Réserver le billet de train en Inde par internet actuellement? (7 juillet 2012)
by Philoorama
This discussion is in French, the community’s main language.
Original post
bonjour, j'ai besoin d'une réponse récente car les choses bougent vite en Inde.
j'essaie de reserver un billet de train et tout les sites marchands me redirigent vers IRCTC qui demande un email et un numéro de mobil INDIEN ceci pour recevoir un code de confirmation sur chaque support!je n'ai pas de mobile indien étant encore en France et pour avoir accès à la suite de la réservation on doit impérativement confirmer les deux codes différents, celui du mail et celui du mobile, comment faire?
shanti shanti
philoorama🤪
ok , merci pour la rapidité de ta réponse, je voulais partir directement à Trivandrum sans trainer à Mumbay, j'ai vu un ticket à 66 euros...........
bon voyage à toi
Bonsoir,
il y a un certain nombre de discussions sur ce point ; en faisant une petite recherche tu trouveras les réponses que tu cherches...
Voici la méthode que tout le monde suit pour les réservations sur Cleartrip : http://www.seat61.com/India.htm (how to buy tickets from outside India)
Je viens de regarder les prix d'un trajet Mumbai - Trivandrum, je trouve au maximum 35 € ; tu parlais de l'avion ou du train à 66 € ??! Ceci dit, avec plus de 30h de trajet en train, l'avion serait peut-être mieux !
Bon courage !
il y a un certain nombre de discussions sur ce point ; en faisant une petite recherche tu trouveras les réponses que tu cherches...
Voici la méthode que tout le monde suit pour les réservations sur Cleartrip : http://www.seat61.com/India.htm (how to buy tickets from outside India)
Je viens de regarder les prix d'un trajet Mumbai - Trivandrum, je trouve au maximum 35 € ; tu parlais de l'avion ou du train à 66 € ??! Ceci dit, avec plus de 30h de trajet en train, l'avion serait peut-être mieux !
Bon courage !
"Au moins une fois par an, ou aussi souvent que possible, allez quelque part où vous n’êtes jamais allé auparavant." Dalai Lama
Bonsoir,
J'adore de prendre le train en Inde car c'est la vraie vie indienne qui se déroule dans les gares, les trains... J'aime surtout le train de nuit où l'on s'avance bien "en dormant ou en essayant... Moi j'y arrive...
Mais franchement, 30H de train et pour la différence de prix: je te conseille l'avion. Ca va être super fatiguant. En plus , l'avion tu peux réserver de suite à bas prix avec Makemytrip ou faire une recherche comparative. Enfin, ceci est un conseil mais à chacun son voyage.
Sinon, pour le train: tu peux donner le téléphone de ton hôtel; ils n'appelleront pas de toute façon. Ou mieux encore, tu demandes à ton hôtel de réserver pour toi ou à une agence "voir Milna" fait ce genre de travail pour 15 euros (toutes les réservations).
Bonne préparation de voyage.
Marie
MARIE
"Chaque voyage se vit différemment même si la destination est la même; c'est notre état d'esprit du moment et nos rencontres qui en font la différence"
merci de ta réponse, pour le prix d'un billet a 30euros mumbay/trivandrum si c'est TTC je veux bien que tu me donnes ton plan
Philoo
merci Marie, je suis étonné de la rapidité des réponses et j'ai des infos, pour le telephone tu recois un SMS avec un code que tu dois retourner donc le plan d'un numéro bidon ne marche pas, j'ai eu aussi l'adresse d'un site ou logiquement tu peux reserver de l'etranger bonjour le mal de tête, de quoi te dégouter avant de retourner en Inde, non et bien rien à faire je me demerderais sur place, apres tout c'est le but
a tchao a tous
Philoo
Le minimum, quand on te donne un lien pour t'aider, c'est d'aller voir de quoi il retourne. Non seulement tu n'as pas pris la peine de chercher sur le forum mais en plus tu postes pour finalement décider de "te démerder sur place".
Bref, si ta fainéantise t'empêche de faire les démarches nécessaires ; tant pis pour toi.
Bref, si ta fainéantise t'empêche de faire les démarches nécessaires ; tant pis pour toi.
"Au moins une fois par an, ou aussi souvent que possible, allez quelque part où vous n’êtes jamais allé auparavant." Dalai Lama
Après tout, si tu es dégouté de l'Inde à l'avance, n'y vas pas c'est mieux.... j'ai eu des billets d'avion "intérieur" à 40 euros tout compris mais il faut chercher un "peu" et avoir de la patience... Comme en Inde.... Marie
MARIE
"Chaque voyage se vit différemment même si la destination est la même; c'est notre état d'esprit du moment et nos rencontres qui en font la différence"
Bonsoir,
J'adore de prendre le train en Inde car c'est la vraie vie indienne qui se déroule dans les gares, les trains... J'aime surtout le train de nuit où l'on s'avance bien "en dormant ou en essayant... Moi j'y arrive...
Mais franchement, 30H de train et pour la différence de prix: je te conseille l'avion. Ca va être super fatiguant. En plus , l'avion tu peux réserver de suite à bas prix avec Makemytrip ou faire une recherche comparative. Enfin, ceci est un conseil mais à chacun son voyage.
Sinon, pour le train: tu peux donner le téléphone de ton hôtel; ils n'appelleront pas de toute façon. Ou mieux encore, tu demandes à ton hôtel de réserver pour toi ou à une agence "voir Milna" fait ce genre de travail pour 15 euros (toutes les réservations).
Bonne préparation de voyage.
Marie
bonsoir Marie, qd je vois des gens comme toi habitué apparemment à l'Inde, ça me rassure d'avance... apparemment tu as déjà été en Inde plusieurs fois- pour le train il paraît aussi qu'on s'en sort tjrs assez bien sur place sans avoir réserver longtemps à l'avance (au pire c'est le bus, sympa aussi), tu confirmes ?? sinon il est vrai que réserver enlève toute liberté au voyage, et en plus c'est difficile de planifier.. suite à ton expérience, qu'en penses-tu ? et conseilles-tu de prendre des chèques de voyage ? je te remercie bcp d'avance, c'est la 1ère fois que j'y vais et j'appréhende un peu... merci merci
martine (pseudo Grandvoyage57)
bonsoir Marie, qd je vois des gens comme toi habitué apparemment à l'Inde, ça me rassure d'avance... apparemment tu as déjà été en Inde plusieurs fois- pour le train il paraît aussi qu'on s'en sort tjrs assez bien sur place sans avoir réserver longtemps à l'avance (au pire c'est le bus, sympa aussi), tu confirmes ?? sinon il est vrai que réserver enlève toute liberté au voyage, et en plus c'est difficile de planifier.. suite à ton expérience, qu'en penses-tu ? et conseilles-tu de prendre des chèques de voyage ? je te remercie bcp d'avance, c'est la 1ère fois que j'y vais et j'appréhende un peu... merci merci
martine (pseudo Grandvoyage57)
planifier c'est sur ce pas toujours facile, on aime un endroit on veut y rester plus , on change d'idée au dernier moment et on part finalement dans une autre direction, ectect
l'avantage avec un site comme cleartrip c'est (c'etait?) que tu peux réserver plusieurs trajets et les annuler en un clics ( en s'y prenant 48h à l'avance, avec juste quelques roupies de pénalité).
Ca permet quand même d'être drolement tranquille pour les longs trajets ( et c'est souvent ces trains qui sont blindés...), pour les déplacement dans une même region pas la peine de reserver, il y le train, le bus et ya toujours un place accessible.
avec ce genre de site c'est vraiment ultra simple et peu couteux de se déplacer dans ce pays, pour les longs trajets il faut aimer ça, un delhi/ernakulam, l'aller par l'est et le retour par l'ouest (kerala express), c'est un truc comme 51h à l'aller, 38h au retour 😛
en 2ac c'est grand luxe...
pis le climat, la nourriture, les gens, les paysages qui évoluent petit à petit c'est pas plus mal, et l'arrivée à ernakulam est vraiment superbe et contrastée par rapport à l'ambiance de la partie nord du pays.
Bonsoir,
pour les trains, personnellement je te conseille de réserver à l'avance, pour les longs trajets en tout cas. D'autant qu'avec Cleartrip, c'est relativement simple (une fois que l'inscription est ok !) et nous épargne les démarches dans les gares.
Pour les bus, c'est plus flexible ; tu peux effectivement te présenter à la gare pour prendre le prochain bus sans problème. Exeption faite des bus de nuit qu'il est parfois préférable de réserver (mais un jour ou deux à l'avance, c'est suffisant).
Pour les chèques de voyage, oui j'en emmène. Je trouve ça plus sécurisant. Et je garde la CB en cas de besoin. Par contre, une fois sur place, change une somme suffisante pour ne pas te retrouver sans rien si tu te rends dans des endroits où il n'est pas possible d'en changer...
Bon voyage !
pour les trains, personnellement je te conseille de réserver à l'avance, pour les longs trajets en tout cas. D'autant qu'avec Cleartrip, c'est relativement simple (une fois que l'inscription est ok !) et nous épargne les démarches dans les gares.
Pour les bus, c'est plus flexible ; tu peux effectivement te présenter à la gare pour prendre le prochain bus sans problème. Exeption faite des bus de nuit qu'il est parfois préférable de réserver (mais un jour ou deux à l'avance, c'est suffisant).
Pour les chèques de voyage, oui j'en emmène. Je trouve ça plus sécurisant. Et je garde la CB en cas de besoin. Par contre, une fois sur place, change une somme suffisante pour ne pas te retrouver sans rien si tu te rends dans des endroits où il n'est pas possible d'en changer...
Bon voyage !
"Au moins une fois par an, ou aussi souvent que possible, allez quelque part où vous n’êtes jamais allé auparavant." Dalai Lama
bonsoir,
merci bcp pour ces infos, ça m'aide qd vous parlez du train réservé pour les grands trajets, considérez-vous comme tel le trajet Jaipur/Delhi par exemple, ou carrément quand on change de région avec bcp plus de km ? merci bcp encore et bonne soirée à vous Martine
merci bcp pour ces infos, ça m'aide qd vous parlez du train réservé pour les grands trajets, considérez-vous comme tel le trajet Jaipur/Delhi par exemple, ou carrément quand on change de région avec bcp plus de km ? merci bcp encore et bonne soirée à vous Martine
bonsoir,
merci bcp pour ces infos, ça m'aide qd vous parlez du train réservé bien à l'avance pour les grands trajets, considérez-vous aussi comme tel le trajet Jaipur/Delhi par exemple, ou encore Delhi/Jaisalmer ? d'après vous on peut tenter le coup sur place 2 jours avant ? je sais qu'au pire il y a aussi les bus couchettes, plus facile et pas mal merci bcp encore et bonne soirée à vous Martine
merci bcp pour ces infos, ça m'aide qd vous parlez du train réservé bien à l'avance pour les grands trajets, considérez-vous aussi comme tel le trajet Jaipur/Delhi par exemple, ou encore Delhi/Jaisalmer ? d'après vous on peut tenter le coup sur place 2 jours avant ? je sais qu'au pire il y a aussi les bus couchettes, plus facile et pas mal merci bcp encore et bonne soirée à vous Martine
Le plus simple, pour avoir une idee de ce qu'il est necessaire de reserver, c'est de faire des simulations.
Par exemple, pour un Jaipur - Delhi, tu peux avoir des places pour demain en taktal (places mises en vente 24h avant le depart du train, un peu plus cher que la place normale). Par contre, si tu veux un billet pour apres-demain, pour l'instant ce n'est pas possible puisque tout est en waiting list. Il faut attendre demain, que les taktal soit ouvertes.
Ce qu'il faut voir aussi, c'est s'il y a beaucoup de trains sur ton trajet. Plus il y en a, plus tu peux te permettre de reserver tard. Par contre, un train / jour, ca peut se remplir tres vite !! Ou bien les tres longs trajets qui se remplissent souvent vite aussi. Par exemple, j'ai reserve un Amritsar - Varanasi pour le 3 aout environ 15 jours avant : il ne restait que 7 places en AC3 ! Attention egalement les week-ends car les Indiens voyagent beaucoup et les jours de festival ou tout est bonde.
Les bus, comme je te l'ai dit, permettent une organisation plus souple. Attention cependant dans le nord, il n'est pas forcement tres agreable de prendre le bus de longues heures... Chaleur, poussiere etc
Voila, j'espere avoir plus ou moins repondu a tes questions...
Ce qu'il faut voir aussi, c'est s'il y a beaucoup de trains sur ton trajet. Plus il y en a, plus tu peux te permettre de reserver tard. Par contre, un train / jour, ca peut se remplir tres vite !! Ou bien les tres longs trajets qui se remplissent souvent vite aussi. Par exemple, j'ai reserve un Amritsar - Varanasi pour le 3 aout environ 15 jours avant : il ne restait que 7 places en AC3 ! Attention egalement les week-ends car les Indiens voyagent beaucoup et les jours de festival ou tout est bonde.
Les bus, comme je te l'ai dit, permettent une organisation plus souple. Attention cependant dans le nord, il n'est pas forcement tres agreable de prendre le bus de longues heures... Chaleur, poussiere etc
Voila, j'espere avoir plus ou moins repondu a tes questions...
"Au moins une fois par an, ou aussi souvent que possible, allez quelque part où vous n’êtes jamais allé auparavant." Dalai Lama
merci beaucoup pour toutes les infos
je vois comment il faut s'y prendre, à moi maintenant d'envisager
bonne continuation pour toi dans les voyages
martine
Bonjour,
Moi personnellement, je planifie le plus possible car je ne parle pas du tout anglais et j'ai plus facile de tout faire avec internet et le traducteur... En plus, ça me donne une trame. Mais, il peut arriver que sur place, je change légèrement mon programme mais en gardant la trame principale.
Pour le train, c'est toujours l'agence Milna qui m'a réservé mes billets. Cette fois, je vais essayer de le faire moi-même. Ce qu'il y a de sûr, c'est l'ambiance du train, des quais de gare.... Les bus, j'aime moins car souvent bondé (avec les bagages difficiles) et j'ai déjà fait des trajets assise à terre mais bon, autre ambiance (j'essaie d'éviter quand même).
Pour l'argent, je prends le plus en liquide que je planque sur moi et ai toujours 2 cartes de crédits que je me sers pour payer les hôtels. J'évite de reprendre sur place sauf imprévu (2ème carte pour la sécurité).
Pour l'avion, c'est très facile de réserver des vols intérieurs via internet ou un bureau de voyage parfois même dans l'hôtel (pour les trains aussi d'ailleurs mais il faut prendre les places qui restent, moi j'ai le choix de prendre la classe que je veux).
Voilà, j'espère t'avoir été un peu utile. Bonne préparation. Et moi, je vais aussi commencer bientôt car je pars le 10 octobre Pour 7 semaines. cordialement. Marie
MARIE
"Chaque voyage se vit différemment même si la destination est la même; c'est notre état d'esprit du moment et nos rencontres qui en font la différence"
Log in first, then come back to this page.
You might also like
More discussions
If any of you have already taken the Tren Maya, could you tell me if you’ve run into any difficulties upon arrival when trying to reach your destination city by bus: Valladolid, Mérida, Campeche, or Xpuhil?
Hi everyone,
First of all, thank you for all the valuable information you share—it’s really helpful.
My husband and I are heading to South Korea from September 19 to October 6. We know the timing might not be ideal because of Chuseok, but for various reasons, we didn’t have other date options. Plus, this period coincides with some festivals we’ve been eager to check out: the Andong Mask Dance Festival, the Jinju Lantern Festival, and the Hwaseong Festival in Suwon.
Here’s our tentative itinerary:
09/19: Arrival in Seoul 09/20: Bus to Sokcho – explore the city or short hike 09/21: Seoraksan Park 09/22: Return to Seoul 09/23–09/26: Seoul 09/27: Bus or train to Andong – explore the city 09/28: Hahoe 09/29–10/01: Gyeongju 10/01–10/03: Busan 10/03–10/04: Jinju 10/05: Bus/train to Suwon 10/06: Suwon
So here’s my question: Given that several of our trips fall during or around festivals, will it be possible to book bus/train tickets once we’re there, or is there a risk they’ll already be sold out? Specifically for Seoul-Andong, Busan-Jinju, and Jinju-Suwon. I was thinking of booking everything on our first day in Seoul. And if it’s better to plan ahead, how should we go about it? I can’t seem to access the Korail (letskorail) or Kobus websites. Thanks in advance for your answers and help—and sorry for the long post! :)
Have a great day!
09/19: Arrival in Seoul 09/20: Bus to Sokcho – explore the city or short hike 09/21: Seoraksan Park 09/22: Return to Seoul 09/23–09/26: Seoul 09/27: Bus or train to Andong – explore the city 09/28: Hahoe 09/29–10/01: Gyeongju 10/01–10/03: Busan 10/03–10/04: Jinju 10/05: Bus/train to Suwon 10/06: Suwon
So here’s my question: Given that several of our trips fall during or around festivals, will it be possible to book bus/train tickets once we’re there, or is there a risk they’ll already be sold out? Specifically for Seoul-Andong, Busan-Jinju, and Jinju-Suwon. I was thinking of booking everything on our first day in Seoul. And if it’s better to plan ahead, how should we go about it? I can’t seem to access the Korail (letskorail) or Kobus websites. Thanks in advance for your answers and help—and sorry for the long post! :)
Have a great day!
Hello,
it's impossible to find travels by train between 25th of September and 8th October for :
Gyumri - Toumanyan
Gyumri - Vanadzor
Yerevan - Sevan
Yerevan - Dilijan
wich cities are accesible since Yerevan or Gyumri ?
it's impossible to find travels by train between 25th of September and 8th October for :
Gyumri - Toumanyan
Gyumri - Vanadzor
Yerevan - Sevan
Yerevan - Dilijan
wich cities are accesible since Yerevan or Gyumri ?
Hi everyone,
I’m planning our very first trip to mainland France in January 2027. There’ll be 2 adults and 2 kids, and we’ll mostly be traveling by train.
Here’s our itinerary:
Paris Rouen (Normandy) Lyon Aix-les-Bains (with day trips to Annecy and Geneva) Saint-Gervais-les-Bains (with Chamonix and a day in Aosta) Back to Paris
Do you think this itinerary is well-balanced? Any tips, must-see spots, or mistakes to avoid for a first-time visit?
Thanks in advance for your advice! !
I’m planning our very first trip to mainland France in January 2027. There’ll be 2 adults and 2 kids, and we’ll mostly be traveling by train.
Here’s our itinerary:
Paris Rouen (Normandy) Lyon Aix-les-Bains (with day trips to Annecy and Geneva) Saint-Gervais-les-Bains (with Chamonix and a day in Aosta) Back to Paris
Do you think this itinerary is well-balanced? Any tips, must-see spots, or mistakes to avoid for a first-time visit?
Thanks in advance for your advice! !
Hi! I’d like to make stops across France, starting from Reims, and travel by train using the Intercités. I want to discover the landscapes and picturesque villages, and make some stops along the way. Could you give me some tips? 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
Hi everyone,
I’m planning a family trip in a year. Our goal: traveling to China (and maybe Hong Kong) by train. I’m all set with the route up to eastern Turkey. However, I’m just starting my research for the rest of the journey—namely the Caucasus (no trains as far as I know, so buses and/or ferries), then Central Asia and China. So, I’d love to hear any info or tips (general and forward-looking at this stage) about the train route through Central Asia and China to reach the east coast. I’m particularly interested in details on: - How far in advance to book / any potential difficulties with reservations - Whether there are PASS systems (or equivalent) between countries and/or if some tickets allow stopovers, meaning you can hop on and off as you please - Day trains vs. night trains (the latter option lets you explore cities between two legs of the journey) - A rough idea of ticket costs ...
A huge thank you to anyone who can share some info or experiences. It’s also a great opportunity to chat about adventure after (way too) many years away from this forum.
I’m planning a family trip in a year. Our goal: traveling to China (and maybe Hong Kong) by train. I’m all set with the route up to eastern Turkey. However, I’m just starting my research for the rest of the journey—namely the Caucasus (no trains as far as I know, so buses and/or ferries), then Central Asia and China. So, I’d love to hear any info or tips (general and forward-looking at this stage) about the train route through Central Asia and China to reach the east coast. I’m particularly interested in details on: - How far in advance to book / any potential difficulties with reservations - Whether there are PASS systems (or equivalent) between countries and/or if some tickets allow stopovers, meaning you can hop on and off as you please - Day trains vs. night trains (the latter option lets you explore cities between two legs of the journey) - A rough idea of ticket costs ...
A huge thank you to anyone who can share some info or experiences. It’s also a great opportunity to chat about adventure after (way too) many years away from this forum.
Hi everyone,
I’m planning a trip around Italy using only trains or public transport in October (hoping the weather stays nice!).
I’d obviously like to see some tourist destinations, but I also want to get off the beaten path a bit, and I’m hoping to find some help here? I don’t plan to linger too long in the cities.
Starting in the north, I’d like to visit Lake Como or Lake Orta, pass through the Cinque Terre for some hiking, spend a few days in Naples and Rome, then head down to Sicily.
What do you think?
Thanks for your help! 🙂
I’m planning a trip around Italy using only trains or public transport in October (hoping the weather stays nice!).
I’d obviously like to see some tourist destinations, but I also want to get off the beaten path a bit, and I’m hoping to find some help here? I don’t plan to linger too long in the cities.
Starting in the north, I’d like to visit Lake Como or Lake Orta, pass through the Cinque Terre for some hiking, spend a few days in Naples and Rome, then head down to Sicily.
What do you think?
Thanks for your help! 🙂
Hi there,
I’ll be traveling to Japan this coming August. We’ve finalized our itinerary and booked our flight tickets. Now I’m at the stage of buying train tickets for the few segments we’ll need to cover:
Tokyo - Hakone
Hakone - Kyoto
Kyoto - Osaka
Osaka - Tokyo
Here are my questions:
a) Is it possible to buy train tickets for these segments from Canada?
b) If so, which website should I use to do this?
c) And if it is possible, will we be able to print our tickets from Canada?
d) If it’s not possible, where in Tokyo should I go to buy these tickets when I arrive?
Thanks a bunch,
Mario Séguin Québec, Canada
Thanks a bunch,
Mario Séguin Québec, Canada
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.
Hi there,
I’d like to take the Train of the Clouds from Lima to Huancayo.
I’ve heard it only runs during certain periods.
Does anyone have info on this?
Thanks!
HuancayoHuancayo
Hi everyone,
As part of my professional thesis, I’m conducting a study on the evolution of long-distance rail transport in France, particularly since it opened up to competition. I’ve put together a very quick (about 5-minute) and completely anonymous questionnaire. Your answers will help me better understand users' expectations regarding pricing, frequency, and environmental impact.
Questionnaire link: https://forms.gle/gF1YyesVp2hkh2GDA
Thanks so much for your help! !
As part of my professional thesis, I’m conducting a study on the evolution of long-distance rail transport in France, particularly since it opened up to competition. I’ve put together a very quick (about 5-minute) and completely anonymous questionnaire. Your answers will help me better understand users' expectations regarding pricing, frequency, and environmental impact.
Questionnaire link: https://forms.gle/gF1YyesVp2hkh2GDA
Thanks so much for your help! !
Hi everyone,
Are there any luggage lockers at Krung Thep Aphiwat Station in Bangkok?
Thanks in advance to those who can help me out, and happy travels! Jaunesoleil
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
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





