Traveling can be exhausting, but having access to railway lounges can significantly enhance your travel experience. Railway lounges offer comfortable seating, complimentary snacks and beverages, free Wi-Fi, charging stations, clean washrooms, and other amenities.
Many credit cards in India now offer complimentary access to these lounges. In this article, we’ll explore the best credit cards that provide railway lounge access to help you travel in comfort and style.
Benefits and Facilities of Railway Lounge Access
- Comfortable Seating: Relax in plush chairs and sofas.
- Complimentary Snacks and Beverages: Enjoy free refreshments.
- Free Wi-Fi and Charging Stations: Stay connected and charged.
- Clean Washrooms and Shower Facilities: Freshen up during long journeys.
- Additional Amenities: Newspapers, magazines, and TVs for entertainment.
- Workspaces: Quiet areas for working with desks and power outlets.
- 2 hours of lounge stay
- 1 Buffet Meal – Breakfast, Lunch, or Dinner as per the time of visit
Top 10 Credit Cards Offering Railway Lounge Access in India
1. IDFC First Bank Credit Cards (Millennia/Classic/Select/Wealth)
Joining Fee: Lifetime Free (LTF)
Annual Fee: LTF
Railway Lounge Access: 16 visits per year
Key Benefits: Comprehensive travel perks, including airport lounge access, low fees, and attractive reward points on all spends.
Read – Best Credit Cards for Salaried Person in India
2. ICICI Bank Coral RuPay Credit Card
Joining Fee: Rs 500 + GST
Annual Fee: Rs 500 + GST
Annual Fee Waiver: Spend Rs 1.5 lakh annually
Railway Lounge Access: 4 visits per year
Key Benefits: Rewards on dining, groceries, and fuel. Enjoy waiver on fuel surcharge and attractive discounts on movie tickets.
3. AU Bank Altura Credit Card
Joining Fee: Rs 199 + GST / LTF
Annual Fee: Rs 199 + GST / LTF
Railway Lounge Access: 8 visits per year
Key Benefits: Up to 2% cashback on various categories including groceries and utility bills. Additional milestone rewards and fuel surcharge waiver.
Read – Credit Cards with Zero Annual Fees in India
4. IRCTC SBI Platinum Card
Joining Fee: Rs 500 + GST
Annual Fee: Rs 300 + GST
Railway Lounge Access: 4 visits per year
Key Benefits: Up to 10% value back on IRCTC bookings. Discounts on e-catering services and complimentary railway lounge access.
5. HDFC Bank RuPay IRCTC Credit Card
Joining Fee: Rs 500 + GST
Annual Fee: Rs 500 + GST
Railway Lounge Access: 4 visits per year
Key Benefits: 10% value back on all classes of railway bookings, including sleeper class. Exclusive discounts on railway ticket bookings and other HDFC SmartBuy offers.
6. ICICI Bank MakeMyTrip Platinum
Joining Fee: Rs 500 + GST
Annual Fee: NIL
Railway Lounge Access: One complimentary access per quarter
Key Benefits: Complimentary railway and airport lounge access, travel insurance, and high reward rates on various spends.
Check – 6 Credit Cards with Airport Lounge Access in India
7. IRCTC BoB Rupay Credit Card
Joining Fee: Rs 500
Renewal Fee: Rs 500
Railway Lounge Access: Up to 4 complimentary railway lounge access every year (1 per quarter).
Key Benefits: 1% transaction charge waiver on booking tickets via IRCTC website or mobile app, A 1% waiver on fuel surcharges for transactions between Rs. 500 and Rs. 3,000, with a maximum waiver of Rs. 100 per statement cycle, Up to 3-lifetime free add-on cards for your spouse, parents, siblings or kids (above 18 years).
8. ICICI Bank MakeMyTrip Signature
Joining Fee: Rs 2,500 + GST
Annual Fee: Nil
Railway Lounge Access: Access to major lounges
Key Benefits: Dual membership rewards, travel insurance, and concierge services.
These cards provide various benefits that can enhance your travel experience by giving you access to railway lounges across major stations in India.
List of Lounges at Major Railway Stations in India
| Railway Station | Platform Location |
|---|---|
| New Delhi Railway Station (NDLS) | Near Platform 16 |
| Mumbai Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) | Near Platform 14 |
| Kolkata Howrah Junction (HWH) | Near Platform 23 |
| Chennai Central Railway Station (MAS) | Near Platform 10 |
| Bangalore City Railway Station (SBC) | Near Platform 1 |
| Ahmedabad Railway Station (ADI) | Near Platform 1 |
| Secunderabad Junction (SC) | Near Platform 10 |
| Jaipur Junction (JP) | Near Platform 1 |
| Lucknow Charbagh (LKO) | Near Platform 1 |
| Bhubaneswar Railway Station (BBS) | Near Platform 1 |
| Trivandrum Central (TVC) | Near Platform 1 |
| Patna Junction (PNBE) | Near Platform 1 |
Conclusion
Credit cards with railway lounge access offer significant benefits for frequent travelers. Evaluate the options based on your travel habits and financial needs to choose the best card for you. Enjoy enhanced travel comfort and convenience with the right credit card.
FAQs: Best Credit Cards with Railway Lounge Access in India
Q: Which cards are eligible for IRCTC lounge access?
A: Credit cards like the IRCTC SBI Platinum Card and HDFC Bank RuPay IRCTC Credit Card offer access to IRCTC lounges.
Q: How to access IRCTC lounge for free?
A: Use credit cards that provide complimentary lounge access, such as the IRCTC SBI Platinum Card or HDFC Bank RuPay IRCTC Credit Card.
Q: Does HDFC credit card have railway lounge access?
A: Yes, the HDFC Bank RuPay IRCTC Credit Card provides railway lounge access.
Q: Which ICICI credit card has railway lounge access?
A: The ICICI Bank Coral RuPay Credit Card offers railway lounge access.
Q: What is complimentary railway lounge?
A: Complimentary railway lounge access allows cardholders to use railway lounges without additional charges, offering amenities like snacks, Wi-Fi, and comfortable seating.
Q: Which card is best for free lounge access?
A: The best card depends on individual needs, but the IDFC First Bank Credit Cards (Millennia/Classic/Select/Wealth) offer extensive lounge access benefits.
Q: How do I get into the railway lounge?
A: Present your eligible credit card at the lounge entrance to gain access.
Q: How many railway lounges are there in India?
A: There are numerous railway lounges across major stations in India, providing various amenities for travelers.
Q: How do I know if my card has free lounge access?
A: Check your card’s benefits on the bank’s website or contact customer service to confirm if it includes free lounge access.
