IRCTC Train Ticket Booking Guide

The train network in India is among the largest in the world with trains and related services providing transportation to millions a day. With the advent of various online portals, booking a train ticket has become an easy and fast procedure. YatriRestro does not offer train ticketing services, but we want to help you understand how you can book train tickets online with the help of other trusted portals. We shall also offer a view on the food ordering process on the train after the traveler has booked his/her ticket, followed by checking the PNR status online.

How To Book Train Tickets in India

Earlier, much was spent standing in long queues to buy a train ticket. Now, online train booking platforms have given you the advantage of booking train tickets from the comfort of your home. Top places to book your train ticket:

• IRCTC (Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation) — the official railway website
• RedBus
• MakeMyTrip
• RailYatri

These platforms make rail ticket booking easier, checking seat availability, and planning your journey conveniently.

What Are the Requirements to Book a Train Ticket Online

Before you start your indian railway ticket booking, keep these basic requirements ready:

• IRCTC Account: Sign up on IRCTC or your chosen platform.
• The quintessential proof of identification would be any of these: Aadhaar card, PAN card, Voter card, Passport, or even a valid Driving License.
• Details of the passenger: name, age, gender, and berth preference.
• Payment method: Debit/credit card, UPI, net banking, or wallet payment via Paytm/PhonePe

Steps to Book A Train Ticket Online With IRCTC

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to book a train ticket on IRCTC:

1. Create an IRCTC Account

• Go to www.irctc.co.in and register.
• Provide the details such as username, password, email ID, and mobile number. Note: You will need to enter the username and password, followed by the submission option.

2. Login to Your Account

• Enter your username and password.
• Use the captcha verification.

3. Search for Trains

• Enter your departure and destination stations.
• Select the travel date and click “Find Trains”.

4. Check Train and Seat Availability

• Browse available trains.
• Check class (Sleeper, AC, 3AC, 2AC) and seat availability.

5. Select Your Train and Class

• Choose the train and class that suits your budget and time.
• Click “Book Now”.

6. Enter Passenger Details

• Add name, age, gender, berth preference.
• Provide ID details.

7. Make Payment

• Choose a payment method.
• Complete the transaction.

8. Get E-Ticket

• Once payment is done, you’ll get an e-ticket by email and SMS.
• Download or print the ticket.

These steps are similar on RedBus, MakeMyTrip, and RailYatri just follow their prompts.

Different Quotas for IRCTC Rail Ticket Booking

When you do a train reservation booking online, you’ll notice several quotas. Here’s a quick overview: General Quota: For the general public, most tickets fall under this.

1. Tatkal Quota: Last-minute booking opens one day before the journey.
2. Ladies Quota: Reserved seats for female passengers.
3. Senior Citizen Quota: For passengers above 60 years.
4. Divyangjan Quota: For differently-abled passengers.
5. Premium Tatkal: Dynamic pricing; higher fare but higher chances of confirmation.

Choose your quota wisely when you book train tickets to improve your chances of getting a confirmed seat.

Check PNR Status of Your IRCTC Ticket Booking

After booking your train, you get a PNR number, which is a 10-digit number printed on your ticket. To see the status of your booking through PNR:

• Visit the official YatriRestro website.
• Go to the PNR Status Check page.
• Enter your 10-digit PNR.
• Click “Get Status”.

Alternatively, you can check your PNR status on:

1. IRCTC
2. ConfirmTkt
3. RedBus
4. MakeMyTrip (MMT)
5. Through SMS: SMS “PNR <10-digit number>” to 139

Why check PNR status?

• To know if your waitlisted ticket is confirmed.
• To get the coach and seat details.
• To know real-time updates on train status.

How to Cancel an IRCTC Train Ticket Booking Online?

Plans change and the good news is you can cancel IRCTC train ticket booking online easily.

Here’s how:

1. Login to Your IRCTC Account

Go to “Booked Ticket History”

2. Select the Ticket to Cancel

Choose the journey you want to cancel.

3. Click on ‘Cancel Ticket’

Select passengers if it’s a partial cancellation.

4. Confirm Cancellation

Review cancellation charges.

Click “Confirm.”

5. Refund Processed

Refunds will be credited to your payment method within a few days.

Important:

• Cancellation charges depend on the time left before the journey.
• Tatkal tickets have minimal or no refund.
• E-tickets can only be cancelled online, not at the station counter.

How to Order Food on the Train After Booking a Ticket

Once your train reservation booking online is done, you can plan your meals too! YatriRestro offers IRCTC food order in train so you can enjoy delicious meals without worrying about pantry food.

Here’s how you can order food:

• Visit YatriRestro’s website or app.
• Enter your PNR number or train details.
• Browse the menu for your journey.
• Place the order and make payment online.
• Food will be delivered to your seat at your selected station.

Benefits of ordering food on train through the YatriRestro App:

• Hygienic and fresh food.
• Wide choice of cuisines.
• Contactless delivery at your seat.

By pre-ordering, you skip the hassle of hunting for food at stations or depending on the train pantry.

Bonus Tip: Know the Indian Railways Fine Rules 2025

While you focus on booking tickets and meals, it’s good to stay informed about the Indian Railways Fine Rules 2025.

Some key points include:

• Carrying a valid ticket at all times.
• Avoiding littering in coaches or stations.
• Do not smoke on the train or on the platforms.
• Respecting fellow passengers and railway staff.

For full details, check the Indian Railways official guidelines or our blog Indian Railways Fine Rules 2025.

Final Thoughts

Train ticket booking in India is extremely convenient these days, with online platforms such as IRCTC, RedBus, MakeMyTrip, and RailYatri available for the purpose. Book tickets, check seat availability, and plan your journey with just three or four clicks of your mouse.

After your Indian Railways ticket booking is complete, your journey may be made comfortable and delightful by ordering meals through YatriRestro. And if you ever need to check your ticket status, the PNR status check feature will keep you updated in real-time.

So, next time you plan your train trip, skip the lines, go digital, and enjoy a hassle-free experience!