Best Weekend Getaways by Train in India: Complete Guide

By: Swarn Rajhans | onJanuary 24, 2026

After a point, weekend in India start feeling shorter than they actually are. Office screens blur into Friday evenings, phones keep buzzing, and suddenly Sunday night is back again. That’s usually when the idea of quick weekend getaways shows up, not a full vacation, just enough distance to reset your head.

In India, trains quietly solve this problem better than anything else. By 2026, train journeys are no longer just about reaching somewhere cheaply. They’ve become part of the break itself. Trains have become more comfortable and the focus has shifted towards passenger comfort.

VIstadome trains make the journey more about the experience and less about travelling with its glass roof, wide windows and rotatable chairs. Vande Bharat Express has further made short weekend trips comfortable and stylish.

Why Train Travel Works So Well for Weekend Getaways

There’s a reason weekend getaways by train fits Indian routines almost perfectly. Railway stations are usually right inside cities, not an hour away like airports. You don’t need to reach three hours early or stand in endless security lines. You board, settle in, and the journey starts.

Unlike driving, you don’t have to stay alert for hours or deal with traffic jams that eat into your weekend. On a train, travel time doubles as rest time. You can sleep, read, work a little, or just stare out of the window which, honestly, is something flights never give you.

We have carefully curated a list of weekend places to visit. So whether it is your college friend group in the city or the office buddies, family trip or a solo adventurer, this list will help you make the most of your weekend!

Weekend Getaways by Train That Fit Real Schedules

The travel pattern of Indians is shifting from long tours to small vacations that fit their busy schedules. Weekend trips allow you to cool down without affecting your work schedule. With the rise of the Indian working class, the demand for such short travel boosts are skyrocketing. Let’s take a look at some of the coolest Weekend getaway train routes:

1. Mumbai to Goa: Where the Journey Is Half the Holiday

If there is any trip that is etched in the memory of every Indian for weekend getaway, it is the Mumbai to Goa route. The iconic movie, Dil Chahta Hai, has made sure that this route is almost synonymous with friends, travel and fun.

The best part of this journey through the Konkan Railways is the diverse natural landscapes you will get to witness such as tunnels, forests, rivers and even short glimpses of the sea. In this route you can even get Vistadome coaches in trains such as Jan Shatabdi or Tejas.

Once you reach Goa:

Travellers who like quiet and peace should visit the South Goa beaches as the Northern part might be too crowded.
Old Goa and Panjim are popular for their quietness and lived-in charm
Travellers now skip the overcrowded beaches and prefer to explore inland areas to spice farms and waterfalls

This is one of those weekends where slowing down happens naturally.

2. Delhi to Dehradun or Mussoorie: Quick Mountains, Real Silence

For anyone living in Delhi NCR, Delhi to Dehradun route feels like a blessing. The Vande Bharat train has cut travel time down so much that the mountains no longer feel “far”.

In just over five hours, the air changes. The noise drops. You feel it almost immediately.

Things worth doing in Dehradun:

Walk through Robber’s Cave and let the cold water wake you up
Spend an evening on Mussoorie’s Mall Road without rushing
Catch sunrise at Lal Tibba if you can manage the early alarm

It’s a short trip, but it does its job well.

3. Delhi to Jaipur: Culture Without the Chaos

Delhi to Jaipur train route is another quick weekend getaway from the city life of Delhi. If you have the Royal vibe in you, this short trip can feel like a visit to home.

Indian Railways is getting fast and this reflects on the trains on this route. Ajmer Shatbadi covers the distance in under five hours while Vande Bharat would take you to Jaipur in under four hours. That’s fast.

The biggest benefit of this swift movement is that passengers don’t feel tired and can smoothly join their work the next day.

What fills a Jaipur weekend easily:

Amber Fort’s scale still surprises first-timers
Hawa Mahal and City Palace are unmissable, even if crowded
Local markets are better explored slowly, with breaks for food

Jaipur visit from Delhi doesn’t need a detailed and planned trip. It is best suited to people making plans suddenly and heading towards the adventure.

4. Bangalore to Mysore: Reliable, Calm, and Well-Paced

The Bengaluru to Mysore train trip is best for people looking to take short trips. Mysuru is nearby and rich in history, tradition and culture. Family, friends and solo travellers equally like this short weekend getaway from the city.

Mysuru is familiar, easy, and somehow never feels like a wrong choice. It’s barely 140 kilometres away, the train options are solid, and before you know it, especially on the Rajya Rani Express or the Vande Bharat: you’re there in about two hours. No long drives. No complicated schedules. Just an easy switch of pace.

At Mysore:

The Mysore Palace remains the highlight, especially when lit up
Devaraja Market is chaotic in the best way
Chamundi Hills offer a quiet pause above the city
St. Philomena’s Cathedral, one of the highest churches in Asia.

When in Mysore, don’t forget to buy some Mysore Sarees and Sandal soaps.

5. Pune to Mumbai: Old-School Rail Charm

Pune to Mumbai train route is one of the best long weekend destinations. If you want to check for trains on this route, you can use the trains between stations service at RailMitra.

The iconic Deccan Queen connects this route. This train has been running since 1930. It still holds onto the charm of dining cars and slow climbs through the Bhor Ghats. Having breakfast while the train curves through green hills is an experience that hasn’t aged.

Once in Mumbai:

Marine Drive is best enjoyed without an agenda
Colaba Causeway rewards patient shoppers
Don’t forget to explore the Irani cafes

Many times, it is the shortest of journeys that leave the biggest mark upon us. Pune to Mumbai train journey can be one such weekend trip for you.

6. Delhi to Chandigarh: Clean Lines and Clear Headspace

Delhi to Chandigarh train route is another popular choice for weekend getaway. Passenger feel the difference as long as they step into Chandigarh.

The Vande Bharat gets you there in just over two hours, and the city’s planned layout, greenery, and calm roads feel like a reset after Delhi.

What works in Chandigarh:

The Rock Garden surprises most people
It is best to visit the Sukhna Lake in early evening
Sector 17 is lively place to chillout

Chandigarh is a beautiful mixture of Punjabi and Haryanvi culture. This city also happens to be one of the cleanest cities in the country. Be prepared to spend some quality time especially on the AQI front.

7. Chennai to Bangalore: Busy Route, Easy Weekend

Chennai to Bengaluru train route is one of the most popular routes of Southern India. There are no shortages of trains on this route. This means you can get trains at regular intervals making it perfect for a quick getaway.

Vande Bharat Express train is one of the fastest trains to cover this journey, in just around four hours. Other trains like Shatabdi and Double decker trains cover this distance in about five and six hours respectively.

Passengers who do not want to carry their food or order from the boring pantry car, can now restaurant style train food delivery. RailMitra makes this possible with just a few clicks and your food will come on your train seat.

In Bangalore:

Cubbon Park and Lalbagh offer breathing space
Indiranagar and Koramangala are social hubs after dark
Bangalore Palace adds a touch of history to the mix

It’s a practical trip that still feels refreshing.

8. Ahmedabad to Mumbai: Food, Commerce, and Contrast

Ahmedabad to Mumbai train route is perfect for travellers who plan around meals. The Vande Bharat and Tejas Express keep the journey smooth and comfortable. Reaching Mumbai with energy left is the real win here.

Don’t miss in Mumbai:

Street food trails around Mohamed Ali Road
A slow walk near the Gateway of India
Marine Drive once the lights come on

This weekend is best enjoyed one plate at a time.

Practical Booking Tips That Actually Help

Here are some of the tips and tricks that will make your journey a better and comfortable one:

Try to book tickets as before as you can, to ensure Confirmed (CNF) seats
Check live train running status to track your train in real time
Save passenger details on IRCTC before booking
Look for special classes like Vistadome or Executive coaches
Early morning departures usually give you more usable time

Train travel in India is quietly entering its best phase yet. You do not need to go for a day-long journey to zone out from your daily life. There are many short train tips available to make the most of your weekend getaway.

Any journey or adventure is like life, you never know what you are going to get. A trip can change your life even if it is just for a few days.