always on time when it matters most.

So if you’re planning a trip and wondering whether Amtrak has an Indian equivalent—stop looking. India doesn’t need one. It has something better: a system that’s lived in, loved, and relied on by millions. Whether you’re hopping on a local to a temple town, riding a sleeper to Kerala’s backwaters, or splurging on a luxury journey through Rajasthan, you’re not just traveling—you’re joining a tradition older than most modern rail systems.

Below, you’ll find real stories from people who’ve taken these trains—the good, the messy, the unforgettable. From what to pack, to how to eat safely on board, to which routes are safest for solo travelers. No fluff. No tourist traps. Just what actually works on the rails of India.