Train travel in India and booking IRCTC — seat classes, how to make reservations, tips for using train stations

Indian Railways is one of the world's largest railway networks, with numerous routes and hundreds of millions of daily passengers. Although it is not as fast as Korea's KTX, its biggest appeal is that it closely connects every corner of India. By taking a train, you can slowly enjoy the small towns and rural scenery that you can't help but pass by on domestic flights through the window.

When moving from Delhi NCR to another city, you have to weigh both air and train. For short and medium distances, trains are often more time-efficient. Given the time it takes to get to the airport and go through security, a train may feel more comfortable if the station is easily accessible. Specific comparisons with flights areTips for using domestic flights in IndiaIt may be helpful to refer to the article as well.

There are several major railway stations from Delhi, including New Delhi Railway Station (NDLS), Old Delhi, Hazrat Nizamuddin, and Anand Vihar Terminal. Even for the same destination, the departure station may be different for each train, so this is the first point you must check before making a reservation.

When you first encounter seat classes in Indian trains, it can be easy to get confused due to the many alphabet abbreviations. It is largely divided into whether it is air-conditioned or not and the type of seat/bed, and the price difference is quite large depending on the class. When traveling long distances, the choice of class determines the comfort of the trip, so the features are summarized in the table below.

If this is your first time using an Indian train,3 ACI recommend it the most. This is because it is air-conditioned, the fare is reasonable, and it is a class that allows you to enjoy the atmosphere of traveling in India by naturally conversing with passengers in the next berth or in the upper or lower berths. If you are traveling long distances at night and want more comfort, consider 2AC.

India train ticket reservationsIRCTC(Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation)This is done through the official website (irctc.co.in) and the official ‘IRCTC Rail Connect’ app. When signing up for membership, you often need to obtain OTP authentication using your Indian mobile phone number, so it is recommended to open an Indian SIM card first.

Reservation process summary

1. IRCTC Create and log in to an account (username, password, Indian mobile phone verification)
2. Search for trains by entering departure/arrival station, date, and seat class
3. Enter passenger information (name, age, gender, nationality, etc.)
4. UPI, pay with credit/check card, net banking, etc.
5. After completing the reservation, an e-ticket containing a 10-digit PNR number is issued (required to bring original ID such as passport)

General ticket salesFrom up to 60 days before train departure (ARP)It is possible (shortened from 120 days to 60 days due to revision of regulations on November 1, 2024; however, exceptions may apply for some special trains and foreign quotas such as Taj Express), but the exact reservation start date may vary depending on the train and time, so it is safe to check on the official site.

Understanding Tatkal (express booking)

Tatkalis an emergency reservation window that opens the day before departure, allowing you to reserve a small amount of quota even if seats are sold out. It is known that the AC class usually opens at 10 a.m. the day before departure, and the non-AC class opens at around 11 a.m.This may also change, so be sure to check the official site for the latest notices.As there is a rush of connections as soon as it opens, it often closes within a few minutes, so it is important to be prepared by logging in in advance and registering a payment method.

When you complete your reservation, you will receive a 10-digit number.Passenger Name Record (PNR)It's a number. IRCTC You can check your seat assignment status and train operation information by entering this number in the app, website, or train tracking service.

Waitlist (WL) and RAC, what is the difference?

• CNF(Confirmed)— Seats and beds have been confirmed.
• Reservation Against Cancellation (RAC)— Although it is not a formal seat, you are guaranteed a seat, and in the case of a sleeper car, two people share one seat. The ride itself is possible.
• WL(Waitlist)— Seats have not yet been assigned. If a cancellation is made, you will be promoted in order, and if it is not finally confirmed,In many cases, you cannot board a carriage of that class.

Confirmation of seat assignment is usuallyA few hours before train departure (when chart is prepared)It will be finalized in . Until then, your WL status may continue to change, so it is a good idea to get into the habit of checking your PNR status again by the day of departure. If you want to estimate in advance the probability that your waiting list will be confirmed, you can also refer to an auxiliary service such as ConfirmTkt (details are covered in the last section).

There are many things to take care of even when you arrive at the train station. Especially in cities with multiple large stations like Delhi.Correctly confirming station names and platformsThis is most important.

Even destinations with the same name may depart from different stations, so be sure to check the station code on the ticket you purchased. Lifting luggage at the stationPorter ('Coolie' in local language)You can use it according to the official fee schedule, andIRCTC e-CateringYou can also order a meal delivered to your seat. If your transfer time is long, you can use the retiring room inside the station to store your luggage and take a break.

Platform information boards are often not confirmed until close to departure, so it is better to check broadcasts and electronic displays frequently and arrive early with plenty of time to spare. Be sure to check the sealed condition of bottled water sold inside or outside the station before purchasing.

We've put together some practical tips to make booking train tickets and traveling in India easier.

Use an auxiliary reservation/inquiry app

IRCTC In addition to the official channelConfirmTkt, RailYatri, TrainmanThere are similar third-party apps. They tend to have more user-friendly features than the IRCTC official app, such as showing the expected probability of confirming a waitlist ticket or suggesting alternative train or transit routes. However, actual payment and ticketing will ultimately go through the IRCTC system, so make it a habit to compare official information together.

Foreign Tourist Quota

Some trains on popular routes may have separate quotas for foreign travellers. However, as eligibility and application methods may vary depending on the train and time of year, we recommend checking the IRCTC official website or the Indian Railways information desk for the latest information before traveling.

If you are planning a short outing near Delhi, it is worth considering traveling by road as well as train. Detailed nearby travel destinationsWeekend excursions around Delhi NCRWriting, the long-distance travel route between cities isComplete guide to domestic travel in IndiaIt will be helpful to refer to the article.

Baggage and safety rules

• In sleeper carriages at night, it is safer to secure your bag to the seat leg with a chain lock.
• Be sure to carry your original ID, such as your passport, as it must match the information you entered when making your reservation.
• It is a good idea to keep valuables with you and place large luggage in a visible place before going to sleep.

Train travel may feel unfamiliar and complicated the first few times, but once you get used to the process, it becomes one of the most authentic ways to experience India. I hope you enjoy the leisure of drinking a cup of chai while looking at the scenery outside the window.