Booking a train ticket in India has become easier than ever, thanks to the digitalization of the Indian Railways ticketing system. Whether you’re planning a long journey on a Vande Bharat Express or a short trip on a local train, you can now book tickets from the comfort of your home using the IRCTC website, mobile app, or even UPI-enabled apps like Paytm and Google Pay.
In this guide, we’ll cover how to book train tickets online, how to book on mobile, and important tips to ensure a hassle-free booking experience.
Different – 2 Ways to Book Train Tickets in India
There are three main methods to book a train ticket in India:
- Online via IRCTC Website (www.irctc.co.in)
- Using the IRCTC Rail Connect Mobile App
- Offline through Railway Reservation Counters
- using Some Third Party Application
Let’s explore the online booking process the most convenient and widely used option.
How to Book Train Tickets Online Via IRCTC
Follow these steps to book your tickets easily:
Step 1: Visit the Official IRCTC Website
Go to www.irctc.co.in on your browser.
If you’re a new user, click on “Register” to create an account. You’ll need:
- Name
- Mobile number
- Email ID
- Aadhaar/PAN details
Once registered, log in with your user ID and password.
Step 2: Enter Journey Details
- From Station → Starting station (e.g., Jaipur)
- To Station → Destination (e.g., Delhi)
- Journey Date → Select your preferred travel date
- Choose your preferred class (e.g., Sleeper, 3A, 2A, CC, EC)
Click on “Search” to view available trains.
Step 3: Select the Train
The list of trains will appear along with:
- Train number and name
- Departure & arrival time
- Travel duration and availability status
Click “Book Now” for your preferred train.
Step 4: Enter Passenger Details
Fill in passenger information:
- Name
- Age
- Gender
- Berth preference (optional)
Step 5: Payment
Choose a payment method — Net banking, UPI, Credit/Debit card, or Wallets.
After successful payment, your E-Ticket will be generated instantly.
You’ll receive:
- Ticket confirmation on SMS & email
- PNR number (used for tracking ticket status)
How to Book Train Tickets Online on Mobile (IRCTC App)
The IRCTC Rail Connect App is available on Android and iOS. It’s perfect for booking on the go.
Steps:
- Download IRCTC Rail Connect from Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
- Log in using your IRCTC credentials.
- Tap “Plan My Journey.”
- Enter source, destination, and date.
- Choose the train and class.
- Fill passenger details and make payment via UPI, Wallet, or Net Banking.
Your mobile e-ticket will be stored in the app and can also be viewed offline.
How to Book Vande Bharat Train Tickets Online
Booking a Vande Bharat Express ticket is the same as booking any other train.
Just search for your route (e.g., Delhi to Varanasi) on IRCTC and look for trains labeled “VB” under the type column.
You can choose between:
- Executive Chair Car (EC)
- AC Chair Car (CC)
Fares are dynamically priced and include onboard catering.
How to Book Train Ticket for Pets (Dogs)
If you’re traveling with a pet, such as a dog:
- Booking cannot be done online.
- Visit the parcel office of your boarding station before the journey.
- Fill the pet travel form and pay the applicable charge.
- Pets can travel in dog boxes in luggage vans or with owners in First AC coaches (if permitted).
How to Check Ticket Confirmation Status (PNR Status)
You can check ticket confirmation using:
- IRCTC Website or App → “PNR Status” section
- SMS – Send
PNR <your number>to 139 - Google Search – Simply type your PNR number
Statuses include:
- CNF → Confirmed
- RAC → Reservation Against Cancellation
- WL → Waitlisted
Some Expert Tips for Smooth Ticket Booking
Book early – Reservations open 120 days in advance.
Use Aadhaar-linked IRCTC account for faster booking.
Keep passenger list ready for Tatkal or peak-time bookings.
Tatkal bookings open at:
- 10 AM for AC classes
- 11 AM for Sleeper class
✅ Link IRCTC to UPI apps for quicker payments.
Cancellation and Refund Rules
- Full refund (minus service charges) if canceled before chart preparation.
- 50% refund (or less) for cancellations after charting depending on class.
- E-tickets with WL status after charting are auto-canceled and refunded.
Conclusion
Booking train tickets online in India is now quick, transparent, and user-friendly. With the IRCTC website or app, you can book, modify, or cancel your tickets within minutes. From regular express trains to high-speed Vande Bharat services, the digital transformation of Indian Railways has made travel simpler for everyone.
So next time you plan a journey skip the queue and book online!
