Are you a frequent traveller who believes that the amenities provided at train stations require improvement? If so, you have reached a suitable location! To aid in optimising train travel, this article analyses the top credit cards that offer complimentary lounge access to opulent railway terminals across India.
Introduction to Railway Lounges
Railway lounges, managed by the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC), provide a serene haven amid the vibrant bustle that permeates train terminals. These lounges offer solace to individuals on the move, complete with cosy seating, complimentary newspapers and periodicals, Wi-Fi, and journals. They provide the ideal environment for recharging and unwinding before or in between train rides.
Facilities Offered Under Complimentary Railway Lounge Access
Generally speaking, railway cabins affiliated with credit cards provide the following amenities:
- Cosy couches for a specified period (typically two hours).
- We extend complimentary breakfast, lunch, and dinner to you.
- Consume an unrestricted amount of coffee and tea while enjoying succulent treats.
- Lightning has enabled uninterrupted web browsing and quick Wi-Fi.
- Acquire periodicals and newspapers to use them for recreational perusing.
Additionally, certain clubs may offer upscale amenities such as recliners and massage chairs for an additional fee.
List of Lounges at Major Railway Stations
The expansion rate of railway accommodations in India’s primary railway stations is quickening. The following restaurants are located in prominent railway terminals:
- New Delhi Railway Station (Executive Lounge & Travellers Executive Lounge)
- Madurai Junction
- Jaipur Railway Station
- Agra Railway Station
- Ahmedabad Railway Station
- Varanasi Railway Station
- Sealdah Railway Station
Recognising that complimentary access is susceptible to modification based on operational conditions and agreements with lounge operators is critical.
How to Avail Complimentary Railway Lounge Access
You will obtain complimentary access to train facilities by carrying out the following simple steps:
- Access the lounge by presenting a genuine, up-to-date credit card.
- Make your train ticket or proof of reservation available at the lounge’s entrance.
- The lounge attendant will typically request a nominal, non-refundable charge of approximately 2 to authenticate your card.
- As you anxiously await the train’s departure, unwind in the lounge’s luxurious amenities.
Eligible Credit Cards for Complimentary Railway Lounge Access
Let’s delve into the details of credit cards that provide complimentary access to railway lounges:
ICICI Bank Coral
- Variant: VISA/MasterCard
- Limits: One access per quarter
- Joining Fee: ₹500 + GST
- Annual Fee: ₹500 + GST (Waived off on annual spends of ₹1.5 lakh)
If you enjoy the occasional lounge access while travelling and prefer a credit card with reasonable annual fees, the ICICI Bank Coral credit card could be an excellent fit.
ICICI Bank MakeMyTrip Platinum
- Variant: Visa Platinum
- Limits: One access per quarter
- Joining Fee: ₹500 + GST
- Annual Fee: NIL
Ideal for frequent travellers, the ICICI Bank MakeMyTrip Platinum card provides complimentary lounge visits at no additional cost.
ICICI Bank MakeMyTrip Signature
- Variant: Visa Signature
- Limits: One access per quarter
- Joining Fee: ₹2500 + GST
- Annual Fee: NIL
The ICICI Bank MakeMyTrip Signature card offers exclusive travel perks, such as complimentary access to airport lounges.
ICICI Bank Rubyx
- Variant: VISA/MasterCard
- Limits: Two visits per quarter
- Joining Fee: ₹3000 + GST
- Annual Fee: ₹2000 + GST (Waived off on annual spends of ₹3 lakh)
The ICICI Bank Rubyx card is designed to cater to the needs of frequent flyers, offering enhanced privileges and multiple lounge visits.
SBI IRCTC Premier
- Variant: VISA Signature
- Limits: Eight visits per year
- Joining Fee: ₹1500 + GST
- Annual Fee: ₹1500 + GST (Waived off on annual spends of ₹2 lakh)
The SBI IRCTC Premier card provides numerous lounge access opportunities and other travel benefits.
SBI IRCTC Rupay
- Variant: Rupay Platinum
- Limits: Four visits per year
- Joining Fee: ₹500 + GST
- Annual Fee: ₹300 + GST
For budget-conscious travellers, the SBI IRCTC Rupay card provides free lounge access and affordable fees.
IDFC First Bank Credit Cards
- Variants: MILLENNIA/ CLASSIC/ SELECT/ WEALTH (Visa)
- Limits: Four visits per quarter
- Joining Fee: NIL
- Annual Fee: NIL
With IDFC First Bank credit cards, frequent travellers can enjoy complimentary lounge access without joining or annual fees.
AU Bank Zenith
- Variant: Visa Infinite
- Limits: Two visits per quarter
- Joining Fee: ₹7999 + GST
- Annual Fee: ₹7999 + GST (Waived off on annual spends of ₹5 lakh)
You are introducing the AU Bank Zenith card – the perfect option for sophisticated travellers seeking luxury and exclusivity. This exceptional card gives you access to top-tier lounges and a range of exclusive perks.
AU Bank Vetta
- Variant: Visa Signature
- Limits: Two visits per quarter
- Joining Fee: ₹3000 + GST
- Annual Fee: ₹3000 + GST (Waived off on annual spends of ₹1.5 lakh)
The AU Bank Vetta card provides a distinctive blend of lounge access, rewards, and waived fees for qualifying spending.
AU Bank Altura Plus
Variant: Visa Platinum
Limits: Two visits per quarter
Joining Fee: ₹499 + GST
Annual Fee: ₹499 + GST (Waived off on annual spends of ₹80,000)
Introducing the AU Bank Altura Plus card—a great choice for budget-conscious travellers who also want the bonus of complimentary lounge visits. This card offers excellent value for money.
AU Bank Altura
- Variant: Visa Platinum
- Limits: Two visits per quarter
- Joining Fee: ₹199 + GST
- Annual Fee: ₹199 + GST (Waived off on annual spends of ₹40,000)
The AU Bank Altura card is perfect for budget-conscious travellers. It offers minimal fees and exclusive lounge access benefits.
Bank of Baroda IRCTC
- Variant: Rupay
- Limits: One visit per quarter
- Joining Fee: ₹500 + GST
- Annual Fee: ₹350 + GST
Occasional travellers can use the Bank of Baroda IRCTC card to enjoy complimentary lounge access at reasonable fees.
Conclusion
Assess these credit cards’ advantages, charges, and restrictions to select the one that best suits your travel preferences and frequency. Experience enhanced travel with complimentary railway lounge access, ensuring a seamless journey with added comfort and convenience. Gain exclusive entry to opulent railway lounges through top-notch credit cards for railway lounge access.
