Train Travel in India: Backpacker's Guide
Why Every Backpacker Should Travel India by Train
No flight. No highway. Just you, a window seat, and the entire subcontinent rolling past at 80 kilometres per hour. Train travel in India is not just transport — it is the experience itself.
India has one of the largest rail networks in the world. Thousands of routes connect mountains, deserts, coastlines, and cities. For backpackers, it is the most affordable, immersive, and memorable way to move between destinations.
If you have not yet done a long train journey in India, this guide is for you. And if you have — you already know exactly what we mean.
Choosing the Right Class
Indian trains have multiple classes, and picking the right one matters. Sleeper class is the sweet spot for backpackers. It is cheap, social, and gives you access to some of the most interesting conversations you will ever have on a trip.
3AC (third class air-conditioned) is a step up in comfort — with berths, blankets, and a bit more privacy. It is worth it on journeys over 12 hours, especially overnight routes like Delhi to Jaisalmer or Mumbai to Goa.
Second class unreserved is chaos in the best possible way. Best saved for short day trips where you want the full, unfiltered Indian rail experience.
What to Pack for an Indian Train Journey
Packing smart is essential. You are living out of your bag for hours — sometimes days. Every item needs to earn its place.
Your main bag should have a rain cover. Indian platforms are not always sheltered, and weather changes fast. The BAG COVER 75-45 Ltr fits most backpacks and keeps your gear completely dry. At ₹250, it is one of the highest-value purchases before any trip.
Keep a small day bag for things you need during the journey. The Hemp Cross Body Bag is ideal — it sits in your lap or hangs on your berth hook. Inside, keep your phone, snacks, earphones, and a travel card. Everything else goes in the overhead rack.
Your phone is vulnerable on trains, especially in crowded unreserved compartments. A Waterproof Mobile Pouch adds a layer of protection and keeps it safe if you are caught in rain between platforms.
The Train Outfit: Comfort Over Everything
You will be sitting, sleeping, and moving in the same clothes for 12 to 24 hours. Comfort is not a preference — it is a requirement.
Oversized tees and joggers are the standard train travel uniform for good reason. The Mountain Print Oversized Tee is soft, breathable, and looks good enough to wear straight off the train and into exploring.
Pair it with the Travel Unisex Joggers and you are set for the entire journey — including the platform chai stop at 3 AM that you absolutely cannot skip.
Train Travel Hacks for Indian Backpackers
Book through IRCTC at least a week in advance. Tatkal quotas open 24 hours before departure and cost slightly more, but they save you when plans change.
Carry cash in small denominations. Platform vendors — chai, samosas, omelette sandwiches — are cash-only and serve the best food on any rail journey.
Make friends with your compartment neighbours. Indian trains are extraordinarily social. Fellow passengers will offer you food, share stories, and possibly invite you home before you reach your stop.
Download your tickets offline. Mobile data drops in tunnels and rural stretches — which, on scenic routes, is often exactly where you are.
The Routes Worth Doing
A few routes every backpacker should experience: the Konkan Railway from Mumbai to Goa, winding along the Western Ghats. The Kalka-Shimla Toy Train — a UNESCO heritage narrow-gauge ride through the hills. The Vivek Express from Dibrugarh to Kanyakumari, spanning 4,273 kilometres across the length of India.
Any one of these routes will change how you think about travel.
Pack Right, Travel Far
Train travel in India is best when you are prepared without being over-packed. The right bag, the right outfit, and the right attitude will take you further than any first-class ticket.
Gear up at khojo.store before your next journey across India.