Is an Indrail pass worth the money?

AmyLan · Nov 18th, 2008, 02:50

Quote:

Originally Posted by wonderwomanusa

Yes, the IndRail pass covers, as far as I know, the costs of your tickets on all regular trains.

You still have to make reservations for each journey, which you must do at the station. They don't have online-booking for this.

Do you have to make the reservations one at a time, ie just for the one journey, or can you reserve a load of journeys in one go?

Also, generally speaking - as first timers to India, would this be easier or more difficult than booking trains the normal way, or are they equally as confusing/time consuming?

TimMakins · Nov 18th, 2008, 19:17

Quote:

Originally Posted by AmyLan

Do you have to make the reservations one at a time, ie just for the one journey, or can you reserve a load of journeys in one go?

Either way is fine. Also, making reservations are free, so you can make ones that you are not *certain* that you need...

Quote:

Originally Posted by AmyLan

Also, generally speaking - as first timers to India, would this be easier or more difficult than booking trains the normal way, or are they equally as confusing/time consuming?

Generally its the same and equally as time consuming, though Indrail pass-holders are treated with awe and respect at many stations, such that you may get waved to the front of the queue, or your bookings handled personally by the head of reservations. Its always worth finding the boss and waving your pass at him, just in case he's in a mood to help you personally.

steven_ber · Nov 21st, 2008, 10:52

Just a quick reply.....

The Indrail pass prices are still the same as they were when I started this thread in 2003, amazing value.

And wow, the pass has added advantages I never knew of, so far, I've been able to break the rules regarding change of boarding station (all done officially), and I've been able to manipulate the reservation quotas in my favour.

The pass is great, and mine doesn't start for another 9 days, it's going to be an interesting 90 days.

machadinha · Nov 21st, 2008, 11:36

Quote:

Originally Posted by jeaux

Is there a shorter pass you would reccomend?

This document dates to 1999, but it suggests there are Indrail passes ranging from half a day to 90 days: http://www.irfca.org/faq/faq-travel.html#indrail .

Edit: This is confirmed by the Railways site. I can't locate the deeplink for it, but go to http://www.indianrailways.gov.in/ , then to the left check their >Tourist Information >Indrail Pass.

steven_ber · Nov 21st, 2008, 12:13

Quote:

Originally Posted by machadinha

This document dates to 1999, but it suggests there are Indrail passes ranging from half a day to 90 days: http://www.irfca.org/faq/faq-travel.html#indrail .

Edit: This is confirmed by the Railways site. I can't locate the deeplink for it, but go to http://www.indianrailways.gov.in/ , then to the left check their >Tourist Information >Indrail Pass.

Also in the first post of this thread.

Quote:

Period of Validity and Fares in $US (1 $US = Rs 39.90 - 26th Feb 2008)

1/2 day, --1A = 57, ----2A = 26, ----SL = 11.
1 day, ----1A = 95, ----2A = 43, ----SL = 19.
2 day, ----1A = 160, ---2A = 70, ----SL = 30.
4 day, ----1A = 220, ---2A = 110,--- SL =50.
7 day, ----1A = 270,-- -2A = 135,--- SL = 80.
15 day, ---1A = 370, ---2A = 185, ---SL = 90.
21 day, ---1A = 396, ---2A = 198, ---SL = 100.
30 day, ---1A = 495, ---2A = 248, ---SL = 125.
60 day, ---1A = 800, ---2A = 400, ---SL = 185.
90 day, ---1A = 1060, --2A = 530,--- SL =235.

Though interestingly, I got Rs50 to the US$ yesterday.

I'm 99% sure that the 1/2, 1, 2 & 4 day passes can't be issued in India, only by the overseas agents.

machadinha · Nov 21st, 2008, 12:26

Ah! Yes, even as a regular respondent one forgets to scroll back sometimes (why people don't if they're looking for an answer to what they apparently find a pressing question remains rather more mysterious though). It's nice to have you on the ground providing some real-time updates btw

Enjoying yourself one hopes? It sure sounds like it so far.

btw For recognized foreign agents, the Railways site on that same page (on Indrail passes) lists them in a number of countries; the US not being one of those, alas. (Namely, what they do list is Bangladesh, Bahrain, Columbo [Sri Lanka one assumes?], Finland, Germany, Oman, South Africa, U.A.E, U.K. How up-to-date that is always remains to be seen of course.)

They don't mention the short ones aren't available in-country, which of course far from means it isn't so.

jeaux · Nov 21st, 2008, 22:09

thanks machadina...i can't get over the bargain...
i do believe i am going to get a pass, i hope it can be arranged by a travel agent here.
thanks you for your input!

jeaux · Nov 21st, 2008, 22:10

and thanks to steven ber for being such an amazing train guru....

Nov 21st, 2008, 10:52	#33
steven_ber Member Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: South of England. Posts: 11,567	Just a quick reply..... The Indrail pass prices are still the same as they were when I started this thread in 2003, amazing value. And wow, the pass has added advantages I never knew of, so far, I've been able to break the rules regarding change of boarding station (all done officially), and I've been able to manipulate the reservation quotas in my favour. The pass is great, and mine doesn't start for another 9 days, it's going to be an interesting 90 days. __________________ . How to get helpful replies to your transport/Itinerary questions. Train information. RAC & Waitlists explained.

Nov 21st, 2008, 22:10	#38
jeaux The world is our oyster! Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: san francisco, california, USA Posts: 4	thanks to all.... and thanks to steven ber for being such an amazing train guru....

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Nov 21st, 2008, 12:26	#36
machadinha brother my cup is empty member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: yörp Posts: 14,374	Ah! Yes, even as a regular respondent one forgets to scroll back sometimes (why people don't if they're looking for an answer to what they apparently find a pressing question remains rather more mysterious though). It's nice to have you on the ground providing some real-time updates btw Enjoying yourself one hopes? It sure sounds like it so far. btw For recognized foreign agents, the Railways site on that same page (on Indrail passes) lists them in a number of countries; the US not being one of those, alas. (Namely, what they do list is Bangladesh, Bahrain, Columbo [Sri Lanka one assumes?], Finland, Germany, Oman, South Africa, U.A.E, U.K. How up-to-date that is always remains to be seen of course.) They don't mention the short ones aren't available in-country, which of course far from means it isn't so.

Nov 21st, 2008, 22:09	#37
jeaux The world is our oyster! Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: san francisco, california, USA Posts: 4	thanks machadina...i can't get over the bargain... i do believe i am going to get a pass, i hope it can be arranged by a travel agent here. thanks you for your input!