🚆✈️ How to Book Trains & Flights in India – A Guide for French Tourists 🇫🇷🇮🇳
Navigating India’s vast landscape is exciting—and whether you're looking to ride a scenic train through the countryside or catch a flight between cities, knowing how to book transportation in advance can save time and stress. Here's how French tourists can easily book trains and domestic flights in India.
🇮🇳 Booking Indian Trains – What You Need to Know
✅ How to Book Indian Rail Tickets as a Foreigner
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Via Official IRCTC Website
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Site: www.irctc.co.in
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Requires registration. Foreign cards can be tricky—use international payment options or UPI-linked wallets.
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Use Trusted Travel Platforms
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12Go Asia: Ideal for foreigners, supports foreign cards.
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Cleartrip / MakeMyTrip: User-friendly apps with English interfaces.
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India Railway Foreign Tourist Quota (FTQ): Certain trains reserve seats for foreign tourists (at major stations like New Delhi, Agra, Mumbai CST).
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Book in Person (Tourist Quota)
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Visit International Tourist Bureau counters at major stations.
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Bring passport, visa copy, and cash or card.
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🚂 Recommended Train Classes for Tourists
| Class | Comfort | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2AC (Second AC) | Good | Air-conditioned, bedding included |
| 1AC (First AC) | Luxury | Private cabins, very comfortable |
| 3AC (Third AC) | Budget-friendly | A bit more crowded, still A/C |
| Sleeper Class | Very Basic | No A/C, best for short rural routes |
✈️ Booking Domestic Flights in India
✅ Where to Book
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Trusted Apps & Websites:
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Google Flights – for quick comparisons
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Budget Airlines to Consider:
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IndiGo – Largest, reliable
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Air India – National carrier
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SpiceJet, Vistara, Akasa Air
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✈️ Tip: Domestic flights are frequent and affordable, especially if booked in advance.
💳 Payment Tips for French Travelers
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International credit cards (Visa/Mastercard) are widely accepted online.
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If payment fails, consider:
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Using PayPal-linked cards on platforms like 12Go Asia.
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Buying through travel agents or using a prepaid Indian travel card.
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🧾 Documents Required
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Passport
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Valid Indian Visa (e-Visa is fine)
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For flights: Name must match passport exactly
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For trains: Carry physical ID (passport or copy)
🚨 Safety & Planning Tips
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Always book from official or reputed sources.
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Avoid touts near train stations or airports offering “last-minute deals.”
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Keep a buffer time between train/flight arrivals and your next tour.
🧳 Suggested Train Journeys for French Tourists
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Delhi to Varanasi (overnight train) – Spiritual India
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Jaipur to Jodhpur or Udaipur – Royal Rajasthan route
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Mumbai to Goa – Scenic Konkan railway ride
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Kolkata to Darjeeling (via New Jalpaiguri) – Hill station charm
