Booking a confirmed train ticket can be difficult, especially during peak seasons, holidays, or weekends. Many passengers book tickets as soon as they are available, making it harder to get a seat. However, by following some smart strategies, you can increase your chances of getting a confirmed ticket.
1. Book as Early as Possible
Indian Railways allows you to book tickets 60 days in advance for most trains. If you plan your journey early, you have a higher chance of getting a confirmed ticket.
For special categories like Tatkal, Premium Tatkal, and certain quotas, booking starts later, but general tickets should be booked as soon as possible to secure a seat. If you are planning a trip during festivals, book on the first day when reservations open.
2. Use IRCTC Website or App
Booking tickets online is faster and more convenient than standing in line at a railway station. Use the IRCTC official website or the IRCTC Rail Connect mobile app to book tickets quickly.
Make sure you have an IRCTC account ready with your passenger details saved to speed up the booking process. Payment should also be pre-arranged, using options like UPI, Net Banking, or Credit/Debit cards for fast transactions.
3. Choose Less Popular Trains
Some trains, especially Rajdhani, Shatabdi, and Duronto, get booked quickly. If your preferred train is full, look for alternative trains on the same route.
Trains that run at odd timings or take a slightly longer route often have more availability. Booking these trains can improve your chances of getting a confirmed seat.
4. Book Tatkal Tickets
If you missed booking early, try Tatkal tickets, which are meant for last-minute travel. These tickets are limited, so you must be quick.
- Tatkal booking opens 1 day before the journey at:
- 10:00 AM for AC tickets
- 11:00 AM for non-AC tickets
- To book a Tatkal ticket successfully:
- Log in before booking starts
- Keep passenger details saved
- Use fast payment methods like UPI or Net Banking
5. Try Premium Tatkal (PT) Quota
Some trains offer Premium Tatkal tickets, which cost more but have a higher chance of confirmation. These tickets open 1 day before the journey, like Tatkal.
Unlike regular Tatkal, Premium Tatkal fares increase as demand increases. If no Tatkal seats are available, check if Premium Tatkal is an option.
6. Check for Special Trains
During festivals, holidays, and peak travel seasons, Indian Railways runs special trains to handle extra demand. These trains often have more availability, so checking IRCTC for special train announcements can help you get a confirmed ticket.
7. Book Tickets in Lower Quotas
Certain quotas have reserved seats, which increase your chances of getting a ticket:
- Ladies Quota – Available for women traveling alone or with children.
- Senior Citizen Quota – Discounts and reserved seats for men (60+) and women (58+).
- Divyangjan Quota – Reserved seats for differently-abled passengers.
- Foreign Tourist Quota – Limited seats for foreign nationals.
If you are eligible, use these quotas to get a better chance of confirmation.
8. Split Your Journey
If direct train tickets are not available, try breaking your journey into two smaller bookings.
For example, instead of booking Delhi to Mumbai, book Delhi to Kota and Kota to Mumbai separately. This technique works well when one section has a confirmed ticket and the other has a shorter waiting list.
9. Use the “Vikalp” Option
While booking, select the “Vikalp” option. This allows you to be moved to another train on the same route if your current ticket is waitlisted.
- Vikalp applies only to waitlisted tickets.
- You might be shifted to another train with available seats.
- There are no extra charges for this option.
It’s a great way to increase your chances of getting a confirmed seat if your preferred train is full.
10. Check PNR Status Regularly
If your ticket is waitlisted (WL) or RAC (Reservation Against Cancellation), check the PNR status on the IRCTC website or mobile app.
- Many waitlisted tickets get confirmed closer to the journey date as passengers cancel their bookings.
- If your PNR status moves from WL to RAC, you are guaranteed a seat, but not necessarily a berth.
- If it reaches CNF (Confirmed), you will get a proper berth.
11. Avoid Peak Travel Seasons
If possible, avoid traveling during festivals, holidays, or weekends. Trains are usually overcrowded during these times, and getting a confirmed ticket becomes much harder. If you must travel during peak seasons, book your tickets as early as possible or consider alternative modes of transport.
Final Tip: Avoid Agents & Fake Websites
Always book through IRCTC official website, mobile app, or trusted travel platforms. Avoid third-party agents who charge extra fees or provide fake tickets.
By following these smart strategies, you can increase your chances of getting a confirmed train ticket and enjoy a stress-free journey!