How to Order Food on a Train

Edited On: Feb 21, 2025

February 21, 2025

Trains remain the most affordable mode of transportation in India, with over 400 million people traveling by train every month. However, preparing food for your train journeys can be tiring and hectic. Ordering food can be a perfect alternative for delicious and healthy homemade meals. Considering this, IRCTC and Indian Railways have partnered with numerous restaurants and food delivery platforms to introduce e-catering services for train passengers. Ordering food on trains is simple and convenient; in this blog, we’ll discuss how you can order your favorite dish while traveling by train. We have listed some top-rated apps and websites that you can use to order meals on trains.

Benefits of Ordering Food on a Train

Convenience: Ordering food on the train allows you to enjoy freshly prepared meals at your seat or berth. This will save you time and enable you to enjoy your meals without leaving your seat.
Variety of choices: You can enjoy a range of cuisines, including regional specialties, pizzas, burgers, Jain food, and biryani. This caters to your tastes and dietary needs, improving your travel experience.
Real-time tracking: Most food ordering platforms offer a live-tracking feature, allowing you to monitor your order status. This transparency ensures timely meal deliveries at specific stations and a stress-free dining experience.
Hygienic and fresh: All food delivery platforms partner with FSSAI-approved and trusted restaurants to offer hygienic and fresh food. Meals are carefully packaged and sealed, ensuring high-quality food reaches you.
Cashless payments: You can make online payments for your orders using cards, wallets, or UPI. This reduces the need for handling cash and ensures secure, quick transactions during the train journey.

How to Order Food on Train

Ordering food on the train is straightforward. Here is the complete guide on how you can order food on trains during your journey:

Download or install the app: Install any of the above-listed IRCTC-approved apps on your smartphone. Then, create an account, select your train, or enter PNR details to browse available restaurants and menu options. Before ordering, ensure the app supports your upcoming train stations.

Choose a restaurant: After selecting your train station, browse restaurant options and choose from various cuisines like Indian, Chinese, or Jain. Ensure the restaurant is listed for timely delivery at your preferred station.

Add items to the cart: Select the food items and customize the quantity according to your requirements. Remember to review your cart for accuracy before proceeding to payment.

Confirm delivery details: Check the PNR number, train coach, and seat details. Also, confirm the delivery station and ensure your phone is reachable for any delivery updates or communication from the restaurant.
Make the payment: After renewing, pay online using options like UPI, debit cards, credit cards, or wallets. Some apps offer cash-on-delivery, but you should stick to online payments for faster and smoother transactions. You can also look for discounts and coupon codes for additional discounts if available.

Track and confirm delivery: Once you place the order, use the app’s tracking feature to monitor its status. When the train halts, you must be available at the designated station to receive the food. Confirm the delivery for service quality assurance.

Top Apps/Websites to Order Food on Train

There are numerous platforms where you can order food online on trains. However, very few of them are IRCTC-approved. Remember to only order from IRCTC-approved apps when ordering food on a train. Here are the top-rated food-ordering apps and websites you should check when ordering food during a train journey:

1. eCatering IRCTC

eCatering IRCTC is the official website of Indian Railways, which you can use to order food online during your journey. The platform delivers your favorite meals directly to your seats on the train. It has partnered with numerous restaurants to provide a range of meal options at affordable prices. The best thing about ordering food online on the train is that you can pre-order via the eCatering IRCTC app. It guarantees timely food delivery during your train journeys, even for last-minute orders.

2. RailRestro

RailRestro is another popular app for ordering various delicious meals online on trains. You can choose from regional delicacies, popular fast foods, and snacks. The app partners with various trusted restaurants for quality meals and timely delivery. It also accommodates your special diet requests, such as Jain food and group orders, offering convenience and variety across all train routes.

3. RailYatri

RailYatri is one of the most used food delivery apps among train travelers. It easily delivers food to you and offers access to local cuisine and popular meals. You can pre-order meals from restaurants near the railway station, ensuring freshness. The app also provides real-time updates on delivery timing, making it an all-in-one solution.

4. Zomato

Zomato has partnered with eCatering IRCTC to offer food delivery services for train passengers. The company has access to a large network of restaurants, allowing customers to choose vegetarian, vegan, non-vegetarian, and Jain food. The app provides real-time tracking and offers cashless payments using multiple payment platforms. When ordering from the app, use Zomato coupon codes on GrabOn to save extra on your delicious food.

5. Swiggy

Swiggy is India’s most popular food delivery platform, and it has expanded its services to train passengers. With its easy-to-use app, you can browse its extensive menu options, from snacks to full-course meals. It provides timely delivery and real-time order tracking. The platform has partnered with numerous FSSAI-approved restaurants to offer variety and freshness for you. You can find exclusive coupons and deals on the app to make your order budget-friendly. You should also look for verified Swiggy promo codes for additional discounts.

6. GoFoodieOnline

GoFoodieOnline is a one-stop destination for all train passengers. It offers various online services, including food ordering, PNR status checks, live train status, and accommodation booking. The website provides seamless integration with over 550 brands and restaurants, allowing you to order according to your needs.

7. Railofy

Railofy is an IRCTC-authorized partner that provides meal services with real-time tracking for train travelers. It has partnered with top restaurant brands, including Haldiram’s, Subway, and Arya Bhavan, to deliver multiple cuisines. You can order using its app and get a welcome bonus/cashback. In addition to its food delivery services, it also offers other online railway services, including PNR status checking and train ticket booking.

8. Rajbhog Khana

Rajbhog Khana is another popular platform for ordering delicious food on trains using your PNR number, station code, and train number. The app offers a range of fresh, regional dishes. It allows you to make payments using online platforms and cash on delivery. You can install its app to order food and get a welcome discount.

9. Zoop India

Zoop India provides reliable food delivery for train passengers. It offers a wide selection of meal options from trusted FSSAI-approved restaurant partners. You can easily order food for delivery at select train stations, and the platform covers all major stations in India.

Wrapping Up

Ordering food on trains in India has significantly improved since its introduction. Initially, there were very few delivery platforms; currently, numerous super apps and websites are available to order food and access other railway services. Whether you use IRCTC’s eCatering app or third-party platforms, including RailRestro, Zomato, and Swiggy, the food ordering process is easy and reliable. To enjoy the best experience, always order in advance, stay updated on your train’s location, and provide accurate details, including your PNR number and phone number. Make your journey memorable with delicious meals from your favorite restaurant!