Hey, fellow travel enthusiasts! Don’t we all just love exploring new places? But before we can start our adventures, we need to figure out how we’re going to get there. While there are plenty of options like buses and flights, traveling by train not only lets us enjoy the journey but also helps us save some money. In today’s fast-paced world, where every penny counts, finding ways to cut down on travel expenses has become crucial. For many people, one of the biggest costs is train ticket booking, especially in a country like India where trains are a popular mode of transportation.
Thankfully, with online platforms like IRCTC (Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation), getting cheap train tickets is just a piece of cake. In this guide, we’ll explore how to book affordable train tickets on IRCTC and share insider tips to help you save money on your next journey.
Disclaimer: I have never been employed by IRCTC. The insights shared here are based solely on my personal discussions with IRCTC employees and individuals who regularly travel by train.
Understanding IRCTC Train Ticket Booking Basics
For those who don’t know what IRCTC is, let’s go over the basics of train ticket booking online on IRCTC website.
- IRCTC is the official website of the Indian Railways, where you can book train tickets online.
- It’s a convenient way to book tickets without having to visit a railway station. IRCTC offers features like online payment, checking seat availability, and e-ticketing services, making it easier for people to book train tickets.
- You may find many online articles on step by step instructions for train ticket booking, but your starting point is going to be this one.
Insider Tips For Getting Cheap Train Tickets
1. Book Early: To get cheaper train tickets on IRCTC, it’s best to book your tickets as early as possible. Indian Railways usually releases tickets for most trains 120 days before the date of travel. By booking early, you have more options and a better chance of finding lower-priced tickets before they sell out.
2. Be Flexible with Dates and Times: Flexibility is important when trying to find cheap train tickets. Consider traveling during off-peak hours and on less popular days of the week. By avoiding peak travel times, you can often find cheaper tickets and save money on your journey.
3. Use Tatkal Booking for Last-Minute Travel: If you have to travel at the last minute, IRCTC offers Tatkal ticket booking, where you can book tickets just one day before your travel date. While Tatkal tickets are more expensive (and not our recommendation to wait till the end moment), they can be useful for urgent trips. Keep in mind that Tatkal tickets sell out quickly, so be prepared to book as soon as they become available.
With stricter cancellation policies now in place, planning your trip ahead of time can shield you from the burden of last-minute Tatkal train ticket booking fees.
4. Consider Sleeper Class or General Quota: If you’re looking to save money, consider booking tickets in the Sleeper Class or General Quota. These fare options are often cheaper than higher-class compartments. While the facilities may be basic, you’ll still have a comfortable journey at a lower cost. We would only suggest this if you are highly adaptable and do not mind other people invading your privacy.
5. Look for Special Offers and Discounts: IRCTC frequently offers promotions, discounts, and cashback offers for online bookings. Keep an eye out for these deals on the IRCTC website or app, as they can help you save money on your train tickets. Also, consider subscribing to IRCTC’s newsletter or following their social media pages for updates on the latest offers. For short journeys, you may get free meals, especially on Shatabdi trains.
6. Explore Alternative Routes and Trains: Don’t limit yourself to popular routes and trains. Explore alternative routes and lesser-known destinations to find cheaper options. By being open to different travel routes, you may discover hidden gems with lower fares.
7. Use the IRCTC Mobile App: For added convenience, download the IRCTC mobile app on your smartphone. The app allows you to book train tickets, check PNR status, and receive real-time updates on train schedules. With the mobile app, you can book tickets on the go and make the train ticket booking process easier.
8. Consider Sleeper Class Travel: When the weather is pleasant and you’re not laden with heavy luggage, opting for sleeper class over air-conditioned compartments can enhance your journey. Experience the vibrant ambiance of the train, the rhythmic sounds of the tracks, and the bustling activity of vendors that often eludes the air-conditioned coaches.
9. Explore Dynamic Pricing Trains: If you’re a spontaneous traveler, consider dynamic pricing trains such as Rajdhani, Shatabdi, or Suvidha trains. However, if you have the flexibility to plan ahead, budget airlines may offer better value for your money than premium train services.
10. Stay Hydrated, Economically: Ensure you have an ample water supply for your journey and refill at Indian Railways’ water kiosks, which offer RO water at pocket-friendly prices, sparing you the expense of bottled water.
11. Discover Budget-Friendly Train Options: Investigate booking tickets on trains like Humsafar or Garib Rath, which provide economical AC accommodations compared to regular express trains. Sometimes, these trains also enjoy elevated operational priority, akin to Rajdhani trains.
In addition to these tips, it’s important to understand the magnitude of train travel in India. With a population of 1.3 billion, approximately 0.25 billion (25 crore) people journey by train each day.
Many travelers book tickets in advance, even without a confirmed itinerary, due to the nominal cancellation charges. Indian Railways imposes these charges to ensure tickets are available to those who genuinely need them.
This brings us to one of the most important questions people ask:
How Can I Book My Train Ticket That Is Cheap But Comfortable?
I personally do not prefer local trains or trains like Garib Rath. But when it comes to saving money on train ticket booking, I would always choose one of these two options:
1. Shatabdi Express– It is a premium category of trains operated by Indian Railways, known for its speed, punctuality, and comfort. These trains typically connect major cities and offer amenities such as air-conditioned coaches, comfortable seating, onboard catering services serving meals and snacks, and spacious interiors. With fewer stops and faster travel times compared to regular trains, Shatabdi Express is an ideal choice for passengers seeking a quick and comfortable journey between urban centers.
2. Vande Bharat Express – Also known as Train 18, it is a semi-high-speed intercity electric multiple-unit train introduced as part of the Indian government’s initiative to modernize rail travel. Vande Bharat Express features state-of-the-art amenities such as automatic doors, onboard Wi-Fi, GPS-based passenger information systems, modular toilets, and plush seating. With its aerodynamic design and advanced technology, Vande Bharat Express offers a smooth and efficient travel experience, reducing travel time and providing passengers with a comfortable and luxurious journey at an affordable price.
FAQs
Q: How do I create an account on IRCTC?
A: To create an account on IRCTC for train ticket booking or management, visit the official website and click on the “Sign Up” or “Register” option. Fill in the required details such as username, password, name, email address, mobile number, and other personal information. Follow the instructions to complete the registration process.
Q: What is the Tatkal booking system on IRCTC?
A: The Tatkal booking system on IRCTC allows passengers to book train tickets on a first-come-first-served basis for immediate travel. Tatkal tickets can be booked one day in advance of the journey date, starting from 10:00 AM for AC classes and 11:00 AM for non-AC classes. However, Tatkal tickets are subject to higher fares and limited availability.
Q: How can I check train availability and seat availability on IRCTC?
A: To check train availability and seat availability on IRCTC, visit the official website or mobile app and enter your journey details, including the origin station, destination station, travel date, and class of travel. The system will display a list of available trains along with seat availability for your selected route and date.
Q: What are the payment options available for booking train tickets on IRCTC?
A: IRCTC offers various payment options for booking train tickets, including debit cards, credit cards, net banking, e-wallets, and UPI. Choose the preferred payment method during the booking process and follow the instructions to complete the payment securely.
Q: Can I cancel my train ticket booked through IRCTC? If yes, what is the cancellation process?
A: Yes, you can cancel your train ticket booked through IRCTC, subject to the cancellation rules and charges applicable based on the time of cancellation and ticket type. To cancel a ticket, log in to your IRCTC account, go to the “Booked Tickets” section, select the ticket you want to cancel, and follow the instructions to initiate the cancellation process.
Bonus Tips
- Don’t buy food from the train’s pantry car, unless it’s from good trains like Shatabdi. The food there might not be fresh. It’s better to buy food from outside restaurants or hotels.
- Opt for auto upgradation of the seat while booking the ticket.
- Snacks and drinks sold on the train are often expensive and not very good. It’s better to buy snacks from stalls at train stations when the train stops.
- Be careful about getting off the train at small stations. Sometimes the train only stops for a minute or two.
- Choose an upper berth if you want a quiet journey without disturbances.
- Try not to argue with anyone during the journey. It’s not worth it for a short trip.
- Bring a book or newspaper or even games to read. It’s a great way to pass the time and enjoy your journey.
- Don’t buy things like earphones or power banks from vendors on the train. They’re usually not good quality.
- If you have a problem during your journey, you can tweet about it to the Indian Railways Twitter account. They might be able to help you right away.
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Did you find this information helpful? We hope that this post answers all your questions related to your next train ticket booking. Please let us know in the comments, or contact us at contact@campingmiles.com for any queries. Stay tuned for more more such content!