When you think of train travel in India, you’re not just thinking of a way to get from A to B—you’re thinking of famous train stations, iconic railway hubs that blend history, culture, and daily life in a way no other transport system does. Also known as heritage railway stations, these are more than just platforms and ticket counters—they’re living landmarks that welcome millions every day. From the Gothic grandeur of Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus to the sprawling chaos of Howrah Station in Kolkata, these stations aren’t just stops on a route—they’re destinations in themselves.
Many of India’s most famous train stations were built during the British colonial era and still stand today as working monuments. Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Mumbai, is a masterpiece of Victorian Gothic architecture fused with Indian traditional design. Also known as CSMT, it’s one of the busiest stations in the country and still runs over 2,000 trains daily. Then there’s New Delhi Railway Station, the central hub for travelers heading to the Himalayas, Rajasthan, or South India. Also known as NDLS, it’s the starting point for many of India’s most famous long-distance trains, including the Rajdhani and Shatabdi express services. And let’s not forget Howrah Station, the largest railway station in India by number of platforms and one of the oldest, handling nearly 1 million passengers every day. Also known as Howrah Junction, it’s where the iconic Howrah–Delhi mail departs, and where the rhythm of Indian rail travel feels most alive. These aren’t just names on a map—they’re places where stories begin, where families reunite, and where travelers get their first real taste of India’s scale and energy.
What makes these stations so special isn’t just their size or age—it’s how deeply they’re woven into daily life. You’ll find street vendors selling chai, families sleeping on platforms, and locals haggling over tickets in a dozen languages—all under the same roof. Whether you’re catching a train to Varanasi, going on a luxury rail journey like the Palace on Wheels, or just waiting for a local to Jaipur, these stations shape your experience before you even board. The posts below cover everything from the most crowded platforms to the hidden gems travelers miss, safety tips for navigating busy terminals, and why some of these stations are now protected as cultural heritage sites. You’ll find real advice from people who’ve been there, not just tourist brochures. Let’s get you ready for the ride.
