Should I bring my own food on the train?

Yes. While pantry cars sell meals, they are hit-or-miss. Stick to packaged snacks, fruit, and bottled water purchased at official station vendors.

How do I keep my valuables safe at night?

Keep your passport, money, and phone in a small cross-body bag or a neck pouch that you sleep with inside your sheet or under your pillow.

Are the power outlets reliable?

Rarely. If your seat has one, it may be slow or break mid-trip. A fully charged power bank is the only way to guarantee you won't run out of battery.

Essential Packing List for Long-Distance Train Travel in India

Pack light with a focus on hygiene and security, as storage space is limited and amenities vary significantly by class. Prioritize a high-quality luggage lock, a power bank, and your own lightweight bedding to ensure a comfortable journey.

Secure your luggage. Bring at least two sturdy luggage chains and padlocks. You will need these to chain your bags to the iron rings provided under the lower berths; never leave your bags loose.
Prepare your own bedding. In 3AC or Sleeper class, bring a lightweight travel sheet or a thin sleeping bag liner. While blankets are provided in AC classes, they are not always laundered between passengers.
Organize your electronics. Carry a 20,000mAh power bank. Train sockets are often non-functional, crowded, or incompatible, and you don't want to leave your phone charging unattended.
Pack a hygiene kit. Bring a roll of toilet paper, wet wipes, and hand sanitizer. Indian train bathrooms rarely provide toilet paper, and soap dispensers are frequently empty.

Should I bring my own food on the train?: Yes. While pantry cars sell meals, they are hit-or-miss. Stick to packaged snacks, fruit, and bottled water purchased at official station vendors.
How do I keep my valuables safe at night?: Keep your passport, money, and phone in a small cross-body bag or a neck pouch that you sleep with inside your sheet or under your pillow.
Are the power outlets reliable?: Rarely. If your seat has one, it may be slow or break mid-trip. A fully charged power bank is the only way to guarantee you won't run out of battery.