Tips for Solo Travellers on Indian Trains

Table of Content

1. Travel During the Day When Possible

2. Choose Female-Only Coaches (For Female Travellers)

3. Set Alarms for Your Destination

4. Avoid Displaying Valuables

5. Be Cautious with Public Wi-Fi

6. Bring Your Own Entertainment

7. Carry a First-Aid Kit

8. Make Use of Railway Station Facilities

India’s extensive rail network is a fascinating way to explore the country, offering an authentic glimpse of its diverse cultures, scenic landscapes, and vibrant communities. For solo travellers, train journeys can be an enriching experience, but they also require some planning to ensure safety and comfort. Whether you’re travelling to the bustling cities or the serene countryside, these tips will help you make the most of your solo train adventure in India. 
Start by booking your train tickets in advance using our website or mobile app to ensure a confirmed reservation.Planning ahead not only secures your seat but also allows you to choose more comfortable options, like AC coaches, specific berths or train PNR status feature, for a hassle-free journey.

1. Travel During the Day When Possible

• Better Safety: Travelling during daylight hours can reduce the potential safety concerns that might arise from arriving at an unfamiliar place at night. It helps you avoid situations where transportation options or other services may be limited upon arrival.
   

• Scenic Experience: Daytime travel allows you to enjoy the diverse and beautiful scenery of India, such as rolling fields, bustling towns, rivers, and forests, which can add a lot of charm to your journey.
   

• Ease of Access to Services: Most facilities such as ticket counters, food stalls, and local transportation are more accessible during the day, which can make the overall travel experience more convenient.
   

• Comfortable Interactions: Travelling during the day provides more opportunity for friendly and comfortable interaction with fellow passengers, which is often a great way to learn about the local culture.

2. Choose Female-Only Coaches (For Female Travellers)

• Safety Assurance: Female-only coaches provide a safer space for women, free from the usual rush of mixed compartments. This option is available on many suburban and some long-distance trains.
   

• Reserved Lower Berths for Women: AC compartments often have lower berths reserved specifically for women, which can be more comfortable, especially during night journeys, as these berths are easier to access.
   

• Ladies Quota: Indian Railways also offers a "ladies quota," where a few seats are reserved for female passengers. This can be a helpful option if you're booking tickets at the last minute, providing a sense of comfort and safety during the journey.

3. Set Alarms for Your Destination

• Avoid Missing Your Stop: With multiple stops along the way, it can be easy to miss your station, especially if it’s late at night or early morning. Setting an alarm helps you stay alert.
   

• Preparation Time: Setting an alarm 30 minutes before the arrival at your destination gives you sufficient time to pack up your belongings, use the restroom, and get ready to disembark comfortably.
   

• Seek Help from Fellow Passengers: You can also ask the Travelling Ticket Examiner (TTE) or co-passengers to remind you when your destination is approaching, adding an extra layer of assurance.

4. Avoid Displaying Valuables

• Minimise Attention: Avoid drawing unnecessary attention to yourself by keeping expensive gadgets, jewellery, or large amounts of cash out of sight. This minimises your chances of becoming a target for petty theft.
   

• Use Discreet Accessories: Use earphones discreetly to avoid attracting attention, and keep your phone safely tucked away when not in use.
   

• Secure Storage: Carry a money belt or an anti-theft bag where you can store your valuables close to your body, which provides additional security.

5. Be Cautious with Public Wi-Fi

• Security Concerns: Public Wi-Fi networks, whether at stations or on trains, are not always secure and may expose your personal information to cybercriminals.
   

• Avoid Sensitive Information: Avoid accessing sensitive information, such as online banking or entering personal passwords when using public Wi-Fi.
   

• Use a VPN: If you must use the internet, consider installing a VPN (Virtual Private Network) on your device. A VPN encrypts your data, making your connection more secure and reducing the risk of data theft.
   

Suggested Read: Kinds of People You Meet While Travelling in an Indian Train

6. Bring Your Own Entertainment

• Long Journeys: Train journeys in India can be long, especially for cross-country routes. Carrying your own entertainment ensures you have something enjoyable to pass the time.
   

• Books, Podcasts, and Movies: Bring books, download movies or TV shows, or listen to podcasts that you can enjoy during the journey. These forms of entertainment can also make solo travel less monotonous.
   

• Pre-Download Content: Pre-download content that doesn’t require an internet connection. Since network coverage can be unreliable during train travel, having offline options is a smart way to stay entertained.

7. Carry a First-Aid Kit

• Be Prepared: Carrying a first-aid kit ensures you are prepared for minor medical issues such as headaches, stomach discomfort, motion sickness, or cold symptoms.
   

• Basic Medications: Include basic medications like painkillers, antiseptic cream, band-aids, and medicines for common issues like indigestion or allergies.
   

• Rehydration Salts: Particularly during summer, carrying rehydration salts can help you stay hydrated and prevent fatigue due to heat. This is especially useful in the hot climate of India.

8. Make Use of Railway Station Facilities

• Waiting Rooms: Major railway stations in India offer waiting rooms where you can rest if you arrive early or have a layover. These rooms provide a safe place to relax.
   

• Retiring Rooms: Retiring rooms are also available at most major stations. These are rooms that can be rented for a few hours or overnight. They are a convenient and affordable option for solo travellers who need a place to freshen up or rest during long layovers.
   

• Pre-Book Facilities: Retiring rooms can be pre-booked through the IRCTC website, making it easy to plan for layovers without worrying about finding last-minute accommodations.

Suggested Read: Epic Rail Adventures: India’s Longest Train Journeys to Embark On

These detailed tips can help ensure your solo train journey across India is comfortable, safe, and enjoyable. By being prepared and vigilant, you can embrace the unique experiences that come with travelling through the heart of India by train.