deploybeginner⏱ 10 min setup
Railway
Deploy any app or database. Dockerfile support, generous free tier.
Plain language
What is it?
A deployment platform that can run almost anything — Node apps, Python backends, databases, workers — with a simple UI and generous free tier.
Why use it at a hackathon?
When you need to deploy a backend that isn't a Next.js app, or want to run a database and a service together — Railway handles it without complex DevOps.
Common use
Deploying Python AI backends, running a Node websocket server, hosting a Postgres database alongside your app, any non-Vercel workload.
Tags
deploymentdockerpostgresredisfree-tier
At a glance
Setup time: 10 minutes
Difficulty: beginner
Skill: Beginner. Connect GitHub or paste a Dockerfile. $5/month of free credits monthly — enough for a hackathon. Simpler than Fly.io for most use cases.
Impact context
Challenge domains
Health & WellbeingEducation & AccessCivic TechEconomic EquityCrisis & Disaster Response
SDGs
Good HealthQuality EducationDecent WorkReduced Inequalities
Related components
Building with Railway?
Add it to your hackathon session workspace.