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You can now order food in train journeys as easily as ordering at home. Hot restaurant meals come straight to your seat when the train halts at a station. However, many passengers still do not know the official ways to order, so they end up buying from random platform vendors. This guide shows you every method, step by step, in simple words.
Last Updated: 6 July 2026
Quick answer: To order food in train, use the official IRCTC eCatering service: the website ecatering.irctc.co.in, the Food on Track app, a call to 1323, or WhatsApp at +91-8750001323. You can also order through Zomato and Swiggy in their train food section. You only need your 10-digit PNR number, and you can pay online or choose cash on delivery.
What You Need Before Ordering
Keep your ticket handy, because every service asks for your 10-digit PNR number. The system uses it to find your train, route and upcoming halts. Also, know your coach and seat number, so the delivery person can find you easily.
All the Ways to Order Food in Train
| Method | How It Works |
|---|---|
| IRCTC eCatering website | Visit ecatering.irctc.co.in, enter your PNR, pick a restaurant and order |
| Food on Track app | Official IRCTC app with PNR auto-paste and live order status |
| Phone call | Call 1323, share PNR, seat and food items |
| Message +91-8750001323 with your PNR | |
| Zomato | Use the Train section in the app, pre-order up to 7 days in advance, 170+ stations |
| Swiggy | Use the IRCTC/Train section, pre-order window up to 96 hours |
Step-by-Step: Ordering Through IRCTC eCatering
- Open ecatering.irctc.co.in or the Food on Track app.
- Enter your 10-digit PNR number.
- Select the station where you want the food delivered.
- Choose a restaurant from the list and add items to your cart. You get options from big brands like Domino’s and Behrouz to local restaurants, with more than 2,000 partner restaurants in the network.
- Pay online (UPI, card, net banking) or choose cash on delivery.
- Relax. The delivery person hands over the food at your coach door or seat when the train halts.
Step-by-Step: Ordering Through Zomato or Swiggy
- Open the Zomato or Swiggy app and find the Train / IRCTC section.
- Enter your PNR, then select the delivery station.
- Pick a restaurant, add items and pay.
- Track your order live in the app, right up to delivery at your coach.
Zomato covers 170+ stations and 3,000+ trains, and lets you order up to 30 minutes before the train reaches the delivery station. In addition, both apps allow free cancellation before the restaurant starts preparing your food.
Important Timings to Remember
- Order in advance where possible. On IRCTC eCatering, you can pre-order as soon as you have a valid PNR, even days before the journey.
- Mid-journey orders: place the order at least 60 to 90 minutes before the train reaches your chosen delivery station. On Zomato, the cut-off is about 30 minutes.
- Delayed train? The system tracks the live running status, so delivery timing adjusts automatically.
Can You Order for Someone Else?
Yes. If a family member is travelling, you can order food to their seat from your own phone. Simply enter their PNR, coach, seat and mobile number while placing the order, and the meal reaches them at the selected station.
Travelling in a Group?
IRCTC eCatering also takes group orders for 15 or more passengers. Open the Group Orders section on the website or app, fill the request form with your PNR and headcount, and the team arranges bulk meals for the whole group.
What If the Food Does Not Arrive or Is Bad?
First, raise a complaint through the eCatering website, the Food on Track app, or by calling 1323. You can complain from 15 minutes after the delivery time up to 5 days later. If your order never arrives, IRCTC refunds any online payment and also gives you a discount coupon for the next order. For other travel problems, keep our railway helpline numbers guide handy.
Stay Safe: Order Only from Official Channels
Every year, passengers lose money to fake train food websites and unauthorised vendors who falsely claim to represent IRCTC. As a result, they get overcharged or receive unhygienic food. So always order only through the official channels listed above, and avoid paying random vendors on platforms. Official partners use FSSAI-certified restaurants, which keeps the food safe.
Other Food Options on Your Journey
Besides eCatering, you can also use the pantry car on trains that have one, buy IRCTC ready-to-eat food pouches, or eat at the restaurants and food courts at railway stations during longer halts. For an overnight trip, you can even book a bedroll online to go with your dinner.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I order food in train?
Use IRCTC eCatering through ecatering.irctc.co.in, the Food on Track app, a call to 1323, or WhatsApp at +91-8750001323. You can also order through the train section on Zomato and Swiggy. You only need your PNR number.
Can I pay cash on delivery for train food?
Yes. IRCTC eCatering offers cash on delivery along with UPI, cards and net banking.
How early should I order food in train?
Order at least 60 to 90 minutes before the train reaches your delivery station. On Zomato, you can order up to 30 minutes before. You can also pre-order days in advance with a valid PNR.
Can I order food in train without a confirmed seat?
Some partners let you order using the train number and travel date instead of a PNR, which helps waitlisted passengers. However, you must give a coach and seat detail at checkout for delivery.
What happens if my train food order does not arrive?
Raise a complaint on the app, website or 1323 within 5 days. IRCTC refunds the online payment and gives a discount coupon for the next order.
Is food delivery available on premium trains?
Yes. Train food delivery works on Rajdhani, Shatabdi, Duronto, Humsafar and Tejas trains too, along with regular Mail and Express trains.
Disclaimer: TrainHelp is an independent information portal, not affiliated with Indian Railways or IRCTC. Services, timings and coverage change from time to time, so please confirm on the official eCatering platforms while ordering.