4mary

Can anyone help with some Train advice. After trying for more than week without success I am hoping to book either the Mumbai Rajdhani or Duronto train back to Mumbai to catch my flight to the US.
Here's the best options I've found, through an local agent, but don't know if I can rely on the Duronto arriving on time.
Flight leaves Mumbai at 9PM on 12/23
Duranto arrives Mumbai Central Station 12/23 at 4:15. Christmas week , rush hour, not sure how long the ride is from station to airport.
Or book a day in advance on the Rajdhani to be safe , pay another hotel stay?
What would you do?
If I reserved 2 ticket , one for each day , what fees are charged on cancellation?

Yes it is kind of last minute.
Thanks for your time.

thursdaysd

According to google maps it shouldn't take more than an hour and a half by taxi. And there is a train option that's a bit faster.

I don't think there's a cancellation fee - in fact I think you may get a refund - but I see no point in buying two tickets, you just need to make your mind up. But if you don't already have a ticket for 12/23, good luck. Have you read seat61.com on Indian trains? Have you checked cleartrip.com?

4mary

thanks for your reply. Yes clear trip and IRCT are joined at the hip. I've been trying for a week but each time I receive a new OTP which doesn't work.
Which led me to a TA. The TA suggested double booking. I do have to make up my mind. Reading about Fog and other delays I'm worried but will go for the Duronto , with fingers crossed.
Thanks again!

CaliforniaLady

No way would I depend on a train in India to get me back in time for an international flight on the same day. Fog delays are common this time of year, and they can set you back for several hours. It happened to us, and it happened to friends.

I am unclear as to your starting point. Would it be possible to hire a driver to take you back to Mumbai? You may find the price to be quite reasonable.

It makes no sense to buy two tickets because you can't look into the future and predict whether or not the December 23 train will be delayed.

If it were me, I would either hire a driver to take me back to Mumbai, or I would arrive the day before, and have fun in Mumbai.

lcuy

Indian trains are often late...by hours. I would go back a day early.

Actually, I'd go a day early even if I was hiring a driver. Your hotel the night before can arrange a driver for you, but weather and other situations that delay cars and trains mean you should always allow lots of extra time when planning to catch an international flight.

julies

I am from the US and have spent a total of about 4 months in India, taking lots of trains. No way would I try to cut it that close! A 4:15 train could very easily be two hours late. That makes it 6:15. You need to be at the airport about 3 hours early for an international flight like yours--that is 6:00. Then, a drive across town to the airport. Forget it!

I do not know what the rest of your plans are for your trip, but we liked Mumbai and we are typically not fans of big cities. We had four nights there and could have added another.

Jackalbert

In the winter season mostly trains are running late because visibility is too low due to fogg on the railways tracks. . so in the winter season no one can assured you train will come on time.

Here is the link : http://www.indianrail.gov.in/refund_Rules.html to view the cancellation charges.

Thanks and Regards
Jack Albert
Hanoi Tour Tailor

theloststory

@4mary : Trains like Duronto are generally not late and granted the first right of way. But still, your time between the train and airport is extremely tight.

It may take you well over 2 hours from the train station to the airport. Why don't you fly to Mumbai? if booked in advance, the tickets will be affordable (relatively speaking). Only perhaps a couple of thousand more than the train.

Did you take a look at online flight booking sites like makemytrip.com?
Don't always trust your trail agent for theist solutions.