From Delhi to Mumbai takes around 22 hours not sure how long Mumbai to Goa is but I would consider flights to Goa unless they really fancy the idea of a mega train journey.

We have done it, it took 21 hours . It was interesting but I wouldnt like to do it again.

We,ve come up from Cochin to Goa on the express that continues on to Delhi. We were in a 2nd class A.C. sleeper, left one evening and got in the next afternoon. It was fine but as half your journey will be in the dark, unless you specifically want to do a long Indian rail journey, with the advent of budget airlines, I'd rather fly Alan

Hi everyone, yes I suggested flying would be better and quicker but he wants the experience of the train journey and to see the "real" India as they pass through on their journey. He has travelled in Malaysia so has some idea of what to expect.

What is the name of the train station and where is it?
What time do trains depart from Delhi?
Does he need to arrange ticket in advance? How much roughly should he expect to pay?
Are their sleeper carriages?
Which class? (probably 1st, I imagine)!

Any other information you can give me would be great. I'll be seeing the guy tomorrow (Wednesday) so need as much info today as you can give me. Thanks again guys - I know you can help with this

Sorry Gramps - just re-read your reply re 2nd class AC sleeper so that is one question answered - unless someone else tells me different (Its a bit early for me)

I would advise him to fly. Trains in India are not comparable to trains in Malaysia though it's a great experience and I met loads of interesting people on my journeys. AC is a must as you get further south. I have travelled 1st class in India, and still had a great view of the cockroaches scurrying around on the floor and the toilets were unusable after a few hours. Having said that I would probably take a train for a short journey but would opt for a flight for anything more.

The best train fm Delhi to Goa is Goa Sampark Kranti Express and this is super fast train.I used this train in past and was in 2nd AC.Details are as below.
SNo Stn Code Stn Name Route No. Arrival Time Dep. Time Distance Day
1 NZM H NIZAMUDDIN 1 Source 07:30 0 1
2 KOTA KOTA JN 1 13:20 13:30 458 1
3 BRC VADODARA JN 1 22:00 22:18 986 1
4 BSR VASAI ROAD 1 03:45 03:50 1330 2
5 PNVL PANVEL 1 05:10 05:15 1397 2
6 RN RATNAGIRI 1 10:15 10:20 1759 2
7 PERN PERNEM 1 13:20 13:22 2014 2
8 THVM THIVIM 1 13:37 13:39 2029 2
9 KRMI KARMALI 1 13:58 14:00 2054 2
10 MAO MADGAON 1 15:00 Destination 2094 2

-------------
Fair for 2nd AC fm Delhi to Madgaon is
Class -- 1A Class -- 2A Class -- 3A Class -- SL
Base Fare 2334 1356 961 341
Reservation Charges 35 25 25 20
Superfast Charges 50 30 30 20
Other Charges 0 0 0 0
Total Amount 2419 >1411< 1016 381
for more info go to this site,
http://www.indianrail.gov.in/

Thanks for the information globetracker, I will print out and pass on. I have also suggested he fly but it's his decision as to which form of transport he ends up using.