IndRail Passes Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What is an Indrail pass?

So what is this Indrail pass is all about? Not many people may have heard of this. But foreign tourists and NRI people may have definitely some idea about Indrail passes. The concept of an Indrail Pass is `As You Like' - means as and when you like to use train services. This is a kind of travel ticket, which is exclusively for foreign tourists and Indian nationals, residing abroad (NRI). This ticket allows passengers to travel wherever they want, within a specific time period, at an all-inclusive fare. The Indrail Pass can be paid for only in US Dollars or Pound Sterling.

Q. Who issues the Indrail passes?

IndRail passes are issued by Indian Railways to foreign (i.e., non-Indian) nationals and Indians residing outside India. The pass allows unlimited travel on all regular Indian Railway passenger services during its validity (reservations must be made separately). The pass is available for 1st class, A/C sleeper (2-tier or 3-tier) or A/C chair car class, or 2nd class, for varying durations ranging from a half-day pass up to a 90-day pass. A pass for one class is also valid on the lower (i.e. less expensive) classes of travel.

Q. What is the cost of an Indrail pass?

Fares for Indrail passes differ for adults and children. Adult fares are approximately $90 for a 1-day pass, $370 for a 15-day pass, and $550 for a 30-day pass. (Note: Please check with a travel agent or Indian Railways web site for current prices.) Payment must be in US dollars or other foreign currency, and identification in the form of a passport or other document is required.

Q. What are Circular Journey tickets?

Circular Journey tickets may be purchased for any custom route starting at one station and going through a number of others before ending at the starting point. Applications have to be submitted in advance at a railway station and may take a few days to process. Specific routes have to be specified between any consecutive pair of stations on the route you intend to take, in case there are multiple possible routes. The zonal timetables list the 'standard' circular journeys, which can be booked directly without much trouble. However, for any custom route, the route first has to be approved by the Commercial Manager at the booking station.

Q. What are the advantages of an Indrail pass?

The main advantage of an Indrail pass is the convenience of not having to buy separate tickets for all segments of your journey. It is a good option to save money and also saves one for hassles of booking multiple tickets for multiple journeys. These passes are good if your plan to travel a lot using Indian railways. You also get access to the Tourist and VIP quotas for reservations, and an Indrail pass usually makes things much smoother at a India Tourist Guide or Tourist Booking Counter at a railway station.

Q. Can an Indian citizen purchase Indrail Passes?

No, but Indian Railways has announced the Explorer Pass which is supposed to be something like an IndRail pass and it is available to Indian citizens and residents of the country.