Delhi is the hub of the Indian Railways network (tel: (011) 2334 8787 for reservations; website: www.indianrail.gov.in). The city has two major railway stations, in New Delhi and Old Delhi. New Delhi station, east of Main Bazaar (Paharganj), is about 1km (0.6 miles) from the northern fringe of Connaught Place. Main Delhi station (Old Delhi), west of Red Fort, is about 7km (4 miles) from Connaught Place. All stations have basic waiting room and restaurant facilities. Railway stations and trains are notorious for theft and luggage should be securely locked and never left unattended. There is a recorded information service available (tel: 131).

Rail services: Delhi offers express trains to most parts of the country. One of the most popular services is the Shatabdi Express, which travels to various destinations including Agra, Jaipur, Lucknow and Amritsar. Tickets are available at the International Tourist Bureau (tel: (011) 2340 5156), located on the first floor at New Delhi station. This service is for foreigners only and the office takes payment in US Dollars, Euros or Pounds Sterling; payment can only be made in Rupees if backed up with money-exchange receipts or ATM slips. You may be required to show your passport. For a small fee, travel agents take the time-consuming bureaucracy out of the protracted business of booking rail tickets, but only deal with accredited agencies, to avoid scams. The Indrail Pass, valid for seven to 90 days, allows unlimited travel for the period of validity but does not dispense with the need to make advance reservations.