Low-Cost AC Trains in India to Travel Comfortably on a Budget

Traveling during summer vacation in India by train is always a mere joy. The mini vacation in scorching sunlight is tough. Thanks to Indian Railways for introducing low-cost AC coaches that do wonders without burning our pockets.

So, what are these budget-friendly AC trains? How can you check your PNR, spot your train, or find the train schedule easily? And yes, why does popular food delivery app RailMitra make delicious food in trains, which is in trend these days?

How Did AC Trains Start in India? 

I am sure we all have train travel experiences during Indian summers with sweaty faces, hot winds blowing in from open windows, and jam-packed chaotic compartments that seem exhausting.” That’s when Indian Railways thought, why not make long journeys a little more bearable? Thanks to Indian Railway for introducing the Delhi–Howrah Kalka Mail (air-conditioned coach) in 1956 for the first time. But again, the ticket costs an arm and a leg because only a few could afford it.

Indian Railways again thought of the budget-friendly options by adding AC First Class, followed by AC 2-tier, and finally the more affordable AC 3-tier coaches for cool travel.

Now riding in pleasure is no more a dream and luxury for you. Passengers can now travel on low-cost AC trains that are clean and budget-friendly. 

Low-Cost AC Trains in India You Can Book Today and enjoy regional food on the train

Here are 5 popular AC trains that are affordable and widely used by budget-friendly travelers. You can also enjoy  the food delivery train app with Railmitra:

1. Garib Rath Express

The name itself means “Chariot of the Poor.” This train soon came into the limelight in 2005 and was loved by common people. Garib Rath was India's first fully AC train designed specifically for the common man.

Where It Runs:

• New Delhi to Patna
  

• Mumbai to Delhi
  

• Kolkata to Chennai
  
  

Must-Try Food on This Route:

• Patna: Litti-Chokha (Order on train with RailMitra!)
  

• Delhi: Rajma Chawal or Chole Bhature
  

• Kolkata: Biryani from local legends like Arsalan
  
  

2. Humsafar Express

Humsafar Express, your "travel companion," was introduced in the year 2016. Its full-AC 3-tier train with modern amenities like vending machines, CCTV, and bio-toilets is enough for you to board and start your trip, and that too at an affordable price.

Where It Runs:

• Agartala to Bengaluru
  

• Gorakhpur to Delhi
  

• Howrah to Mumbai
  
  

Food to Enjoy on the Train:

• Agartala: Savour Bengali Fish Curry
  

3. Antyodaya Express 

Though primarily unreserved, newer Antyodaya trains have AC coaches on some routes, offering low-cost comfort to general passengers.

Where It Runs:

• Ernakulam to Okha
  

• Santragachi to Chennai
  
  

Food Recommendations:

1. Chennai: South Indian Thali with Sambhar
   

2. Ernakulam: Kerala Sadya or Appam with Stew. Use the RailMitra app to get local food delivered to your berth!
   
   

4. Duronto Express

Though faster and premium, some Duronto trains offer AC 3-tier tickets at a rate lower than Rajdhani—especially when booked early.

Where It Runs:

• Sealdah to Delhi
  

• Mumbai to Nagpur
  

• Chennai to Kolkata
  
  

Best Food on Route:

• Nagpur: Saoji Chicken or Tarri Poha
  

• Sealdah/Kolkata: Mughlai Paratha, Kolkata Biryani is a local food you can relish
  on the train via RailMitra, so no more station hopping needed!
  
  

5. Yuva Express

As the name suggests, Yuva was introduced for young travelers and students. This train offers discounted AC fares in chair car and 3-tier AC.

Where It Runs:

• Delhi to Howrah
  

• Bandra to Hazrat Nizamuddin
  
  

Food Highlights:

• Delhi: Butter Chicken with Naan
  

• Howrah: Bengali Veg Thali
  Use RailMitra to place your meal order in advance—no last-minute rush!
  
  

Helpful RailMitra Tools for Train Travelers

While booking a train is easy, staying updated on your journey is important too. Here’s how RailMitra makes your trip stress-free:

•  Check PNR Status in real-time to know if your seat is confirmed
  

•  Train Schedule lookup for all Indian Railways trains
  

•  Spot Your Train live with accurate delay timing
  

•  Order food on the train from local restaurants at any station.
  Get everything in one app. One download = all train solutions!

You don’t need to break the bank to travel in AC comfort. With Indian Railways offering multiple low-cost AC trains and RailMitra giving you tools like Check PNR, Train Running Status, and Food Delivery on Train, your journey can be smooth, affordable, and tasty too.

FAQs

Q1. What is the cheapest AC train in India right now?
A: The Garib Rath Express is currently the most affordable full-AC train with comfort and wide coverage.

Q2. Can I check my PNR and order food on the same app?
A: Yes! Use the RailMitra app to check PNR, live train status, and order food—all in one place.

Q3. Is food included in AC trains?
A: Not always. Many budget AC trains don’t include food. But with RailMitra, you can order fresh meals delivered right to your seat! You can order Jain food on the train and vegetarian and non-vegetarian biryani on train. 

Ready to travel smart? Just pick your train, book your seat, and order your meal. Happy journey!