When planning a long journey with Indian Railways, one common question that arises is: “Is food included in my train ticket?” With various train types, classes of travel, and booking options on IRCTC, it’s essential to know whether your ticket comes with meals or if you need to make separate arrangements.
Whether you’re traveling on Rajdhani, Shatabdi, Duronto, or a regular express train, this blog explains step-by-step how to find out if food in train is included in your fare — and what to do if it’s not.
Why Knowing About Meals in Train Travel is Important
Train journeys in India can last from a few hours to several days. On such long trips, food becomes more than a convenience — it’s a necessity. While some premium trains include meals in their ticket fare, others don’t. If you’re unsure, checking ahead can help you:
- Plan your meals
- Avoid unexpected hunger during the journey
- Explore options to order food in train online from IRCTC-approved services
- Ensure dietary preferences like Jain food or vegetarian meals are met
Check the Train Type First
Your train type is the first major indicator of whether meals in train are included. Generally:
Premium Trains with Catering Charges Included:
- Rajdhani Express – Meals typically included in 1st AC, 2AC, and 3AC
- Shatabdi Express – Food generally provided in Executive Chair Car and Chair Car
- Duronto Express – Often includes meals for AC passengers
These trains usually have prepaid meals included in the fare, although IRCTC now gives the option to opt out of catering at the time of booking.
Trains Without Included Meals:
- Mail and Express trains
- Superfast trains
- Humsafar Express (optional)
- Garib Rath (meals not included)
In such trains, you can rely on pantry cars (if available), station vendors, or use railway food order services to get fresh meals.
Also Know- Train Ticket Cancellation Charges and Refund Rules in India
Check Ticket Details on IRCTC Website or App
Once your ticket is booked through the IRCTC portal, you can check if meals are included by:
- Logging into the IRCTC website or app
- Going to “Booked Ticket History”
- Clicking on your PNR to open ticket details
- Reviewing the fare breakdown section
If catering charges are mentioned in the fare breakdown, it means railway catering services are provided for your journey.
Also Know- IRCTC Train Seat Availability in Indian Railway for General & Tatkal
Understand the Role of Travel Class
Your class of travel plays a crucial role in determining food inclusion:
| Class of Travel | Meals Included? |
| AC First Class (1A) | Mostly Yes in premium trains |
| Executive Chair Car (EC) | Yes in Shatabdi |
| Second AC (2A) | Yes in Rajdhani/Duronto (if opted in) |
| Third AC (3A) | Sometimes included in Rajdhani |
| Sleeper Class (SL) | No |
| Chair Car (CC) | Yes in Shatabdi |
| General Class | No |
If you booked a ticket in 2A or 3A of a Rajdhani, meals may be included. However, you must verify during booking or after ticket confirmation.
Check the Fare Breakdown for Meal Charges
When you’re booking your train ticket, scroll to the fare breakdown section before making the final payment. Look for:
- “Catering Charges” – if this is listed, it confirms that meals are included in the ticket price
- If no such entry is present, your fare doesn’t include food
Note: In some trains, like Rajdhani, you can opt-out of food during booking. In that case, the fare will be slightly reduced, and no meals will be served onboard.
Use E-Catering Services if Meals Are Not Included
If your ticket doesn’t include meals, you can still get hot, hygienic, FSSAI-approved food delivered directly to your seat by ordering from IRCTC’s official e-catering partners like Zoop, From vegetarian options to biryani, Jain food, and local thalis, Indian Railways and its catering partners ensure that your travel remains comfortable and well-fed — even if your ticket doesn’t include meals.
How to order:
- Visit the e-catering website/app
- Enter your PNR number
- Choose your delivery station and timing
- Browse options like thali, poha, biryani, Jain food, or local cuisine
- Place your order and get food delivered to your seat
This service is especially helpful for passengers who prefer custom meals, are traveling with family, or those who want to avoid pantry car food.
FAQs on Food in Train & Ticket Inclusion
Q. Is food included in Rajdhani tickets?
Usually yes, especially for AC classes. Confirm via IRCTC during or after booking.
Q. Is food included in Duronto and Shatabdi trains?
Yes, meals are often included. However, always check the fare breakdown or booking options.
Q. Can I eat my own food during the journey?
Yes, you’re allowed to bring and eat your own food on the train.
Q. What if I opted out of food while booking?
In that case, food will not be served onboard. You can order food in train from online platforms instead.
Q. Do all classes get the same food?
No. Meals differ based on class of travel — 1A often gets elaborate menus, while 3A or CC receive simpler meals.