Train tickets vs. IndRail pass..which is better?

tamaraincayman · Oct 21st, 2005, 09:19

Hello again! I have more questions (this time, more detailed)

I'm interested in train travel from Delhi (depart Mon.) to Agra then Agra (depart Tues) to Jaipur then Jaipur (depart Thurs) back to Delhi again to catch a 9.45AM flight Fri. to Hyderabad.

So:

1) Would a 4-day IndRail pass cover these dates?
2) Is it better to purchase city-to-city tickets instead? (b/c it's either A. cheaper or B. higher chance of reserving a seat b/c of the tourist/female quota?)
3) Would taking the overnight train from Jaipur at 12.35AM to arrive in Delhi at 5.50AM a bad idea (delay may cause us to miss the flight Fri. AM)?
4) THE ALL IMPORTANT QUESTION (which I know has been asked umpteen times on this site) - Where in the world do I purchase the ticket (we live in Canada/Caribbean)? Do I wait til I get to India (don't feel comfortable doing this due to my stiff time schedule) OR do I go to www.irctc.co.in? From what I've read here so far, I'll need to arrange to have the tix delivered to my hotel and possibly fax the hotel authorizing acceptance of the tix, yes?

If not, where in North America can I buy them?

Lastly, will there be major delays on the train (fog, I arrive Dec. 16) or otherwise, is it pretty reliable?

Any answers, thoughts, criticisms (please no, I'm just very detailed is all) will be gratefully accepted.

Kind regards,

~ TamarainCayman

guerik · Oct 21st, 2005, 09:32

There's a good thread on this subject already

- Is an Indrail pass worth the money?

tamaraincayman · Oct 21st, 2005, 09:50

Thx Guerik! It was very helpful....sounds like the 4-day pass is the way to go.

vsp27759 · Oct 21st, 2005, 12:01

Dear tamaraincayman,
The Fares as follows for AC.Chair:-
-----------
1) Delhi-Agra.............199 Kms./Rs.276/-(this is Superfast)
2) Agra-Jaipur............240 Kms./Rs.275/- (this is not Superfast)
3) Jaipur-Delhi............308 Kms./Rs.465/- (this is Shatabdhi)
Total......................... ............Rs.916/-
-------------
But you will be given Indrail Pass for only Three Classes, namely,
IAC ...............FC/2A/3A/ACC...............SL/Second Sitting
-------------
For example an Indrail Pass for 4 Days in Sleeper Class/Second Class (non-AC) will cost you 50$, approx. 2250 Indian Rupees, whereas as per my calculations, for an amount of Rs.916, you will be enjoying AC Chair and one ride in Shatabdi too!!!!!!!!
---------------

tamaraincayman · Oct 21st, 2005, 12:13

I like your math

Can I still purchase those city-to-city tickets at a foreign travel agency (Canada) or only the IndRail pass?

vsp27759 · Oct 21st, 2005, 13:17

Dear Tamaraincayman,
If your Travel Agent has got INTERNET, then he can log on to irctc website and can Reserve Your Tickets, provided he makes arrangements for the delivery of your ticklets as soon as you land in Delhi.
=============
From various observations in different topics, ""on the delivery of tickets booked through Internet"", it is learnt such facility do exists for Delhi Area. It is not known whether this ""Delivery Facility"" is being extended by IRCTC in other Metros.
==========
Perhaps, Mr.steven ber should be able to clarify this point!!!!

vsp27759 · Oct 21st, 2005, 13:20

Dear tamaraincayman,
Your observation:-
""again to catch a 9.45AM flight Fri. to Hyderabad.""
----------
@@@When are you likely to land in Hyderabad?
=============
V.Srinivasa Prasad
21.10.2005/11.25 hrs.

vsp27759 · Oct 21st, 2005, 13:33

Dear tamarincayman,
1) New Delhi-Agra...............2180 Taj Express (**starts from H.Nizamuddin, please)
----
You Queried For Train No Train Name Date Runs From Source Runs On
2180 TAJ EXPRESS 21/10/2005 H NIZAMUDDIN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT SUN

SNo Stn Code Stn Name Route No. Arrival Time Dep. Time Distance Day Remark
1 NZM H NIZAMUDDIN 1 Source 07:15 0 1
2 FDB FARIDABAD 1 07:33 07:35 24 1
3 MTJ MATHURA JN 1 09:08 09:11 135 1
4 RKM RAJA KI MANDI 1 09:49 09:51 185 1
5 AGC AGRA CANTT 1 10:07 10:15 189 1
=====================
2) Agra-Jaipur 9778 Intercity:-
---
You Queried For Train No Train Name Date Runs From Source Runs On
9778 AF JP INTERCITY 21/10/2005 AGRA FORT MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT SUN

SNo Stn Code Stn Name Route No. Arrival Time Dep. Time Distance Day Remark
1 AF AGRA FORT 1 Source 18:00 0 1
2 AH ACHHNERA JN 1 18:30 18:32 26 1
3 BTE BHARATPUR JN 1 18:58 19:00 53 1
4 BKI BANDIKUI JN 1 20:50 20:55 152 1
5 JP JAIPUR 1 22:30 00:00 240 1
============================== ===
3) Jaipur-New Delhi by 2015 Shatabdhi:-
----
You Queried For Train No Train Name Date Runs From Source Runs On
2016 AJMER SHTBDI 21/10/2005 AJMER JN MON TUE THU FRI SAT SUN

SNo Stn Code Stn Name Route No. Arrival Time Dep. Time Distance Day Remark
1 AII AJMER JN 1 Source 15:50 0 1
2 KSG KISHANGARH 1 16:15 16:17 29 1 Train doesn't halt at this station, presently
3 JP JAIPUR 1 17:35 17:45 135 1
4 AWR ALWAR 1 19:28 19:30 286 1
5 RE REWARI 1 20:48 20:50 359 1
6 DEC DELHI CANTT 1 21:49 21:51 429 1
7 NDLS NEW DELHI 1 22:25 00:00 444 1
============================== =========
So, the Train Numbers are: 2180>>>>>>9778>>>>>2016.
(**I am giving these Numbers so that your Travel Agent does not wastes his time in searching for the same!!!! :-)
=====================

tamaraincayman · Oct 21st, 2005, 13:37

Quote:

Originally Posted by vsp27759

Dear tamaraincayman,

----------
@@@When are you likely to land in Hyderabad?
=============
V.Srinivasa Prasad
21.10.2005/11.25 hrs.

Off the top of my head, close to noon....I will be attending a wedding!!

FYI - I just tried calling the contact travel agency (listed on www.rediff.com as selling IndRail passes/train tickets) in both Toronto, Canada and New York, USA and neither number is correct (or at least the voicemail message was NOT that of a travel agency).

Will revert back over the w/e whether I can find it thru friends in TO.

tamaraincayman · Oct 21st, 2005, 13:43

THANK YOU MUCHLY!!

Here's the thing - I live on a tiny island where customer service and large travel agencies do not exist. Hence all the incessant emailing and questions. Basically I am trying to compile as much info as possible so when I hand the torch to my travelling companion in Canada (who I kinda think - alright, I know - is green when it comes to travel) who has access to facilities like decent travel agencies, she will be able to arrange as much as possible on this side of the hemisphere before arriving in India completely jet-lagged.

So, you would advise to have the travel agent book the ticket on the irctc website instead of doing it myself?

cyberhippie · Oct 21st, 2005, 13:46

You can book your ticket via the online booking facility and have them delivered to your hotel of choice in Delhi, in many towns within India see here for a complete list Door to door delivery!
Before booking it's a good idea to have a word with your hotel of choice to inform them that your tickets are being delivered!!
If possible get a contact name for the courier, this will avoid any mistakes in getting the tickets delivery/accepted

If you Change your itinery around a little and Go straight to Jaipur from Delhi
on this train 2015/2016 – New Delhi – Ajmer Shatabdi Express you can use the new e-ticketing facility from Indian Railways, print your own ticket!! Simply book a return ticket to Agra before you leave for Jaipur and you can do Agra when you return to Delhi!!
This way you don't have to have any tickets delivered just que up at the tourist cell for an Agra ticket, or pay 100 rupees for an agent to get it!!

You'll find more info about e-tickets on this thread!

E-tickets

For more info on trains and how to book tickets from the tourist cell in Delhi do a search here on IM or see my website, where you'll find all the relevant info!!

Gone India Trains

I hope that helps

vsp27759 · Oct 21st, 2005, 14:02

Dear tamaraincayman,
Perhaps, the reply of Cyberhippie should help you. :-)
-----
If you print your e-ticket by 2015 New delhi-Jaipur Shatabdhi, then getting accomodation in Jaipur-Agra Intercity and Agra-Nizamuddin Taj Express is not a problem.
=====
Regarding 9777 Jaipur-Agra Intercity and 2179 Agra-Nizamuddin Taj Express, you may also ""instruct"" your Hotelier, to purchase the tickets and keep them ready, by the time you land in New delhi, since these tickets cannot be e-reserved &
e-printed!!!!!!!!!!
=============
Your observation:-
""Off the top of my head, close to noon....I will be attending a wedding!!""
--------------
@@@On which Date?

cyberhippie · Oct 21st, 2005, 14:05

Or indeed as the gentleman above says go straight to Agra from Jaipur!!

dan37_123 · Oct 21st, 2005, 14:10

http://www.irctc.co.in/e-Ticketing.htm

that should solve your probem.

good luck
dan

vsp27759 · Oct 21st, 2005, 14:16

Dear Tamaraincayman,
The particulars for reverse direction:-
----------
You Queried For Train No Train Name Date Runs From Source Runs On
9777 JP AF INTERCITY 21/10/2005 JAIPUR MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT SUN

SNo Stn Code Stn Name Route No. Arrival Time Dep. Time Distance Day Remark
1 JP JAIPUR 1 Source 06:00 0 1
2 BKI BANDIKUI JN 1 07:35 07:45 91 1
3 BTE BHARATPUR JN 1 09:00 09:02 187 1
4 AH ACHHNERA JN 1 09:34 09:36 214 1
5 AF AGRA FORT 1 10:20 00:00 240 1
============================== ======
You Queried For Train No Train Name Date Runs From Source Runs On
2179 TAJ EXPRESS 21/10/2005 GWALIOR MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT SUN

SNo Stn Code Stn Name Route No. Arrival Time Dep. Time Distance Day Remark
1 GWL GWALIOR 1 Source 16:55 0 1
2 MRA MORENA 1 17:23 17:25 39 1
3 DHO DHAULPUR 1 17:47 17:49 66 1
4 AGC AGRA CANTT 1 18:47 18:55 119 1
5 RKM RAJA KI MANDI 1 19:02 19:04 123 1
6 MTJ MATHURA JN 1 19:55 20:00 173 1
7 FDB FARIDABAD 1 21:31 21:33 285 1
8 NZM H NIZAMUDDIN 1 22:05 00:00 308 1
============================== ======

Oct 21st, 2005, 09:19	#1
tamaraincayman Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands Posts: 32	Train tickets vs. IndRail pass..which is better? Hello again! I have more questions (this time, more detailed) I'm interested in train travel from Delhi (depart Mon.) to Agra then Agra (depart Tues) to Jaipur then Jaipur (depart Thurs) back to Delhi again to catch a 9.45AM flight Fri. to Hyderabad. So: 1) Would a 4-day IndRail pass cover these dates? 2) Is it better to purchase city-to-city tickets instead? (b/c it's either A. cheaper or B. higher chance of reserving a seat b/c of the tourist/female quota?) 3) Would taking the overnight train from Jaipur at 12.35AM to arrive in Delhi at 5.50AM a bad idea (delay may cause us to miss the flight Fri. AM)? 4) THE ALL IMPORTANT QUESTION (which I know has been asked umpteen times on this site) - Where in the world do I purchase the ticket (we live in Canada/Caribbean)? Do I wait til I get to India (don't feel comfortable doing this due to my stiff time schedule) OR do I go to www.irctc.co.in? From what I've read here so far, I'll need to arrange to have the tix delivered to my hotel and possibly fax the hotel authorizing acceptance of the tix, yes? If not, where in North America can I buy them? Lastly, will there be major delays on the train (fog, I arrive Dec. 16) or otherwise, is it pretty reliable? Any answers, thoughts, criticisms (please no, I'm just very detailed is all) will be gratefully accepted. Kind regards, ~ TamarainCayman __________________ ~ TamarainCayman

Oct 21st, 2005, 09:32	#2
guerik Maha Guru Member Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Australia Posts: 1,038	There's a good thread on this subject already - Is an Indrail pass worth the money? Last edited by guerik : Oct 21st, 2005 at 09:33. Reason: edit link

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Oct 21st, 2005, 09:50	#3
tamaraincayman Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands Posts: 32	Thx Guerik! It was very helpful....sounds like the 4-day pass is the way to go.

Oct 21st, 2005, 12:01	#4
vsp27759 V.SRINIVASA PRASAD Join Date: May 2005 Location: HYDERABAD Posts: 2,725	Dear tamaraincayman, The Fares as follows for AC.Chair:- ----------- 1) Delhi-Agra.............199 Kms./Rs.276/-(this is Superfast) 2) Agra-Jaipur............240 Kms./Rs.275/- (this is not Superfast) 3) Jaipur-Delhi............308 Kms./Rs.465/- (this is Shatabdhi) Total......................... ............Rs.916/- ------------- But you will be given Indrail Pass for only Three Classes, namely, IAC ...............FC/2A/3A/ACC...............SL/Second Sitting ------------- For example an Indrail Pass for 4 Days in Sleeper Class/Second Class (non-AC) will cost you 50$, approx. 2250 Indian Rupees, whereas as per my calculations, for an amount of Rs.916, you will be enjoying AC Chair and one ride in Shatabdi too!!!!!!!! ---------------

Oct 21st, 2005, 12:13	#5
tamaraincayman Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands Posts: 32	I like your math Can I still purchase those city-to-city tickets at a foreign travel agency (Canada) or only the IndRail pass?

Oct 21st, 2005, 13:17	#6
vsp27759 V.SRINIVASA PRASAD Join Date: May 2005 Location: HYDERABAD Posts: 2,725	Dear Tamaraincayman, If your Travel Agent has got INTERNET, then he can log on to irctc website and can Reserve Your Tickets, provided he makes arrangements for the delivery of your ticklets as soon as you land in Delhi. ============= From various observations in different topics, ""on the delivery of tickets booked through Internet"", it is learnt such facility do exists for Delhi Area. It is not known whether this ""Delivery Facility"" is being extended by IRCTC in other Metros. ========== Perhaps, Mr.steven ber should be able to clarify this point!!!!

Oct 21st, 2005, 13:20	#7
vsp27759 V.SRINIVASA PRASAD Join Date: May 2005 Location: HYDERABAD Posts: 2,725	Dear tamaraincayman, Your observation:- ""again to catch a 9.45AM flight Fri. to Hyderabad."" ---------- @@@When are you likely to land in Hyderabad? ============= V.Srinivasa Prasad 21.10.2005/11.25 hrs.

Oct 21st, 2005, 13:33	#8
vsp27759 V.SRINIVASA PRASAD Join Date: May 2005 Location: HYDERABAD Posts: 2,725	Dear tamarincayman, 1) New Delhi-Agra...............2180 Taj Express (starts from H.Nizamuddin, please) ---- You Queried For Train No Train Name Date Runs From Source Runs On 2180 TAJ EXPRESS 21/10/2005 H NIZAMUDDIN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT SUN SNo Stn Code Stn Name Route No. Arrival Time Dep. Time Distance Day Remark 1 NZM H NIZAMUDDIN 1 Source 07:15 0 1 2 FDB FARIDABAD 1 07:33 07:35 24 1 3 MTJ MATHURA JN 1 09:08 09:11 135 1 4 RKM RAJA KI MANDI 1 09:49 09:51 185 1 5 AGC AGRA CANTT 1 10:07 10:15 189 1 ===================== 2) Agra-Jaipur 9778 Intercity:- --- You Queried For Train No Train Name Date Runs From Source Runs On 9778 AF JP INTERCITY 21/10/2005 AGRA FORT MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT SUN SNo Stn Code Stn Name Route No. Arrival Time Dep. Time Distance Day Remark 1 AF AGRA FORT 1 Source 18:00 0 1 2 AH ACHHNERA JN 1 18:30 18:32 26 1 3 BTE BHARATPUR JN 1 18:58 19:00 53 1 4 BKI BANDIKUI JN 1 20:50 20:55 152 1 5 JP JAIPUR 1 22:30 00:00 240 1 ============================== === 3) Jaipur-New Delhi by 2015 Shatabdhi:- ---- You Queried For Train No Train Name Date Runs From Source Runs On 2016 AJMER SHTBDI 21/10/2005 AJMER JN MON TUE THU FRI SAT SUN SNo Stn Code Stn Name Route No. Arrival Time Dep. Time Distance Day Remark 1 AII AJMER JN 1 Source 15:50 0 1 2 KSG KISHANGARH 1 16:15 16:17 29 1 Train doesn't halt at this station, presently 3 JP JAIPUR 1 17:35 17:45 135 1 4 AWR ALWAR 1 19:28 19:30 286 1 5 RE REWARI 1 20:48 20:50 359 1 6 DEC DELHI CANTT 1 21:49 21:51 429 1 7 NDLS NEW DELHI 1 22:25 00:00 444 1 ============================== ========= So, the Train Numbers are: 2180>>>>>>9778>>>>>2016. (I am giving these Numbers so that your Travel Agent does not wastes his time in searching for the same!!!! :-) =====================

Oct 21st, 2005, 13:43	#10
tamaraincayman Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands Posts: 32	THANK YOU MUCHLY!! Here's the thing - I live on a tiny island where customer service and large travel agencies do not exist. Hence all the incessant emailing and questions. Basically I am trying to compile as much info as possible so when I hand the torch to my travelling companion in Canada (who I kinda think - alright, I know - is green when it comes to travel) who has access to facilities like decent travel agencies, she will be able to arrange as much as possible on this side of the hemisphere before arriving in India completely jet-lagged. So, you would advise to have the travel agent book the ticket on the irctc website instead of doing it myself?

Oct 21st, 2005, 13:46	#11
cyberhippie Account Closed by User's Request Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: the Netherlands Posts: 6,009	You can book your ticket via the online booking facility and have them delivered to your hotel of choice in Delhi, in many towns within India see here for a complete list Door to door delivery! Before booking it's a good idea to have a word with your hotel of choice to inform them that your tickets are being delivered!! If possible get a contact name for the courier, this will avoid any mistakes in getting the tickets delivery/accepted If you Change your itinery around a little and Go straight to Jaipur from Delhi on this train 2015/2016 – New Delhi – Ajmer Shatabdi Express you can use the new e-ticketing facility from Indian Railways, print your own ticket!! Simply book a return ticket to Agra before you leave for Jaipur and you can do Agra when you return to Delhi!! This way you don't have to have any tickets delivered just que up at the tourist cell for an Agra ticket, or pay 100 rupees for an agent to get it!! You'll find more info about e-tickets on this thread! E-tickets For more info on trains and how to book tickets from the tourist cell in Delhi do a search here on IM or see my website, where you'll find all the relevant info!! Gone India Trains I hope that helps

Oct 21st, 2005, 14:02	#12
vsp27759 V.SRINIVASA PRASAD Join Date: May 2005 Location: HYDERABAD Posts: 2,725	Dear tamaraincayman, Perhaps, the reply of Cyberhippie should help you. :-) ----- If you print your e-ticket by 2015 New delhi-Jaipur Shatabdhi, then getting accomodation in Jaipur-Agra Intercity and Agra-Nizamuddin Taj Express is not a problem. ===== Regarding 9777 Jaipur-Agra Intercity and 2179 Agra-Nizamuddin Taj Express, you may also ""instruct"" your Hotelier, to purchase the tickets and keep them ready, by the time you land in New delhi, since these tickets cannot be e-reserved & e-printed!!!!!!!!!! ============= Your observation:- ""Off the top of my head, close to noon....I will be attending a wedding!!"" -------------- @@@On which Date?

Oct 21st, 2005, 14:05	#13
cyberhippie Account Closed by User's Request Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: the Netherlands Posts: 6,009	Or indeed as the gentleman above says go straight to Agra from Jaipur!!

Oct 21st, 2005, 14:10	#14
dan37_123 Senior Member Join Date: May 2005 Location: Europe Posts: 409	http://www.irctc.co.in/e-Ticketing.htm that should solve your probem. good luck dan

Oct 21st, 2005, 14:16	#15
vsp27759 V.SRINIVASA PRASAD Join Date: May 2005 Location: HYDERABAD Posts: 2,725	Dear Tamaraincayman, The particulars for reverse direction:- ---------- You Queried For Train No Train Name Date Runs From Source Runs On 9777 JP AF INTERCITY 21/10/2005 JAIPUR MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT SUN SNo Stn Code Stn Name Route No. Arrival Time Dep. Time Distance Day Remark 1 JP JAIPUR 1 Source 06:00 0 1 2 BKI BANDIKUI JN 1 07:35 07:45 91 1 3 BTE BHARATPUR JN 1 09:00 09:02 187 1 4 AH ACHHNERA JN 1 09:34 09:36 214 1 5 AF AGRA FORT 1 10:20 00:00 240 1 ============================== ====== You Queried For Train No Train Name Date Runs From Source Runs On 2179 TAJ EXPRESS 21/10/2005 GWALIOR MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT SUN SNo Stn Code Stn Name Route No. Arrival Time Dep. Time Distance Day Remark 1 GWL GWALIOR 1 Source 16:55 0 1 2 MRA MORENA 1 17:23 17:25 39 1 3 DHO DHAULPUR 1 17:47 17:49 66 1 4 AGC AGRA CANTT 1 18:47 18:55 119 1 5 RKM RAJA KI MANDI 1 19:02 19:04 123 1 6 MTJ MATHURA JN 1 19:55 20:00 173 1 7 FDB FARIDABAD 1 21:31 21:33 285 1 8 NZM H NIZAMUDDIN 1 22:05 00:00 308 1 ============================== ======