Ruqayyah Snyder
India's passenger rail network is the third largest in the world, with 63,000 km of rail routes and 6,800 stations. Booking a train in India from Australia can be done through third-party websites, but these sites may cause issues with cancellations and re-booking. The IRCTC is recommended as it has access to every train and ticket, and provides reliable 24/7 customer service. To book, you will need the full name, passport number, age, sex, destination address, and nearest post office of each passenger. For long-distance trains, bookings currently open 60 days before departure, while some short-distance intercity trains open bookings 15-30 days in advance.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Websites | www.indianrail.gov.in, 12go.asia, IRCTC |
| Booking window | Bookings open 60 days before departure for most long-distance trains; some short-distance trains open bookings 30 days or 15 days in advance |
| Seat availability statuses | AVL (available), CNF (confirmed), RAC (reservation against cancellation), WL (waitlist) |
| Booking tips | Look for high-quality train types and faster journey times; avoid long-distance trains for short journeys; look for EC or CC for daytime journeys |
| Booking process | Search for the train, add passengers and their details (full name, passport number, age, sex, destination address, PIN code, nearest post office) |
| Booking limits | Maximum of 6 bookings for up to 6 people per calendar month |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing a train type and journey time
When booking a train in India from Australia, there are a few things to consider when choosing a train type and journey time. Firstly, for long-distance and/or overnight journeys, opt for a Rajdhani or Duronto Express train. These trains are known for their high quality and are ideal for longer trips. Alternatively, if you're taking a daytime journey, look for the Shatabdi Express, Tejas Express, or Vande Bharat Express. These trains offer a more comfortable and efficient travel experience.
It's worth noting that faster trains tend to have better-quality rolling stock, so consider your journey time when choosing a train type. If you're booking a short-distance trip, avoid long-distance trains that may have already travelled a significant distance and could be delayed by the time they reach your boarding point. Instead, opt for trains that start their journey closer to your departure point.
When booking, look for trains with EC (Executive Chair Car) or CC (AC Chair Car) classes, which offer reserved seating and a more comfortable experience. You can also consider overnight sleeper trains for long-distance journeys, such as Mumbai to Delhi or Delhi to Jaisalmer, which can save you hotel costs.
In terms of booking lead time, Indian long-distance trains typically open bookings 60 days before departure. However, some short-distance intercity trains may open bookings closer to the departure date, sometimes only 15 to 30 days in advance. Keep in mind that popular routes and trains, such as the Indian Pacific or The Ghan in Australia, may require booking several months in advance to secure a seat.
Lastly, be mindful of the specific stations you are booking for. Some cities, like Kolkata, have multiple terminuses, and knowing the primary stations for your destination, such as Howrah or Sealdah for Kolkata, is crucial for finding the right train and booking your ticket.
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Booking in advance
When booking train tickets in India, it is important to plan and book in advance. Most Indian long-distance trains open bookings 60 days before departure. However, some short-distance intercity trains may only open bookings 30 days or even just 15 days ahead of time. For example, the Delhi-Kalka and Kalka-Simla routes may only offer bookings 30 or 15 days in advance. Therefore, it is crucial to be aware of the specific booking timelines for your intended route.
To secure your preferred travel dates and times, it is advisable to book well in advance, especially for popular routes and seasons. This proactive approach ensures that you obtain tickets for your desired journey, avoiding disappointment or last-minute challenges.
When booking in advance, you can utilise websites like 12GO.asia, which is a convenient option for purchasing tickets ahead of time, especially for prime routes. However, it is recommended to also register on the IRCTC (Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation) website, as it provides access to every train and ticket option. While the registration process may be lengthy, once completed, the IRCTC platform is just as user-friendly as any other site for booking tickets.
When booking in advance, you can also take advantage of discounted fares on certain routes. For instance, the Indian Pacific and The Ghan trains offer discounted fares when booked at least six months in advance. These trains provide iconic journeys across Australia, connecting cities like Sydney, Adelaide, Perth, and Darwin. By planning early, you not only increase your chances of securing your preferred travel dates but also have the opportunity to save on ticket costs.
In addition to booking in advance, it is essential to familiarise yourself with the different train types and their respective qualities. For long-distance and overnight journeys, the Rajdhani or Duronto Express trains are recommended for their higher quality. Similarly, for daytime travel, the Shatabdi Express, Tejas Express, or Vande Bharat Express offer a more comfortable experience. By combining advance booking with thoughtful train selection, you can enhance your overall train travel experience in India.
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Knowing the seat availability
There are several third-party websites and apps that allow you to check seat availability and book train tickets in India from anywhere in the world, including Australia. Here are some popular options:
RedRail by redBus
RedRail is an IRCTC-authorised partner that offers a user-friendly platform for checking train seat availability and booking tickets. You can use their website or mobile app to check seat availability by entering your journey details, including source and destination stations, date of travel, and class of travel. redRail allows you to explore different routes and options and plan your travel in advance.
Ixigo trains app
The ixigo trains app allows you to check seat availability and book tickets online. It also has a feature called "PNR prediction," which predicts the chances of a waitlisted or RAC (Reservation against Cancellation) ticket getting confirmed based on the latest booking trends.
Trainman
Trainman offers a comprehensive train seat availability calendar, displaying seat availability and fares for all classes and days in a single view. You can search for trains on your selected routes and dates, and book tickets based on seat and berth availability, as well as the likelihood of seat confirmation. Trainman also provides historical data about trains' initial and final status, helping you make informed decisions.
12GO
12GO is a third-party booking site that does not require registration. You can simply search for trains between two cities, and it will list all available trains, planes, and buses. However, keep in mind that 12GO may not always have the most up-to-date availability, especially for last-minute bookings.
IRCTC
IRCTC is the official Indian Railways website and offers access to every train and ticket option. To book through IRCTC, you will need to register and create an account, which requires an Indian mobile number. Additionally, IRCTC may not accept international payment cards, so you may need to explore other payment options. However, once registered, the booking process is straightforward and provides access to reliable customer service.
When checking seat availability, it is important to understand the different travel classes and quotas in Indian Railways:
- First Class AC (1A): Offers beds and linen, with rates comparable to airline tickets. Limited availability.
- Second Class AC (2A): Slightly more affordable than First Class, with a capacity of 48 passengers per coach.
- AC 3-tier economy (3E): Similar to normal AC3, but with upper, middle, and lower bunks. Available on select Shatabdi Express trains.
- Executive Chair Class: Available on high-quality trains like Shatabdi Express, Vande Bharat Express, and Tejas Express. Includes amenities such as seat-back TVs, leg rests, and packaged food and drink.
- General Quota: Available to anyone, regardless of age, sex, or nationality. Covers all travel classes.
- Foreign Tourist Quota: For foreign tourists and may be required if the General Quota is sold out.
- Tatkal Quota: A special quota for last-minute bookings.
Additionally, Indian Railways has introduced a waitlist prediction feature and the Vikalp scheme, which helps waitlisted passengers by offering alternative trains if a berth becomes available.
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Registering on IRCTC
Step 1: Visit the IRCTC Registration Page
Go to the IRCTC website and click on the "Register" or "Sign Up" option. This will take you to the registration page.
Step 2: Fill in the Required Account Information
You will need to provide basic account information, such as a unique username, a password, your contact number, email address, and security question and answer. The username must be between 3 and 35 characters and can include uppercase and lowercase letters and numbers.
Step 3: Provide Personal Information
In this step, you will need to enter your full name, date of birth, nationality, and occupation. Ensure that the information provided matches your official documents, as it may be verified during the booking process or boarding.
Step 4: Complete Your Address Details
Fill in your complete and valid address, including the state, city, locality, and pin code. The address details are essential for booking tickets, as they may be required when filling in passenger information for each booking.
Step 5: Verify Your Account
After submitting all the necessary information, you will need to verify your account. An instant verification code will be sent to your registered email address and contact number. Enter this code on the website to complete the verification process.
Once your account is verified, you will receive a confirmation message, and your IRCTC user account will be created. You can now use this account to book train tickets on the IRCTC website or other platforms that accept IRCTC logins.
It is recommended to register on IRCTC as it provides access to every train and ticket option. Additionally, IRCTC offers reliable 24/7 customer service and makes the booking process easier and faster, providing updates on reservations, platform numbers, and other services.
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Providing passenger details
When booking train tickets in India, you can only book for up to six people, with a maximum of six bookings per calendar month. After selecting the train, you will need to add the passenger details. This includes the full name as listed on their passport, passport number, age, sex, destination address with a valid 6-digit PIN code, and the nearest post office. If the destination PIN code is invalid, you will not be able to enter the city or state and will not be able to proceed with the booking. A valid PIN code will automatically populate the city and state. If there is more than one post office, you can select any one of them from the drop-down menu.
It is important to note that bookings for most Indian long-distance trains open 60 days before departure. Some short-distance intercity trains open for bookings less than this; for example, Delhi-Kalka and Kalka-Simla may open only 15 to 30 days ahead. Therefore, it is advisable to plan and book your train journeys in advance to secure your preferred travel dates and routes.
When booking, you will encounter different status indicators for seats/berths/bookings: AVL (Available), CNF (Confirmed), RAC (Reservation Against Cancellation), and WL (Waitlist). If your preferred train is fully booked, you can opt for a refund or choose the next available train on the same day. However, the departure and arrival stations may be different and less convenient for your travel plans.
To increase your chances of securing tickets, you can consider purchasing RAC or WL tickets. RAC tickets mean that you are guaranteed a seat, but there is a possibility of sharing a berth with another passenger. WL tickets are available when all RAC places have been sold out. While there is no guarantee of a berth with WL tickets, many travellers report successfully obtaining berths even when starting at a high number on the waitlist.
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Frequently asked questions
You can book Indian train tickets online via IRCTC or third-party sites like 12go.asia. IRCTC is the official source with access to every train and ticket, and reliable 24/7 customer service.
Bookings for most Indian long-distance trains open 60 days before departure. Some short-distance intercity trains open bookings 30 days or less ahead of time.
For long-distance and/or overnight journeys, look for a Rajdhani or Duronto Express. For daytime journeys, opt for a Shatabdi Express, Tejas Express, or Vande Bharat Express. These trains are higher quality than the average Indian train.
First, select your train, then add passengers and their details. You will need the full name, passport number, age, sex, destination address with a valid 6-digit PIN code, and nearest post office.
If your chosen train is sold out, you can buy RAC (Reservation Against Cancellation) or WL (Waitlist) tickets. You can board the train with an RAC ticket and have a high chance of getting a berth, while a WL ticket guarantees you a spot on the train but not a seat.
