How to book a train ticket in India?
_20190531141249.jpg)
Travelling by train in India usually requires that you book the ticket in advance, except for when it comes to going by the general class. Also when you have booked your berth in advance, it also gives you a peace of mind and assures you of a confirmed berth in the train making your travel that much easier. You have two options when it comes to booking a train ticket, you can book online through the IRCTC Website, or you can book it physically by approaching the Indian Railways booking counter at the railway station. Procedure for booking tickets through the Indian Railway booking counter at the railway station:
Booking directly through the railway counter gives you the advantage of availing of facilities and benefits like quotas and concessions which you may otherwise not receive through online booking.
(The concessions are available for Ladies as well as Senior Citizens)
Steps to follow while booking the ticket from the ticket counter:
1. Approach your nearest railway station and ask for the reservation form
2. Fill out the passenger details in the railway form like name, age, gender, berth preference)
3. After you have filled out the details of the way, you need to submit it at the railway counter along with the payment.
4. After submitting and making the payment, you will be issued a PNR (Passenger Name Record) number.
Booking over the railway station counter is one of the best options if you are travelling as a foreigner.
Procedure for booking tickets through the IRCTC Website:
1. You need to create your Login ID, and password for booking the tickets and select the train, berth preferences etc.
2. You need to pay the ticket fare online through debit card, internet banking, or credit card whichever is a more comfortable option for you.
3. Login to the IRCTC website and fill out a captcha image to ensure that your account is not being misused and to ensure the safety of your account.
4. Fill in the destination and boarding point, along with the date of the journey. After filling this, the list of trains along with their berth system and schedules appears. You will also be required to fill in the quota, which may be general, ladies or senior citizen.
5. If you select the ladies quota, you will get the benefit of reserving the seat in ladies compartment itself. If you choose the quota as a senior citizen, you will receive some exemption in the travel fees.
6. After this, berth preference that is a sleeper, second class seating is to be selected to book the tickets. Upon doing this, a new window opens for filling details like a passenger, age, etc. Fill out the captcha image to confirm the booking.
7. Make the payment through the preferred payment gateway.
8. A message of confirmation and email will be sent with the ticket details.
If you are a foreigner, you can use your international debit card or American Express to book the train ticket online. If you still face difficulty, foreigners can use 12go.asia to book your tickets instead of the IRCTC website.
Cost of train tickets in India
Usually, the price of a ticket depends upon the distance of the journey and the class of travel. Individual premium and luxury trains are comparatively more expensive as compared to others. Further, if you travel by an air-conditioned compartment, it also gives you the option of meals. On the other hand, it is advisable to carry your snacks if you are travelling in an unreserved compartment.Fares by Distance:
1. For a distance of 100-200 km, the cost for travelling by 1AC/2AC is INR 1000-1200, whereas 2nd class or sleeper compartment costs somewhere around INR 50-140.
2. For a distance of 300-500 km, the price for travelling by 1AC /2AC is INR 1300-2100, whereas 2nd class or sleeper compartment costs somewhere around INR 100-240.
3. For a distance of 1000-2000 km, the price for travelling by 1AC/2AC is INR 1900-5200, whereas 2nd class or sleeper compartment costs somewhere around INR 50-140
Luxury Train Travel in India
If you are fond of the more beautiful things in life and 'don't mind spending an extra penny, we recommend these luxury trains in India which will take you on a journey that you will remember for your lifetime. So get ready for some royal treatment and be prepared to get pampered as you have never been before in one of a kind train journey all the while soaking in the rich culture of India.1. 'Maharaja's Express
The train is operated from October to April and takes on five different routes with a different itinerary for each and involves different experiences like meeting the members of the Royal family, a ride through the unique heritage of India like the Khajuraho group of monuments, and so on.
The cost of the journey is approximately INR 2,50,000-2,80,000 for 4 nights journey and INR 4,00,000-4,60,000 for 8 nights journey.
2. Palace on Wheels
The train runs from September to April. The average journey spans over seven nights and eight days which helps you visit and immerse yourself in the unique heritage and culture of India which includes World Heritage sites like the Taj Mahal, Fatehpur Sikri, Jantar Mantar, and Keoladeo National Park.
The cost of the journey is approximately INR 2,00,000 -2,50,000 for seven nights journey.
3. Royal Rajasthan on Wheels
The train is operational from October to March, with an average journey of seven nights and eight days. The train takes you on a historical tour of the famous places on each day of the trip. Some of the main attractions include the forts and hotels of Udaipur, and Mehrangarh Fort, Hawa Mahal, and many more.
The cost of the journey is approximately INR 50,000 -5,60,000 for seven nights journey.
4. The Deccan Odyssey
The train is operational from October to April, with an average journey of seven nights and eight days. The itinerary includes the visit of many places in the state of Maharashtra and Goa, including sites like Ratnagiri, Sindhudurg, Aurangabad, Ajanta-Ellora Nasik, Pune.
The cost of the journey is approximately INR 3,71,000 - 4,18,000 for seven nights journey.
5. Golden Chariot
The train is operational from October to March, with an average journey of seven nights and eight days.
The cost of the journey is approximately INR 1,81,000 - 3,18,000 for seven nights journey.
6. Royal Orient Train
The train is operational all year round, with an average journey of 7 nights and eight days.
The journey takes you through the different places like Jantar Mantar, India Gate, Gandhi Ashram, Somnath Temple, and so on.
The cost of the journey is approximately INR 7500 - 14800 for seven nights journey.
7. Fairy Queen Express
The train is operational from October to March, with an average journey of one night and two days. Some of the main attractions of the visit include Lake Palace, Alwar Museum, and so on.
The cost of the journey is approximately INR 8600 - 15000 for one night and two days.
Other Train Travel in India With Classes
1. First Class AC or 1A
2. AC two tier or 2A
Mostly used for overnight journeys, it offers a complete sense of comfort to the passengers. It lacks lockable doors but has curtains that act as a means of privacy for each bed. Bedding and reading lights are included in the fare.3. AC three tier or 3A
It contains air-conditioned coaches with 64 sleeping berths. Bedding is involved in the fare with no curtains and reading lights present.
4. Executive Class Chair Car or EC
Air-conditioned chair coach with spacious seating and legroom. With four seats in a row, it is amiable for a day travel between 2 different cities.
5. AC Chair Car or CC
An Air-conditioned coach with five seats in a row. Also available in Double Decker Express.6. Sleeper Class
Being the most common coach booked by people opting for train travel in India, it has regular sleeping coaches with three berths vertically facing each other but without any air conditioning.7. Second Seater or 2S
It is similar to CC with NON AC coaches. Flying Ranee and Valsad Passenger are the only trains using NON-AC Double Decker coaches.8. General
Well then get ready to embark on one of the most memorable train travels in India which you are sure to cherish forever!
