Booking train tickets in advance is crucial to ensure a smooth and stress-free journey, especially in a country like India, where train travel is a popular mode of transportation. With the right strategies, you can secure your desired seats, save money, and avoid last-minute hassles. Here are some essential tips to help you book your train tickets in advance effectively.
Easy Tips to Book Train Tickets
Below are some of the important tips and tricks for booking train tickets in advance to avoid inconvenience caused during the booking process.
Plan Your Journey Early
The most crucial step in booking train tickets in advance is to plan your journey well ahead of time. Indian Railways allows ticket bookings up to 120 days in advance. Start planning as soon as you finalize your travel dates to get the best options for trains and seats. Early planning ensures a wider choice of trains and classes. Also, you can choose preferable seats like lower berths or window seats.
Use the IRCTC Authorized Online Train Ticket Booking Website
The Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) website is the official platform for booking train tickets. Using the IRCTC authorized website ensures you are getting legitimate tickets and up-to-date information about train schedules and availability. The benefits associated with booking IRCTC authorized train ticket booking platform is that they are reliable as it provides real-time updates. Also, convenient as it has user-friendly interface for easy train ticket booking.
Create an IRCTC Account
To book tickets online, you need an IRCTC account. Creating an account is free and extremely easy. Ensure you complete the registration process and verify your email and mobile number to activate the account. To create an account, you must visit IRCTC Website, click on ‘Register’ and fill in the required details and verify your email and mobile number.
Check Train Schedules and Availability
Before booking, check the train schedules and availability for your desired travel dates. IRCTC and other railway platforms provide detailed information about train timings, routes, and seat availability. You can use redRail to check train schedule and availability. All you need to do is enter the source and destination city with journey dates and hit the search train button. You can check the seat available for the desired train and class.
Book During Non-Peak Hours
Booking during non-peak hours can increase your chances of securing a ticket. IRCTC experiences high traffic during early morning hours when bookings open, leading to slow website performance. Try booking during off-peak times like late mornings or early afternoons.
Choose the Right Class
Indian Railways offers various classes, each with different levels of comfort and pricing. Understand the differences between classes such as First AC, Second AC, Third AC, Sleeper, and General to choose the best option for your journey. Below are some of the travel classes for your reference.
- First AC (1A): Most luxurious, with privacy and comfort.
- Second AC (2A): Comfortable with air conditioning.
- Third AC (3A): More affordable, with air conditioning.
- Sleeper (SL): Budget-friendly, non-AC.
- General (GN): Least expensive, no reservations required.
Utilize Tatkal Booking
Tatkal booking is a last-minute reservation option available on select trains, opening one day before the journey. If you miss out on booking in advance, Tatkal can be a lifesaver. However, tickets sell out quickly, so be ready to book as soon as the window opens. Tatkal bookings open at 10 AM for AC classes and 11 AM for non-AC classes. For successful Tatkal ticket booking, you must keep passenger details and payment information ready.
Set Up Payment Methods in Advance
Having your payment methods set up in advance can save valuable time during booking. Add and save your preferred payment options like credit/debit cards, net banking, or e-wallets on your IRCTC account. Some of the popular payment options for online ticket booking are Credit/Debit Cards, Net Banking, E-Wallets like Paytm, Google Pay, and PhonePe.
Keep Alternative Options Ready
Sometimes, your first choice of train or class may not be available. Keep alternative options ready, such as different trains, dates, or lower classes, to increase your chances of securing a ticket. You can list down alternative trains and dates. Also, be flexible with class preferences.
Book for Multiple Passengers Together
If you are travelling in a group, book tickets for all passengers together in one transaction. This ensures that everyone in your group can sit together and reduces the hassle of booking separate tickets. You must keep all passengers’ details ready. You can book up to 6 passengers per ticket.
Monitor Your PNR Status
After booking your ticket, monitor your PNR (Passenger Name Record) status to stay updated on your booking confirmation. You can check your PNR status on redRail website or mobile app, or through SMS services. All you have to do is enter PNR number and check the PNR status of your train ticket booking.
Be Aware of Booking Quotas
Indian Railways has various booking quotas like General, Ladies, Senior Citizen, and Defence Quotas. Understanding these quotas can help you leverage available options and improve your chances of securing a ticket. Some of the common quotas in train ticket booking are as follows:
- General Quota: Available for all passengers.
- Ladies Quota: Reserved seats for female passengers.
- Senior Citizen Quota: Discounted fares for senior citizens.
- Defence Quota: Reserved for military personnel.
Conclusion
Booking train tickets in advance can ensure a smooth and hassle-free travel experience. By planning early, using the right tools, and understanding the booking process, you can secure your desired tickets and enjoy a comfortable journey. Whether you are a seasoned traveller or booking for the first time, these tips will help you navigate the complexities of train ticket booking in India effectively. So, what are you waiting for? Book your train tickets on redRail now!