The National Rail Museum of India is in Chanakyapuri, New Delhi, and presents Indian Railways heritage across more than 11 acres. Its outdoor railway yard displays locomotives, carriages and other rail vehicles, while the indoor gallery covers transport through models, artifacts and interactive displays.
- Location: Chandra Gupta Marg, Chanakyapuri, beside the Bhutan Embassy
- Opening pattern: Open Tuesday to Sunday; closed Monday
- Hours: 10:00 AM–5:00 PM; entry closes at 4:30 PM
- Adult entry: ₹50 on weekdays; ₹100 on Saturdays, Sundays and gazetted holidays
What to see at the museum
The National Rail Museum combines an outdoor railway yard with an indoor gallery, so you can plan time for both parts of the collection. The outdoor area displays steam, diesel and electric locomotives alongside royal saloons, wagons, carriages, armored trains and rail cars.
Named outdoor exhibits include the Prince of Wales Saloon, Mysore Maharaja Saloon, Viceregal Dining Car, Fireless Steam Locomotive, F1-734, Garratt and Ramgotty. Inside, you’ll find interactive displays and models about transport and Indian Railways, as well as historical photographs, documents, railway artifacts, static exhibits, antiques and antique furniture.
How do you get to the National Rail Museum from Mahipalpur?
The National Rail Museum is about 6.7 km from Hotel Pearl - Mahipalpur Delhi Airport. The museum’s address is Chandra Gupta Marg, Chanakyapuri, beside the Bhutan Embassy, New Delhi 110021. Use that address when planning your route from Mahipalpur; the museum is in Chanakyapuri, not at the airport.
Opening hours, tickets and facilities
Entry closes at 4:30 PM. The Ministry of Railways, Government of India, operates the museum. Hours and ticket arrangements can change, so check the official site before you go.
Opening hours
- Tuesday to Sunday: 10:00–17:00
- Monday: closed
Last checked November 2026. Hours can change on holidays and for special events.
Adult entry costs ₹50 on weekdays and ₹100 on Saturdays, Sundays and gazetted holidays. For children aged 3–12, entry costs ₹10 on weekdays and ₹20 on Saturdays, Sundays and gazetted holidays; children under 3 enter free, except for institution or group bookings.
The Museum Express has a separate fare per ride. On weekdays, it costs ₹20 for adults and ₹10 for children aged 3–12; on weekends and gazetted holidays, fares are ₹50 for adults and ₹20 for children. The last train run is at 4:45 PM.
Online booking is available for individual visitors and institutions, with date selection. School and institutional groups booking more than 30 tickets can receive a 50% discount on child entry tickets on weekdays; the discount does not apply on weekends or government holidays.
Planning a visit with children or railway fans
For children and railway enthusiasts, the mix of full-sized outdoor rail vehicles and indoor models gives the visit two different kinds of displays to explore.
You can look out for the named saloons and locomotives outside, then continue inside to the transport models, photographs and railway artifacts. The museum’s Chanakyapuri location can also fit into a wider Delhi outing planned with a one-day Delhi route from Mahipalpur.
Children aged 3–12 have a separate entry and Museum Express fare, while children under 3 enter free subject to the group-booking exception. If you’re arranging a school or institutional visit, check the weekday group discount conditions before booking.
FAQs
When was the National Rail Museum established?
Its foundation stone was laid by President V. V. Giri on 7 October 1971. It opened to the public as the Rail Transport Museum on 1 February 1977 and took its current name in October 1995.
Can you book National Rail Museum tickets online?
Yes. Online booking is available for individual visitors and institutions.
Is the museum open on Mondays?
Open Tuesday to Sunday; closed Monday.