Your Travel Partner
SINCE 1989
Your Travel Partner
SINCE 1989
India has one of the world's largest railway networks, and for most foreign travelers, taking at least one train journey becomes one of the highlights of their trip. Whether you're visiting the Taj Mahal, exploring the palaces of Jaipur, travelling to Varanasi, or heading towards Mumbai, trains are often faster, more comfortable, and much more affordable than expected.
Delhi is the main gateway to North India and is connected to almost every major tourist destination by direct trains. Modern services like Vande Bharat Express, Gatimaan Express, Shatabdi Express, and Rajdhani Express have made train travel easier than ever for international visitors.
However, first-time travelers often have many questions.
This guide answers all of those questions and recommends the best trains based on comfort, speed, and convenience for foreign tourists.
For routes such as Delhi to Agra and Delhi to Jaipur, trains are often a better option than flying.
Instead of spending hours reaching the airport, completing security checks, and waiting for boarding, trains depart directly from city-centre railway stations and usually arrive close to major tourist attractions.
Advantages include:
For international visitors, premium trains provide airline-style seating, onboard meals, clean coaches, charging points, and modern washrooms.
Before booking tickets, it's important to know which station your train departs from.
This is Delhi's busiest railway station and the departure point for most premium trains.
Best for:
Nearest Metro:
New Delhi Metro Station
Many premium trains towards Central India and South India depart from here.
Best for:
Nearest Metro:
Hazrat Nizamuddin
Located near Chandni Chowk and Red Fort.
Useful for:
Mainly serves eastern and northern India.
Useful for:
Foreign tourists are often confused by ticket classes.
Most comfortable daytime seating
Wide reclining seats
Meals included on many premium trains
Best for:
Most popular class for daytime journeys.
Comfortable seating
Air-conditioned
Excellent value for money
Recommended for Agra and Jaipur.
Private cabins
Maximum comfort
Ideal for overnight journeys.
Very comfortable
Curtains for privacy
Popular among international tourists.
Most recommended for budget travelers.
Comfortable beds
Air-conditioned
Affordable for long-distance journeys.
Agra is the easiest day trip from Delhi and several premium trains operate every morning.
Best Overall Train for Foreign Tourists
Departure Station:
Hazrat Nizamuddin (NZM)
Departure:
Approximately 8:10 AM
Arrival:
Agra Cantt around 9:50 AM
Journey Time:
Around 1 hour 40 minutes
Classes:
Meals:
Breakfast served onboard.
Why choose it?
It remains one of the most recommended trains for international visitors.
Another excellent premium option.
Departure:
Hazrat Nizamuddin
Approximately 6:00 AM
Arrival:
Around 7:40 AM
Journey Time:
About 1 hour 40 minutes
Classes
Features
Perfect for travelers who want to reach the Taj Mahal as early as possible.
One of India's most famous premium trains.
Departure:
New Delhi Railway Station
Approximately 6:00 AM
Arrival:
Around 7:50 AM
Journey:
About 2 hours
Classes
Meals included.
This train has been a favourite among foreign tourists for many years because of its reliability and comfort.
A good budget-friendly daytime option.
Departure:
New Delhi Railway Station
Approximately 6:55 AM
Arrival:
Around 9:25 AM
Journey:
Around 2½ hours
Classes
Suitable for travelers who want an economical alternative to premium trains.
|
Train |
Best For |
|---|---|
|
Gatimaan Express |
Best overall experience |
|
Vande Bharat |
Fastest premium journey |
|
Shatabdi Express |
Comfortable traditional premium service |
|
Taj Express |
Budget travelers |
Jaipur is one of the most visited cities in India and forms part of the famous Golden Triangle (Delhi–Agra–Jaipur). More than 35 trains operate between Delhi and Jaipur every day, but only a few are ideal for foreign tourists because of their speed, comfort, and punctuality.
Best Premium Train
Departure Station:
New Delhi Railway Station (NDLS)
Departure:
Approximately 6:00 AM
Arrival:
Jaipur Junction around 9:20–9:30 AM
Journey Time:
Around 3 hours 30 minutes
Classes:
Meals:
Breakfast included.
Why choose it?
Best Value for Money
Departure:
New Delhi Railway Station
Departure Time:
Approximately 6:10 AM
Arrival:
Jaipur around 10:40 AM
Journey Time:
About 4½ hours
Classes:
Meals included.
This train has remained one of the most reliable options for travelers visiting Jaipur for many years.
Ideal for travelers looking for affordable air-conditioned travel.
Departure:
Sarai Rohilla / Delhi (depending on service)
Journey:
Around 4½–5 hours
Classes:
Best for:
Budget-conscious travelers travelling during the daytime.
|
Train |
Recommended For |
|---|---|
|
Vande Bharat Express |
Best Overall |
|
Ajmer Shatabdi |
Comfortable & Reliable |
|
Double Decker Express |
Budget Travelers |
Varanasi is India's spiritual capital, and most tourists prefer overnight trains to save both time and hotel costs.
Departure:
New Delhi Railway Station
Morning departure
Journey:
Approximately 8 hours
Classes:
Best for:
Travelers wanting a fast daytime journey.
One of the most popular overnight trains.
Journey:
Approximately 12–14 hours
Classes Available:
Best For:
Budget travelers wanting an overnight journey.
Departure:
New Delhi Railway Station
Evening departure
Arrival:
Early morning in Varanasi
Journey:
Around 11–12 hours
Why choose it?
Udaipur is one of Rajasthan's most beautiful cities and is well connected by overnight trains.
Best Choice
Departure:
Hazrat Nizamuddin
Evening departure
Arrival:
Next morning in Udaipur City
Journey:
Around 12–13 hours
Classes
Best For:
Foreign tourists travelling comfortably overnight.
Another excellent overnight train.
Departure:
Delhi Sarai Rohilla
Arrival:
Morning in Udaipur
Journey:
Around 12 hours
Highly recommended for backpackers and budget travelers.
Jodhpur is the gateway to the Thar Desert and one of Rajasthan's most visited cities.
Fastest daytime option.
Journey:
Around 8 hours
Classes:
Ideal for travelers who prefer reaching Jodhpur on the same day.
Departure:
Delhi at night
Arrival:
Jodhpur early morning
Journey:
Around 10 hours
Classes:
This is one of the most popular trains for tourists because it allows you to sleep during the journey and begin sightseeing soon after arrival.
Travelling from Delhi to Mumbai by train is a fantastic experience if you enjoy long-distance rail journeys.
Best Premium Train
Journey:
Around 15–16 hours
Classes:
Meals:
Included
Why choose it?
Another premium overnight train offering similar comfort with excellent onboard service.
Perfect for tourists visiting the Golden Temple and Wagah Border.
Journey:
Approximately 5½ hours
Best for:
Same-day travel
Modern coaches, comfortable seating, and onboard meals make it the fastest premium option.
Journey:
Around 6 hours
A reliable alternative with meals included and comfortable seating.
The easiest way to book train tickets is online.
Recommended booking methods:
Book premium trains 2–8 weeks in advance, especially between October and March when tourist demand is highest.
