India

Train travel in India is famously cheap, and millions rely on it daily. According to 2024 statistics from Indian Railways, the average fare for a long-distance sleeper class ticket is less than $5 for journeys up to 500 kilometers—sometimes even less on slower routes.

The Indian government continues to subsidize fares, making cross-country trips possible even for students and low-income families. With over 23 million passengers a day, Indian trains offer both affordability and extensive coverage.

In 2025, the introduction of more budget-friendly Vande Bharat Express routes has made fast travel even more accessible. Reports from The Economic Times in March 2025 highlight that regional trains in states like Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal cost as little as 50 cents for 100 kilometers.

This makes India the clear leader for affordable rail journeys.

Ukraine

Despite the challenges of recent years, Ukraine’s railways remain among the cheapest in Europe. Ukrzaliznytsia, the state railway, keeps prices low as a public service.

Current 2024 data shows cross-country tickets from Kyiv to Lviv (a 540-kilometer journey) often cost under $10 in second class. Local routes are even cheaper, with day passes in major cities like Kharkiv costing less than $1.50.

The government’s 2025 fare freeze policy, announced in February, kept prices steady to help citizens cope with inflation. This has made train travel a lifeline for many.

Trains remain the preferred choice for budget-friendly travel in Ukraine, with over 130 million passengers in 2024 according to Ukrzaliznytsia’s annual report.

Vietnam

Vietnam’s north-south railway, known as the Reunification Express, offers some of the lowest fares in Southeast Asia. A 2024 report by Vietnam Railways showed that a Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City ticket (over 1,700 kilometers) can cost as little as $20 in hard seat class.

Local trains are even cheaper, with short journeys like Da Nang to Hue (about 100 kilometers) often priced under $2. Fares have remained stable throughout 2023 and 2024, despite rising fuel prices.

Vietnam Railways has reported a 15% increase in ridership in early 2025, largely due to people seeking affordable travel options. The government’s focus on rail infrastructure has kept train travel accessible for everyone.

Egypt

Egypt’s train network is one of the most budget-friendly in Africa, with fares subsidized by the state. In 2025, a ticket from Cairo to Alexandria (208 kilometers) in second class costs roughly $2, as confirmed by the Egyptian National Railways’ latest fare chart.

Even first-class tickets rarely exceed $10 for major routes. The 2024 annual report showed that around 500 million journeys were made on the network, with over 70% of passengers choosing the most affordable classes.

The government has committed to maintaining low fares through 2025, prioritizing the needs of working-class Egyptians. Train travel remains the cheapest way to cross the country.

Thailand

Thailand’s State Railway has become a haven for budget travelers in recent years. According to the 2024 fare guide, a third-class ticket from Bangkok to Chiang Mai (700 kilometers) costs just under $8.

Even shorter trips, such as Bangkok to Ayutthaya, are priced at less than $1.50. The government’s 2025 rail development plan has promised to keep fares low for local and regional routes, despite rising costs elsewhere in the transport sector.

The Bangkok Post reported in April 2025 that ridership had increased by 10% year-on-year, a sign that affordable train options remain popular. Thailand’s trains offer a scenic and economical way to explore the country.

Russia

Russia’s extensive railway network offers surprisingly low fares, especially for long-distance travel. According to Russian Railways’ 2024 fare schedule, a third-class (platzkart) ticket from Moscow to Saint Petersburg (over 700 kilometers) starts at just $15.

Even the legendary Trans-Siberian Railway, covering nearly 9,300 kilometers, can be done for about $200 in the lowest class—making it one of the most cost-effective ways to cross a continent. The 2025 government subsidy program has helped keep prices stable, with the Ministry of Transport reporting fare increases of less than 3% since 2023.

Russian trains remain a top choice for travelers on a budget.

Turkey

Turkey’s state-owned TCDD continues to offer some of Europe’s best value train fares. As of 2025, a high-speed train ticket from Ankara to Istanbul (over 500 kilometers) costs about $10 in economy class, while slower regional services are even cheaper.

The latest TCDD statistics show that local trips, such as Izmir to Selçuk, can be as little as $1. The Turkish government’s 2024 rail expansion plans prioritized keeping fares low to boost domestic tourism.

A May 2025 report by the Turkish Statistical Institute highlighted that train travel was up 12% year-on-year, driven by affordability and improved service quality.

China

China’s massive investment in rail infrastructure has kept fares affordable, even for high-speed trains. According to China Railway’s 2024 pricing, second-class tickets on high-speed routes such as Beijing to Shanghai (1,300 kilometers) cost around $50, but slower “green trains” on the same route are available for under $20.

Within provinces, regional trains often cost less than $5 for 200 kilometers. The government’s 2025 transport policy has maintained a focus on affordable fares, especially for rural and migrant workers.

State media in March 2025 confirmed a 9% increase in budget train usage over the previous year. Trains remain the backbone of affordable travel in China.

Indonesia

Indonesia’s state railway, PT Kereta Api Indonesia, has kept ticket prices low despite rising operational costs. In 2024, a ticket from Jakarta to Yogyakarta (500 kilometers) in economy class cost just $10.

Shorter trips, such as Surabaya to Malang, remain under $3. The government’s fare subsidy program, continued into 2025, ensures that even low-income families can travel by train.

According to the Ministry of Transportation’s 2025 report, over 300 million tickets were sold last year, with most passengers choosing the least expensive classes. The focus on affordable rail has made train travel a vital part of Indonesian life.

Morocco

Morocco’s ONCF (National Office of Railways) offers some of the lowest train fares in North Africa. A 2024 ticket from Casablanca to Marrakech (about 250 kilometers) costs around $8 in second class.

Even the Al Boraq high-speed train, launched in 2018 and expanded in 2023, has kept economy fares between major cities affordable—often under $20 for journeys over 300 kilometers. The Moroccan government’s 2025 transport strategy emphasizes accessibility, with new discounts for students and seniors.

ONCF’s 2024 report notes that over 45 million passengers chose trains due to these low prices. Train travel continues to be a cost-effective and popular way to see Morocco.

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