If you’re a frequent train traveller or credit card user, you might have heard about IRCTC railway lounges. Many credit cards offer complimentary access to railway lounges, providing a comfortable waiting space with complimentary food and beverages, along with other amenities to enjoy while waiting for your train. Let me discuss this railway lounge access benefit on your credit card in more detail.
What is a Railway Lounge?
A railway lounge is a premium, air-conditioned waiting area available at select railway stations in India, offering a comfortable experience for travelers. Many banks have partnered with IRCTC to provide complimentary lounge access to credit card users. These lounges typically offer amenities such as:
- Two hours of free stay in the railway lounge.
- Comfortable seating options: Chairs, sofas, workspaces, and sometimes sleeping pods.
- Complimentary meal: One buffet meal (breakfast, lunch, or dinner, depending on the time).
- Beverages: Tea, coffee, and juice.
- Free Wi-Fi and air conditioning.
- Clean bathrooms: Some even include showers.
- Entertainment options: Television, newspapers, and magazines.
- Charging points for electronic devices.
Here are a few glimpses of the IRCTC Executive Lounge at New Delhi Railway Station Platform no. 16:
How to Claim Railway Lounge in India?
So, I’m assuming you’re at a railway station and want to access the railway lounge, or you’re planning to do so on your next trip. Here’s how to claim your access using a credit card:
- Check eligibility: First, make sure your credit card offers railway lounge access. (We’ll discuss this in more detail later.)
- Verify lounge availability: Check if the railway station you’re departing from has a lounge facility. Find out which platform it’s on and whether it accepts your specific credit card. You can usually find the list of participating lounges on your card issuer’s website.
- Present your card and ticket: At the railway lounge counter, present your eligible credit card and a valid railway ticket (either physical or digital). You can also confirm if they offer complimentary lounge access for your card if you couldn’t find the list online (most lounges display the accepted cards at the entrance).
- Enjoy your stay: Once access is granted, enter the lounge and enjoy the facilities for up to 2 hours.
- Make yourself comfortable: Find a seat and store your luggage in the designated area. Freshen up in the restroom, grab a tea/coffee, or head straight for a meal. You can also relax on the comfortable couches and sofas while waiting for your train.
Alternatively, Get Railway Lounge Access Using Dreamfolks
Dreamfolks is a service that partners with various banks and credit card companies to provide both airport and railway lounge access. If your card is affiliated with Dreamfolks, you can use their app or website to generate a QR code in advance, allowing you to access lounges even if you don’t have your physical card with you.
To book lounge access, simply log in to the Dreamfolks website or app, add your credit card details, and then select the desired lounge. You’ll need to pay a nominal fee of INR 2 to confirm your booking.
I have accessed the executive railway lounge at New Delhi railway station, both through direct credit card and through the access code via Dreamfolks (using ICICI Coral credit card). Both worked flawlessly.
If You Don’t Have a Supported Credit Card
Don’t worry, you can still access the railway lounge by paying the entry fee. It’s usually very affordable; for instance, the executive railway lounge at New Delhi railway station starts at Rs. 169.64 per person for the initial hour. Meals and other amenities are charged separately. You can check the complete executive lounge charges here.
Which Credit Cards Support Railway Lounge Access in India
Currently, only a limited number of credit cards offer railway lounge access benefits. If you’re not sure what type of credit card is right for you, you can explore the different categories available here. Here’s the list of cards currently offering railway lounge access (updated in June 2024):
- IDFC FIRST Bank Select Credit Card
- IDFC FIRST Bank Wealth Credit Card
- IDFC FIRST Bank Millennia Credit Card
- IDFC FIRST Bank Classic Credit Card
- IRCTC SBI Card Premier
- IRCTC SBI Platinum Card
- HDFC Bank IRCTC Credit Card
- ICICI Bank Coral Credit Card
- MakeMyTrip ICICI Bank Signature Credit Card
- MakeMyTrip ICICI Bank Platinum Credit Card
- IRCTC BOB Credit Card
- AU Bank Altura Credit Card
- AU Bank Altura Plus Credit Card
- AU Bank Zenith Credit Card
If you’re pre-approved for any of the above credit cards, I’d recommend considering them for their railway lounge access, provided that you travel frequently, and the card is either lifetime free or offers enough value through other benefits to offset any annual fees.
Check if Your Card Supports Railway Lounge Access
You can currently check whether your credit card supports railway lounge access through three methods:
- Use the Card Insider app: Install the Card Insider app (Google Play Store) and add your credit card (simply enter the card-issuing bank and variant). You can then check which of your credit cards have lounge access and at which railway stations.
- Use Dreamfolks: Log in to the Dreamfolks website or mobile app, add your credit card, and validate it by paying a nominal INR 2 fee. After verification, you can see all available railway and airport lounge access on your credit card.
- Check your bank’s website: Most banks list their railway lounge access information on their websites. Check here for details: HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank, SBI Cards, AU Bank, and IDFC First Bank.
List of Railway Lounges in India
While it’s difficult to list all the railway lounges in India due to frequent updates and changing criteria, here are the popular IRCTC Executive railway lounges in India:
- Agra Cantt Railway Station
- Ahmedabad Railway Station
- Jaipur Railway Station
- Madurai Railway Station
- New Delhi Railway Station (Ajmeri Gate)
- New Delhi Railway Station (Paharganj)
- Sealdah Railway Station
- Varanasi Cantt Railway Station
Travel in Comfort
Railway lounge access is a great benefit that can make your journey more comfortable at no extra charge. By choosing the right credit card and understanding how to access these lounges, you can enjoy comfortable amenities, complimentary refreshments, and a peaceful environment while waiting for your train.
However, before planning your lounge visit, be sure to research the specific amenities offered and the accepted credit cards. So, next time you’re at the railway station, take advantage of your credit card’s lounge access benefit and enjoy a more pleasant wait for your train.
I’m a bit of a credit card geek. Ever since I got my first card in 2018, I’ve been obsessed with finding the best deals, earning rewards, and boosting my credit score. I’m a tech guy at heart, but my love for all things personal finance has led me down this credit card rabbit hole. I also dabble in banking, investing, and other money matters.