How to Find Train Times for Indian Railways

Indian Railways, one of the largest rail networks in the world, is a government-owned railway company that transports over 13 million passengers every day. It's the lifeline of the nation. The network covers over 63,000 kilometers of tracks and encompasses over 7,000 train stations. Follow these steps to start planning your trip.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Computer with Internet access and printer

Find Train Times by Phone or Online

1. Get train times for Indian Railways by calling 011 ([phone], or by visiting their Web site (see Resources below).

2. On the Web site, download and print the "How to use the Timetable" PDF file listed under the "Contents" header.

3. Read the PDF file and decide if you want to find the necessary table numbers using the "Station Index," "Station Code Index," "Train Number Index," "Train Name Index" or the "Destination" listing pages.

4. Download the appropriate PDF from the "Table Index" list under the "Contents" header on the Web site's main page.

5. Read the instructions for each index, which are written in English on the first page.

6. Determine which table numbers you need from these indexes. Select the table number from the drop-down menu on the Web site's main page.

7. Print the table numbers that reference your travel route.

8. Refer to the "How to Use the Timetable" document if the train times listings are unclear.

Use an Online Route Map to Find Train Times

9. Visit the Indian Railways Web site.

10. Download the "Route Map with Table Numbers" PDF from the main page. Print it out for reference.

11. Go over your travel route on the map. Make note of the route numbers listed in the boxes.

12. Select the table numbers you need for your journey from the drop-down menu on the Web site's main page and print out the appropriate tables to see your train times.

Tips & Warnings

• The Indian Railways Web site makes extensive use of PDF files. They cause pages to load slowly, but create print-friendly versions of train schedules, instructions and maps.
• All phone numbers given here include the United States international prefix "011." When calling internationally from outside the United States, substitute "00" for "011."
• All country codes in phone numbers given here are within parentheses and begin with a "+" sign. The code for India is +91.
• When in India, keep your passport in your possession at all times.
• Stay away from the black markets. Dabbling in these can lead to arrest and fines.
• Train schedules for Indian Railways are not simple tables. Refer to the instructions on the Web site if you're having trouble reading them.
• Print out all relevant PDF files to make cross-referencing easier when determining your itinerary.
• Disease is a problem in India. Use a waterless hand cleaner after using the bathroom and before eating.
• Avoid eating meat in India. Only drink bottled water with the seal still intact.