Train Travel in India: How to Ride the Rails Like a Local

When you think of train travel in India, the world’s largest rail network that carries over 23 million passengers daily. Also known as Indian railways, it’s not just a way to get from A to B—it’s where you’ll meet farmers heading home with sacks of rice, students with backpacks full of books, and families sharing meals on the floor near the window. This is the heartbeat of India’s movement.

Unlike flying or driving, train travel lets you see India unfold—green rice fields outside Chennai, dusty plains near Jaipur, and the Himalayas creeping into view as you climb toward Kalka. You don’t need a luxury ticket to feel the pulse of the country. Even a third-class sleeper gives you front-row seats to real life: vendors selling chai from the platform, kids playing cards in the aisle, and the quiet hum of wheels on tracks that never stops. The sleeper train, a budget-friendly option with bunk beds and shared space, perfect for overnight journeys across states is where most travelers find their rhythm. And if you’re going long distance—say, from Delhi to Mumbai or Kolkata to Chennai—train routes India, over 7,000 routes connecting nearly every town and village in the country mean you can plan a trip that’s as slow and deep as you want it to be.

What makes train travel in India special isn’t just the scenery—it’s the way it connects you to the places you pass through. You’ll learn that the best way to understand South India isn’t by rushing from temple to temple, but by riding the overnight train from Madurai to Cochin and watching the morning light hit the backwaters. You’ll realize that the cheapest way to explore North India isn’t a tour bus, but a local express from Varanasi to Agra, where you’ll share snacks with a family heading to see the Taj. And if you’re wondering where to start, look at the posts below—they show you exactly which routes offer the most culture, the best views, and the most authentic experiences. No fluff. No tourist traps. Just real advice from people who’ve been on the tracks.