Train types and numbers explained
Rajdhani, Shatabdi, Vande Bharat, Duronto, Superfast and more, plus what the five-digit train number tells you.
Indian trains are grouped into types that decide their speed, stops, coaches and fares. The type is shown on every train page, next to the train number.
Premium and fast trains
- Vande Bharat: modern self-propelled trainsets. Chair car versions run day journeys between major cities, and sleeper versions are being introduced for overnight routes.
- Rajdhani: fully air-conditioned overnight trains connecting state capitals with New Delhi, with meals usually included in the fare.
- Shatabdi: day trains with chair cars on shorter intercity routes, returning the same day.
- Duronto: long-distance trains with very few commercial stops.
- Tejas, Humsafar and Garib Rath: other named services with their own coach styles and fare rules. Garib Rath is an economical all-AC train.
Everyday trains
- Superfast: express trains with an average speed above a set threshold. They carry a small superfast surcharge on the fare.
- Mail and Express: the backbone of long-distance travel, stopping at more stations.
- Amrit Bharat: non-AC long-distance trains with modern sleeper and general coaches.
- Passenger, MEMU and DEMU: short-distance trains that stop at most stations.
- Suburban: local trains in cities such as Mumbai, Kolkata and Chennai.
What the number tells you
Train numbers have five digits. A pair of trains on the same route usually has consecutive numbers, one for each direction, which is why we link the return train on every train page. Numbers starting with 0 are typically special or seasonal trains, which run for a limited period. Numbers starting with 1 and 2 are mostly long-distance and express services, while higher starting digits are used for passenger, MEMU, DEMU and suburban services.
Running days matter
Many trains do not run daily. The running days are listed at the top of each train page. If a train runs only on some weekdays, pick a start date that matches, otherwise the live status will show no run.
