Operator profileIndian Railways (IRCTC)
Indian Railways is the world's fourth-largest state-owned rail network, running premier overnight AC services such as the Rajdhani Express between the national capital and major cities across the country. Tickets for foreign tourists are typically booked through the IRCTC platform under a Foreign Tourist Quota that opens further ahead than the standard 60-day domestic advance window.
Key facts
LHB (Linke-Hofmann-Busch) lightweight steel coaches, standard on Rajdhani-class trains, offering AC First (1AC), AC 2-Tier (2AC), AC 3-Tier (3AC) and non-AC Sleeper Class (SL) accommodation depending on the train.
Generous free baggage allowance typical of Indian long-distance trains; no strict weight enforcement in practice.
No formal check-in; board at the platform, conductor checks tickets and ID after departure.
Refund percentage depends on how close to departure a ticket is cancelled; heavily discounted quotas may be non-refundable.
Foreign travellers booking under the Foreign Tourist Quota typically pay a premium over the standard fare plus a service charge, but gain access to a separate booking allocation and can book up to a year ahead.
Rail passes
No Eurail/Interrail equivalent covers India; the former 'Indrail Pass' for foreign tourists was discontinued in 2017, so point-to-point ticketing is the only option.
Routes operated
New Delhi 
15h 30m
Indian Railways
How to book Indian Railways (IRCTC)
- Check the route and date on our route page, then note the cabin you want.
- Go to the operator’s own booking site — we never resell or mark up fares.
- Pick your cabin: prices rise as the train fills, so book early for the lowest fare.
- Bring photo ID for border crossings, and arrive a few minutes before departure — there is no airport-style check-in.
We link to the operator — we never mark up the fare.
Frequently asked questions
How far in advance can you book Indian Railways (IRCTC)?
Tickets usually go on sale around 365 days before departure, and the cheapest fares go first.
Does Indian Railways (IRCTC) accept Interrail and Eurail passes?
No Eurail/Interrail equivalent covers India; the former 'Indrail Pass' for foreign tourists was discontinued in 2017, so point-to-point ticketing is the only option.
What cabins does Indian Railways (IRCTC) offer?
Indian Railways (IRCTC) sells Seat, Couchette, Sleeper Cabin, Private Cabin. Comfort and privacy differ a lot between them.
What is the luggage policy on Indian Railways (IRCTC)?
Generous free baggage allowance typical of Indian long-distance trains; no strict weight enforcement in practice.
Can I cancel or change a Indian Railways (IRCTC) ticket?
Refund percentage depends on how close to departure a ticket is cancelled; heavily discounted quotas may be non-refundable.
Which routes does Indian Railways (IRCTC) run?
We track 2 Indian Railways (IRCTC) routes, including Mumbai–New Delhi, New Delhi–Varanasi.