From Booking to Boarding: Navigating India’s Railways

Where to Book Your Train in India

Booking a train in India is easy with these options:

1. Official Indian Railways Website: irctc.co.in
2. Third-Party Booking: 12go.asia, RailYatri, Redbus
3. Hotel & Guesthouse Assistance
4. Train Station Ticket Counters

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Of all the options, booking online through the official Indian Railways website is the most convenient and straightforward.

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Indian Train Classes

Your comfort level depends on the class you choose, as Indian trains offer a range of options to suit different budgets and travel styles. Here’s a quick overview of the available options.

Sleeper Class

AC First Class (1A): Air-conditioned compartments with 2 to 4 berths, divided into coupes (2 berths) and cabins (4 berths), each with a lockable door for privacy. $$$

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AC 2 Tier (2A): Air-conditioned carriages with open compartments featuring two-tier berths on each side and additional two-tier berths along the aisle. Some trains have curtains for privacy. $$

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AC 3 Tier (3A): Similar to AC 2 Tier (2A), but with three-tier berths in the compartments, while the berths along the aisle remain two-tiered. $$

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AC 3 Economy (3E): The carriage is still air-conditioned, but all berths are three-tiered, allowing for more passengers. $$

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Sleeper (SL): Same layout as AC 3 Tier (3A), but without air conditioning. The most affordable option with reserved berths. $

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Note: On some daytime journeys, the berths are folded up to provide seating instead of sleeping arrangements.

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Seating Class

Anubhuti Class (EA): A new class on some Shatabdi trains with airplane-style seating, air conditioning, LCD screens, and a 2-2 seating layout. $$$

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Executive Chair Car (EC): A comfortable, air-conditioned option with a 2-2 seating layout, available only on Shatabdi Express routes between major cities like Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur. $$

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AC Chair Car (CC): Basic air-conditioned seating, commonly for shorter journeys, usually in a 3-2 layout. $$

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Second Sitting (2S): Non-air-conditioned seating, typically arranged in rows with three seats on each side of the aisle. $

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General Class (Unreserved)

General class coaches offer seating on a first-come, first-served basis. These tickets cannot be booked online and must be purchased at the station. While this is the cheapest option, trains can get extremely crowded, making it the least comfortable choice.

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How to Book Indian Railway Tickets

Booking a train as a tourist in India is now easier than ever. The IRCTC (Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation) is the most direct and reliable way to secure your journey. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Create an IRCTC Account 

Visit irctc.co.in and sign up using your email and phone number. An Indian phone number is not required and international travelers may need to verify their account via email.

2. Log In & Search for Trains

Enter your departure and arrival stations along with your travel date.

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There are two types of train tickets you can book:

• General Tickets: Available up to 60 days in advance and usually more affordable.
• Foreign Tourist Quota (FTQ) Tickets: Allows bookings up to 365 days ahead but comes at a higher price. This option is useful for securing seats on popular routes or if you're travelling on holidays.

3. Choose Your Train & Class 

Select a train that fits your schedule. Newer express trains connect major cities with fewer stops, while long-distance trains make more stops, taking longer. It’s best to sort by duration to find the fastest train available.

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For maximum comfort on longer journeys, opt for 1A (AC First Class) or 2A (AC 2 Tier). For shorter routes, CC (Chair Car) and EC (Executive Class) are the best options.

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If you choose a train with available seats, your booking is confirmed. Avoid trains marked as “WL” (Waitlisted), as this means your seat isn’t guaranteed.

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4. Enter Passenger Details

Enter the full name, age, gender, and passport details of each traveler. You can choose a seat preference, but it’s not guaranteed, as specific seat selection isn’t available.

5. Make Payment

Pay securely using credit/debit cards, UPI, net banking, or international payment options (some may require an Indian mobile number).

6. Receive Your E-Ticket

After a successful payment, you’ll receive an e-ticket via email and SMS, including your confirmed coach and seat number (you can find these under booking/current status). Keep a digital or printed copy for verification during your journey.

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For First AC tickets, your seat number will be assigned when the final chart is prepared, about four hours before departure from the origin station. You can check your seat details online or via the IRCTC app, though note that the app contains many ads. 

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Until the final chart is prepared, your booking status will show as CNF (confirmed), meaning your seat is secured, and you’ll receive your seat details once the chart is finalized.

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Finding Your Platform & Coach 

Check Your Platform: Platform numbers are displayed on electronic boards at the station. You can also check the NTES (National Train Enquiry System) website or the IRCTC app for real-time updates.

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Coach Position: Your ticket will mention the coach number (A1, B2, C1, S3). Stations often have electronic displays showing where each coach will stop along the platform.

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Note: Coach positions vary for each train and are only accurately displayed when your train is about to arrive. Keep an eye on the platform's electronic boards and listen for announcements.

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Ask Station Staff: If unsure, railway staff can help direct you to the correct platform or coach.

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Arrive Early: Large stations can be chaotic. Arriving at least 30 minutes before departure gives you enough time to find your way.

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Security & Ticket Checks

Before boarding, you’ll go through security, including x-ray and bag scanning.

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At larger stations like Delhi, some travelers have reported scams where someone posing as an official stops tourists, asks for their ticket, and falsely claims the train is canceled. They may then request passports and demand money to return them.

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While we didn’t experience this ourselves, it’s best to stay cautious—only follow instructions from uniformed railway staff and check official boards for train updates.

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Once the train departs, a staff member will check your ticket. Online tickets are accepted, but we found it easier and more reassuring to carry a printed copy.

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Food on Indian Trains

Premium long-distance trains, like the Rajdhani Express, include meals, and you can select your preference when booking. Alternatively, you can preorder meals online through IRCTC e-Catering for a wider selection.

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There are also snack stalls at train stations, and prices are generally the same as those at regular shops outside.

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Depending on your ticket, you’ll receive a small bottle of water, and sometimes even a meal. Staff also walk through the carriages to sell food, snacks, and drinks.

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Train Amenities

Toilets: Toilets are available in all train coaches, with AC coaches offering Western-style toilets. We found them relatively clean, with soap provided at the sinks. However, it’s best to bring your own tissue paper.

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Bedding: In AC coaches, you’ll find a brown paper bag in your berth with bed covers, a thin blanket, and a towel. The pillow comes with a cover, and there’s also a thicker blanket. In our experience, everything was clean and freshly laundered.

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Luggage Storage: Overhead racks and space under lower berths are available for storing bags.

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Others: Charging points are available in AC coaches, but it’s best to bring a power bank as a backup. AC classes also have individual reading lights.

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And that’s the essential guide to Indian trains!

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For more ways to get around, check out our guide to India’s best transportation options—from iconic rickshaws and metro lines to long-distance buses connecting every corner of the country.

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If you have any questions about traveling in India by train, let us know in the comments below.