Stand at the entrance of Railway Museum Mysore on KRS Road at 10 AM when the gates open, and you’ll pay 50 for adults or 20 for children at the small ticket window that’s actually a converted 1925 inspection coach. The ticket seller, usually Mr. Nagaraj who’s worked here since 2001, tears off pink paper tickets from a roll – they still use the manual system, no QR codes or digital payments here.
The museum sits exactly 250 meters from Mysore Junction’s main entrance – you can actually hear train announcements from inside. Most auto drivers know it as “CFTRI opposite” since it faces the Central Food Technology Research Institute’s imposing yellow building.
Railway Museum Mysore Complete Information
Location: KRS Road, Opposite CFTRI, Medar Block, Yadavagiri, Mysore – 570005
Timings: 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM (Closed on Tuesdays)
Entry Fee: Adults 50, Children (5-12 years) 20
Camera Fee: Still camera 10, Video camera 25
Toy Train: Included in ticket, runs every 30 minutes
Contact: 0821-2340906
Parking: Free roadside parking available
Maharaja’s Royal Coaches Display
The Maharani’s Saloon from 1899 sits in the Sri Ranga Pavilion shed, protected by a tin roof that leaks during heavy rain. Look through the windows (touching prohibited) to see the original Belgian crystal chandeliers and teak wood furniture. The dining car’s silver cutlery was stolen in 2019, now replaced with replicas.
The bedroom compartment still has the original spring mattress where Krishnaraja Wadiyar IV slept during his travels to Bangalore. The toilet, surprisingly, features imported British porcelain that’s survived 125 years. The kitchen coach next door displays copper vessels and a wood-fired stove that prepared royal meals.
Steam Engines You Can Touch
Unlike Delhi’s Railway Museum, here you can climb into most engines. The ES 506 locomotive at the entrance allows visitors inside the driver’s cabin. Pull the whistle chain (it doesn’t work) and sit on the driver’s worn leather seat. Kids love pretending to shovel coal into the firebox.
- W.G. Bagnall #1625 (1900): Narrow gauge, from Pakistan border
- Class E #37244: Superheated locomotive, still has original paint
- YP #2511 (1963): Made by TELCO, Jamshedpur
- Austin Rail Car: Converted from road vehicle, seats 6
Chamundi Gallery Photography Collection
The gallery building, painted government-yellow, houses 200+ black and white photographs from the 1880s-1960s. The air conditioning hasn’t worked since 2022, making summer visits uncomfortable. Best photos show Mysore Station’s construction in 1882 and the first train arrival with British officers and Mysore royalty.
The painting of Tipu Sultan’s rail network plan (historically inaccurate but interesting) hangs crooked on the south wall. Nobody straightens it despite complaints. The wooden pillars from old Srirangapatna station stand in the corner, termite-damaged but still displaying hand-carved Hindu motifs.
Toy Train Ride Experience
The battery-operated toy train runs on a 800-meter loop around the museum grounds. Maximum speed: 10 kmph. Each ride lasts 7 minutes. The train has 3 coaches, each seats 12 children or 8 adults. The driver, Manjunath, has operated it for 15 years and knows every bump on the track.
Board from the platform near the museum entrance. No seat numbers – it’s first come, first served. The 11:30 AM and 3:30 PM rides are least crowded. The train doesn’t run if less than 10 passengers are waiting. During school holidays, expect 20-minute waits.
Getting to Railway Museum from Major Points
From Mysore Palace: 2.8 km via Chamaraja Double Road, auto fare 70-80
From Bus Stand: Take bus 4, 5, or 150 to Railway Station, walk 250m
From Zoo: 3.5 km via Kalidasa Road, auto refuses often, take Ola/Uber
From Infosys: Direct bus 203 stops at CFTRI, cross road to museum
What’s Actually Worth Seeing
The 1925 Austin Rail Car impresses even non-train enthusiasts. A British Austin car converted to run on rails, it carried track inspectors. The steering wheel was removed, rail wheels fitted. Only 3 exist in India. The seats still have original leather, cracked but intact.
Skip the signals and lights display – boring unless you’re a railway employee. The hand-operated water pump from 1885 works if you pump hard enough. Kids enjoy this more than adults. The steam crane from 1934 lifted 20 tons – the mechanism still moves smoothly.
Hidden Details Guides Won’t Show
Behind the Maharaja’s coach, find the servants’ quarters coach – cramped wooden benches where 40 staff members traveled. No fans, no cushions, just hard wood. Shows the stark class divide of royal travel.
The workshop building (usually locked) contains unrestored engines rusting away. Peek through the windows to see locomotives waiting for funds that never come. The saddest is a meter gauge engine from Mysore-Nanjangud line, closed in 2007.
Practical Tips from Regular Visitors
The museum cafe in the converted railway coach serves terrible food. The 50 biryani is yesterday’s leftover. Drink only packaged water (20). The toilet near the entrance stays cleaner than the one near the gallery. No soap or paper towels – carry your own.
- Best photography: Morning 10-11 AM, harsh shadows after noon
- Crowded times: Sunday 2-4 PM, school holidays
- Quiet periods: Weekday mornings, Thursday best
Money Saving Suggestions
Photography enthusiasts – the 500 professional camera fee applies only to tripods and commercial shoots. Regular DSLRs pay only 10. The security rarely checks unless you set up elaborate equipment.
Group discount for 20+ people: 20% off. Schools get 50% discount with principal’s letter. Senior citizens above 60 get 10 discount but need to argue – it’s not advertised. Defense personnel with ID get free entry.
Problems Nobody Mentions
Half the engines have bird nests inside – expect droppings on exhibits. The information boards are faded, many dates wrong. The museum hasn’t been properly renovated since 2003 despite multiple announcements. During monsoon, the grounds flood, making half the displays inaccessible.
The toy train breaks down frequently. When it does, no refunds given. The “museum shop” sells overpriced train keychains (100) available outside for 30. The audio guide mentioned on the website doesn’t exist.
Authentic Assessment for Visitors
Worth 90 minutes if you’re already in Mysore. Train enthusiasts will enjoy despite poor maintenance. Kids under 10 love the toy train and climbing into engines. Teenagers get bored in 30 minutes. Photography opportunities are decent but not exceptional.
Don’t make this your primary Mysore attraction. It’s a good fill-in between morning palace visit and evening Brindavan Gardens. The 50 entry fee feels steep for what’s offered. Compare this to Delhi’s Rail Museum – that’s worth a dedicated trip, this isn’t.
Seasonal Considerations
March-May: Extremely hot, no shade in outdoor areas. Carry water, wear hats.
June-September: Monsoon makes outdoor displays muddy. Toy train often cancelled.
October-February: Best time, pleasant weather. December sees maximum tourists.
Avoid: Tuesdays (closed), Sundays (overcrowded), public holidays (chaos).
Nearby Attractions and Food
CFTRI canteen across the road serves decent lunch thali for 80 (outsiders allowed). Hotel Parkside, 500m away, has good North Indian food. The famous GTR (Guru Tiffin Room) is 1 km towards city – try their masala dosa (45).
FAQs About Railway Museum Mysore
Is parking available at Railway Museum?
Free roadside parking for 50 vehicles. No designated lot. Two-wheelers park near compound wall.
Can we eat inside the Railway Museum?
Outside food allowed. Eating area near toy train platform. Museum cafe exists but not recommended.
How much time needed for complete tour?
1.5 hours sufficient. 45 minutes if rushing. 2 hours if reading every information board.
Are guides available at the museum?
No official guides. Security guards share information if asked nicely. Tip 50-100 appreciated.
Is Railway Museum suitable for elderly visitors?
Partially. Outdoor area is flat, easy walking. Gallery has stairs, no lift. Limited seating available.
Last Updated: April 2025
Next Update: Post-monsoon maintenance review
After visiting, check Mysore Palace lighting ceremony timings. For train travel tips, read Mysore-Bangalore train complete guide.