While flights are often the go-to mode of travel for long distances, many Indian travelers rely on trains and buses for cost-effective and convenient domestic transportation. What many people don’t realize is that credit card reward points can also be used to book train and bus tickets, turning your everyday spending into free or discounted travel.
In 2025, several banks and credit cards allow you to redeem reward points for domestic travel, including trains and buses. This guide explains how credit card points work, which cards offer the best redemption options, and tips to maximize benefits.
Why Redeeming Points for Train and Bus Travel Matters
Train and bus travel is often cheaper than flights, but using reward points can make it essentially free, offering additional savings for budget-conscious travelers.
Benefits include:
- Cost Savings
Using points can cover full or partial ticket costs, reducing out-of-pocket expenses.
- Flexible Travel Options
Points can be used for a variety of routes, including premium trains, AC coaches, express buses, and luxury bus services.
- Convenience
Redeeming points through online portals or apps is simple and secure.
- Rewarding Frequent Travel
Regular travelers can accumulate points faster, especially on daily expenses, and redeem them for train or bus journeys.
How Credit Card Reward Points Can Be Used
Credit card points can be redeemed for train or bus tickets in several ways:
- Bank Travel Portals
Many banks have online travel portals where you can use reward points to book tickets.
- HDFC Travel Portal: Allows redemption for Indian Railways and select bus operators.
- ICICI Travel Portal: Redeem points for trains, buses, and other domestic travel bookings.
- Axis Travel Portal: Offers points redemption for buses and trains with partner operators.
- Third-Party Travel Websites
Some credit cards partner with booking platforms such as IRCTC, MakeMyTrip, or RedBus, allowing you to pay with points.
- Statement Credit
Some banks allow points to be converted into cashback or statement credit, which can then be used to pay for train or bus tickets booked online.
- Partner Loyalty Programs
Some banks’ points can be transferred to loyalty programs or e-wallets which support train and bus ticket purchases.
Top Credit Cards for Train and Bus Booking Points Redemption (2025)
Here are the top credit cards that make it easy to redeem reward points for trains and buses in India:
1. HDFC Regalia Credit Card
Overview:
HDFC Regalia is a premium card that allows reward points to be redeemed for train and bus tickets through the HDFC Travel Portal.
Key Features:
- Annual Fee: ₹2,500 plus taxes
- Reward Points: 4 points per ₹150 spent; bonus on travel and online spends
- Redemption: Points can be used for IRCTC and bus ticket bookings through HDFC portal
- Additional Benefits: Airport lounge access, travel insurance, concierge services
Pros:
- Wide redemption options for trains and buses
- Bonus points on travel and online payments
- Added travel benefits make trips comfortable
Cons:
- Requires familiarity with HDFC Travel Portal
- Limited partner bus operators compared to flights
Best For: Frequent travelers who book trains and buses regularly
2. Axis Bank Magnus Credit Card
Overview:
Axis Magnus is a high-end travel credit card offering extensive reward point redemption options for domestic travel.
Key Features:
- Annual Fee: ₹10,000 plus taxes
- Reward Points: 10 points per ₹200 spent on travel
- Redemption: Redeem points for trains and buses through Axis Travel Portal or partner platforms
- Additional Benefits: Unlimited lounge access, travel insurance, concierge services
Pros:
- High reward points on travel spending
- Easy redemption for trains and buses
- Premium benefits like concierge support
Cons:
- High annual fee
- Best suited for high-spending frequent travelers
Best For: Frequent domestic travelers looking for unlimited lounge access and travel flexibility
3. ICICI Sapphiro Credit Card
Overview:
ICICI Sapphiro is a mid-tier card that offers good redemption options for trains and buses along with reward points and travel benefits.
Key Features:
- Annual Fee: ₹3,000 plus taxes
- Reward Points: 5 points per ₹150 spent, bonus on travel and dining
- Redemption: ICICI Travel Portal supports train and bus ticket bookings using points
- Additional Benefits: Lounge access at domestic airports, travel insurance
Pros:
- Moderate annual fee
- Points redemption for train and bus tickets
- Balance of rewards, lounge access, and insurance
Cons:
- Limited international benefits
- Some portals may require extra steps for booking
Best For: Mid-range travelers who frequently use trains and buses
4. SBI Card Elite
Overview:
SBI Elite is a premium card that allows flexible redemption of reward points for train and bus tickets.
Key Features:
- Annual Fee: ₹4,999 plus taxes
- Reward Points: 2 points per ₹100 spent; bonus on travel
- Redemption: Redeem points via SBI Travel Portal or partner platforms
- Additional Benefits: Multiple domestic and international lounge visits, concierge services
Pros:
- Good for premium travelers
- Points redeemable for multiple types of travel
- Concierge assistance simplifies bookings
Cons:
- Higher annual fee
- Rewards accumulation slower on non-travel spending
Best For: Frequent travelers seeking multiple travel and lifestyle benefits
5. Kotak Mahindra Solitaire Credit Card
Overview:
Kotak Solitaire is a budget-friendly card that allows redemption of points for train and bus travel.
Key Features:
- Annual Fee: ₹999 plus taxes
- Reward Points: 4 points per ₹150 spent, higher for travel and online bookings
- Redemption: Points can be used for IRCTC and bus bookings via Kotak Travel Portal
- Additional Benefits: Basic travel insurance and limited lounge access
Pros:
- Affordable card for occasional travelers
- Points can cover domestic train and bus travel
- Add-on cards can also benefit from points redemption
Cons:
- Limited premium perks
- Fewer partner bus operators
Best For: Budget-conscious travelers who prefer trains and buses over flights
Tips to Maximize Points for Train and Bus Travel
- Book Through Bank Portals
- Ensure points redemption is done through official bank portals for maximum value.
- Focus on Travel Spending
- Use your card for daily purchases and travel expenses to accumulate points faster.
- Check Partner Platforms
- IRCTC, RedBus, and MakeMyTrip often offer special promotions for credit card users.
- Combine Points with Discounts
- Redeem points along with ongoing offers for additional savings on train or bus tickets.
- Monitor Reward Points Expiry
- Most credit card points have validity periods; redeem before they expire.
- Plan for Premium Classes
- For trains, using points on AC classes or luxury buses can provide maximum value.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not Checking Portal Eligibility: Some trains or bus operators may not support points redemption.
- Ignoring Taxes and Fees: Some bookings may require extra taxes not covered by points.
- Redeeming Low-Value Options: Points used for merchandise may offer lower value than train/bus bookings.
- Forgetting Points Expiry: Regularly check validity to avoid losing accumulated points.
- Missing Partner Offers: Promotions often enhance points value; check regularly.
Conclusion
Credit card reward points can make train and bus travel in India more affordable. Cards like HDFC Regalia, Axis Magnus, ICICI Sapphiro, SBI Elite, and Kotak Solitaire provide flexible redemption options, lounge access, and travel insurance, making your journey comfortable and cost-effective.
By understanding how points can be redeemed, planning bookings in advance, and taking advantage of partner portals and promotions, travelers can turn everyday spending into free or discounted train and bus tickets in 2025.