Best Train Rides in North India: Scenic Journeys Worth Every Mile

Between North India's snow-capped peaks, colorful cultures and historic connections, some of the most scenic and memorable train journeys anywhere in India take place. If you’re looking for a more unique way to experience this area then getting on a train is not only travel, its an adventure. There’s the rhythmic roar of the wheels, the panoramic vignette passing by your window, and the charm of local life at the stations, and it’s all part and parcel of a train journey.

In this detailed article, we take you through the top train journeys in North India as we recommend routes with beautiful scenery, cultural diversity and unforgettable experiences. Whether you are a traveler or a travel fanatic, these are the voyages for your bucket list.

What Makes Train Travel in North India Special

Before I delve straight into the best routes, let me first give you a quick heads-up on why train travel in North India is especially charming:

Varied Landscapes: From the verdant hills of Himachal Pradesh to the arid landscapes of Rajasthan, North India’s terrains are diverse.

Historical Value: Several routes were laid in the British era and still run heritage trains.

Cultural Immersion: Indian Railways is the mirror image of Indian society – diverse, colorful and lots of stories to hear.

An Eco-Friendly Way to Travel: Train travel is better for the environment than flying or driving.

Kalka to Shimla (Himalayan Queen Express)

Route Details:

Route: Kalka → Shimla

Distance: 96 km

Travel Time: ~5–6 hours

Train: Himalayan Queen (Train No. 52455)

Why It’s Special:

This UNESCO World Heritage railway journey is a visual and tactile delight. The narrow-gauge railway meanders through 103 tunnels, over 800 bridges and around 900 curves. You’ll journey through pine forests, charming hill stations and mist-shrouded valleys.

Scenic Highlights:

• Barog Tunnel (the longest on the route)

• Views of Shivalik Hills

• Toy train ride with big windows

Pro Tip: Ride in the Vista Dome coach for panoramic views and a comfy cushion.

Delhi to Katra (Vande Bharat Express)

Route Details:

Route: New Delhi to Katra (Jammu & Kashmir)

Distance: 655 km

Travel Time: ~8 hours

Train: Vande Bharat Express (Train No. 22439)

Why It’s Special:

The Vande Bharat Express provides a fast, sleek, modern train ride. This semi-bullet train, whose services links the capital to Katra, a base for the Vaishno Devi shrine, traverses the plains of Punjab and the foothills of Jammu.

Scenic Highlights:

• Vast Haryana and Punjab fields of green.

• After entering hilly terrain of Jammu

• Contemporary interiors and meals served on board

Pro Tip: Perfect for those on a religious pilgrimage or nature enthusiasts.

Delhi to Jaisalmer (Delhi–Jaisalmer Express)

Route Details:

Route: Delhi → Jaisalmer

Distance: ~770 km

Travel Time: ~17 hours

By train: The only direct train to Jaisalmer from Delhi is the Delhi–Jaisalmer Express (Train No. 14659)

Why It’s Special:

Journey from the busy capital of India to the soul of the Thar Desert. This is less a story about mountains and more about the golden sands, age-old forts, and arid landscapes that have come to embody Rajasthan.

Scenic Highlights:

• Drier regions of Rajasthan, sand dunes

• Fortresses and palaces in the distance

• People Camel herders and rural villagers

Pro Tip: Visit in winter (Oct–Feb) for great weather and desert festivals.

Pathankot to Joginder Nagar (Kangra Valley Railway)

Route Details:

Route: Pathankot - Joginder Nagar.

Distance: 164 km

Travel Time: ~10 hours

Type of Train: Narrow gauge train

Why It’s Special:

Overlooked by the Kalka–Shimla, the Kangra Valley Railway remains a hidden treasure. It provides you the beautiful views of Dhauladhar range of mountains, tea gardens and rivers.

Scenic Highlights:

• Crosses over the Chakki River

• Views of Kangra Fort

• Lush tea plantations

Pro Tip: Perfect for those who want to get off the beaten path and avoid the masses.

Rishikesh to Karanprayag (UC)

Route Details:

En Route: Rishikesh to Karanprayag (Uttarakhand)

Length: 125 km (when finished)

Approximate Distance by Road: 5 hours

Status: Under construction with completion by 2025–26

Why It’s Special:

It will be one of the most scenic mountain railways in India once completed. This route is to help those pilgrims who head for his darshan in Badrinath and Kedarnath temple and is comprised of tunnels, bridges and sharp rise in the terrain.

Expected Highlights:

• Views of the Alaknanda River

• Valleys and Villages of the Himalaya

• Easy reach to Chardham yatra sites

Pro Tip: Stay updated with Indian Railways for announcements of launches.

(Nights in train) Delhi to Kathgodam (Ranikhet Express)

Route Details:

Route: Delhi to Kathgodam (The Gateway of Nainital)

Distance: 282 km

Travel Time: ~7 hours

Train: Ranikhet Express (Train No. 15013)

Why It’s Special:

This beautiful travel plan drives you down to the foothills of the Kumaon near Uttarakhand. It’s a gentle transition from urban chaos to serene mountains.

Scenic Highlights:

• Terai region forests

• Through the Himalayas_my'bange Pass_CP They entered the Himalayan Forests.

• Sunrise in the mountains if you take the early trains

Pro Tip: Perfect for the travelers in their way to Nainital, Bhimtal and Almora.

Jaipur to Jodhpur (Intercity Express)

Route Details:

Route: Jaipur → Jodhpur

Distance: 310 km

Travel Time: ~5.5 hours

Train: Train No. 22977 (Inter-city Express)

Why It’s Special:

You will get to see the architectural marvels of the desert land and rustic Rajasthan on the way. Fast, easy and super photogenic.

Scenic Highlights:

• Pink sandstone of Jaipur

• Rocky desert terrain

• Blue city skyline of Jodhpur

Pro Tip: Try and lump your train journey in with a desert safari or a palace stay.”

Dehradun to Haridwar (By shatabdi express)

Route Details:

Route: Dehradun → Haridwar

Distance: 52 km

Travel Time: ~1 hour

Train: Dehradun Shatabdi (Train No 12018)

Why It’s Special:

Sweet little ride along the valley of the Ganges. Good for spiritual travelers or those are looking for the Ganga Aarti in Haridwar.

Scenic Highlights:

• Ganga River views

• Rolling hills of Uttarakhand

• Lush green countryside

Pro Tip: Take a seat by the windows on the right side if travelling towards Haridwar.

Hacks for Train Journey in North India

Plan Ahead: There are popular trains and scenic routes that get booked months in advance.

Choose the Correct Class: Choose First AC, 2nd AC, Vista Dome classes for views and to rest in relative comfort.

Travel Light: Stations are busy, platforms can be without lifts/escalators.

Safety Notice: Never wander alone and do not eat foods offered by strangers.

Take Supplies: Power banks, toilet paper, food, and water are life savers.

Final Thoughts

Train travels across North India are not mere transportation they are a cross-stitched fabric of landscapes, cultures and emotions held together by steel tracks. Whether you want dreamy mountains spiritual towns or royal deserts, there’s a train route that will make you manthal.

So pack your bags, book that window seat, and allow the rhythmic lull of Indian Railways to transport you through some of North India’s most stunning landscapes.

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