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The National Rail Museum in Delhi is one of the largest and best rail museums in Asia. It holds a substantial collection of vintage locomotives and carriages that showcase the history, and how important the railways are to India.
It took me almost 2 years of living in Delhi before I finally visited the rail museum. I’m not a railways buff, but I really enjoyed my visit. The rail museum turned out be one of Delhi’s hidden gems. Well, maybe that’s not quite right – the museum is very popular with locals, but not on the tourist track at all.
Visiting the National Rail Museum in Delhi: Overview
The National Rail Museum first opened in 1977. It houses the largest collection of locomotives and coaches in India, including some rare finds like a John Morris Fire Engine and the Fairy Queen, the oldest operational steam locomotive in the world.
The Indian Railways is often called the lifeline of India, and is vastly important to India’s economy. India train travel is still a hugely popular mode of transport. The rail museum is an important site for anyone wanting to understand the real India.
Most of the museum is outdoors. It’s set up like a rail yard with rail cars and carriages on tracks. You can wander around and explore at leisure, even climb right on and into some of the trains!
Hours: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm (last entry 4:30 pm); daily but closed Monday
Cost: INR 50 (adult) & 10 (child 3 -12 years), prices double on weekends and holidays
Location: Chandra Gupta Marg, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi (beside Bhutan Embassy)
National Rail Museum New Delhi website
What To Expect
The museum is set up over 11 acres. It sounds large, but you can easily see everything in less than 3 hours.
The largest part is outdoors, with train cars and carriages on tracks, and a full wheelhouse. There is a bit of walking, but you can take the toy train ride if you want to see more and walk less. There’s an indoor section with a comprehensive exhibit on the history and construction of Indian Railways, 3D tours and a diesel rail simulator.
If you’re with children, this is one of the best places for kids in Delhi. Children love the Joy Ride, the outdoor exhibits and the playground. When I visited there were a few school groups having lunch outdoors. There’s a restaurant, but the food isn’t very good (stick to drinks if you want to sit down and have a break). I actually got bhel puri from the street vendor just outside the museum, which was delicious. Toilets are by the indoor exhibits.
There’s extra fees for the Joy Train, toy train and simulators. Make sure you pay for all of these when you buy your entry ticket, otherwise you’ll have to go back out to purchase them after. The Delhi National Rail Museum website does offer a ticket purchase option, but you need an Indian credit card or paytm.
The museum is open on some holidays, but closed on others, like Republic Day and Diwali, Delhi’s festival of lights. Double check the website before you go.
Delhi National Rail Museum History
The cornerstone of the museum was laid in 1971 by the 4th President of India, Varahagiri Venkata Giri. It opened to the public in 1977. The museum showcases an important part of India’s history.
Indian Railways is considered the lifeline of India, and part of the cultural fabric of the country. Over 1.2 million people work for Indian Railways – it is the second largest employer in the country (after the Indian Armed Forces). Rail travel is hugely popular in India, even today. In fact, Delhi has 4 main railway stations!
How to Get to the National Rail Museum
The National Rail Museum is very central and easy to get to. It’s in Chanakyapuri, the diplomatic enclave where many embassies and consulates are located.
If you are staying in South or Central Delhi, the best way to get to the museum is by Uber, or by auto rickshaw. Both are widely used in Delhi and safe. Auto rickshaws are everywhere, and you should easily be able to get one on the street. As for Uber, you’ll need data, but you can pick up an inexpensive SIM card at the airport on arrival.
If you’re staying further out, the best way will be the metro. Delhi has an excellent metro system. It’s fast, cheap, clean and it goes everywhere. The nearest station to the rail museum is Sir M. Vishweshwaraiah Moti Bagh on the Pink Line (exit from Gate 2). You might want to take an auto rickshaw from the metro station to the museum, it’s about a 20 minute walk. You can read more about how to use the Delhi metro here.
Where To Stay
The rail museum is located in South Delhi, the best part of Delhi to stay in. These are my top picks for South Delhi hotels:
📍Prakash Kutir Bed & Breakfast (budget) – This is a wonderful (and super clean) family run guest house. You can walk to shops, restaurants, several historic sites and the metro. It’s in Hauz Khas, a very good South Delhi residential neighbourhood. A home cooked breakfast is included.
📍Lutyens Bungalow (mid-range) – This heritage property has an incredible location right beside Lodhi Garden. It’s the loveliest part of town. Rooms are simple but comfortable, and breakfast is included. Peacocks often frequent the gardens. There is an outdoor pool.
📍Leela Palace New Delhi (luxury) – The Leela Palace is Delhi’s most beautiful hotel, and it’s within walking distance of the rail museum. This is one of Delhi’s finest 5 star hotels, and an excellent base to explore Delhi from. Guest rooms are luxurious, there’s a spa, pool, gym, world-class restaurants and lounges.
FAQs
These are the most common questions about visiting the Delhi National Rail Museum:
What is the ticket price of the rail museum in Delhi?
Ticket prices for Delhi’s rail museum are INR 50 for adults, and INR 10 for children 3-12 years old. Prices are double on weekends and holidays. The rail simulators and train rides are extra, ranging from 20 INR to 200.
Which is the most visited railway museum in India?
The National Rail Museum, Delhi is the largest and most visited rail museum in India.
Can you just turn up at the National Rail Museum?
Yes, you can just turn up. You do not need to buy tickets in advance for the National Rail Museum.
The Wrap-up on National Rail Museum Delhi – One of Asia’s Best Rail Museums
Take the time to visit this hidden gem in Delhi. The railways are central to India’s identity, and you’ll be able to get up close and personal to much of that history at Delhi’s National Rail Museum.
Don’t forget travel insurance! It’s always a good idea to carry travel insurance just in case something goes wrong. I really like and use SafetyWing
