
National Rail Museum New Delhi
Explore India's rich railway heritage at the National Rail Museum, featuring historic locomotives and carriages.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, cooler temperatures

National Rail Museum New Delhi
Best Time
Fewer crowds, cooler temperatures
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore India's rich railway heritage at the National Rail Museum, featuring historic locomotives and carriages.
"A fantastic day out for the whole family, with a must-try joy ride!"

🎯 Weekday Visits Recommended
Opt for weekdays to avoid larger crowds and enjoy a more relaxed experience.
🎟️ Toy Train Tickets Sell Fast
Book toy train tickets early, especially on weekends, as they can sell out.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Fairy Queen Locomotive
Outdoor Yard
Marvel at the world's oldest working steam locomotive, a true relic of railway history.

Vintage Royal Carriages
Outdoor Yard
Step back in time aboard carriages once used by Indian royalty and dignitaries.

Interactive Indoor Galleries
Indoor Gallery
Explore the evolution of Indian railways through fascinating exhibits and artifacts.

Joy Train Ride
Museum Grounds
Enjoy a fun and scenic ride around the museum, a hit with kids and adults alike.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds & Heat
Ticket Tiers & Toy Train Fun
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Weekday Visits Recommended
Opt for weekdays to avoid larger crowds and enjoy a more relaxed experience.
🎟️ Toy Train Tickets Sell Fast
Book toy train tickets early, especially on weekends, as they can sell out.
👟 Comfortable Shoes Essential
You'll be doing a lot of walking around the extensive outdoor exhibits.
📸 Capture the Steam Engines
The vintage steam locomotives are a photographer's dream.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Weekday Visits Recommended
Opt for weekdays to avoid larger crowds and enjoy a more relaxed experience.
🎟️ Toy Train Tickets Sell Fast
Book toy train tickets early, especially on weekends, as they can sell out.
👟 Comfortable Shoes Essential
You'll be doing a lot of walking around the extensive outdoor exhibits.
📸 Capture the Steam Engines
The vintage steam locomotives are a photographer's dream.
🍽️ On-site Food Options
A decent restaurant is available for refreshments.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the National Rail Museum as a great outing, especially for families, highlighting the joy train ride and the impressive collection of vintage locomotives and carriages. While the museum offers a good learning experience and on-site dining, some note that fun activities might not always be operational.
"Extensive Collection: The museum, spread over 11 acres in Chanakyapuri, is home to over 100 real-size exhibits showcasing the 160-year legacy of Indian Railways. This includes antique locomotives, coaches, royal saloons, and various artifacts.
Must-See Exhibits: Highlights often mentioned are the Fairy Queen (the oldest working steam locomotive in the country) and the coaches of the original Palace on Wheels.
Engaging Activities: The museum is highly recommended for children due to the various rides and simulators:
Toy Train Ride: A small train takes visitors on a round of the entire museum, offering a glimpse of all the outdoor exhibits.
Simulators: There are 3D virtual train rides, a steam loco simulator, and a diesel simulator, which are a major draw.
Joy Ride: An opportunity to ride in a coach pulled by a vintage train.
Informative Experience: Reviews note that each exhibit has an informative tablet nearby, making the visit educational. The indoor gallery provides a detailed look at the history and technical evolution of Indian Railways.
Atmosphere: It's described as a peaceful, clean, and well-maintained place, with lush green gardens surrounding the outdoor exhibits. It's considered a great spot for a family outing and is even a popular location for photoshoots.
Tips from Visitors
Duration: Visitors suggest setting aside about 2–3 hours to see everything comfortably.
Food: While there is a restaurant/canteen, some reviews suggest the food quality may not be great, with some visitors recommending sticking to drinks or trying street food outside.
Accessibility: The paths and facilities are noted to be wheelchair-friendly.
In short, it's considered a "hidden gem" in Delhi that offers a blend of history, education, and fun activities, making it a highly worthwhile visit."
Prateek Jain
"A must-visit place in Delhi!
The National Rail Museum is a wonderful experience for all age groups, especially for kids and railway enthusiasts. The collection of vintage engines, royal coaches, and life-size trains is truly fascinating. The Joy train ride around the museum is fun and gives a great overview of the exhibits. The place is well-maintained, clean, and informative. Staff are friendly and helpful, and there’s a small café for refreshments too. A perfect blend of learning and leisure — highly recommended for families and tourists! 🚂✨
📍 Nearest Metro: Sir M. Vishweshwaraiah Moti Bagh (Metro Pink Line) — about a 10-15 minute auto/ rickshaw ride from the museum."
Vikash Singh Chauhan
"My visit to the National Rail Museum in New Delhi was an enriching and memorable experience. The museum beautifully showcases the rich history and heritage of Indian Railways, offering a perfect blend of education and entertainment. The vast collection of vintage locomotives, carriages, and railway equipment reflects the incredible journey of rail transport in India.
One of the highlights of my visit was the outdoor exhibit area, where I got to see real steam engines and royal saloon coaches up close. The toy train ride around the museum was also very enjoyable and gave a sense of nostalgia. The indoor galleries were well-maintained, with informative displays, photographs, and models that explained the evolution of railways from the colonial era to the modern age.
The staff were courteous and helpful, and the premises were clean and organized. The 3D train simulator and mini theatre added an interactive touch, making the experience even more engaging for visitors of all ages. Overall, the National Rail Museum is not just a tourist spot but a living classroom that celebrates India’s engineering legacy. I would highly recommend it to students, families, and history enthusiasts. Such me aap sabhi yaha ja sakte ho bahut hi mast place hai"
Sitara Sahu
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The museum is located in Chanakyapuri, New Delhi. The nearest metro station is Sir M. Visvesvaraya Moti Bagh on the Pink Line. Taxis and auto-rickshaws are also readily available.
Yes, parking is available for two-wheelers and four-wheelers. Fees apply, typically around ₹20/hr for two-wheelers and ₹40/hr for four-wheelers. Arriving early can help secure a spot.
The museum is generally open from 10 AM to 5 PM. It is closed on Mondays.
Yes, it's accessible via the Delhi Metro. Sir M. Visvesvaraya Moti Bagh station is the closest. Buses and auto-rickshaws also serve the area.
Plan for at least 2-3 hours to explore the indoor galleries and the extensive outdoor exhibits.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry fees differ between weekdays and weekends. On weekdays, it's typically ₹50 for adults and ₹10 for children. On weekends, it's ₹100 for adults and ₹20 for children.
Yes, the joy train or toy train ride has separate tickets. Prices vary, with weekdays being cheaper than weekends.
Information on online ticket booking is not widely available. It's best to purchase tickets at the museum counter upon arrival.
While specific group discounts aren't always advertised, children's tickets are priced lower than adult tickets. It's advisable to inquire at the ticket counter for any group rates.
The last entry is usually around 4:30 PM, half an hour before closing time.
📸 📸 Photography & Exhibits
Photography is generally allowed, and many visitors capture the impressive locomotives and exhibits.
Key attractions include the Fairy Queen locomotive, vintage royal carriages, monorail, and the indoor galleries showcasing railway history.
The museum spans approximately 11 acres (4.4 hectares) and features both indoor galleries and a spacious outdoor yard.
The Fairy Queen is significant as the world's oldest working steam locomotive, dating back to 1855.
The joy train ride is a major interactive attraction. The indoor galleries also offer informative displays that can engage younger visitors.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there is a food court or restaurant on-site offering refreshments.
While not explicitly stated, it's generally advisable to check the museum's policy on outside food. However, the on-site options are convenient.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Tips for families: Arrive early to secure toy train tickets and avoid the midday heat. Pack snacks and water, though there are food options available. The museum is spacious, so comfortable shoes are essential for little legs. Consider visiting on a weekday to avoid the busiest periods.
🚂 Train Enthusiasts & History Buffs
Don't miss: Spending ample time in the outdoor yard to truly appreciate the engineering marvels. Researching some of the key exhibits beforehand can enhance your appreciation of their historical context.
📸 Photographers
Photography tips: Visit during weekday mornings or late afternoons for softer light and fewer people. Experiment with different angles to capture the grandeur of the trains. The toy train ride itself can also make for dynamic action shots.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Journey Through Indian Railway History
Visitors can explore the indoor galleries, which feature six exhibition halls within an octagonal structure, showcasing models, photographs, and documents that narrate the story of Indian railways. The outdoor yard is where the real magic happens, with life-sized locomotives and coaches on display. This section allows you to get up close with iconic engines like the Fairy Queen, the world's oldest working steam locomotive, and vintage carriages that once transported royalty.
Beyond the static displays, the museum offers a unique experience with its joy train ride. This miniature train takes visitors on a scenic tour around the museum grounds, providing a different perspective of the exhibits and adding an element of fun, especially for families. The museum also features a rare monorail and other unique railway engineering marvels, making it a comprehensive look at India's railway heritage.
Planning Your Visit: Tickets, Timings, and Tips
Beyond the general entry fee, the toy train ride is a popular attraction that requires a separate ticket. These tickets can sell out quickly, particularly on weekends, so it's advisable to purchase them as soon as you arrive if this is a priority. Comfortable footwear is a must, as the museum's outdoor exhibits cover a large area.
For a more relaxed experience and to avoid the largest crowds, visiting on a weekday morning is highly recommended. This also allows you to enjoy the cooler temperatures before the afternoon heat sets in. The museum also offers on-site dining options, so you can easily spend a few hours here without needing to leave for meals.



Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit