How To Book Train Tickets

209
How To Book Train Tickets

Booking train tickets can sometimes be a daunting task, especially if you are a first-time traveler or unfamiliar with the process. However, with the right information and guidance, booking train tickets can be a seamless and hassle-free experience. In this article, we will guide you on how to book train tickets.

Step 1: Plan your journey Before you book your train tickets, it is essential to plan your journey. Decide on your travel dates, the train you want to take, and the class of travel. Check the train timetable and choose the train that suits your schedule. You can find train schedules on the official website of the train operator or through third-party travel booking websites.

Step 2: Choose a booking channel There are several ways to book train tickets, including online, through travel agents, or at the train station. However, the most convenient and time-efficient way to book train tickets is online. Most train operators have an online booking system that is easy to use and allows you to book your tickets from the comfort of your home or office.

Step 3: Register for an account If you are booking your train tickets online, you will need to register for an account on the train operator’s website. This process is straightforward, and you will need to provide some basic information, including your name, email address, and contact number.

Step 4: Choose your train and class of travel Once you have registered for an account, you can log in and search for trains based on your travel dates and preferred class of travel. Most train operators offer several classes of travel, including first class, business class, and economy class. Choose the class of travel that suits your budget and preferences.

Step 5: Select your seats After you have chosen your train and class of travel, you will need to select your seats. Most train operators offer the option to choose your seats when you book your tickets online. You can choose your seats based on your preferences, such as window or aisle seats.

Step 6: Enter your personal details After you have chosen your seats, you will need to enter your personal details, including your name, contact number, email address, and ID proof. Ensure that the details you enter are accurate and match your ID proof.

Step 7: Make payment The final step in booking train tickets is to make payment. Most train operators offer several payment options, including credit/debit card, net banking, and mobile wallets. Choose the payment option that is most convenient for you and complete the payment process.

Step 8: Receive your ticket After you have completed the payment process, you will receive your train ticket via email or SMS. Print your ticket or save it on your mobile device for easy access during your journey.

Tips for booking train tickets

  1. Book your tickets in advance to avoid last-minute rush and get better deals.
  2. Check for offers and discounts before booking your tickets.
  3. Choose the class of travel that suits your budget and preferences.
  4. Choose your seats wisely based on your preferences.
  5. Double-check your personal details before making payment.
  6. Use a secure payment gateway to protect your personal and financial information.
  7. Keep your train ticket safe and easily accessible during your journey.
  8. Arrive at the train station early to avoid missing your train.

Book a Train Ticket Following the Ways

  • Book Train Tickets from IRCTC Website
  • Book Train Tickets From Mobile
  • Book Train Tickets in Tatkal

Method 1: How to Book Train Tickets on IRCTC

Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) is the official online booking portal for train tickets in India. It is a user-friendly platform that allows travelers to book train tickets quickly and easily. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to book train tickets on IRCTC:

Step 1: Visit the IRCTC website Open your web browser and go to the IRCTC website, www.irctc.co.in. If you do not have an account, click on the ‘Register’ button and follow the registration process to create a new account.

Step 2: Plan your journey Once you have logged in to your account, select the ‘Plan My Journey’ option. Enter the origin and destination stations, travel date, and class of travel.

Step 3: Search for trains After entering your travel details, click on the ‘Find Trains’ button. The website will display a list of available trains for your chosen route, along with the train number, departure and arrival times, and class of travel.

Step 4: Choose your train and class of travel Select the train that suits your schedule and the class of travel that fits your budget. Make sure to check the availability of seats for your preferred class of travel.

Step 5: Select your seats After choosing your train and class of travel, you will need to select your seats. The website will display a seat map for the chosen train, and you can choose your preferred seats by clicking on them. Once you have selected your seats, click on the ‘Continue Booking’ button.

Step 6: Enter passenger details After selecting your seats, you will be asked to enter the details of all passengers traveling with you, including their name, age, gender, and ID proof. Make sure to enter the correct details, as they will be checked during the journey.

Step 7: Make payment The final step is to make payment for your train tickets. IRCTC offers various payment options, including credit/debit cards, net banking, and e-wallets. Select the payment option that suits you, enter the required details, and complete the payment process.

Step 8: Print your ticket After completing the payment process, you will receive a confirmation of your booking on the website. You can download and print your ticket by clicking on the ‘Print Ticket’ button. If you prefer, you can also save the ticket on your mobile device and show it to the ticket checker during the journey.

Tips for booking train tickets on IRCTC:

  1. Book your tickets well in advance to get better availability and rates.
  2. Use a stable internet connection to avoid connection issues during the booking process.
  3. Choose a seat based on your preference and availability.
  4. Double-check passenger details before making payment.
  5. Use a secure payment gateway to protect your personal and financial information.
  6. Keep your ticket safe and easily accessible during the journey.
  7. Check the train schedule and arrive at the station well in advance to avoid missing the train.

Method 2: How to Book Train Tickets From Mobile

Booking train tickets from your mobile phone is convenient and easy, and can be done through the IRCTC mobile app or website. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to book train tickets from your mobile phone:

Step 1: Download the IRCTC app The first step is to download the IRCTC app on your mobile phone. The app is available for both Android and iOS devices and can be downloaded from the respective app stores.

Step 2: Register or log in Once you have downloaded the app, you will need to register or log in to your account. If you don’t have an account, you can create one by following the registration process.

Step 3: Plan your journey After logging in to your account, select the ‘Book Ticket’ option from the app’s homepage. Enter the origin and destination stations, travel date, and class of travel.

Step 4: Search for trains After entering your travel details, click on the ‘Search’ button. The app will display a list of available trains for your chosen route, along with the train number, departure and arrival times, and class of travel.

Step 5: Choose your train and class of travel Select the train that suits your schedule and the class of travel that fits your budget. Make sure to check the availability of seats for your preferred class of travel.

Step 6: Select your seats After choosing your train and class of travel, you will need to select your seats. The app will display a seat map for the chosen train, and you can choose your preferred seats by tapping on them. Once you have selected your seats, tap on the ‘Continue’ button.

Step 7: Enter passenger details After selecting your seats, you will be asked to enter the details of all passengers traveling with you, including their name, age, gender, and ID proof. Make sure to enter the correct details, as they will be checked during the journey.

Step 8: Make payment The final step is to make payment for your train tickets. IRCTC offers various payment options, including credit/debit cards, net banking, and e-wallets. Select the payment option that suits you, enter the required details, and complete the payment process.

Step 9: Receive ticket confirmation After completing the payment process, you will receive a confirmation of your booking on the app. You can view and download your ticket by tapping on the ‘My Bookings’ option in the app’s homepage.

Tips for booking train tickets from mobile:

  1. Use a stable internet connection to avoid connection issues during the booking process.
  2. Choose a seat based on your preference and availability.
  3. Double-check passenger details before making payment.
  4. Use a secure payment gateway to protect your personal and financial information.
  5. Keep your ticket safe and easily accessible during the journey.
  6. Check the train schedule and arrive at the station well in advance to avoid missing the train.

Method 3: How To Book Train Tickets in Tatkal

Booking train tickets under the Tatkal scheme can be challenging as the availability of tickets is limited and the demand is usually high. However, with some careful planning and quick action, you can book Tatkal train tickets successfully. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to book train tickets in Tatkal:

Step 1: Plan your journey in advance Tatkal tickets can be booked only one day in advance of the date of travel. Therefore, it’s essential to plan your journey well in advance and have all the required details handy.

Step 2: Log in to your IRCTC account before 10:00 am Tatkal booking opens at 10:00 am for AC classes and 11:00 am for non-AC classes, one day before the date of travel. Therefore, log in to your IRCTC account at least 5-10 minutes before the booking window opens to avoid any delay.

Step 3: Fill in passenger details beforehand Before starting the booking process, ensure that you have all the passenger details such as name, age, gender, and ID proof number ready. This will save time during the booking process.

Step 4: Select Tatkal quota and preferred train Once the booking window opens, select the Tatkal quota and the train of your choice. Ensure that you have checked the availability of seats before selecting the train.

Step 5: Choose the preferred class and coach Select the class of travel and the coach of your choice. Keep in mind that Tatkal tickets are usually available only for sleeper and AC classes.

Step 6: Enter passenger details quickly Enter the passenger details quickly and accurately. Any delay in filling in the details can lead to the unavailability of seats.

Step 7: Make payment After entering the passenger details, make payment quickly to complete the booking process. Tatkal tickets need to be paid for in full at the time of booking, and no refund or cancellation is allowed after the booking is confirmed.

Step 8: Print the ticket After the payment is completed successfully, the ticket will be generated, and you can print it out for your records.

Tips for booking Tatkal train tickets:

  1. Log in to your IRCTC account before the booking window opens to avoid any delay.
  2. Keep all the passenger details handy beforehand to save time during the booking process.
  3. Choose the train and class of travel that have higher chances of availability.
  4. Be quick and accurate while entering passenger details.
  5. Keep your payment options ready beforehand to make the payment quickly.
  6. Avoid booking Tatkal tickets for long-distance journeys as they are usually available only for shorter distances.

In conclusion, booking train tickets is a straightforward process that can be done online or through travel agents. By following the steps outlined in this article and keeping the tips in mind, you can book your train tickets seamlessly and enjoy a stress-free journey. Also read: How to Hide Contact on WhatsApp