Train travel in Rajasthan

Taking a train in India is on many a bucket list, and for good reason. Always an adventure, it’s also a good way to meet local people and see the country. However, all trains are not created equal. Here’s a guide to what you need to know about travelling by train in Rajasthan and India.

How to travel by train in Rajasthan

Indian Railways (IRCTC) is one of the largest in the world, a massive and complex train system that moves millions of people (and tonnes of goods) each day. It’s a difficult system for newcomers to navigate because of the complexity of trains, classes, routes – and even payments.

Generally, foreigners can’t book and pay for train tickets online because you need both a local number and a local credit or debit card, so you may need the help of a travel agent in India, or you can take a tour that includes train travel.  

When looking for trains, your first choice should be those marked as Shatabdi or Rajdhani as they are among the best trains in India. Some trains are “chair car,” meaning they are composed only of chairs, and some are sleepers, which means they are composed of berths for sleeping. 

When booking chair car trains, you can choose the regular seats – CC – or the more expensive executive class seats – EC. When booking sleeper trains, you can book 1AC (first class, air conditioned) or 2AC (second class, air conditioned). Some foreigners also like to book third class, but sleeper or general class is not recommended as there is no air conditioning and it will be very crowded. 

For overnight sleeper trains, 2AC (also known as two-tier) is a good choice. These have four berths in the compartment, upper and lower, and a privacy curtain. If you take an overnight train, use a cable lock to lock your bags to the lower bunk frame for safety.

Rajasthan is a particularly good state for experiencing train travel in India as it is flat, well-connected by rail network, and generally has very good tourism infrastructure. There are more than 140 railway stations in Rajasthan and all of the major cities are connected by rail, but especially Jaipur. Hundreds of trains travel through Jaipur’s railway stations each day. 

There is no real need to pack food when you take a train in India as so much is available. Trains are basically moveable feasts, with food stalls on every platform, and vendors and hawkers walking through the trains, and along the platforms, selling a variety of snack foods, beverages, chips, candy, street foods, and of course chai. You can also order food, including restaurant meals, through a variety of  apps, such as the IRCTC eCatering app, to be delivered directly to you at major rail stations.

Taking the train from Delhi to Jaipur, and then from there on to Jodhpur, Udaipur, and Jaisalmer is a common itinerary, with stops of two to four days in each city. Along with the regular IRCTC trains that run regularly across Rajasthan, you can try a luxury train such as Palace on Wheels or the Maharajas’ Express, which have stops in Rajasthan that allow you to truly experience the royal splendour of the land of kings. 

Best Train Routes in Rajasthan

Rajasthan has a well-connected railway network, making it easy to travel to different parts of the state by train. Some of the best train routes in Rajasthan include:

Jaipur to Jodhpur: The Rajasthan Express and the Sarnath Express are the two main trains that run between Jaipur and Jodhpur. The journey takes around 6 hours and offers picturesque views of the Aravalli Hills.

Udaipur to Jaisalmer: The Chetak Express and the Sarnath Express are the two main trains that run between Udaipur and Jaisalmer. The journey takes around 12 hours and offers stunning views of the Thar Desert.

Jaipur to Jaisalmer: The Jodha Express and the Sarnath Express are the two main trains that run between Jaipur and Jaisalmer. The journey takes around 12 hours and offers beautiful views of the Aravalli Hills and the Thar Desert.

Best Trains in Rajasthan

Rajasthan has a number of trains that are perfect for exploring the state. Some of the best trains in Rajasthan include:

The Palace on Wheels: This luxury train is a great option for those who want to experience the royal heritage of Rajasthan in style. The train takes you on a 7-day journey through some of the state’s most famous destinations, including Jaipur, Jodhpur, Udaipur, and Jaisalmer.

The Royal Rajasthan on Wheels: This luxury train is similar to the Palace on Wheels and offers a 7-day journey through Rajasthan’s most famous destinations. The train features plush interiors and top-notch facilities.

The Maharaja Express: This luxury train is considered one of the best trains in India. The train takes you on a 7-day journey through Rajasthan, and includes stops in Jaipur, Jodhpur, Udaipur, and Jaisalmer. The train features plush interiors and top-notch facilities.