India's Train Fares

Indian Railways' trains are a fantastic way to travel the country. There are several different types of trains, so fares depend on the route taken and type of route. However, across the board, Indian Railways' fares are considered among the least expensive in the world.

Types of trains

Indian Railways offers regular passenger trains, express passenger trains, mountain trains and luxurious tourist trains. Larger trains have two or three classes, or levels of accommodation. First class provides private cabins and usually has air conditioning. Lower classes are either air conditioned or non-air conditioned, depending on the train. Trains with air conditioned sleeper cars usually have the option of two or three tier births, with two tier births costing more. Many trains provide communal lavatories, as well as private, western style lavatories. Various classes of seated cars are also available. The most economical choice is the unreserved class that has pressed wood benches were seating is not guaranteed. While many foreign visitors find this overwhelming, some seek out this experience. Of course, each different type of accommodation is priced differently.

Fares

As stated above, Indian Railways train fares are rated among the most affordable in the world. According to a recent government policy change, rail fees are now pegged to the price of fuel and change consistently, so exact numbers are not particularly helpful because they may not hold true when you arrive in India. However, as a general rule, an overnight train fare on a sleeper car costs about the same as a night in a hotel. First class sleeper accommodations are like a nice hotel and second class sleeper berths are like a budget hotel. Daytime travel costs less, but fares range depending on the type of travel. A basic seat might only cost 100 rubles, but an air conditioned seat could cost cost up to 400. Children under five are free and children ages 5-11 pay half the adult fare.

Because the fares on Indian Railways trains vary so widely, it is best to decide what type of seat and route you want, and then explore the pricing options.