We will be arriving in Delhi late at night and would like to take the train to Agra early the next morning. Should we try to arrange train tickets before getting to India through a travel agent or is it relatively easy to get the tickets in the morning? Thanks!

Get the tickets in advance. Once you clear customs and arrive at your hotel, it will be 2 AM. I think the train departs before 6AM. It is quite a zoo, so to be able to walk up to a conductor and be put on the right car is great.

I agree. Reserve your tickets in advance. The station is very hectic and you don't want to be bothered in the morning with ticket worries. Also, make sure that you book first class tickets for a reasonable level of comfort during the ride.

Thanks for the advice. Any suggestions on how to get tickets in advance from outside India? So far, we've little luck. Thanks.

try "Sights India", Mr. Sudarshan Sharma, e-mail: [email protected] <BR>It is a very good agency and they will help You with tickets, rent a cars or hotels on cheap prieces. <BR> <BR>have fun

Definitely arrange to get your train tickets ahead of time! If you DO have time (on another occasion) here are some suggestions. <BR>There will be many wickets in the booking hall of any major Indian train station, each with a long line of travelers. Even before you stand in line, it's likely someone will approach you and offer help. <BR>Accept the offer, explain where you want to go to, and which class you want to travel (most foreigners travel first class, which is still quite a bargain, and I would certainly advise this). <BR>Your new found agent will make his way to the head of one line, talk to his friend the ticket seller, hand over money and return with the tickets. Check to see that the destination and date on the tickets are correct, and ask how much. You'll probably be asked twice the going rate, which will still be very reasonable in dollar terms. <BR>Enjoy your travels! <BR>

Thank you for all your suggestions. We just returned. We wound up getting the tickets ahead of time through a hotel (probably overpaid). The day we took the train every seat was taken so we were glad we already had the tickets. The New Delhi Train Station is rather overwhelming. If you've just arrived in India, then I highly recommend getting the tickets well in advance rather than trying to figure it out in the dark early in the morning!