Book Train Tickets Online

UK Website | US Website | Find Yatra Near You | Contact Us

1860 5000 500
0987 1800 800 (All Networks)
Sign in | Register
Home Flights Hotels Trains Holidays City Guides Corporate Deals

Travel Guide Train FAQ

Discover India Booking a Train Ticket

Explore India - decide your next 1. How can I book a train ticket on Yatra.com?
destination... 2. How will I know which station to choose for my booking?

Select a city 3. I don’t understand the various classes of Indian Railways, how can I select which one to book?
4. Is the information on seat availability and pricing reliable?
Ask our Experts
5. How can I see a list of stations on a particular route?
Wondering where to eat, what to see...
6. What do the different booking status types mean?
7. Can I board a train if my ticket status is RAC even after the chart has been prepared?
Ask a question
8. I have heard that railways allow for last minute booking. Is that possible on Yatra.com?
Hotel Reviews 9. While booking, why am I asked to reconfirm the departure and destination stations?
Recommendation by real travelers... 10. How can I check for availability for a different set of dates?

Booking with Yatra

Read Hotel Reviews
1. How will the tickets be delivered to me?
2. How many days before a travel date can I book a ticket?
3. How long before the departure of a train can I make an online booking?
4. Why can’t I book or cancel tickets between 11:30pm to 5:00am?
5. What is the maximum group size for which I can book tickets?
6. I am traveling with a group of 8 other people. How can I make a group booking?
7. What are the different ticket types that I can book online?
8. The site is showing that seats are available on the train I want to book, but my booking failed. Why?
9. I was not able to make a successful booking. Can Yatra Customer Service help?
10. I was able to make a confirmed booking, but I have not been allotted a berth or coach. Why is that?
11. Do I need a proof of identity while making a booking?
12. What kind of photo identity proof will I have to carry?
13. Can I book tickets for my friends or family?
14. Railways offer auto-upgradation. Is that available on Yatra.com?
15. I have a waitlisted ticket. Can I check my ticket status on Yatra.com?
16. Can I book tickets under a special quota through Yatra.com?

Fares and Discount

1. There is a difference in the fares shown on the search results and booking pages. Why is that?
2. Can I avail senior citizen discount on online tickets booked through Yatra.com?
3. I selected the Senior Men option, but I am unable to see the discount on the booking page. Why is that?
4. Other than the senior citizen’s discount, is there any other discount available on online bookings?
5. What are the various components of the fare displayed on Yatra.com?
6. Why does Yatra charge a transaction fee?
7. How much is this transaction fee then?
8. Can you tell me more about the various components of the fare?

Cancellation and Amendment

http://www.yatra.com/YT/YT_common/trainfaq.html (1 of 7)9/5/2010 10:41:06 AM

Book Train Tickets Online

1. How can I cancel a train booking online?

2. Can I cancel an e-ticket offline, aa a railway reservation counter?
3. I had booked tickets for two people, now I want to cancel only one. Is partial cancellation possible?
4. If I miss my train, what is the latest by which I can cancel my ticket?
5. If I miss my train, will I get a refund on my ticket?
6. How can I cancel my ticket after the chart has been prepared?
7. Can I amend a booking in case I misspell the name on the ticket?
8. Can I amend a booking in case I have made a booking in which the age of the passenger is incorrect?
9. Is there any amendment possible on an e-ticket?

Booking a Train Ticket

1. How can I book a train ticket on Yatra.com?
Booking a train ticket on our site is easy. All you have to do is enter the name of the cities you are traveling
from and to, specify your travel date and class, and the number of passengers you want to make a booking
for. Click the Find Trains button, and a list of all available trains for that date and class will be displayed. Select
the train that suits you after checking its availability and click Book. Then, just follow the instructions on the
next few steps and complete your booking. It really is this easy.

2. How will I know which station to choose for my booking?

For ease of use of our customers we have enabled an automatic look-up facility. To search for trains starting
from a particular city just enter the first three letters of that city or its station code and a complete list of all
stations in that city will be displayed. You can then choose a particular station or all stations and begin your
search.
To search for trains, you can even search by entering just the three- or four-letter station code. For example,
for Mumbai Central you can search by entering BCT.

3. I don’t understand the various classes of Indian Railways, how can I select which one
to book?
There are essentially seven types of seating available in Indian Railways. These are:
- AC First Class (1A): This is the most expensive ticket. Passengers are seated in two- or four-berthed private
compartments, which are air-conditioned and spacious.
- AC 2 Tier (2A): Passengers are seated in air-conditioned carriages that are split into two- or four-berthed
compartments that are separated by curtains.
- AC 3 Tier (3A): Air-conditioned seating in three-tiered compartments.
- First Class (FC): Passengers are seated in two- or four-berthed private, non-air conditioned compartments,
which are spacious and suited for overnight journeys.
- AC Chair Car (CC): Air-conditioned seating with reclining seats. It is available in most inter-city expresses
trains such as Shatabdi.
- Sleeper (SL): Similar to AC 3 Tier, but without air conditioning.
- Second Seating (2S): Non-air conditioned seating accommodation on bench-styled seats.
When you search for trains, you must select a class. However, from our search results page you can just click
on the tab for a different seating type and see the list of trains for that.

4. Is the information on seat availability and pricing reliable?

The seating and pricing details available on our site are brought directly from the Indian Railways Reservation
System. To make your search faster, we have cached the data on trains, routes and fares on our site. This
information is updated many times in an hour.

5. How can I see a list of stations on a particular route?

On Step 2, where the search results for trains are displayed, click the train name to see a complete list of

http://www.yatra.com/YT/YT_common/trainfaq.html (2 of 7)9/5/2010 10:41:06 AM

Book Train Tickets Online

stations along with the arrival and departure times.

6. What do the different booking status types mean?

It is possible to get any of the following three types of booking status:
- Confirmed: This means your seat is confirmed and a relevant number is communicated to you.
- RAC: This is Reservation Against Cancellation, which means you have a booking but a seat will be allotted to
you only after the final chart is prepared.
- Waitlist: This means the confirmation of your booking is subject to availability, in case other passengers
cancel their bookings.

7. Can I board a train if my ticket status is RAC even after the chart has been prepared?
Yes, you can board a train if your ticket status is RAC. A seat will be allotted to you if it remains vacant
because a passenger didn’t show up or cancelled at the last minute.

8. I have heard that railways allow for last minute booking. Is that possible on Yatra.
com?
Just like Indian Railways, we also offer tatkal booking. That is, customers can book tickets five days before the
train's departure from that train’s tatkal quota. Further, customers will have to pay an extra amount as tatkal
charges. Please note, senior citizen discount is not applicable on tatkal bookings. You can view more
information on the Railway’s Tatkal Rules here.

9. While booking, why am I asked to reconfirm the departure and destination stations?
Yatra.com allows you to search for trains between two cities. However, it is possible a city may have more
than one station. In such cases it is important for us to reconfirm your departure and destination stations in
order to complete the booking.

10. How can I check for availability for a different set of dates?
There are three possible options for you to check for availability for a different set of dates. First, use the
Modify Your Search option and run a fresh search.
Second is to use the Previous Day/Next Day links from the search results box. Using this, you can check the
availability for the next or previous six days.
However, the easiest way to check availability would be to use the Next 5 Dates link below the availability
status. The seat availability for the next 5 scheduled departure dates for that train will be displayed on the
screen. You can make your selection right there and continue with the booking process.

Booking with Yatra

1. How will the tickets be delivered to me?
Currently, we offer you the facility of e-tickets, which will be available in your my Bookings account on Yatra.
com. You can login at any time and print your copy, even if you lose one and need another.

2. How many days before a travel date can I book a ticket?

Online booking is possible up to 90 days before your planned date of travel. However, for some special trains
this period may be a little less.

3. How long before the departure of a train can I make an online booking?
Online booking is possible till the final chart for the train is prepared, this is normally 4 hours before the train’s
scheduled departure. However, sometimes railways do prepare the chart the night before the train’s departure,
especially in the case of early morning trains.

4. Why can’t I book or cancel tickets between 11:30pm to 5:00am?

The railway reservation system is shut down between 11:30pm to 5:00am every day, which is why online
booking or cancellation is not possible.

http://www.yatra.com/YT/YT_common/trainfaq.html (3 of 7)9/5/2010 10:41:06 AM

Book Train Tickets Online

5. What is the maximum group size for which I can book tickets?
Online booking is possible for a maximum of six passengers. This number includes any children or senior
citizens who are traveling together.

6. I am traveling with a group of 8 other people. How can I make a group booking?
Currently, online reservation is possible for a maximum of 6 passengers at a time. However, if you are
traveling with a larger group (of say 7 or more), you can divide the group and make multiple bookings.

7. What are the different ticket types that I can book online?
Yatra.com offers you the facility to book confirmed as well as RAC and waitlisted tickets online. You can also
book tickets under the tatkal quota.

8. The site is showing that seats are available on the train I want to book, but my
booking failed. Why?
Sometimes bookings fail because:
- The waitlist quota has been filed and no more seats are available.
- There is a problem with the railway reservation system.
In either case, you can just re-try for the same train or book on another one.

9. I was not able to make a successful booking. Can Yatra Customer Service help?
It is likely the booking failed due to a problem with the Indian Railways Reservation System. In such cases, our
Customer Service Team will not be able to help you. You will have to try booking a ticket online again or
choose another train. However, if the booking failed but the payment was processed, a Yatra Customer
Service Representative will help you in processing the refund.

10. I was able to make a confirmed booking, but I have not been allotted a berth or
coach. Why is that?
As you have a confirmed ticket, you don’t need to worry if your ticket doesn’t have a seat number. Sometimes,
especially in the case of AC First or Executive Class booking, railways do not assign a seat till the final chart is
prepared. At that time, you will find out your seat and coach number through the chart.

11. Do I need a proof of identity while making a booking?

You do not need to enter any ID proof details while making a booking. However, you must carry a photo
identity proof with you when you travel.

12. What kind of photo identity proof will I have to carry?

While traveling on an e-ticket, you can show any of the following as a photo identify proof:
- Passport
- Driving license
- PAN card
- Voter’s ID card
- Photo ID card issued by central or state government to their employees
Please note, that for all passengers traveling together on a single e-ticket booking, the lead passenger must
carry a photo identity proof.

13. Can I book tickets for my friends or family?

Yes, just like flights, you can book tickets for friends and family. Just remember, that while traveling the
passenger must carry a valid photo identity proof.

14. Railways offer auto-upgradation. Is that available on Yatra.com?

While railways offer the facility of auto-upgrade, this is currently unavailable on Yatra.com.

http://www.yatra.com/YT/YT_common/trainfaq.html (4 of 7)9/5/2010 10:41:06 AM

Book Train Tickets Online

15. I have a waitlisted ticket. Can I check my ticket status on Yatra.com?

You will be able to check the status of your waitlisted tickets by logging in to your My Bookings account. Just
click on the booking details of a ticket and the current status will be displayed.

16. Can I book tickets under a special quota through Yatra.com?

Online booking for special quota, such as for foreign tourist’s quota is not applicable. You can apply for ladies
quota but cannot enquire availability.

Fares and Discount

1. There is a difference in the fares shown on the search results and booking pages. Why
is that?
All railway fares are based on the distance between stations. On the search results page we show the fare
between the two most popular stations of two cities. When you have clicked the book button and selected your
boarding and destination stations, the fare is adjusted accordingly.

2. Can I avail senior citizen discount on online tickets booked through Yatra.com?
If you are a man or woman over 60 years of age, then you can avail the railways senior citizen discount. Just
select the Senior Men or Women option in the booking engine and remember to carry your age proof along
with the e-ticket.

3. I selected the Senior Men option, but I am unable to see the discount on the booking
page. Why is that?
Our train search results automatically updates fares in case of senior citizen discounts. If you can’t see that, it
is possible that you have chosen a tatkal or Garib Rath train. Senior Citizen discount is not applicable on this
quota or train.

4. Other than the senior citizen’s discount, if there any other discount available on online
bookings?
Sorry, currently we only support senior citizen’s discount on our site.

5. What are the various components of the fare displayed on Yatra.com?

The fare of online tickets booked on Yatra.com includes:
- Base Fare
- Railway Reservation Charges
- Superfast Charges (if applicable)
- Other charges, as specified by Indian Railways
- Concession/Discounts (if applicable)
- Tatkal Charges (if applicable)
- IRCTC Service Charges
- Yatra Service Charges
- Transaction Fee

6. Why does Yatra charge a transaction fee?

The Transaction Fee is what the banks or credit card companies charge for each online transaction. It is a
percentage of the total amount and is charged as a processing fee by concerned bank/credit card company. It
is same as the transaction fee on IRCTC for debit cards/credit cards/netbanking.

7. How much is this transaction fee then?

It is 1.8% of the total amount inclusive of all applicable taxes and fees.

8. Can you tell me more about the various components of the fare?
Broadly, the fare components of a ticket can be explained as:

http://www.yatra.com/YT/YT_common/trainfaq.html (5 of 7)9/5/2010 10:41:06 AM

Book Train Tickets Online

- Base fare: This is the basic fare of any train ticket. Children and senior women are charged 50% of the adult
base fare. Senior men are charged 70% of the base fare.
- Railway charges: These include reservation and superfast fee, concession and other charges as specified by
Indain Railways.
- Tatkal Charges: As specified by Indian Railways.
- IRCTC Charges: This includes IRCTC service charges.
- Yatra Charges: We charge a service fee of Rs 10 for non–AC classes and Rs 20 for AC classes.
- Transaction fee: Transaction fee is 1.8% of the total of the above charges.

Cancellation and Amendment

1. How can I cancel a train booking online?
Online cancellation of train bookings is possible through the My Bookings section. Just follow these steps:
1. Log in to the My Bookings section
2. From the left menu, select the Train Bookings option
3. Select the trip you want to cancel by clicking the Yatra Reference Number
4. Click the Cancel Ticket button
5. Select the passengers for whom you want to cancel the reservation
6. Click the Confirm button to complete the process
Your ticket will be cancelled within minutes and the status will be updated in My Bookings. The amount, after
the relevant fee deductions will be processed and credited to your account within the next few days.

2. Can I cancel an e-ticket offline, at a railway reservation counter?

Cancellation of e-tickets is only possible online. You can login to My Bookings and cancel the booking in a few
simple clicks, without having to stand in long queues at the railway counter. If you wish to cancel a booking
after the chart has been prepared, send an email to etickets@irctc.co.in with the relevant details and the
cancellation will be processed. Once you get a confirmation from Indian Railways, please contact Yatra
Customer Service for the refund.

3. I had booked tickets for two people, now I want to cancel only one. Is partial
cancellation possible?
Yes, the online cancellation facility is available for both full and partial cancellation. You can cancel only one
part of a booking, such as the reservation for one passenger in the group. Just make the relevant selection
during the cancellation process.

4. If I miss my train, what is the latest by which I can cancel my ticket?

If you missed your train, then the cancellation of ticket is possible. In this case, you can cancel a confirmed
ticket as per the following rules:
- Till 3 hours after the train’s departure if the ticket was for a distance of 200 kilometers
- Till 6 hours after the train’s departure if the ticket was for a distance of more than 200 and less than 500
kilometers
- Till 12 hours after the train’s departure if the ticket is for a distance of more than 500 kilometers.
You will have to send an email to etickets@irctc.co.in with the relevant details: PNR Number, trip ID,
transaction ID and passenger details.

5. If I miss my train, will I get a refund on my ticket?

In case you miss the train, the ticket will be processed as a ‘no-show’. In such cases, if you send your request
for cancellation within 30 days from the date of journey, 50% of the base fare will be refunded to you.
However, if you request anytime after 30 days, IRCTC will not process any refund.

6. How can I cancel my ticket after the chart has been prepared?
Tickets cannot be cancelled online after the chart for the train has been prepared. For that you will have to

http://www.yatra.com/YT/YT_common/trainfaq.html (6 of 7)9/5/2010 10:41:06 AM

 Book Train Tickets Online

send an email to IRCTC at etickets@irctc.co.in with your PNR Number, Yatra Reference Number, and the
transaction ID mentioned on your ticket. After the cancellation is confirmed, please contact Yatra Customer
Service to claim the refund. We will process the refund within the next few days.

7. Can I amend a booking in case I misspell the name on the ticket?

The amendments in passenger name is possible only if any of the blood relative wants to travel in place of
booked passenger that can be made by approaching the nearest railway reservation counter with your e–ticket
printout and valid photo ID proof and blood relation proof of the passengers who willing to travel in place of
booked passenger. Such amendments can be made up to 24 hours before the train’s scheduled departure.
However, making such a change is entirely up to the concerned railway authority.

8. Can I amend a booking in case I have made a booking in which the age of the
passenger is incorrect?
Changing or amending a passenger’s age after an e-ticket has been booked is not possible. However, if the
difference in age is not much the ticket checker in the train may still allow you to travel. But if you decide to risk
it, remember to carry a proof of identity with you.

9. Is there any amendment possible on an e-ticket?

E-tickets cannot be changed or amended online. Indian Railways allows passengers to change only the
boarding station and passenger name, and such changes are allowed only once. These changes can be done
at a major railway reservation center, where you can request the concerned authority to make the change.
Remember to carry a copy of your e-ticket and photo identity proof with you.

Corporate Information Yatra Services Customer Care Why Buy with Yatra Partner With Us
● About Us ● Terms & Conditions ● Help & FAQs ● Testimonials ● Become an Affiliate
● The Yatra Team ● Privacy Policy ● Contact Us ● Awards Won ● Become a Channel
● Board of Directors ● Fare Rules ● Yatra in Your City ● Yatra in the News Partner
● Our Investors ● User Agreement ● Yatra Experts ● Press Releases ● Register Your Hotel
● Yatra Blog ● Some Useful Links ● Visa Information ● Advertise With Us
● Careers
Flights: Thai Airways | Airlines | Air Deccan Airfares | Air Travel | Flights | Airline Tickets | Singapore Airlines | Kingfisher Airlines | Jet Airways | Jet Lite
| Air Ticket | Flight Schedule | Air India | Air Sahara | Indian Airlines | Airline Tickets | Travel Agents | Tickets to India | International Flights | Cheap Air
Tickets | Flights to India | Tour Operator | Lufthansa Airlines | Jet Konnect

Trains: FAQs | Booking Policy | Tatkal Rules | TDR Rules

Hotels: Hotels in India | Goa Hotels | Travel Guides | India Tourism | Shirdi Hotels | Weekend Getaways | Sitemap

International Sites: Yatra US | Yatra UK

Associated with Investors

Copyright © - Yatra Online Private Limited, India. All rights reserved.

http://www.yatra.com/YT/YT_common/trainfaq.html (7 of 7)9/5/2010 10:41:06 AM