Flying Into India or Taking the Train? Here Are the 15 Airports and Stations That Matter
India moves approximately 500 million people by air every year and considerably more than that by rail. The numbers are large enough to be abstract until you are standing at the wrong end of a queue at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport in Mumbai at 11 PM with a connection to make, or until you are trying to board the Rajdhani Express at Howrah Junction during Durga Puja and the platform looks like the entire city of Kolkata has decided to travel simultaneously. At that point the numbers become entirely concrete.
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| Representational image. IndianRepublic.in |
THE 15 AIRPORTS
1. Indira Gandhi International Airport — New Delhi IATA: DEL | Operator: Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL)
India's busiest airport and the primary international gateway to the subcontinent. IGI handled 73.6 million passengers in FY2024 and 77.8 million in calendar year 2024 — ranked 9th busiest airport in the world by ACI World, up from 16th in 2018. Three terminals: T1 (select domestic carriers), T2 (currently non-operational), T3 (international and most domestic services, the main terminal). T3 opened in 2010 and is among the largest terminal buildings in the world. International connections to over 60 countries. Domestic connections to every significant Indian city.
The Airport Express Metro from T3 to New Delhi railway station takes approximately 20 minutes and costs ₹60 — the fastest and most reliable connection between the airport and central Delhi. Pre-paid taxis from the arrivals hall are the alternative. The DigiYatra biometric boarding system is operational at IGI and is progressively reducing immigration queue times for eligible passengers.
Key fact for travellers: Allow significant time at IGI during peak hours — immigration queues for international arrivals can run 45-90 minutes on busy days. Book onward domestic connections with a minimum two-hour buffer after international arrival.
2. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport — Mumbai IATA: BOM | Operator: Mumbai International Airport Limited (MIAL)
India's second busiest airport and its oldest major international hub. BOM handled approximately 50.7 million passengers in 2023. Two terminals: T1 (domestic, primarily IndiGo and SpiceJet) and T2 (international and domestic full-service carriers). T2, opened in 2014, houses one of the largest art collections in any airport globally — works by Manjit Bawa, Jogen Chowdhury, MF Husain and several hundred other Indian artists are displayed across the terminal. The collection is curated and permanent, not rotational.
The airport is landlocked — surrounded by the city on all sides — which has constrained its expansion. Mumbai's second airport at Navi Mumbai International Airport, Ulwe, is under construction and will significantly expand the city's air capacity when operational.
Key fact for travellers: No metro connection currently operational to the city centre — taxi or bus are the options. Pre-book taxis via the official counter to avoid operators outside arrivals. Allow significant time between arrival and city hotel check-in — Mumbai traffic is unpredictable at most hours.
3. Kempegowda International Airport — Bengaluru IATA: BLR | Operator: Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL)
India's third busiest at approximately 36.7 million passengers in 2023 and one of its fastest growing. Terminal 1 handles existing traffic. Terminal 2, opened in 2023 and designed by Skidmore, Owings and Merrill, is one of the most architecturally ambitious terminal buildings in India — a biophilic structure with a live garden inside the departure hall. Bengaluru is the primary hub for India's technology sector — the passenger profile at BLR reflects this, with a high proportion of business travellers, returning NRIs and international technology company employees.
The airport is 40 kilometres from the city centre. BMTC Vajra buses run to the city at fixed routes and fares. The Namma Metro airport line extension is under construction — check current operational status before travel.
Key fact for travellers: Terminal 2 at BLR is one of the most aesthetically distinctive airport spaces in India. Allow time to walk the terminal even if your flight departs from T1.
4. Rajiv Gandhi International Airport — Hyderabad IATA: HYD | Operator: GMR Hyderabad International Airport Limited
Hyderabad's airport has handled the city's emergence as a major technology and pharmaceutical hub with considerable efficiency. HYD handled approximately 22 million passengers in 2023. A single large terminal with clear wayfinding. International connections to the Gulf, Southeast Asia, the United Kingdom and the United States. The airport is approximately 22 kilometres from HITEC City — the technology district — and significantly further from the old city and Charminar.
Key fact for travellers: Hyderabad is the best entry point for travellers combining Hyderabad with the Deccan temple circuit — Golconda Fort, Charminar, and the onward road to Hampi and the Karnataka-Andhra Deccan. Check Hyderabad Metro airport connectivity status before travel as the extension has had phased openings.
5. Chennai International Airport IATA: MAA | Operator: Airports Authority of India
The primary gateway to South India for international travellers and the main hub for Tamil Nadu, Sri Lanka connections and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. MAA handled approximately 22 million passengers in 2023. Two terminals: Anna Terminal (international) and Kamaraj Terminal (domestic). The airport is undergoing significant expansion — a new integrated terminal is planned. Strong Gulf connections reflecting Tamil Nadu's significant migrant worker population in the Gulf states.
Chennai Metro connects the airport to the city — the fastest and most reliable option.
Key fact for travellers: MAA is the correct entry point for travellers heading to Rameswaram, Madurai, Mahabalipuram and the Tamil temple circuit. For the Kerala backwater circuit, Kochi (COK) or Thiruvananthapuram (TRV) are better entries.
6. Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport — Kolkata IATA: CCU | Operator: Airports Authority of India
The primary gateway to eastern India and the northeastern states. CCU handled approximately 20 million passengers in 2023. A single integrated terminal completed in 2013. International connections to Southeast Asia — Bangkok, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur — Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan and Gulf cities.
The airport is the entry point for travellers heading to Darjeeling, Sikkim, the Northeast states (Assam, Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh) and Bangladesh. The Kolkata Metro Airport Line (Line 6, also called the East-West Metro extension toward the airport) — check current operational status and coverage before travel as the extension has had phased openings.
Key fact for travellers: CCU is the correct entry for the eastern circuit — Sundarbans, Darjeeling, Sikkim, the Northeast. The airport is significantly more manageable than Delhi or Mumbai in terms of crowd volume and queuing.
7. Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport — Ahmedabad IATA: AMD | Operator: Airports Authority of India
The primary gateway to Gujarat and the entry point for the western India sacred circuit. AMD handled approximately 14 million passengers in 2023. International connections to the Gulf, United Kingdom and United States reflecting Gujarat's significant diaspora. The airport is expanding — a new greenfield airport at Dholera is in planning stages.
Key fact for travellers: AMD is the only practical air entry for international travellers to Gujarat. Fly to Ahmedabad, overnight train to Dwarka — this is the standard sequence for the western Gujarat circuit covering Somnath, Dwarka and Nageshwar.
8. Pune International Airport — Pune IATA: PNQ | Operator: Airports Authority of India
Pune's airport has been operating significantly above its designed capacity for several years. PNQ handled approximately 10 million passengers in FY2024. A new greenfield airport at Purandar is in the planning and approval stages. International connections to the Gulf and Southeast Asia. The airport serves both Pune's technology sector and the pilgrim traffic toward Shirdi, Trimbakeshwar and Bhimashankar.
Key fact for travellers: PNQ is a useful alternative entry to Mumbai for travellers heading to Pune-based destinations. For Goa by road from Pune — approximately 10 hours on NH48, better to fly directly into Goa.
9. Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport — Guwahati IATA: GAU | Operator: Airports Authority of India
The primary gateway to the Northeast — Assam, Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, Tripura. GAU handled approximately 6 million passengers in FY2024 with significant growth trajectory. International connections to Bangkok and select Southeast Asian cities. The airport is the entry point for travellers to Kaziranga National Park, Majuli island and the Brahmaputra river circuit.
Key fact for travellers: Guwahati is the hub for onward flights to Dimapur (Nagaland), Imphal (Manipur), Aizawl (Mizoram) and Agartala (Tripura). Inner Line Permits for Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Mizoram and Manipur must be arranged before boarding connecting flights into those states.
10. Cochin International Airport — Kochi IATA: COK | Operator: Cochin International Airport Limited (CIAL)
Kochi's airport is notable for two reasons beyond its passenger volume. It was the first airport in India to be built with substantial private equity participation — Kerala NRIs funded a significant portion of its construction in the 1990s. And in 2015 it became the world's first fully solar-powered airport, running entirely on renewable energy generated by its own solar panels. COK handled approximately 10 million passengers in FY2024. Strong Gulf connections reflecting Kerala's significant migrant worker population.
Key fact for travellers: COK is the entry point for the Kerala backwater circuit — Alappuzha (Alleppey), Kumarakom, Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary and the Munnar hill station. The airport is approximately 30 kilometres from Kochi city, connected by road and the Kochi Metro — check current coverage and extension status.
11. Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport — Lucknow IATA: LKO | Operator: Airports Authority of India
Lucknow's airport serves Uttar Pradesh — India's most populous state. LKO handled approximately 8 million passengers in FY2024 with significant growth following the Ram temple consecration at Ayodhya in January 2024 generating substantial pilgrimage-driven air traffic. International connections to the Gulf. Ayodhya also has its own new Maharishi Valmiki International Airport (IATA: AYJ), inaugurated December 2023, with domestic connections expanding.
Key fact for travellers: Lucknow is the correct air entry for the UP pilgrimage circuit — Ayodhya (135 km), Prayagraj (200 km) and Varanasi (300 km). Ayodhya's own airport is worth checking for direct connections from your city of origin.
12. Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee International Airport — Amritsar IATA: ATQ | Operator: Airports Authority of India
Amritsar's airport has direct international connections to the United Kingdom — London Heathrow, Birmingham — reflecting Punjab's large diaspora in Britain, as well as connections to Canada and the United States. ATQ handled approximately 4 million passengers in FY2024. The airport is 11 kilometres from the Golden Temple. For foreign Sikh pilgrims and diaspora visitors to Punjab, ATQ is the direct and most efficient entry.
Key fact for travellers: Flying directly to Amritsar from the UK is the most efficient routing for British-based visitors to Punjab. The airport is small and manageable — a significant contrast to the volume and complexity of Delhi and Mumbai.
13. Dabolim Airport and Mopa Airport — Goa IATA: GOI (Dabolim) and GOX (Mopa) | Operators: AAI / Indian Navy (Dabolim joint use); GMR (Mopa)
Goa now has two operational commercial airports. Dabolim (GOI) operates on a joint-use arrangement with the Indian Navy — the runway is also a naval airstrip, creating operational constraints. The new Manohar International Airport at Mopa in North Goa (GOX) opened in January 2023. The two airports are approximately 60 kilometres apart.
Key fact for travellers: Mopa (GOX) in North Goa is closer to Arambol, Mandrem and the northern beaches. Dabolim (GOI) is closer to Panaji, South Goa and Palolem. Confirm which airport your carrier uses before travel — airlines have split between the two and the choice of airport significantly affects your onward travel logistics.
14. Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport — Varanasi IATA: VNS | Operator: Airports Authority of India
Varanasi's airport has grown with direct international connections to Sri Lanka, Thailand and Gulf cities, as well as direct domestic flights from Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore and Kolkata. VNS handled approximately 4 million passengers in FY2024. The airport is 26 kilometres from the ghats. For foreign travellers doing the Varanasi-Bodhgaya-Nalanda circuit, VNS is the correct entry — saving the Delhi to Varanasi train journey.
Key fact for travellers: Several carriers fly directly to Varanasi from Buddhist pilgrimage markets in Sri Lanka and Thailand. Check for direct routing before defaulting to a Delhi connection.
15. Birsa Munda Airport — Ranchi IATA: IXR | Operator: Airports Authority of India
Jharkhand's primary airport and one of the entry options for the Deoghar-Vaidyanath Jyotirlinga circuit. IXR handled approximately 3 million passengers in FY2024. Connections to Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Bangalore and Hyderabad. Note that Deoghar now has its own airport — Deoghar Airport (IATA: DGH), inaugurated July 2022 — with expanding domestic connectivity including flights to Delhi, Kolkata and Ranchi.
Key fact for travellers: Check Deoghar Airport (DGH) for direct flights from your city before routing via Ranchi — DGH's network has been expanding since 2022 and may offer a more direct option for the Vaidyanath pilgrimage circuit.
THE 15 RAILWAY STATIONS
India's railway network covers approximately 68,000 kilometres of track across over 7,000 stations, carrying approximately 23 million passengers daily. The fifteen stations below are the ones that matter most — the junctions where the network concentrates, the stations through which the largest volume of travellers moves, the places where India's rail geography is most legibly organised.
1. Howrah Junction — Kolkata, West Bengal Station code: HWH
Howrah Junction is the largest railway complex in India by number of platforms — 23 platforms across two station buildings. It is among the busiest railway stations in Asia by passenger volume, handling approximately 1 million passengers daily. It sits on the western bank of the Hooghly river, connected to Kolkata by the Howrah Bridge and the Vidyasagar Setu. Howrah is the terminus for trains from Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Bangalore and most of the country. The Rajdhani Express from New Delhi to Howrah takes approximately 17 hours on the fastest service.
For travellers: Howrah is the entry point for Kolkata, Darjeeling (via New Jalpaiguri, approximately 12 hours), the Sundarbans and the northeastern states. The station complex is vast — arrive with time to locate the correct platform.
2. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus — Mumbai, Maharashtra Station code: CSMT
CSMT — Victoria Terminus in its colonial name — is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The building was completed in 1887 and is a High Victorian Gothic structure designed by Frederick William Stevens, combining Gothic Revival architecture with Indian decorative elements. It is also a fully operational terminus handling the Central Railway's mainline and suburban services for approximately 3 million passengers daily across long-distance and suburban operations combined.
Long-distance trains from CSMT connect to Delhi (Rajdhani Express approximately 16 hours), Kolkata, Chennai, Hyderabad and the rest of the country. The Mumbai suburban Central Line from CSMT serves the eastern suburbs.
For travellers: CSMT is in the heart of Fort, the historic colonial business district, walking distance from the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel and the Gateway of India. It is simultaneously a working station and one of the finest pieces of Victorian civic architecture in Asia.
3. New Delhi Railway Station Station code: NDLS
New Delhi station handles the highest volume of long-distance train departures from the capital — 16 platforms, approximately 450,000 passengers daily. Rajdhani Expresses to Howrah, Mumbai, Chennai, Ahmedabad, Bhubaneswar and other major cities depart from here. The station is adjacent to Paharganj — the budget accommodation area most backpackers arriving in Delhi use as a base.
For travellers: New Delhi station is on the Yellow Line of the Delhi Metro. The Airport Express Metro from New Delhi Metro station connects to IGI Airport Terminal 3 in approximately 20 minutes. Allow considerable time if navigating the station during peak hours — the concourse is very crowded.
4. Mumbai Central — Mumbai, Maharashtra Station code: BCT
Mumbai Central is the terminus for the Western Railway's long-distance trains — Rajdhani Expresses to Delhi (approximately 16 hours on the fastest services), trains to Ahmedabad, Jaipur, Jodhpur and the western and northwestern routes. It also handles the Western Line suburban services connecting the city centre to Bandra, Borivali and the northern suburbs.
For travellers: Mumbai Central is in the centre of the city, served by the Western Line suburban railway. The Rajdhani to Delhi from Mumbai Central is the standard overnight option for travellers moving between the two cities on a fixed schedule.
5. Chennai Central — Chennai, Tamil Nadu Station code: MAS
Chennai Central is the primary long-distance terminus for the Southern Railway — trains to Delhi (Tamil Nadu Express, approximately 33 hours), Mumbai, Kolkata, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Coimbatore and the Tamil Nadu interior. 17 platforms. Approximately 350,000 passengers daily. The Chennai Metro connects directly to the station.
For travellers: Chennai Central is the entry and exit point for the Tamil Nadu circuit — the Madurai-Rameswaram-Kanyakumari loop is all accessible from trains originating here or passing through. The Tamil Nadu Express to Delhi is one of the longest-running named express trains in Indian Railways history.
6. Sealdah Station — Kolkata, West Bengal Station code: SDAH
Sealdah is the second major terminus in Kolkata — handling trains from North Bengal (New Jalpaiguri, Siliguri, and connections toward the Northeast) and dense suburban services for the northern and eastern suburbs. Approximately 700,000 passengers daily across suburban and long-distance services combined. The station handles the Darjeeling Mail and connections toward Bangladesh.
For travellers: If your train from North Bengal terminates at Sealdah rather than Howrah, the two stations are connected by the Kolkata Metro. Sealdah is on the East-West Metro corridor.
7. Kanpur Central — Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh Station code: CNB
Kanpur Central is one of the busiest junction stations in India by the number of trains passing through — it sits at the intersection of the Delhi-Howrah mainline and multiple branch lines serving Uttar Pradesh. Approximately 600,000 passengers daily. Most trains between Delhi and eastern India pass through Kanpur, making it a mandatory stop on the Grand Trunk route even for express services.
For travellers: Kanpur is primarily a transit junction rather than a destination. If your Delhi-Varanasi or Delhi-Kolkata train stops at Kanpur, this is normal and unavoidable — it is the most significant junction on the eastern mainline.
8. Patna Junction — Patna, Bihar Station code: PNBE
Patna Junction is the primary station for Bihar's capital and the entry point for the Bihar and Buddhist circuit — Bodh Gaya (approximately 100 km by road), Nalanda (90 km), Rajgir (100 km) and Vaishali. Approximately 300,000 passengers daily. Direct trains from Delhi (Rajdhani Express approximately 12 hours), Kolkata (approximately 7 hours), Mumbai and Chennai.
For travellers: Patna is the correct rail entry for the Buddhist pilgrimage circuit. The station is central and autorickshaws and taxis are available immediately outside.
9. Agra Cantt — Agra, Uttar Pradesh Station code: AGC
Agra Cantt is the primary station for Agra — served by the Gatimaan Express from Hazrat Nizamuddin, Delhi (India's fastest commercial train at a maximum speed of 160 km/h, covering Delhi to Agra in approximately 100 minutes) and the Shatabdi Express. Approximately 100,000 passengers daily. Agra Fort station (AGF) is also in the city but Agra Cantt has significantly better train connectivity.
For travellers: Agra Cantt is 6 kilometres from the Taj Mahal — auto or prepaid taxi outside the station. The Gatimaan Express is the correct train from Delhi for a day trip to the Taj — arriving before the tour bus crowds. Note: the Gatimaan Express does not run on Fridays.
10. Varanasi Junction — Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh Station code: BSB
Varanasi Junction is the primary station for India's oldest continuously inhabited city — direct trains from Delhi (approximately 12-14 hours), Mumbai (approximately 24 hours), Kolkata (approximately 12 hours) and Chennai. Approximately 150,000 passengers daily. The station is 5 kilometres from the ghats.
For travellers: Note that Banaras station (BSBS, formerly Manduadih) is an alternative terminus used by some trains — confirm which station your train uses before travel to avoid arriving at the wrong end of the city.
11. Jasidih Junction — Jasidih, Jharkhand Station code: JSME
Jasidih is the gateway station for Deoghar and the Vaidyanath Jyotirlinga — 7 kilometres from the shrine, on the Howrah-Delhi Grand Chord line. During the Shravani Mela pilgrimage period (July-August) the station handles a volume that multiplies many times over as pilgrims from Bihar, UP, West Bengal and Jharkhand converge on Deoghar.
For travellers: Most Delhi-Howrah trains on the Grand Chord route stop at Jasidih. Check your train's route carefully — some Delhi-Kolkata trains use the main Howrah line via Patna (which does not pass Jasidih) while others use the Grand Chord (which does). The distinction matters if Deoghar is your destination.
12. Haridwar Junction — Haridwar, Uttarakhand Station code: HW
Haridwar is the principal railhead for the Char Dham circuit of Uttarakhand — trains from Delhi (approximately 4-5 hours, Jan Shatabdi Express and others), Mumbai and other cities terminate here before pilgrims take road transport to Rishikesh (25 km) and onward to Kedarnath, Badrinath, Gangotri and Yamunotri. Approximately 100,000 passengers daily, rising significantly during the Char Dham season and the Ardh Kumbh and Kumbh Mela years.
For travellers: Rishikesh station (RKSH) is functional but Haridwar has significantly better train connectivity. Taxis and shared vehicles from Haridwar to Rishikesh run throughout the day at high frequency.
13. Ahmedabad Junction — Ahmedabad, Gujarat Station code: ADI
Ahmedabad Junction is the primary rail hub for Gujarat — trains to Delhi (Shatabdi Express approximately 7-8 hours, among the fastest intercity services on this route), Mumbai (approximately 7 hours), and the rest of the country. Approximately 250,000 passengers daily. The station area is undergoing development as part of the broader Ahmedabad infrastructure programme connected to the Ahmedabad-Mumbai High Speed Rail project.
For travellers: ADI is the hub for Gujarat's rail network — the overnight Dwarka Express to Dwarka (approximately 7-8 hours), trains to Rajkot and the Saurashtra circuit, and local connections within Gujarat. The Sabarmati Ashram is 7 kilometres from the station.
14. Bangalore City Junction — Bengaluru, Karnataka Station code: SBC
Bangalore City Junction is the primary station for Bengaluru — trains to Chennai (approximately 5-6 hours), Hyderabad (approximately 11 hours), Mumbai (approximately 24 hours), Delhi (approximately 33 hours on the Karnataka Express) and the rest of the country. Approximately 200,000 passengers daily. The Namma Metro Green Line connects to SBC station making it accessible from most parts of the city.
For travellers: SBC is the entry and exit point for the Karnataka circuit — Hampi (overnight train to Hosapete Junction, approximately 9-10 hours on the Hampi Express), Mysuru (approximately 2 hours on the Shatabdi), Hassan (for Belur and Halebidu). The station is central and the Metro connection is functional.
15. Amritsar Junction — Amritsar, Punjab Station code: ASR
Amritsar Junction is 2 kilometres from the Golden Temple — the only major Jyotirlinga or pilgrimage-adjacent station in this list with that proximity. Trains from Delhi (approximately 6-7 hours on multiple daily services including the Shatabdi Express), Kolkata, Mumbai and the rest of the country. Approximately 100,000 passengers daily.
For travellers: Amritsar station is walkable to the Golden Temple or a short auto ride. The station is manageable in scale. The Wagah Border ceremony (30 km) is accessible by taxi from the station throughout the afternoon — leave by 3 PM for a 5 PM ceremony start.
A NOTE ON BOOKING TRAINS AS A FOREIGN TOURIST
The Indrail Pass — which formerly allowed foreign nationals unlimited rail travel for a fixed number of days — was permanently discontinued by the Railway Board in September 2017 and is no longer available. All train travel in India must now be booked as individual point-to-point tickets.
The correct booking route for foreign tourists is the IRCTC website (irctc.co.in) or the IRCTC Rail Connect app — international credit and debit cards are accepted. A Foreign Tourist Quota is available on most major trains, reserving a small number of berths specifically for foreign nationals — book this at the International Tourist Bureau counters at major stations (New Delhi, Mumbai CST, Chennai Central, Kolkata Howrah) with your passport, or online through IRCTC using your passport number as identification.
Tatkal booking — emergency quota tickets released at a premium 24 hours before departure — is available for most trains. It opens at 10 AM the day before departure and fills quickly. This is the fallback when advance booking has not been possible.
Indian Railways opens reservations 120 days before departure for most passengers. Book as early as possible on popular routes — Delhi-Mumbai, Delhi-Kolkata, Delhi-Varanasi — particularly in the October to March peak season.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is the busiest airport in India? Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) in New Delhi is India's busiest, handling 73.6 million passengers in FY2024 and 77.8 million in calendar year 2024 — ranked 9th busiest globally by ACI World. It is followed by Mumbai (BOM) at approximately 50.7 million and Bengaluru (BLR) at approximately 36.7 million passengers in 2023. Source: DGCA and ACI World.
Which airport should foreign travellers fly into for their first India visit? It depends entirely on the itinerary. Golden Triangle (Delhi-Agra-Jaipur): fly into Delhi (DEL). South India and Kerala: Kochi (COK) or Chennai (MAA). Goa: confirm which airport your airline uses — Dabolim (GOI) for South Goa and central Goa, Mopa (GOX) for North Goa. Mumbai and western India: Mumbai (BOM). Northeast India: Guwahati (GAU). Varanasi-Bodhgaya Buddhist circuit: Varanasi (VNS) directly if your carrier serves it, otherwise Delhi with onward train.
What is the fastest train in India? The Gatimaan Express, operating between Hazrat Nizamuddin (Delhi) and Jhansi, holds the maximum operational speed record at 160 km/h — achieved on specific sections between Tughlakabad and Agra. The Delhi to Agra section takes approximately 100 minutes. Certain Vande Bharat Express services also achieve 160 km/h on designated track sections. India does not currently have true high-speed rail — the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High Speed Rail project using Shinkansen technology from Japan is under construction and will be India's first line in this category when operational.
How do I book train tickets in India as a foreign tourist? Through IRCTC (irctc.co.in) — international credit and debit cards are accepted. A Foreign Tourist Quota reserves berths specifically for foreign nationals on most major trains — book at International Tourist Bureau counters at major stations with your passport, or online through IRCTC. The Indrail Pass was permanently discontinued in September 2017 and is no longer available. Book as early as possible — reservations open 120 days before departure and popular trains fill weeks ahead, especially in the October-March peak season.
What is the Rajdhani Express? The Rajdhani Express trains are Indian Railways' premium long-distance services — fully air-conditioned, meals included in the ticket price, given priority over other trains on the network. They connect New Delhi to major state capitals. Key routes: Delhi to Mumbai (approximately 16 hours), Delhi to Kolkata (approximately 17 hours), Delhi to Chennai (approximately 28 hours), Delhi to Patna (approximately 12 hours). The Rajdhani is the standard choice for overnight inter-city travel when time and comfort both matter.
What is the difference between Agra Cantt and Agra Fort stations? Agra has multiple stations. Agra Cantt (AGC) is the primary and best-connected station — served by the Gatimaan Express and Shatabdi Express from Delhi. Agra Fort (AGF) is closer to the fort and old city but has fewer train connections. Raja Ki Mandi (RKM) is a third station used by some trains. When booking to Agra, confirm your train stops at Agra Cantt.
What are the best overnight trains in India for travellers? The Rajdhani Express (Delhi to major state capitals, meals included, fully AC). The Shatabdi Express (daytime intercity, fully AC, meals included). The Duronto Express (limited-stop between major cities, fully AC). For budget travellers: Sleeper Class (SL) on major express trains — three-tier non-AC berths at low fares — gives the most direct experience of long-distance Indian rail: the chai vendor at 2 AM, the platform hawkers at dawn, the compartment conversations that form the informal social life of the Indian railway.
What is the Howrah-Delhi mainline? The Howrah-Delhi mainline is the busiest railway corridor in India — connecting Kolkata's Howrah Junction to New Delhi via Patna, Kanpur and Prayagraj. Approximately 1,450 kilometres. The Grand Chord route — a shorter alternative via Gaya and Dhanbad — passes through Jasidih (for Deoghar) and Gaya (for Bodhgaya). When booking Delhi-Kolkata trains, check whether your train runs via the main line (through Patna) or the Grand Chord (through Gaya) as this determines which intermediate stations it serves.
Which Indian airports have direct flights from the UK? British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, Air India and Vistara operate direct flights from London Heathrow to Delhi (DEL) and Mumbai (BOM). Air India and other carriers serve Birmingham and Manchester to Delhi and Mumbai. Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee International Airport in Amritsar (ATQ) has direct flights from London Heathrow and Birmingham — the most efficient entry for UK-based visitors heading directly to Punjab. Kochi (COK) and Hyderabad (HYD) also have UK connections. Flight durations: London to Delhi approximately 9 hours, London to Mumbai approximately 9.5 hours.
What is the Vande Bharat Express? The Vande Bharat Express is India's indigenously designed and manufactured semi-high-speed train, introduced in 2019 and now running on multiple routes across the country. It is an electric multiple unit (no separate locomotive) capable of up to 160 km/h on approved track sections. It is fully air-conditioned, with meals or refreshments included depending on the route, and significantly faster than conventional express trains on the same corridors. Vande Bharat services are available on routes including Delhi-Varanasi, Delhi-Katra (for Vaishno Devi), Mumbai-Pune, Bengaluru-Chennai and many others. Check the IRCTC website for current Vande Bharat routes from your origin station.
What railway classes are available on Indian trains? From most expensive to least: First Class AC (1A) — two or four berth lockable cabins, highest privacy. Second Class AC (2A) — four berth open bays with curtains, comfortable for overnight travel. Third Class AC (3A) — six berth open bays, the most commonly booked class for mid-range travellers. AC Chair Car (CC) — reserved seating on day trains. Sleeper Class (SL) — non-AC three-tier berths, the budget overnight option with significant fan cooling on most routes. General Unreserved (GN) — no reservation required, no guaranteed seat, not recommended for long journeys.