National Rail Museum Delhi – One of Asia’s Best Rail Museums
The National Rail Museum in Delhi is one of the largest and best rail museums in Asia. It holds a large 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.
Visiting the National Rail Museum in Delhi: Overview
The National Rail Museum in Delhi has the largest collection of locomotives and coaches in India.
Most of the museum is outside, set up like a rail yard with rail cars and carriages on tracks. You can wander around, explore and even climb right on and walk through 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. The collection includes rare finds like a John Morris Fire Engine and the Fairy Queen, the oldest operational steam locomotive in the world.
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 Train, the outdoor exhibits and the playground. When I visited there were a few school groups having lunch outdoors.
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.
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 got bhel puri from the street vendor outside the museum, which was delicious. Toilets are by the indoor exhibits.
The museum is closed on some holidays. Check the website before you go.
Delhi National Rail Museum History
Indian Railways is often called the lifeline of India and is vastly important to India’s economy. It employs over 1.2 million people and moves over 23 million people daily. It’s an integral part of India.
The cornerstone of the museum was laid in 1971 and opened to the public in 1977. The museum showcases an important part of India’s history.
Rail travel is hugely popular in India, even today. Delhi is an important rail hub and has four 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 located in Chanakyapuri, the diplomatic enclave near many embassies and consulates.
The best way to get to the museum is by metro, Uber, auto rickshaw, or any combination of these.
The Delhi metro is an excellent system, don’t hesitate to use it. The nearest station to the museum is Sir M. Vishweshwaraiah Moti Bagh on the Pink Line (exit Gate 2). It’s about a 20 minute walk from the metro, so I recommend taking an auto rickshaw for the last bit.
Where To Stay Near the Rail Museum
These hotels are close to the National Rail Museum and in a South Delhi, a great area for exploring the city.
- Leela Palace New Delhi (luxury): 5 star property and considered Delhi’s finest hotel. It’s in the greenest part of New Delhi.
- Hyatt Regency Delhi (luxury): 5 star hotel that’s less expensive than the Leela Palace and very close to the Rail Museum.
- Lutyens Bungalow (mid-range): Heritage boutique property in one of the best areas of the city next to Lodhi Garden.
Last Words on National Rail Museum Delhi
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.
