Rail Popularity in India: Why Trains Dominate Travel Across the Country

When it comes to getting around India, nothing beats the rail popularity, the overwhelming preference for trains as the primary mode of long-distance travel across the country. Also known as Indian railways, this system moves over 23 million passengers daily — more than the entire population of Canada. It’s not just transport; it’s a lifeline for students, workers, pilgrims, and tourists alike.

Why do so many choose trains over planes or cars? For starters, trains are the only option that connects small towns to big cities at prices most people can afford. A sleeper ticket from Delhi to Varanasi costs less than a meal in many Western cities. Meanwhile, luxury trains like the Route 1 train, a premium heritage journey that blends history with comfort across India’s iconic destinations offer a different kind of experience — one that turns travel into an event. Even the train stations India, the bustling hubs where millions begin and end their journeys every day are cultural landmarks. Think of Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus in Mumbai or Howrah Station in Kolkata — they’re not just buildings, they’re living scenes of daily life.

The railway tourism, the growing trend of using trains to explore India’s heritage, landscapes, and spiritual sites has exploded in recent years. People don’t just ride trains — they plan trips around them. Whether it’s heading to Tirupati for a pilgrimage, going to Rishikesh for adventure, or hopping on a train to reach a UNESCO site in Uttar Pradesh, the rails are the backbone of the journey. Even beach lovers fly into Goa or Kerala, then take a short train ride to their final stop. The system works because it’s everywhere — and because it’s affordable, reliable, and deeply woven into how Indians live.

What you’ll find below are real stories from travelers who used trains to reach everything from the busiest temple in India to the quietest beach. You’ll see how rail popularity isn’t just about numbers — it’s about access, identity, and the unexpected connections you make on a 36-hour ride across the country. Whether you’re a budget backpacker or a luxury seeker, India’s railways have a seat waiting for you.