Amtrak Routes: What You Need to Know About Train Travel in India

When people ask about Amtrak routes, the passenger rail network in the United States. Also known as U.S. national rail service, it connects major cities across North America, they’re often thinking of long-distance train travel. But here’s the thing—Amtrak doesn’t run in India. If you’re looking for train journeys across India, you’re not after Amtrak. You’re after the Indian Railways, one of the world’s largest and busiest rail networks, serving over 23 million passengers daily. It’s not just transportation—it’s a cultural experience, a window into rural India, and for some, a luxury ride that costs more than a flight to Europe.

India’s trains are a world apart from Amtrak. While Amtrak struggles with delays and aging infrastructure, Indian Railways runs thousands of daily services—from slow local commuter trains packed with vendors to air-conditioned luxury trains like the Pride of Africa, a high-end rail journey that inspired similar experiences in India—except in India, you’ve got the Palace on Wheels, a royal-themed luxury train that takes you through Rajasthan’s forts and deserts. These aren’t just trains. They’re moving hotels with gourmet meals, guided excursions, and staff trained to treat guests like royalty. Meanwhile, budget travelers hop on overnight sleeper classes, waking up in a new state with no airport lines and no rental car hassles.

What you’ll find in this collection isn’t about Amtrak. It’s about the real train travel stories that matter in India. You’ll read about the Great Himalayan Trail—a trekking route that connects to remote railheads where trains are the only way in. You’ll learn how to stay safe on long-distance journeys, what to eat on the platform, and why some of India’s most iconic heritage sites are best reached by rail. There’s even a guide on the most expensive train ride in the world—yes, it’s not in India, but it’s the reason luxury rail travel here is getting a serious upgrade. You’ll also find tips on booking tickets, avoiding scams, and choosing the right class for your trip.

So if you came here looking for Amtrak routes, you’re in the wrong country—but maybe the right place. India doesn’t need Amtrak. It has something better: a rail system that’s chaotic, colorful, and utterly unforgettable. What follows isn’t a list of U.S. train lines. It’s a collection of real, practical, and sometimes surprising insights into how to travel India by train—whether you’re on a budget, chasing luxury, or just trying to get from point A to point B without losing your mind.