Everything You Need To Know About The National Rail Museum Delhi

I love train rides, they remind me of my childhood days when I used to travel with my family to Kolkata. I remember how my parents used to plan activities for us. From home-cooked meals to board games, it was the journey that I used to look forward to rather than the destination. Therefore, one day mom and I decided to revisit our childhood at the National Rail Museum.

National Rail Museum is a hidden gem tucked in the lush green lanes of Chanakyapuri, New Delhi. This place is excellent for all age group. For kids, it is a perfect blend of fun and learning. For adults, an opportunity to relive their childhood.

How to reach National Rail Museum?

The museum is located next to the Royal Bhutanese Embassy in Chanakyapuri, with Jor Bagh being the closest metro station (approximately 2 km).

Tickets & Timing

The museum remains open from 10 am to 5 pm (Tuesday to Sunday). The last admission time is 4:30 pm. If you plan to dine at the Rails Restaurant, then make sure to enter the premises before 4:30 pm.

Ticket:
Weekdays: 50 INR (Adult) and 10 INR (Child)
Weekends: 100 INR (Adult) and 20 INR (Child)

There are separate tickets for each attraction. I’ve mentioned the price below against each activity. Moreover, they have special packages that let you enjoy all the activities at a lesser cost. You can check the website for more details by clicking on the link here.

Tip: Spend an entire here. There are plenty of activities that you can do. Start as early as possible, because few of the attractions have limited availability.

Here’s what all you can do to make the most of your time at the National Rail Museum New Delhi:

Explore the rarest train collection

The museum is home to India’s oldest locomotives. From steam to diesel to electric ones, you can find all of them at one place. Apart from this, the Outdoor galleries display plenty of rare coaches like dining cars, royal saloon cars, mini carriage etc. Something that you’ve never seen before. An excellent place to put your photography skills to work, as these beautiful engines and coaches work as great subjects.

Enjoy the fun rides & simulators

Ride various locomotives and 3D simulators to enjoy the fullest. Hop on a train and appreciate the scenic exhibits, waterfalls and bridges passing by. There are three options available to choose from, Joy Train, Toy Train and Patiala State Monorail (PSMT Steam ride), each with a unique feature.

Tip: Since this is the most popular attraction among the tourists, therefore it is ideal to buy tickets in advance to avoid last-minute availability issues.

Toy train ticket:
Weekdays: 100 INR per person
Weekend & Govt Holidays: 200 INR per person
Joy ride ticket:
Weekdays: 20 INR (Adult) and 10 INR (Child)
Weekends: 50 INR (Adult) and 20 INR (Child)
PSMT Steam ride:
Thursday & Saturday: 200 INR per person

Explore the Indoor Gallery and Miniature India

The indoor gallery has a remarkable collection of documents, photos, artefacts and models collected over the years. Besides, there are plenty of interactive games available that will keep you entertained throughout. Miniature India, on the other hand, is India’s largest working railway model that gives a clear idea of the broad railway network, showcasing both existing and future railway projects like monorails, metro trains, bullet trains etc.

Take a walk at the Rail Garden.

The Rail Garden at NRM is the largest in India. Explore the brilliant display of rail network traversing through various terrains across the country. From hills to plains to waterfall to bridges.

Dine at the Rails Restaurant

Dine at the royal Rails restaurant whose architecture takes its inspiration from the dome of Mumbai’s CST Terminus. The main attraction of this place is a miniature steam engine that chugs around the restaurant while you eat. The restaurant offers both buffet and À la carte. The food is named after the Indian states, whereas the tables after famous Indian Railway stations.

Tip: Buy a combo to save time and money. The combo ticket includes an entrance ticket to the museum, buffet access at the restaurant and a complimentary souvenir.

Shop for souvenirs

Don’t forget to stop by the souvenir shop opposite the main entrance of the Indoor gallery to explore the vast collection of merchandises. Who knows, you might come across some unique gifts for your family and friends.

Tip: The best time to visit this place is between October to March. However, to avoid the rush, I would recommend you to visit this place between April to October.