Train Ticket Booking

Authorised by IRCTC
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Nov 2024
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Ensure a 3X refund for waitlisted tickets if not confirmed after chart preparation.
Ensure a 3X refund for waitlisted tickets if not confirmed after chart preparation.
Opt for a free cancellation policy on train tickets to avail full refund with zero cancellation fees.
Opt for a free cancellation policy on train tickets to avail full refund with zero cancellation fees.
Utilize redRail’s confirm feature to increase your chance of getting confirmed train seats.
Utilize redRail’s confirm feature to increase your chance of getting confirmed train seats.
Take advantage of unique discounts and offers.
Take advantage of unique discounts and offers.

Most Booked Train Ticket Routes

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CBE (Coimbatore) to MAS (Chennai)Search TrainsMYS (Mysuru) to SBC (Bangalore)Search TrainsMAS (Chennai) to MDU (Madurai)Search TrainsMDU (Madurai) to MAS (Chennai)Search TrainsSBC (Bangalore) to MYS (Mysuru)Search Trains

What users say about redRail

Seamless Booking Experience

Booking train tickets with redRail was effortless, offering a high chance of seat confirmation. If unsuccessful, you’ll receive a 3X refund on your ticket.

Harish

Satisfying Train Ticket Booking Experience

Booking train tickets with redRail was highly satisfying, especially with the seat guarantee service. From seat availability to confirmation, it is enhanced by its user-friendly interface.

Budupula Nagaraj

Top-Rated Seat Guarantee

I booked train tickets on redRail three times for the seat guarantee service, finding it helpful and satisfying. I would rate it 9/10.

Ramu Dhanvijay

Reliable Seat Guarantee Service

Nothing is better than securing confirmed seats when booking train tickets. I experienced this first hand with the seat guarantee service on redRail.

C Deepak Kumar

Effortless Booking and Refund

Train ticket booking experience on redRail was very easy. Although my ticket status for Ujjain was RAC, it got cancelled, and received an instant refund.

Akhil

IRCTC Train Ticket Booking With RedRail

In the past, if you wanted to book train tickets, you had to physically visit ticket reservation centres and stand in long queues for hours. However, due to rising technology advancements, you can book IRCTC train tickets online from your home. redRail is an online train ticket booking platform that allows you to get tickets in just a few minutes.

Utilising the super-convenient and user-friendly interface of redRail, you only need to enter the origin station, destination station, and travel date details. Instantly, the platform will display the list of available trains of your chosen route and travel date. As an authorised train ticket booking platform by IRCTC, redRail ensures the authenticity of your bookings. 

Step-by-step Guide to Online Train Booking with redRail

You can book train tickets from redRail in just 5 steps. Here's how to book and pay for a rail ticket online.
1 Visit redRail and Choose Journey Date
For booking a train ticket, you need first to visit the redRail platform. On the website, you can choose the date of your journey, as well as the boarding and destination stations. Then, click on 'Search trains' to proceed with the booking.
2 Select Class and Look for Available Trains
In the next step of rail ticket booking, you will need to select the class. You can choose first class, second or third AC, or sleeper. You can check the categories available and then choose the train. There will be multiple trains available, and you can easily select the best one for your journey.
3 Add IRCTC User ID and Passenger Information
Once you have selected the train, you will need to add your IRCTC user ID. Since you are opting for an Indian railway booking ticket, you need an IRCTC account. If you do not have an IRCTC username, you can consider creating one.
4 Choose a Method for Payment
To complete your online railway ticket booking, you can then proceed to the payment. Choose from numerous payment options on redRail and complete payment to process your booking.
5 Enter IRCTC Password to Confirm the Booking
This is the final step in booking a train ticket from the redRail site. Enter your IRCTC password, and your booking will be processed instantly. You will receive the train tickets in your email or mobile number.
Online Train BookingSelect Train ClassEnter IRCTC UsernameTrain Ticket PaymentIRCTC Password

Why Choose redRail for IRCTC Rail Ticket Booking?

To experience a user-friendly and easy-to-use platform for train booking online, redRail offers a seamless train tickets booking experience for passengers. Take a look at the reasons why you should opt for redRail to book train tickets online.

  • Authorised Partner of IRCTC
    The reason for choosing redRail for IRCTC train ticket booking is that it is the authorised partner of IRCTC. Therefore, all the information available on the platform is authentic. You can easily check PNR status, track live train running status, check seat availability and much more on redRail for a hassle-free train journey. Checking train tickets availability is an extremely convenient process on redRail. 
  • Refund for Cancellation of Train Tickets
    Train tickets online booking through redRail, ensures easy cancellation of tickets if required. The cancellation policy details for the ticket are mentioned on the website, and you will get a refund for most bookings. redRail also provides instant refunds for IRCTC train ticket booking made through UPI payment modes.
  • Round-the-Clock Customer Assistance
    Customer support for redRail is available 24/7 to help you with train bookings. Reach out to customer service for any issues related to online train ticket booking. The customer support staff will provide instant resolution for your problems and answer all your queries. You can quickly seek information on train ticket status and other train-related information. 
  • Amazing Train Ticket Discounts and Offers
    Through redRail, you can access enticing discount offers and deals periodically designed to save your money on your train journeys. For example, if you are booking train tickets to Bangalore or any other city on redRail, you may waive service fees or additional payment gateway charges at the time of train bookings as part of the introductory booking incentives.

Check PNR Status of your IRCTC Ticket Booking

Besides booking train tickets, you may check PNR status easily and quickly on redRail's website or app. Checking train ticket status involves the following steps:

Step 1 - Visit the redRail by redBus website or application. 

Step 2 - Select the PNR Status option.

Step 3 - Enter a 10-digit PNR number and press the "Check Status" button.

Step 4 - The PNR status will appear on the screen. 

Review the information mentioned on PNR status to determine if your IRCTC rail ticket booking is on the waiting list or has been confirmed. Also, check for any updates about the train schedule, reservation details, or other relevant information.

You can check the Passenger Name Record (PNR) Number in the days before the departure date. The train ticket status on redRail will display all railway reservation-related information instantly.

IRCTC Train Ticket Booking Timings

The train ticket booking online timings may vary depending on the travel class and the type of ticket you want to book. Below is a table outlining the train ticket booking timings for the different travel classes and the different types of tickets.
Train Ticket TypeOnline Railway Ticket Booking Timings
General and non-Tatkal Tickets 12.20 AM to 11.45 PM on all 7 days of the week including Sundays
Tatkal TicketsFor AC travel classes - 10.00 AM to 11.00 AM on all 7 days of the week including Sundays.
For non-AC travel classes - 11.00 AM to 12.00 PM on all 7 days of the week including Sundays

IRCTC Railway Ticket Booking Cancellation

If you’ve booked a train ticket online through the IRCTC website or the redRail website or app, you can easily cancel your reservation quickly. Note that you can cancel your e-ticket only until IRCTC chart preparation is over. Once the chart is prepared, you cannot cancel your e-ticket. However, you’ll need to file a ticket deposit receipt (TDR) online to seek a refund depending upon the eligibility criteria. IRCTC charts are prepared on the previous night for trains departing until noon the next day. 

If you’re travelling with your family or as a group, you have the option to cancel the train ticket booking entirely or selectively cancel tickets for specific passengers. After the cancellation of train tickets, you will receive a refund, subject to eligibility and with the deduction of cancellation charges. These cancellation charges will vary depending on factors such as the travel class and the timing of the cancellation request.

How to Cancel IRCTC Train Ticket Booking Online?

Cancelling train tickets online is easy and quick. If you want to cancel railway tickets online booked on redRail, here's what you need to do. 

Stepwise Instructions to Cancel IRCTC Train Tickets on redRail

Below is the step-by-step tutorial on how to cancel a train ticket online. 

  • Step 1: Log into the redRail website or smartphone application using your credentials.
  • Step 2: Click on the ‘My Bookings’ tab at the bottom of the redRail application.
  • Step 3: The history of tickets booked tickets will be displayed on the screen.
  • Step 4: Tap the booking that you want to cancel and proceed with the train ticket cancellation process. 
  • Step 5: Choose the option to cancel tickets for all passengers or specific members of the group. 
  • Step 6: After the cancellation of train tickets, the details of cancelled rail tickets will appear under the ‘Cancelled’ tab.

How much of a refund you will get for cancelling train tickets? You'll receive a refund for your train ticket payment with the deduction of the corresponding IRCTC cancellation charges. If you pay via UPI on redRail, you might even get instant refunds for cancellations.

IRCTC Cancellation Charges on Train Ticket Booking

You may opt for Free Cancellation for selected trains to save on IRCTC cancellation charges imposed on IRCTC train booking
Time Until Scheduled Departure Train Ticket Cancellation Charges (Per Passenger)
More than 48 hoursAC First Class and Executive Class - Rs. 240 + GST.
AC 2-Tier and First Class - Rs. 200 + GST.
AC 3-Tier, AC Chair car, and AC 3-Tier Economy - Rs. 180 + GST.
Sleeper Class - Rs. 120 + GST.
Second Class - Rs. 60 + GST
Between 12 to 48 hours 25% of the train ticket fare subject to the minimum amounts mentioned above + GST
Between 4 to 12 hours50% of the train ticket fare subject to the minimum amounts mentioned above + GST
You may opt for Free Cancellation for selected trains to save on IRCTC cancellation charges imposed on IRCTC train booking

About IRCTC

IRCTC (Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation) is a subsidiary of the Indian Railways and is responsible for managing online train ticket booking, catering services, and tourism activities. IRCTC was established in 1999 to improve the passenger experience and provide modern and efficient services to Indian railway users.

IRCTC is the official website of the Indian Railways for online train ticket booking, which allows users to book train tickets, check seat availability, and access various other travel-related services.

Millions of users use the IRCTC ticket booking platform to book train tickets. If you haven’t registered with IRCTC, all you have to do is visit the official website, click on the register link, fill in the basic, personal and address information, and click on the register button. Once the registration is completed, you will get a pop-up message asking if the email and mobile number you entered are correct. Click on the ok button to complete the registration process.

Besides train booking, IRCTC next generation ticket booking platform manages other services such as catering, tourism, and online shopping. It operates a chain of food plazas and restaurants across various railway stations in India, providing quality food and beverages to railway passengers. 

IRCTC has played a significant role in modernising the Indian Railways and improving the passenger experience by providing a range of services and facilities to millions of Indian railway users.

IRCTC has partnered with redBus to facilitate train ticket booking via redRail. To book train tickets, you must have an IRCTC account. If not, it is recommended that one be created. Note that the IRCTC registration is free and requires a mobile number and email ID to create the account. Check the stepwise process to create IRCTC login credentials.

How to Create an IRCTC Account?

Below are the stepwise instructions on how to create an IRCTC account. 

  • Step 1: Visit the IRCTC website.
  • Step 2: A page will appear where you must enter your User ID and password and confirm the password. Then, you can enter the security question if you ever forget the password. The security question entered will help you reset the password in future.
  • Step 3: Enter your details (Name, Gender, Date of Birth, Email ID, Mobile number, Nationality, etc), followed by the address.
  • Step 4: Enter the Captcha code and click the submit registration button.
  • Step 5: A pop-up will appear where you must click the OK button.
  • Step 6: Click the “ I Agree on Terms and Conditions” and the Accept button.
  • Step 7: A page will be displayed showing successful registration.
  • Step 8: You will receive an email with a user ID, password and activation link.
  • Step 9: Click on the link sent via email and enter the User ID and password to activate the IRCTC account.
  • Step 10: Enter the OTP sent on the mobile number and email for verification to complete the activation process.

Different Quotas for IRCTC Rail Ticket Booking

Below are the different quotas for train ticket bookings in India.

  • General Quota: This is the usual booking option for all commuters. You can book train reservations up to 120 days in advance.
  • Tatkal Quota: Reserved for passengers who need to make travel on short notice. You can book tickets under this quota one day in advance.
  • Premium Tatkal Quota: This is similar to Tatkal Reservation but this option is more expensive and is intended for passengers who need to travel at very short notice.
  • Ladies Quota: Exclusively for female passengers and can be booked up to 120 days in advance. Women can use the ladies quota to get concessions on train tickets and enjoy the perks. 
  • Lower Berth Quota: Reserved for senior citizens, differently-abled passengers, and pregnant women
  • Foreign Tourist Quota: Intended for foreign tourists visiting India.
  • Duty Pass Quota: Reserved for government officials and employees of the public sector on official travel. 
  • Parliament House Quota: Reserved for Members of Parliament and other dignitaries.
  • Defence Quota: Specifically for defence personnel and their dependents.

It is important to note that availability and eligibility for these different types of bookings may vary depending on the train and route.

How to Book an IRCTC Tatkal Train Ticket?

Tatkal train tickets are available under the Indian Railways Tatkal scheme, which is also available for online railway booking. With this scheme, you can book train tickets online one day before the departure. However, the Tatkal ticket prices are higher than those of the standard ones. The price hike can be 10-30% from the base price, varying across different classes. 

The windows for Tatkal train ticket booking is open a day before the departure from the originating station. You must ensure that tickets are booked within the allotted Tatkal train ticket booking time to get confirmed seats. Tatkal railway ticket booking can be challenging due to the limited availability of tickets. You can book Tatkal train tickets for up to 4 passengers with a single in a single PNR.

There is no refund for the cancelled tickets. There will be a standard deduction of cancellation charges. However, if you get a waiting list ticket, you can cancel the tickets subject to standard cancellation charges.

Stepwise Instructions on Online Tatkal Train Ticket Booking

Below is a step-by-step tutorial on booking a Tatkal train ticket. 

Step 1: Visit the redRail website or application one day before the journey date.

Step 2: Enter the origin and destination station details.

Step 3: Enter the journey date.

Step 4: Click on the “ Search Button”

Step 5: A list of Tatkal tickets will appear on the screen.

Step 7: Choose the payment method

Step 8: Enter IRCTC login ID and password to confirm the ticket booking.

FAQs about Train Ticket Booking

What are the different modes of payment on redRail?

You can pay through credit or debit cards, net banking, or UPI. Choose the most convenient payment option to confirm your IRCTC train ticket booking. 

Do you need to pre-book train tickets?

Yes, it would be highly recommended to book train tickets online in advance.Train seats get filled up very quickly due to peak seasons or high travel demands.

How to cancel train tickets on redRail?

To cancel your train ticket booking, visit the redRail website and go to the "My Bookings" tab. Choose the specific train booking that you want to cancel. Depending on your preference, you can cancel train tickets for all passengers booked under a single PNR or specific passengers. 

Does redRail allow cancellation after the date of departure?

No, you cannot cancel train tickets after the date of departure. According to IRCTC online railway ticket booking rules, you will not receive any refund if you cancel the tickets after the chart preparation. 

Is it possible to show the train ticket on my phone?

Yes, you can book train tickets on your mobile phone. Once you book train tickets on redRail, you’ll receive train ticket confirmation via email or text message on your registered email ID or mobile number. 

Can I get a Refund on Tatkal Tickets?

No. IRCTC's cancellation policy does not permit refunds for confirmed Tatkal tickets. However, if you cancel a waitlisted Tatkal ticket, you may receive a refund after deducting cancellation charges.

What is the best time to book train tickets?

The best time to book train tickets would be 60 days in advance. According to the new rule, the advance reservation period for booking IRCTC train tickets is reduced from 120 to 60 days. 

Are there any concessions for children and infants on trains?

Indian Railways offers concessions for children travelling. Kids under 5 years old don't need a ticket, and those aged 5 to 12 only pay half the base fare.

Is ID proof required for e-ticket for all passengers?

During online ticket booking, no valid ID proof is necessary. But, it's mandatory to carry one during the journey. The valid accepted IDs include PAN card, Aadhaar card, driving license, voter ID, passport, student ID, or bank passbook with the name and photo.

How can I change my name on an online train ticket?

To change the name on an online train ticket, visit the nearest Railway Reservation Office with the ticket's hard copy and the passenger's original ID proof. If the name change involves a mother, father, sister, brother, or spouse, you must provide photo ID proof and evidence of the blood relationship with the travelling passenger. This process must be completed at least 24 hours before departure.

Can I get an online train ticket concession for students?

No, there is no concession for students on train tickets. However, passengers with disabilities can avail concessions on online train ticket booking through IRCTC.

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