How to Book Train Tickets Online on IRCTC

Booking train tickets online through IRCTC is the most convenient way to secure your seat on Indian Railways. No standing in queue at the station, no cash-only payment hassles. If you've never done it before, this guide walks you through the entire process.

What You Need

• An IRCTC account (if you don't have one, create it at irctc.co.in)
• A valid payment method (UPI, debit card, credit card, net banking, or IRCTC e-wallet)
• Journey details: date, from/to stations, class preference

Step-by-Step Booking Process

Step 1: Log In to IRCTC

Go to irctc.co.in and log in with your username and password. You'll receive an OTP on your registered mobile — enter it to complete login.

The IRCTC Rail Connect app works the same way. Login once and your session stays active for a while.

Step 2: Search for Trains

On the homepage, fill in:

• From Station: Type the station name or code (e.g., "New Delhi" or "NDLS")
• To Station: Destination station
• Journey Date: Select from the calendar
• Class: Optional — leave it as "All Classes" to see everything, or pick specific like SL, 3A, 2A
• Quota: General (default), Tatkal, Ladies, etc.

Click Search or Find Trains.

Step 3: Browse Results

The results page shows all trains running on that route for your selected date. For each train, you'll see:

• Train number and name
• Departure and arrival times
• Duration
• Running days
• Availability for each class (Available, WL, RAC, or Not Available)

The availability is shown as colored indicators — green for available, yellow for RAC, red for waitlist, grey for not available.

Step 4: Select Your Train and Class

Click on the class you want (e.g., "3A" showing "Available 45"). The booking page opens.

Before selecting, consider:

• Faster trains cost more but save time


• Overnight trains save hotel costs — departure at 8 PM, arrival at 6 AM


• Check running status history — some trains are chronically late on certain routes

Step 5: Enter Passenger Details

Fill in details for each passenger:

• Name (as per ID proof)


• Age


• Gender


• Berth preference (Lower/Middle/Upper/Side Lower/Side Upper)


• ID proof type (optional at this stage — you carry the physical ID on the train)

If you've saved master passengers in your profile, select from the dropdown instead of typing.

Important: You can book for up to 6 passengers in one PNR (4 for Tatkal).

Step 6: Select Berth Preference

You can choose:

• Lower Berth (LB): Most in demand, especially by elderly and families


• Middle Berth (MB): The middle berth in the 3-tier stack


• Upper Berth (UB): Top berth, most private but requires climbing


• Side Lower (SL): Narrow berth along the aisle


• Side Upper (SU): Above the side lower, folds up during daytime

Note: Berth preference is a request, not a guarantee. The system tries to fulfill it, but during high demand, you get what's available.

Step 7: Review Booking Summary

Check everything:

• Train number and name


• Journey date


• Class


• Passenger names and ages


• Total fare (base fare + GST + any surcharges)

The fare breakdown shows:

• Base fare per passenger


• Reservation charge


• Superfast charge (for Superfast trains)


• GST


• Catering charges (for Rajdhani/Duronto/Shatabdi with included meals)

Step 8: Enter Captcha

IRCTC displays a captcha to prevent automated bookings. Type it carefully — if it's unclear, click the refresh button to get a new one.

Step 9: Payment

Select your payment method:

• UPI: Enter your UPI ID or scan QR code. Approve on your UPI app. Fastest method.
• Debit Card: Enter card number, expiry, CVV. OTP verification follows.
• Credit Card: Same as debit card process.
• Net Banking: Redirects to your bank's website. Log in and approve.
• IRCTC e-Wallet: If pre-loaded, deducts directly. Very fast.
• International Cards: Visa/Mastercard accepted for foreign tourists.

You have a limited time window (usually 10-15 minutes) to complete payment. If you exceed it, the booking is cancelled and any held seats are released.

Step 10: Booking Confirmation

After successful payment:

• A PNR number is generated


• You receive SMS and email with booking details


• The e-ticket is available in your IRCTC account under "My Transactions" > "Booked Ticket History"

Save or screenshot the e-ticket. You'll need it during the journey.

Fare Calculation

Train fares depend on:

• Distance between stations


• Class of travel


• Train type (superfast, mail, express)


• Quota (Tatkal costs extra)

You can check the fare before booking by looking at the search results page, which shows indicative fares for each class. For exact fare calculation, use indianrail.app.

E-Ticket vs I-Ticket

E-Ticket: Digital ticket delivered to your phone/email. Show it on your phone or carry a printout. Valid ID proof required during travel. This is what most people book. I-Ticket: Physical ticket printed and couriered to your address. Takes 2-3 days to deliver. Useful if you prefer a physical ticket. Booked at least 3-4 days before travel.

Most people book e-tickets. They're instant, free, and accepted everywhere.

After Booking

After booking your ticket:

1. Note your PNR number — you'll use it to track status
2. Check PNR status periodically if your ticket is waitlisted
3. Download the e-ticket PDF from your IRCTC account or email
4. Carry a valid photo ID during the journey (Aadhaar, voter ID, passport, driving license, etc.)
5. Reach the station 30-45 minutes before departure (earlier for unfamiliar stations)

Booking Window

The booking window opens 120 days before the journey date at 8:00 AM. So if you want to travel on July 24th, bookings open on March 26th at 8 AM.

Popular trains fill up fast — especially AC classes on Rajdhani and Shatabdi. Book as early as possible for confirmed tickets. If you miss the window and the train shows WL, consider alternate trains or Tatkal (available one day before travel).

Online ticket booking through IRCTC is fast once you get the hang of it. The first time takes a few extra minutes to figure out the interface, but from the second booking onwards, it's a 5-minute process.