I’ve read that trains in India are packed and it’s pretty tough to find seats 2-3 days in advance...
Apparently, there’s still a small tourist quota for available seats, but they’re limited.
Would anyone have more specific info on this?
Hi Ulisse,
It all depends on your travel dates—if it's during school holidays or festivals (Diwali, Holi), trains get packed, and it's best to book as soon as reservations open. The tourist quota can only be used at the last minute, and in my experience, there were never any seats left! It also depends on which class you're traveling in. Nowadays, I try to stick to air-conditioned second class given my "advanced age"—it's much more comfortable!
For questions about quotas, check this out: https://indiasomeday.com/fr/ticket-de-train-foreign-quota/
Here’s the essential info to navigate Indian trains:
www.irctc.co.in/nget/train-search
www.onedayonetravel.com/...-train-sur-internet/ explains how to book using Cleartrip. What you need to know before booking train tickets in India:
Each train is identified by a unique 5-digit number.
Most Indian trains can be booked 120 days before the travel date, sometimes 60 days.
Some trains only run on specific days of the week. This is indicated by the day’s initial: S, M, Tu, W, Th, F, Sa.
Some trains fill up very quickly (holidays, limited ticket quotas). If you have a precise itinerary, it’s best to book as early as possible.
Plan your routes! There are plenty of trains in India at all hours and to many destinations. We recommend the site erail, which really helped us find trains that matched our itinerary. Check it out before booking your tickets.
Familiarize yourself with the different class categories:
AC 1: 1st class with AC. The best! Cabins for 2 or 4 people.
AC 2: 2nd class with AC. 4 people per compartment. 2 sheets, 1 blanket, 1 pillow, 1 small towel.
AC 3: 3rd class with AC. 6 people per compartment. 2 sheets, 1 blanket, 1 pillow.
Sleeper: Often without AC, this is the choice of many Indians.
AC Chair Car (with or without AC): Seats only. Best for short trips. Often a fast, air-conditioned train with seats (and in the morning, breakfast + newspaper + bottled water included).
To book, you can go to New Delhi Railway Station, 1st floor—nowadays, there’s hardly any queue thanks to the internet! Grab a reservation form at the entrance.
Fill in the departure city—be careful, as Delhi has many stations, and make sure to check the correct one. Note the difference between Delhi and New Delhi, which are two separate stations (Delhi is Old Delhi).
Indicate the date and the train class you want.
Happy travels!
Bijoliane
Le but suprême du voyageur est de ne plus savoir ce qu'il contemple ; chaque être, chaque chose est occasion de voyage et de contemplation. Lie-Tseu
Thanks so much for all this valuable information.
Among it, I’m relieved to hear that we no longer need to queue at train stations thanks to the internet...
Unfortunately, I don’t plan to book well in advance because it’ll limit my flexibility.
Plus, it seems their online system is complicated and requires a local phone number.
I think for medium-distance trips, the bus will be a pretty safe alternative, just in case...
For train journeys over 10 hours, I’ll keep my fingers crossed.
Since I’m planning to travel in November to mid-December, it should work out...
Generally, in big cities, is it better to go to the station myself to book 2-3 days in advance, or should I leave that task to the hotel, even if it means paying a small extra fee for their service?
Unless you're really pressed for time, have a super tight schedule, and want to tour India in record time, I really don’t get this need to book way in advance. You're right—when traveling, nothing beats flexibility.
I spent the winter in India with two other people, and we took the train I don’t even know how many times. We booked our seats 1 to 2 days in advance, and sometimes even the same day for "passenger-class" trains, and we always got our tickets.
For reservations, you go to the station, fill out the form... and wait in line—yep! It’s common for trains to be fully booked because a large percentage of tickets are "Tatkal" reservations, which are only released the day before departure. To snag these Tatkal tickets and avoid lining up at the crack of dawn, go to an agency that handles everything for you and come back the next day. You’ll pay a few extra rupees, but you’ll have your seat—easy and stress-free.
And like you said, there are always buses, but for long trips, the train is better.
Download the IXIGO app—it gives you train numbers, schedules, classes, stations, platforms, and lets you track your train live, which is handy since some stops are barely 5 minutes long. Plus, you’ll see that the same class isn’t always equivalent from one train to another.
A big thank you for all your very informative tips...
Unfortunately, we’re still limited by the time we book the return ticket. Sure, in 40 days I can visit quite a few places, but only if I stick to a fairly set itinerary.
My plan allows me to spend 2 to 2.5 full days in each city (most of them in Rajasthan) and 5 days in Delhi, which is more than reasonable.
But if, by bad luck, I end up stuck longer than planned in one city, it could throw my whole itinerary off balance—or even jeopardize it.
My plan will work out pretty well as long as I can find a seat on each next train 2-3 days in advance...
Based on your advice, that seems more than doable, especially since I’m planning to travel from November to mid-December, which is a fairly quiet period...
Maybe one last question...
Food and accommodation: a budget of 10 € ($13) and 15 € ($17) per day on average, respectively... seems reasonable, doesn’t it?
Hi Olivier,
My last trip to Rajasthan was back in 2016, and I spent the winter of 2019 in other states.
I remember that in Rajasthan, buses were really convenient, and the overnight train back from Jaisalmer was more practical.
Forty days is great for exploring this state and a few other spots. In November and December, there are loads of tourists, and Rajasthan is no exception—the route from Delhi to Varanasi is also packed. So if time stresses you out, plan ahead and buy your train tickets for 2 or 3 destinations in advance. But keep in mind that buses are everywhere and plentiful. Just remember that in some places, you’ll want to linger, while in others, 2 nights will be enough. India is unique, and taking your time is key—transport is slow, and distances are huge, so don’t overload your itinerary.
Money: 25 € for food and lodging gives you about 1,800 to 1,900 Rs/day (exchange rates can also be negotiated for cash). What’s skyrocketed are the entry fees for sites, and train tickets have gone up quite a bit too.
A meal with rice or bread and a drink at a local restaurant costs around 250 Rs, a bit more in touristy spots, and less in street stalls if you’re not bothered by dust and exhaust fumes. A 1L bottle of water is 20 Rs, 2L is 30 Rs, and beer ranges from 90 Rs to 300 Rs depending on the place.
Mid-range hotels cost between 1,000 and 1,600 Rs depending on the city and location—you’ll get average bedding, Wi-Fi, hot water, and often breakfast. But quality varies a lot from place to place. Sometimes for 1,000 Rs, you’ll get a palace, and other times, it’ll be grimy and really dirty. ALWAYS NEGOTIATE—more nights mean bigger discounts. You can easily find cheaper lodging, but bring a hostel sheet.
Five days in Delhi is good, but try splitting it into two parts—there are tons of amazing places to see, but it’s an exhausting city.
Anyway, happy to share these tips! If you have any other questions, don’t hesitate.
My route is Delhi - Bikaner - Jaisalmer - Jodhpur - Udaipur - Ajmer - Pushkar - Jaipur - Orchha - Khajuraho - Varanasi - Agra - Delhi.
Everywhere is 2.5 days (2 nights) except Jaisalmer (3 nights) and Delhi (5 nights).
In Delhi, I finally opted for 5 nights to have some time buffer in case I face unexpected delays along the way.
I think it’s doable as long as I don’t fall behind on my train schedule, which is why I’m worried.
Otherwise, I’d have to adjust my route, probably by cutting Orchha and Khajuraho, which would be a real shame.
I’m booking hotels on booking.com 2-3 days in advance, and I’ve noticed that for 10-15 € on average, you can get something pretty decent.
Still hoping I won’t have to deal with bedbugs on top of everything—I suffered a lot from them during my last trip to Iran (I’ve become an expert on the subject).
As for my budget, even though I have one and I’ll stick to it, I’ve got some wiggle room since I’ll also have my credit card for emergencies...
Generally, I’m pretty good with my calculations, even if the cost of visiting historical sites is a bit unclear due to lack of precise info...
Yes, I’ve considered buses as an alternative, especially for shorter daytime distances.
What I don’t like about buses is how unsafe they feel (they drive like maniacs), especially at night. Plus, the idea of having to use the toilet on an Indian bus—especially with an upset stomach—makes me feel sick...
Hi Ulisse, two nights per place is totally doable—it’s what all the tour operators do—but it’s so frustrating! This winter I went to Rajasthan and took the direct Delhi-Jaisalmer intercity train because I know the whole region well, but I ended up staying ten days in Jaisalmer because of the Desert Festival. Then, completely unplanned, I headed to Jodhpur for the Sacred Music Festival... it just happens like that. I get that first-timers want to see everything—that’s normal.
Also, keep in mind that most Indian buses don’t have toilets. They usually stop every two hours for breaks, and you’ll have to use the restrooms at a local café or gas station. That’s another reason why trains are more convenient.
Personally, 5 nights in Delhi is way too much. Plan one night before your return flight, but there’s no need to stay longer unless you want to visit all the historical monuments (entry is 500 rupees with an audio guide included for most monuments and forts in Rajasthan too). Plus, winter is peak pollution season in Delhi—not great! I’d skip Bikaner and take the direct overnight train from Delhi to Jaisalmer.
Have a great trip!
Bijoliane
Le but suprême du voyageur est de ne plus savoir ce qu'il contemple ; chaque être, chaque chose est occasion de voyage et de contemplation. Lie-Tseu
I’ve already considered skipping Bikaner by taking the direct overnight train from Delhi to Jaisalmer. That’ll give me more time for the rest of my itinerary. But I’ll miss the famous Karni Mata Temple (the rat temple) ...
About Delhi—I mentioned it before ... 5 nights might be a bit much, but I need to build in some buffer time. If I lose time on earlier legs (trains), I’ll need that extra time later to make up for any delays. After all, the plane won’t wait for me ...
Olivier,
Your itinerary is Delhi - Bikaner - Jaisalmer - Jodhpur - Udaipur - Ajmer - Pushkar - Jaipur - Orchha - Khajuraho - Varanasi - Agra - Delhi. (40 days or 40 nights?)
I’d do Agra before Orchha and take a flight from Varanasi to Delhi to save quite a few hours on trains and ensure 3 nights in Delhi to wrap up.
You’re visiting 12 different places × 3 nights, so that’s 36 nights—you’ve got 4 left. Bikaner for 2 nights works, and you can combine Pushkar and Ajmer (round trip). Khajuraho for 1 or 2 nights, depending on your arrival time, should be fine. That’ll free up a few nights, which you’ll probably spend traveling. And plan for a little break after hours on trains or buses—transport there isn’t exactly a walk in the park.
Elsewhere, 2 nights is really short, and 3 is borderline. As mentioned, tour operators stay 2 nights, but those folks don’t have to hunt for accommodations, restaurants, or transport—they’ve got everything handed to them, as we say in Quebec. Unfortunately, they’ll only see what they’re shown. You’ve got the chance to take a bit more time and go beyond just rushing from one sight to the next at a frantic pace.
As for Booking.com or similar, it’s convenient, but you lose all bargaining power. Instead, head to the hotel you’re targeting, check the rates first, and decide whether to book on the spot or check out the place next door. Up to you. As for bedbugs, I didn’t see a single one, and I spent about a year in India. That said, I mostly stayed in mid-range places.
For site costs, budget around 500 Rs each. From January to April 2019, that was the going rate for major sites in other states—sometimes even 600 Rs. I assume it’s the same in Rajasthan, but for the TAJ, it’s probably at least double now.
Well said... "a frantic race of tiring visits and transport"...
I fear that too, but it's just that I'm really "anti-plane," especially in countries like this...
No way I'd jump on just any airline...
In countries like this, I'd rather endure a 20-hour road trip than a one-hour flight...
Plus, I get to see the scenery...
This is a matter of historical statistics on global aviation...
There are websites for that...
Not all airlines are equal because not all peoples are equal in terms of seriousness and financial means...
An Indian, a Chinese, a Russian, a Cuban, an African, etc., is not the same as an Englishman, a German, a Swiss, etc...
If that were the case, we would have known for a long time...
Of course, you're never completely safe from an incident, and zero probability doesn't exist anywhere, but I prefer to minimize risks...
An Indian, a Chinese, a Russian, a Cuban, an African ..., is not an Englishman, a German, a Swiss etc ...
If that were the case, we’d have known about it for a long time ...
Isn’t that a bit over the top?
I think that to stay as safe as possible in India, it’s better to take just about any flight than a bus or train. Buses in ditches by the side of the road or collisions between two trains are pretty common in India
Here we go...
The self-righteousness and political correctness of our era...
No, people and nations *do* have differences, whether we like it or not.
Just as a Black sprinter is different from a white sprinter...
When we say "German" or "Swiss," the first things that come to mind are "serious," "hardworking," and "efficient"—which isn’t the case for other nations.
It’s a fact, an observation, not a judgment.
Racism is denying people equality under the law based on whether they’re white, Black, Jewish, etc.
But it’s not racism to note that people have different abilities.
Differences exist everywhere in our societies, even in nature, and that’s a good thing—otherwise, life would be boring...
As for aviation accidents, these are irrefutable historical statistical facts observed over the years.
Based on that, personally, I feel more comfortable flying with British Airways than with Cubana Airlines or an African airline where you’d have to sleep outside...
The numbers prove it... and that has nothing to do with racism...
Maybe I misunderstood you... or maybe you misunderstood me?
Anyway, in India, you're more likely to run into issues on buses than on planes!
I’ve used Air Indigo and SpiceJet without any problems.
Oh, I can totally believe that... since flying is still the safest way to get around.
But while you might have a higher chance of an accident in a bus or car, you also have a better chance it won’t be fatal...
"But it's not racism to note that people have different abilities."
I completely agree with everything you described in this post. I’d even add (though maybe I’ll be called racist for it) that people sometimes—unfortunately—have different behaviors too, and in those cases, I’m not always sure which one is more racist! But when I travel abroad, I always try to be very respectful of the customs of the people I visit; the reverse isn’t always true.
I’ve already considered skipping Bikaner by taking the direct overnight train from Delhi to Jaisalmer.
That’ll give me more time for the rest of my itinerary.
But I’ll miss the famous Karni Mata temple (the rat temple) ...
About Delhi, as I mentioned before ..., 5 nights might be a bit much, but I need to build in some buffer time ...
If I end up losing time on earlier legs (trains), I’ll need that extra time later to make up for any delays ...
Because the flight won’t wait for me ...
Thanks !
Skip Bikaner? And miss the rat temple just a few kilometers away—really, that’d be a shame. I have such great memories of it.
Hi there,
We’ve been to India twice, and I’ve gone solo once.
For train bookings, go through a local agency—it might cost a bit more, but you’ll avoid all the hassle!
I’ve already considered skipping Bikaner by taking the direct overnight train from Delhi to Jaisalmer.
That’ll give me more time for the rest of my itinerary.
But I’ll miss the famous Karni Mata temple (the rat temple) ...
About Delhi, I already mentioned it ..., 5 nights might be a bit much, but I need to build in some buffer time ...
If I end up losing time on earlier legs (trains), I’ll need that buffer toward the end to make up for any delays ...
Because the flight won’t wait for me ...
Thanks !
Skip Bikaner? And miss the rat temple just a few kilometers away? That’d be a real shame—I have such great memories of the place.
Oh yeah, totally agree. The rat temple is a one-of-a-kind spot 🙂
I’m heading out in early March for the same route: Delhi - Bikaner - Jaisalmer - Jodhpur - Udaipur - Ajmer - Pushkar - Jaipur - Orchha - Khajuraho - Varanasi - Agra - Delhi.
Do you have any tips on how you got around—what transport you used—and your thoughts on the cities you visited?
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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.
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?
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.
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
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.
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?
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
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.
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.)
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
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
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.
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?
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!
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.
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
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?
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!)
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.
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?
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.
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