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If you live in India and say that you haven’t travelled by Indian Railways, either you’re lying or you’re so rich that you never needed to. For most of us, especially those who live away from our hometowns or work in metro cities, trains are the easiest way to reach our ancestral villages.

Thre is no doubt that train journeys can sometimes feel long, tiring, and even a little uncomfortable. But if you know a few smart tips and tricks, I’m sure your next train journey will turn out to be exciting, comfortable, and even relaxing. Let’s dive into the details.

1. Book Confirmed Train Tickets with the “Split Journey” Trick

If you’ve ever tried booking a long-distance train and got a waitlisted ticket, this hack can save your trip. Don't book ticket for direct train, try breaking your journey into two parts. For example, if Delhi to Varanasi is showing only waitlist, check Delhi to Kanpur and then Kanpur to Varanasi on the same train.

Often you’ll find confirmed seats on both segments even when the full route is packed. It sounds a bit technical but actually works wonders in real life, especially during holiday seasons or weekends. Many seasoned travellers swear by this trick, and apps like ConfirmTkt or Trainman even help you find the best split options automatically.

2. Use the IRCTC “Vikalp Scheme” for a Free Upgrade

One of the most underrated features on IRCTC is the Vikalp Scheme. If your ticket is on the waitlist or RAC, IRCTC can shift you to another train on the same route with a confirmed seat and here you don’t pay a single rupee extra. For getting this benfits you need to enable the Vikalp option when booking your ticket.

Sometimes you can get upgraded to a faster or more comfortable train like Rajdhani or Duronto without spending more witth vikalp Scheme. Just keep in mind that once you’re allotted a seat under Vikalp, you can’t cancel the ticket for a refund. People who are sure about travelling, this is a fantastic backup plan to avoid last-minute stress.

3. Order Better Food Through Train E-Catering Apps

Pantry food in indian trains is not always the best. But now you can have a tasty and clean food. You can order fresh, restaurant-style meals delivered right to your seat using apps like RailRestro, TravelKhana, or even IRCTC’s e-catering service. From biryani to thali to pizza, you can get good food from trusted outlets like Haldiram’s, Domino’s, or Subway.

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For this facility you will have to choose a smaller station for delivery instead of big junctions. Smaller stations have less rush, so food reaches you quicker and hotter. You can also save a bit of money by using Paytm or UPI offers while ordering. So no more cold samosas or overpriced meals just online order and get the fress food at your seat in train. 

4. Always use 'where is my train'

“Where is My Train” app gives information about the exact location of a train. You can also find the train’s routes on this app. You just have to enter the departure and arrival station names, and it will show you all the train names running between those two stations.

It also tells you the train timings. You can check the train's running status, and according to that, you can reach the railway station on time. This app saves your valuable time and effort.

5. Save Time and Money with the UTS Mobile App

For those who often travel in unreserved compartments or use local trains in cities like Mumbai, Chennai, or Delhi, the UTS on Mobile app is a total lifesaver. You can buy general tickets, season passes, and even platform tickets right from your phone. No standing in long queues, no carrying coins.

The app gives you a paperless ticket in the form of an SMS or QR code, which you can show to the ticket checker. One thing to remember: you have to be at least 200 meters away from the station to book a ticket, so don’t wait till the last second. It’s a super-handy tool for daily commuters and occasional travelers alike.