Original post
y a t il un train direct Darjeeling-Varanasi? ou disons New Jalapaguri-Varanasi?
je ne trouve pas sur le site officiel...
merci!
klodyn
Train direct Darjeeling/New Jalpaiguri - Varanasi?
by Klodyn
This discussion is in French, the community’s main language.
La plupart des trains de la relation desservent Mughal Sarai à +/- 15 kms de Varanasi
seuls quelques trains desservent Varanasi et ils ne sont pas quotidiens : il suffit donc que la date de ton voyage ne corresponde pas aux jours de circulation de ces quelques trains (pas les dimanche, jeudi et vendredi) et tu ne les trouveras pas sur irctc.co.in, cela peut venir aussi de ta sélection de classe. exemple le train qui circule entre N. jailpaguri et varansi le mardi n'a pas de classe 'sleeper', celui qui circule le lundi n'a pas la 1ac
seuls quelques trains desservent Varanasi et ils ne sont pas quotidiens : il suffit donc que la date de ton voyage ne corresponde pas aux jours de circulation de ces quelques trains (pas les dimanche, jeudi et vendredi) et tu ne les trouveras pas sur irctc.co.in, cela peut venir aussi de ta sélection de classe. exemple le train qui circule entre N. jailpaguri et varansi le mardi n'a pas de classe 'sleeper', celui qui circule le lundi n'a pas la 1ac
Salut Klodyn,
J'ai fait ce trajet (NJP --> Mughal sarai) il y a une 15aine de jours.
On a pris notre ticket à la petite gare de Darjeeling la veille ... et il n'y avait plus de place. Il se fait que dans ce cas là, tu peux toujours demander un ticket "emergency" comme ils disent. Tu devras payer le trajet complet (donc du point de départ, jusqu'au point d'arrivée, même si tu le prends et redescends en cours de route). Pour nous, il s'agissait du North East Express (n° 2505) qui part de Gwalior et arrive à New Delhi. On a payé 1340 Rs. à deux, pour le trajet en Second sleeper.
Le train part (si il est à l'heure !) à 17h05 de NJP, et est sensé arrivé vers 7h du mat à Mughal Sarai (une bonne quinzaine de km de Varanasi). Ca c'est la théorie... :) En pratique, on est parti vers 20h de NJP ... Et on est arrivé vers 20h à Mughal Sarai :) Long long trajet donc, surtout que c'était notre tout premier en train en inde, que le compartiment était rempli de mecs (pas une fille .. enfin si, moi !), qu'on nous a offert des jus de fruits douteux, qu'il a fait très chaud (surtout quand le train s'arrête et que l'air ne rentre plus trop dans le wagon...), etc :) Une belle première expérience :D
Bon voyage en tout cas ! Varanasi, c'est superbe, on y est resté 5-6 jours sur les 18 de notre voyage ! Et ca en vallait bien le coup ! Et pour Darjeeling, tu y seras probablement à une meilleure période que nous !
Eva
J'ai fait ce trajet (NJP --> Mughal sarai) il y a une 15aine de jours.
On a pris notre ticket à la petite gare de Darjeeling la veille ... et il n'y avait plus de place. Il se fait que dans ce cas là, tu peux toujours demander un ticket "emergency" comme ils disent. Tu devras payer le trajet complet (donc du point de départ, jusqu'au point d'arrivée, même si tu le prends et redescends en cours de route). Pour nous, il s'agissait du North East Express (n° 2505) qui part de Gwalior et arrive à New Delhi. On a payé 1340 Rs. à deux, pour le trajet en Second sleeper.
Le train part (si il est à l'heure !) à 17h05 de NJP, et est sensé arrivé vers 7h du mat à Mughal Sarai (une bonne quinzaine de km de Varanasi). Ca c'est la théorie... :) En pratique, on est parti vers 20h de NJP ... Et on est arrivé vers 20h à Mughal Sarai :) Long long trajet donc, surtout que c'était notre tout premier en train en inde, que le compartiment était rempli de mecs (pas une fille .. enfin si, moi !), qu'on nous a offert des jus de fruits douteux, qu'il a fait très chaud (surtout quand le train s'arrête et que l'air ne rentre plus trop dans le wagon...), etc :) Une belle première expérience :D
Bon voyage en tout cas ! Varanasi, c'est superbe, on y est resté 5-6 jours sur les 18 de notre voyage ! Et ca en vallait bien le coup ! Et pour Darjeeling, tu y seras probablement à une meilleure période que nous !
Eva
* TDM 2015-2016 : http://2gnomesenbalade.wordpress.com
* Carnets de voyage : Sicile (Mai 2014), Inde (Sept 2009), Namibie (Juillet 2009), Pérou/Equateur (Juillet 2008) et Madagascar (Juillet 2005) via mon profil ! =]
Hello NoirDez !
Je compte faire un petit tour au Darjeeling débur novembre, combien de jours faut-il rester sur place pour voir les choses ? et quels sont les trucs à ne pas manquer sur place ? et pour le climat, il faisait froid ou pas encore ? car il parait qu'en novembre, ça caille un peu !
Pour Varanasi, y a de quoi remplir 5/6 jours ? je pensais y passer 2/3 jours ! dis-moi, que ce qu'il y a à faire dans la ville et aux alentours ?
Et pour les trains, c'était comment le places de 2eme sleeper ? le prix en première sleeper est bcp plus cher ? Les " emergency places" c'est pas les places réservés aux touristes ?
Merci d'avance pour tes réponses !
Je compte faire un petit tour au Darjeeling débur novembre, combien de jours faut-il rester sur place pour voir les choses ? et quels sont les trucs à ne pas manquer sur place ? et pour le climat, il faisait froid ou pas encore ? car il parait qu'en novembre, ça caille un peu !
Pour Varanasi, y a de quoi remplir 5/6 jours ? je pensais y passer 2/3 jours ! dis-moi, que ce qu'il y a à faire dans la ville et aux alentours ?
Et pour les trains, c'était comment le places de 2eme sleeper ? le prix en première sleeper est bcp plus cher ? Les " emergency places" c'est pas les places réservés aux touristes ?
Merci d'avance pour tes réponses !
Salut Rimas !
Nous sommes restés 3 nuits à Darjeeling. Pour les choses à voir : * des temples * le bazaar pour "sentir" l'ambiance, situé dans le bas de la ville * les plantations de thé aux alentours (on a visité la Happy Valley Tea, situé un peu plus bas dans la vallée) * le joy train (ou le toy train ?! je ne sais plus lequel est à vapeur ...) pour aller jusque "ghoom" (pas sure de l'ortho) et voir le monastère qui y est, mais il parait (d'après d'autres touristes, que ça n'a rien d'extra ordinaire) * tiger hill au lever du soleil (tu y seras à une bien meilleure période ... nous avons eu 360° de brouillard mi septembre !) pour voir les montagnes au lever du soleil * ... et sans doute beaucoup de choses que j'ai oublié Donc trois nuits me semble le minimum !
Pour la température, je ne sais pas trop te dire, car c'était la première fois que j'y allais. On supportait volontier notre pull en soirée, et la couverture de l'hôtel pour la nuit ! D'ailleurs, si je peux te donner un conseil concernant l'hôtel... On a d'abord été (un peu par hasard je dois dire) au Tower View hotel pour une nuit, qui est indiqué dans le Routard ... Qui fut vraiment mauvaise ! Humidité jusque dans les couvertures, donc je ne te raconte pas la "facilité" pour s'endormir ! Ensuite, le lendemain matin, on a vite décampé, et on est tombé par hasard (pas dans le routard celui là), sur le Andy's Guesthouse, qui était vraiment nickel ! 450Rs. la chambre double, avec eau chaude, petite "tour de guet" pour la vue (bon, nous c'était sur le brouillard mais bon), très peu humide, et à quelques pas du centre ! Nickel !
Pour ce qui est de Varanasi, cela dépend vraiment de ta manière de voyager. Nous, quand on aime une ville, on y reste plus longtemps, même s'il n'y a plus rien à "visiter"... Et Varanasi, on a vraiment aimé. C'est toute une ambiance. Dur à mettre les mots sur ce que tu vois/sens/vis/ressens/etc ! Donc, pour les pressés, je dirais qu'il faut au minimum 3 jours pour apprécier toute la valeur de cette ville ... Mais si tu as le temps, prolonge ! Si j'peux te donner un conseil question hôtel, vas au Vishnou RestHouse (sur Pandey ghat). On a eu une chambre nickel (d'un point de vue indien évidemment), donnant sur le Gange pour 400 Rs. (La D1 il me semble !). Possibilité de manger sur place, de faire réserver des tickets de train (moyennant un petit supplément), internet sur place, petit temple et musique "Hare Krishna"... Et gens vraiment sympas !
Ensuite, question train, je pense que tu confonds I, II et III (toutes avec AC) et second sleeper. Donc pour faire simple, les I, II et III ont toutes l'air co, et diffèrent par le nombre de lits par compartiments. La "second sleeper" est la dernière classe avec réservation (il existe aussi "chairs" ... mais bonne chance pour les longs trajets !), où la compartimentation est du même style que la III AC, mais il n'y a pas d'air co, et donc le prix est beaucoup moins cher !
On a passé deux nuits dans les trains : La première (NJP à Mughal sarai (15km de varanasi)), en second sleeper (avec l'histoire du ticket emergency). 14h qui se sont transformée en 24h ...) Et la seconde (Varanasi Junction à Agra Fort), en III AC. (style 12h, mais je n'ai plus l'horaire sous les yeux) Et quelle différence ! Il me semble, qu'avec un ticket emergency (plus cher donc, vu que tu paies l'entièreté du trajet, même si tu montes plus tard, ou descends plus tôt) pour le premier trajet en sleeper, on a payé plus ou moins la même chose que pour le deuxième trajet (plus confort, mais vu qu'on n'a pas payé l'entiereté du trajet ...).
Si tu peux, prends plutôt III AC, car pour les longs trajets, c'est beaucoup plus confortable ! Il fait relativement mourrant de chaud sans air co, encore plus quand le train s'arrette (et ce n'est pas rare) et que l'air ne rentre plus par les fenêtres...
J'espère que j'ai répondu à toutes tes questions, n'hésite pas en tout cas !
Eva
Nous sommes restés 3 nuits à Darjeeling. Pour les choses à voir : * des temples * le bazaar pour "sentir" l'ambiance, situé dans le bas de la ville * les plantations de thé aux alentours (on a visité la Happy Valley Tea, situé un peu plus bas dans la vallée) * le joy train (ou le toy train ?! je ne sais plus lequel est à vapeur ...) pour aller jusque "ghoom" (pas sure de l'ortho) et voir le monastère qui y est, mais il parait (d'après d'autres touristes, que ça n'a rien d'extra ordinaire) * tiger hill au lever du soleil (tu y seras à une bien meilleure période ... nous avons eu 360° de brouillard mi septembre !) pour voir les montagnes au lever du soleil * ... et sans doute beaucoup de choses que j'ai oublié Donc trois nuits me semble le minimum !
Pour la température, je ne sais pas trop te dire, car c'était la première fois que j'y allais. On supportait volontier notre pull en soirée, et la couverture de l'hôtel pour la nuit ! D'ailleurs, si je peux te donner un conseil concernant l'hôtel... On a d'abord été (un peu par hasard je dois dire) au Tower View hotel pour une nuit, qui est indiqué dans le Routard ... Qui fut vraiment mauvaise ! Humidité jusque dans les couvertures, donc je ne te raconte pas la "facilité" pour s'endormir ! Ensuite, le lendemain matin, on a vite décampé, et on est tombé par hasard (pas dans le routard celui là), sur le Andy's Guesthouse, qui était vraiment nickel ! 450Rs. la chambre double, avec eau chaude, petite "tour de guet" pour la vue (bon, nous c'était sur le brouillard mais bon), très peu humide, et à quelques pas du centre ! Nickel !
Pour ce qui est de Varanasi, cela dépend vraiment de ta manière de voyager. Nous, quand on aime une ville, on y reste plus longtemps, même s'il n'y a plus rien à "visiter"... Et Varanasi, on a vraiment aimé. C'est toute une ambiance. Dur à mettre les mots sur ce que tu vois/sens/vis/ressens/etc ! Donc, pour les pressés, je dirais qu'il faut au minimum 3 jours pour apprécier toute la valeur de cette ville ... Mais si tu as le temps, prolonge ! Si j'peux te donner un conseil question hôtel, vas au Vishnou RestHouse (sur Pandey ghat). On a eu une chambre nickel (d'un point de vue indien évidemment), donnant sur le Gange pour 400 Rs. (La D1 il me semble !). Possibilité de manger sur place, de faire réserver des tickets de train (moyennant un petit supplément), internet sur place, petit temple et musique "Hare Krishna"... Et gens vraiment sympas !
Ensuite, question train, je pense que tu confonds I, II et III (toutes avec AC) et second sleeper. Donc pour faire simple, les I, II et III ont toutes l'air co, et diffèrent par le nombre de lits par compartiments. La "second sleeper" est la dernière classe avec réservation (il existe aussi "chairs" ... mais bonne chance pour les longs trajets !), où la compartimentation est du même style que la III AC, mais il n'y a pas d'air co, et donc le prix est beaucoup moins cher !
On a passé deux nuits dans les trains : La première (NJP à Mughal sarai (15km de varanasi)), en second sleeper (avec l'histoire du ticket emergency). 14h qui se sont transformée en 24h ...) Et la seconde (Varanasi Junction à Agra Fort), en III AC. (style 12h, mais je n'ai plus l'horaire sous les yeux) Et quelle différence ! Il me semble, qu'avec un ticket emergency (plus cher donc, vu que tu paies l'entièreté du trajet, même si tu montes plus tard, ou descends plus tôt) pour le premier trajet en sleeper, on a payé plus ou moins la même chose que pour le deuxième trajet (plus confort, mais vu qu'on n'a pas payé l'entiereté du trajet ...).
Si tu peux, prends plutôt III AC, car pour les longs trajets, c'est beaucoup plus confortable ! Il fait relativement mourrant de chaud sans air co, encore plus quand le train s'arrette (et ce n'est pas rare) et que l'air ne rentre plus par les fenêtres...
J'espère que j'ai répondu à toutes tes questions, n'hésite pas en tout cas !
Eva
* TDM 2015-2016 : http://2gnomesenbalade.wordpress.com
* Carnets de voyage : Sicile (Mai 2014), Inde (Sept 2009), Namibie (Juillet 2009), Pérou/Equateur (Juillet 2008) et Madagascar (Juillet 2005) via mon profil ! =]
Merci Eva tes conseils sont precieux!!!
Je pars dans 9 jours, youpi youpi!! Je crois comprendre que tu n'as pas fait de trek a Darjeeling, pourtant tu sauras peut etre me repondre. Nous aimerions faire le trek du Singalila Park, par contre nous avons rien organise. Sais tu si c est facile de tout organiser sur place et partir assez rapidement (je veux dire sans perdre 2-3 jours sur place a organiser)?
sinon en lisant tes messages je pense que j ai vu trop grand... j esperais avoir le temps de voir pleins de choses en 22 jours mais je dois peut etre moins exigente...
Bonne fin de voyage!! et encore merci!
Je pars dans 9 jours, youpi youpi!! Je crois comprendre que tu n'as pas fait de trek a Darjeeling, pourtant tu sauras peut etre me repondre. Nous aimerions faire le trek du Singalila Park, par contre nous avons rien organise. Sais tu si c est facile de tout organiser sur place et partir assez rapidement (je veux dire sans perdre 2-3 jours sur place a organiser)?
sinon en lisant tes messages je pense que j ai vu trop grand... j esperais avoir le temps de voir pleins de choses en 22 jours mais je dois peut etre moins exigente...
Bonne fin de voyage!! et encore merci!
klodyn
Salut Klodyn !
Pour ce qui est des treks à partir de Darjee, je n'en ai aucune idée.. Mon bien-aimé n'aime malheureusement vraiment pas marcher, je n'ai donc même pas pu rêver d'un trek avec lui. (Mais je ne désespère pas d'y retourner en le faisant changer d'avis :D).
Et sinon, pour les trains, on savait que ceux qu'on prenait étaient relativement fréquents. Et qu'on voulait un voyage de nuit pour les 2 longs trajets. Pour le premier on a été à la gare, et le gentil monsieur nous a indiqué directement un train qui nous convenait. Pour le second long trajet, et le 3ème plus court (Agra - Delhi), on est passé par la guest house de Varanasi, mentionnée plus haut. En indiquant nos préférences. Donc pas d'achat du Train at a Glande pour nous !
Profite bien du voyage, l'Inde est tellement étonnante et envoutante ! Je t'envie :)
Eva
Pour ce qui est des treks à partir de Darjee, je n'en ai aucune idée.. Mon bien-aimé n'aime malheureusement vraiment pas marcher, je n'ai donc même pas pu rêver d'un trek avec lui. (Mais je ne désespère pas d'y retourner en le faisant changer d'avis :D).
Et sinon, pour les trains, on savait que ceux qu'on prenait étaient relativement fréquents. Et qu'on voulait un voyage de nuit pour les 2 longs trajets. Pour le premier on a été à la gare, et le gentil monsieur nous a indiqué directement un train qui nous convenait. Pour le second long trajet, et le 3ème plus court (Agra - Delhi), on est passé par la guest house de Varanasi, mentionnée plus haut. En indiquant nos préférences. Donc pas d'achat du Train at a Glande pour nous !
Profite bien du voyage, l'Inde est tellement étonnante et envoutante ! Je t'envie :)
Eva
* TDM 2015-2016 : http://2gnomesenbalade.wordpress.com
* Carnets de voyage : Sicile (Mai 2014), Inde (Sept 2009), Namibie (Juillet 2009), Pérou/Equateur (Juillet 2008) et Madagascar (Juillet 2005) via mon profil ! =]
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Hi everyone, I wanted to take the Paris-Berlin overnight train with a sleeper berth, the new service operated by European Sleepers.
24/05/2026 17:45 Paris-Nord (actually 16:00 from Paris Bercy Seine) -> 25/05/2026 9:59 (actually 7:30 in Berlin) 05/06/2026 18:31 Berlin (actually 20:00) -> 06/06/2026 10:00 Paris Nord (actually 12:30) Part of the journey was operated by bus instead of the promised overnight train.
For 2 people: 340 € round trip
A total disaster. Never again. I was really looking forward to taking the overnight train, but we faced last-minute changes and truly unpleasant travel conditions. Here are the details:
1) 2 days before departure: email announcing a change of departure station for the outbound trip—Bercy Seine bus station instead of Gare du Nord. 2) Change of schedule: 4:00 PM from Bercy instead of 5:45 PM from Gare du Nord. 3) Change of transport mode!! A bus from Paris to Brussels, then an overnight train from Brussels to Berlin. No functional toilets on the bus. No children under 4 allowed on the bus. 4) On the sleeper train at 9:30 PM: no functional toilets in our carriage, so we had to go to other carriages, even in the middle of the night, to find working ones. 5) The onboard staff, though very friendly, were as lost as we were. In particular, they didn’t know how to handle the lower berths, so people using them had less space (armrests and backrests). Berth numbers weren’t respected, so some passengers had to move. The staff also didn’t know who was supposed to join the compartment during the journey. 6) Arrival at 7:30 AM in Berlin instead of 10:00 AM. No arrival announcement. Passengers had to search for staff to get breakfast and ended up with just a coffee (breakfast = 15 €, not bad for just a coffee). 7) Return trip: drastic schedule change announced by email on 26/05/2026—departure at 7:30 PM instead of 6:30 PM, with arrival between 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM in Paris instead of 10:00 AM. No change in transport mode announced. 8) Change in transport mode announced by email on the same day (05/06/2026)!! Overnight train from Brussels to Berlin, then a bus from Paris to Brussels. No functional toilets on the bus. Children under 4 banned from the bus, and families in this situation were asked to find another way—after being notified the same day. 9) The overnight train arrived at Berlin station with a 30-minute delay on top of its initial delay (scheduled for 6:31 PM, then 7:30 PM, finally arriving at 8:00 PM). The heating was blasting in the compartment with no way to turn it off. No functional toilets in the carriage. From that point on, customer service stopped responding to my messages. 10) Woken up at 5:00 AM with an announcement in all carriages about arrival in Liège. 11) Woken up again at 6:00 AM to be told we’d arrive in Brussels at 7:00 AM. 12) Arrival in Brussels at 7:00 AM and a one-hour wait for the bus to Paris. No functional toilets on the bus. 13) Arrival at Paris Nord at 12:30 PM, so 2.5 hours late compared to the originally scheduled time. 14) The overnight trains used are very old—I recognized the carriages from 20 years ago!! No functional power outlets, no Wi-Fi, no air conditioning. Five people per compartment is a bit cramped, but I consider these conditions expected (especially the air conditioning), so I’m not complaining about that. There’s already plenty to gripe about with the travel conditions.
I have little hope of getting even a partial refund. Customer service emails acknowledge the discomfort but only offer to reimburse the cost of a coffee on board if we send them the receipt... a bit weak.
I’m sharing this experience in the hope it might help others.
24/05/2026 17:45 Paris-Nord (actually 16:00 from Paris Bercy Seine) -> 25/05/2026 9:59 (actually 7:30 in Berlin) 05/06/2026 18:31 Berlin (actually 20:00) -> 06/06/2026 10:00 Paris Nord (actually 12:30) Part of the journey was operated by bus instead of the promised overnight train.
For 2 people: 340 € round trip
A total disaster. Never again. I was really looking forward to taking the overnight train, but we faced last-minute changes and truly unpleasant travel conditions. Here are the details:
1) 2 days before departure: email announcing a change of departure station for the outbound trip—Bercy Seine bus station instead of Gare du Nord. 2) Change of schedule: 4:00 PM from Bercy instead of 5:45 PM from Gare du Nord. 3) Change of transport mode!! A bus from Paris to Brussels, then an overnight train from Brussels to Berlin. No functional toilets on the bus. No children under 4 allowed on the bus. 4) On the sleeper train at 9:30 PM: no functional toilets in our carriage, so we had to go to other carriages, even in the middle of the night, to find working ones. 5) The onboard staff, though very friendly, were as lost as we were. In particular, they didn’t know how to handle the lower berths, so people using them had less space (armrests and backrests). Berth numbers weren’t respected, so some passengers had to move. The staff also didn’t know who was supposed to join the compartment during the journey. 6) Arrival at 7:30 AM in Berlin instead of 10:00 AM. No arrival announcement. Passengers had to search for staff to get breakfast and ended up with just a coffee (breakfast = 15 €, not bad for just a coffee). 7) Return trip: drastic schedule change announced by email on 26/05/2026—departure at 7:30 PM instead of 6:30 PM, with arrival between 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM in Paris instead of 10:00 AM. No change in transport mode announced. 8) Change in transport mode announced by email on the same day (05/06/2026)!! Overnight train from Brussels to Berlin, then a bus from Paris to Brussels. No functional toilets on the bus. Children under 4 banned from the bus, and families in this situation were asked to find another way—after being notified the same day. 9) The overnight train arrived at Berlin station with a 30-minute delay on top of its initial delay (scheduled for 6:31 PM, then 7:30 PM, finally arriving at 8:00 PM). The heating was blasting in the compartment with no way to turn it off. No functional toilets in the carriage. From that point on, customer service stopped responding to my messages. 10) Woken up at 5:00 AM with an announcement in all carriages about arrival in Liège. 11) Woken up again at 6:00 AM to be told we’d arrive in Brussels at 7:00 AM. 12) Arrival in Brussels at 7:00 AM and a one-hour wait for the bus to Paris. No functional toilets on the bus. 13) Arrival at Paris Nord at 12:30 PM, so 2.5 hours late compared to the originally scheduled time. 14) The overnight trains used are very old—I recognized the carriages from 20 years ago!! No functional power outlets, no Wi-Fi, no air conditioning. Five people per compartment is a bit cramped, but I consider these conditions expected (especially the air conditioning), so I’m not complaining about that. There’s already plenty to gripe about with the travel conditions.
I have little hope of getting even a partial refund. Customer service emails acknowledge the discomfort but only offer to reimburse the cost of a coffee on board if we send them the receipt... a bit weak.
I’m sharing this experience in the hope it might help others.
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Questionnaire link: https://forms.gle/gF1YyesVp2hkh2GDA
Thanks so much for your help! !
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Thanks in advance to those who can help me out, and happy travels! Jaunesoleil
Hi there,
We’re planning a 15-day trip to Uzbekistan in March—classic independent itinerary: Tashkent, Samarkand, Bukhara, Khiva. We’d like to take the train between each city, but I don’t want to lock down the whole trip before we leave.
So, my question is: is it absolutely necessary to book train tickets before departure, whether for the high-speed trains or the regional ones? Is booking really essential for the regional trains?
Thanks a bunch!
Philippe
We’re planning a 15-day trip to Uzbekistan in March—classic independent itinerary: Tashkent, Samarkand, Bukhara, Khiva. We’d like to take the train between each city, but I don’t want to lock down the whole trip before we leave.
So, my question is: is it absolutely necessary to book train tickets before departure, whether for the high-speed trains or the regional ones? Is booking really essential for the regional trains?
Thanks a bunch!
Philippe
Hello,
We’re traveling as a family with two boys aged 10 and 12 to Cairo in February. During our trip, we’re planning to take an overnight train (with or without a sleeper) for the Cairo-Aswan route.
Do you know how I can book this remotely?
Also, I’m looking for: - A local contact to sail the Nile by felucca for 3 days from Aswan - A contact to guide us in Cairo
Looking forward to your tips, and thanks in advance! Marie
Also, I’m looking for: - A local contact to sail the Nile by felucca for 3 days from Aswan - A contact to guide us in Cairo
Looking forward to your tips, and thanks in advance! Marie
Hi everyone,
I first traveled solo to Japan in 2019, exploring the Kyushu region (28 days), and I’m planning to return with my daughter (she’s an adult and it’ll be her first time in Asia) from April 25 to May 9.
I’m reaching out on this forum to ask for route ideas—this time north of Tokyo, but without heading to the Sapporo island (I’m saving that for a future trip).
I’d love to take advantage of the cherry blossom season and its festivities.
I’m looking to create a route that’s a little off the beaten path while staying within 5-6 hours by train from Tokyo to avoid spending too much time on transfers.
Thanks in advance for sharing your suggestions and experiences!
Michael
I'm heading to MEXICO IN NOVEMBER 2025. Since private guides and drivers are really expensive—over 300 € per day—I'm thinking of exploring the Yucatán by train. CAN YOU SHARE ANY INFO ON THIS? Thanks
Hi there!
We’re planning to visit Serbia (1 week) and then Montenegro (2nd week) with our kids from April 18 to May 4. We’d prefer to travel by train (overnight if possible), but we’re not sure which platform to book on or when to do it (is it too early?). If anyone has any tips, I’m all ears!!
I wanted to know if it’s possible to go from Tashkent to Almaty by train without passing through Kyrgyzstan. I’ve heard the border is often closed 😕 between Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan.
Thanks in advance!
Olivier
Hi there!
We’re planning to head back to Istanbul next year—obviously by plane—and then take the train from Istanbul to Antalya. Has anyone here already made this trip by train with TCDD?
I’d love any tips or info that could be useful for us!
I'd like to go to Montserrat on my own from Barcelona. Share your suggestions with me.
Which train should I take, where to get off, what to see once I arrive, etc.
Hi there,
I need to take a sleeper train from Bangkok to Vientiane in January. I found some ticket options on 12Go Asia, but booking doesn’t seem possible at the moment. I’ve tried simulations for several dates, but no luck. I’m wondering if it’s already fully booked, if they’ve stopped selling tickets… yet 12Go still features it every day 😕
Has anyone else run into this issue? Can I find tickets on another site? (I tried Baolau, but no sleepers left for January 8th.)
Thanks!
I need to take a sleeper train from Bangkok to Vientiane in January. I found some ticket options on 12Go Asia, but booking doesn’t seem possible at the moment. I’ve tried simulations for several dates, but no luck. I’m wondering if it’s already fully booked, if they’ve stopped selling tickets… yet 12Go still features it every day 😕
Has anyone else run into this issue? Can I find tickets on another site? (I tried Baolau, but no sleepers left for January 8th.)
Thanks!
Hi there,
I’m a bit late to be worrying about this, but hopefully someone can help me before I leave.
Tomorrow afternoon, I arrive at Lyon Part-Dieu on the TGV at 5:50 PM and take the TER to Mâcon at 6:16 PM. Is a 26-minute transfer doable? Are the TGV and TER on the same departure board? And are they on the same platforms too?
I’ve been to Lyon before but never had to make a connection after arriving.
Thanks
Hi there,
I can’t seem to complete the payment for my trip on the IRCTC (Indian Railways) site. No matter which payment method I choose, my Visa card isn’t accepted. Has anyone here managed to do it, and if so, could you share the method you used? Thanks in advance! Charlie
I can’t seem to complete the payment for my trip on the IRCTC (Indian Railways) site. No matter which payment method I choose, my Visa card isn’t accepted. Has anyone here managed to do it, and if so, could you share the method you used? Thanks in advance! Charlie
Hello,
Starting November 15th, I’ll be arriving in Thailand, and during my stay, I plan to visit the north, around the Chiang Mai area, then head south to the Krabi region. After Krabi, I’m planning to take an overnight train to Bangkok. I was wondering if there’s a train that leaves from Krabi or Trang, or if I absolutely have to go to Surat Thani? Also, which official website can I use to book my ticket?
Next, since I’ll be arriving at dawn in Bangkok, I’ve planned to spend 2 days in Kanchanaburi. What’s the most convenient way to get there—bus or train? And if you know any companies or websites, that’d be great.
Thanks for your tips!
Fred
Starting November 15th, I’ll be arriving in Thailand, and during my stay, I plan to visit the north, around the Chiang Mai area, then head south to the Krabi region. After Krabi, I’m planning to take an overnight train to Bangkok. I was wondering if there’s a train that leaves from Krabi or Trang, or if I absolutely have to go to Surat Thani? Also, which official website can I use to book my ticket?
Next, since I’ll be arriving at dawn in Bangkok, I’ve planned to spend 2 days in Kanchanaburi. What’s the most convenient way to get there—bus or train? And if you know any companies or websites, that’d be great.
Thanks for your tips!
Fred
Hi! I arrive in Vancouver on August 24, 2025, and I’m staying until Friday, August 29, 2025—the day I take *The Canadian* train to Toronto.
I’m exploring several things in Vancouver, including whale watching—if you’ve got any great tips, don’t hesitate! Thanks!
I’m exploring several things in Vancouver, including whale watching—if you’ve got any great tips, don’t hesitate! Thanks!
Hi there,
Does anyone know if there’s a bus from Luang Namtha to Boten to catch the train coming from China to Vientiane? If so, what’s the name of the company? Also, how long does the bus take to cover that distance? What’s the condition of the road like?
Thanks for your help!
Tom
I just realized there’s only one payment method accepted for booking the Mombasa-Nairobi express train ticket online: M-Pesa, a mobile money transfer service used in Africa. Would it be impossible to book as a European?
Hi
Have any of you booked tickets through rail.ninja?
Hi there,
I’d love to know if any of you have recently eaten on the overnight train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai.
We’ve always ordered food on the train, and it was really good (and super convenient). But in 2022, we ended up feeling like total idiots (with our 4-year-old daughter...) when we boarded the train only to find out that this service was no longer available... (It was the first time we’d traveled right after COVID.)
That’s also when we saw once again how kind Thai people are—they all offered to share their food with us, even though we were mortified. In the end, we managed to buy some instant noodles, which was better than nothing. Anyway, that’s the little story behind it.
In the following years, we’ve always brought our own meals.
I’ve read online that meal trays are back in service (could you confirm this, please?), but that the quality is really poor. I’ve also seen multiple reports that, even though you can eat well everywhere in Thailand, the train meal was the worst food travelers had during their trip...
Could you give me a recent opinion on this? We’ll be departing from Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Station—do you know if there’s anywhere to buy a meal there before boarding the train?
Thanks so much for your help, and have a great Sunday!
I’d love to know if any of you have recently eaten on the overnight train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai.
We’ve always ordered food on the train, and it was really good (and super convenient). But in 2022, we ended up feeling like total idiots (with our 4-year-old daughter...) when we boarded the train only to find out that this service was no longer available... (It was the first time we’d traveled right after COVID.)
That’s also when we saw once again how kind Thai people are—they all offered to share their food with us, even though we were mortified. In the end, we managed to buy some instant noodles, which was better than nothing. Anyway, that’s the little story behind it.
In the following years, we’ve always brought our own meals.
I’ve read online that meal trays are back in service (could you confirm this, please?), but that the quality is really poor. I’ve also seen multiple reports that, even though you can eat well everywhere in Thailand, the train meal was the worst food travelers had during their trip...
Could you give me a recent opinion on this? We’ll be departing from Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Station—do you know if there’s anywhere to buy a meal there before boarding the train?
Thanks so much for your help, and have a great Sunday!
Hi there,
We’re heading to Thailand in February 2026 and we’d like to take the overnight train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai. Can we book two first-class tickets? I’m only seeing second-class options.
Thanks
We’re heading to Thailand in February 2026 and we’d like to take the overnight train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai. Can we book two first-class tickets? I’m only seeing second-class options.
Thanks
Hi everyone,
For traveling in Rajasthan by train and bus, could you give me some info: where to buy tickets, cost, purchase locations, websites, etc.?
Any tips you have would be super helpful.
Thanks
Hi there,
We’re traveling to Java on October 23, just the two of us. I’ve read that it’s best to book train tickets in advance on tiket.com. Is that true, and how far ahead do you recommend? Are the tickets changeable?
Thanks for your help!
Nicole
We’re traveling to Java on October 23, just the two of us. I’ve read that it’s best to book train tickets in advance on tiket.com. Is that true, and how far ahead do you recommend? Are the tickets changeable?
Thanks for your help!
Nicole
Hi everyone,
I’m planning to travel from Ulaanbaatar to Irkutsk by train this summer but I’m a bit worried about crossing the borders. How does it work? Could anyone share their experience? (I’ve found quite a few accounts of people going *from* Russia *to* Mongolia, but entering a country is never the same as leaving it—especially in this context!)
Thanks in advance! 😊
Thanks in advance! 😊
Hi
Can anyone tell me how to book train tickets online? We're planning to travel from HANOI to HO CHI MINH CITY by train, making several stops along the way. I'd also like to find the schedules and the stations where the trains stop.
There are four of us, and we've already planned stops in HANOI / DONG HOI / HUE.
Thanks in advance to anyone who can help!
Mounette74
Can anyone tell me how to book train tickets online? We're planning to travel from HANOI to HO CHI MINH CITY by train, making several stops along the way. I'd also like to find the schedules and the stations where the trains stop.
There are four of us, and we've already planned stops in HANOI / DONG HOI / HUE.
Thanks in advance to anyone who can help!
Mounette74
Hi everyone,
I’m heading to Japan for the second time with my 20-year-old son. During our first trip, we spent two weeks in Tokyo and Kyoto (plus the surrounding areas). This time, we’re planning to stay in Tokyo for at least 4-5 days and then head to the island of Naoshima. I’m looking for suggestions and advice: Is getting to Naoshima from Tokyo complicated? If so, do you have any recommendations for a stopover somewhere? Given that we’d prefer not to move every day, we’d rather settle in one place and then explore on day trips... Do you think it’s possible to do something like this: 5 nights in Tokyo (Shinjuku) 3 nights in Kyoto 2 nights in Naoshima (or is one night enough??) and if one night is enough, where could I spend a second night on the way back to Tokyo? 2 nights in Tokyo (I’d love your advice on staying in a different neighborhood—last time we stayed near Ueno Park)—keeping in mind we’re flying out of Narita.
I’m considering maybe skipping Kyoto, which I love but has apparently become *very* touristy... Not really keen on Osaka... since we’ll already have done Tokyo as our "big city." I’d prefer towns where nature is present... (a bit like Kyoto, which offers all that...)
For info, we’ll be traveling by train. Thanks in advance for all your suggestions and help!
I have one last little question: Is cash still widely used in Japan, or not at all anymore?
Thanks so much,
Karine
I’m heading to Japan for the second time with my 20-year-old son. During our first trip, we spent two weeks in Tokyo and Kyoto (plus the surrounding areas). This time, we’re planning to stay in Tokyo for at least 4-5 days and then head to the island of Naoshima. I’m looking for suggestions and advice: Is getting to Naoshima from Tokyo complicated? If so, do you have any recommendations for a stopover somewhere? Given that we’d prefer not to move every day, we’d rather settle in one place and then explore on day trips... Do you think it’s possible to do something like this: 5 nights in Tokyo (Shinjuku) 3 nights in Kyoto 2 nights in Naoshima (or is one night enough??) and if one night is enough, where could I spend a second night on the way back to Tokyo? 2 nights in Tokyo (I’d love your advice on staying in a different neighborhood—last time we stayed near Ueno Park)—keeping in mind we’re flying out of Narita.
I’m considering maybe skipping Kyoto, which I love but has apparently become *very* touristy... Not really keen on Osaka... since we’ll already have done Tokyo as our "big city." I’d prefer towns where nature is present... (a bit like Kyoto, which offers all that...)
For info, we’ll be traveling by train. Thanks in advance for all your suggestions and help!
I have one last little question: Is cash still widely used in Japan, or not at all anymore?
Thanks so much,
Karine
Hi everyone,
We’re planning this *very* last-minute—I know! But we’d love to spend 4 days soon (within the next 10–12 days) on a city getaway with our young adult kids. Ideally by train, and for this short trip, we’d prefer not to spend more than 4–6 hours in transit, leaving from Lausanne (Switzerland). We’ve been considering Milan, Strasbourg, or Freiburg im Breisgau, but I’ll admit I’m feeling a bit lost...
Venice was our original plan, but the connection changes in Domodossola or Milan are making the travel time longer this year.
It’s peak summer, so there’ll be tourists and it’ll likely be hot, but oh well...
Any suggestions? We love wandering around, taking photos, exploring cities on foot, trying out restaurants, and keeping things low-key.
Thanks to anyone who wants to chime in! :o)
We’re planning this *very* last-minute—I know! But we’d love to spend 4 days soon (within the next 10–12 days) on a city getaway with our young adult kids. Ideally by train, and for this short trip, we’d prefer not to spend more than 4–6 hours in transit, leaving from Lausanne (Switzerland). We’ve been considering Milan, Strasbourg, or Freiburg im Breisgau, but I’ll admit I’m feeling a bit lost...
Venice was our original plan, but the connection changes in Domodossola or Milan are making the travel time longer this year.
It’s peak summer, so there’ll be tourists and it’ll likely be hot, but oh well...
Any suggestions? We love wandering around, taking photos, exploring cities on foot, trying out restaurants, and keeping things low-key.
Thanks to anyone who wants to chime in! :o)