15 super tips while booking summer vacation railway tickets
To book train tickets for summer vacations in India, you can follow these steps:
Table of Contents
1. Visit the official website of the Indian Railways, which is www.irctc.co.in. This is the most commonly used platform for train ticket bookings in India.
2. Create an account on the IRCTC website. You will need to provide details such as your name, contact information, and a valid email address.
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3. Once your account is created, log in to the IRCTC website using your login credentials.
4. On the homepage, you will find an option to “Plan My Journey” or “Book Your Ticket.” Click on that option.
Make a railway choice
5. Enter your source and destination cities, along with the desired date of travel. Also, select the class of travel (e.g., sleeper class, AC 3-tier, AC 2-tier, etc.) and the number of passengers.
6. Click on the “Find Trains” or “Check Availability and Fares” button. This will show you the available trains for your route and the corresponding fare details.
7. Select the train and class of travel that suits your preferences and click on “Book Now” or “Proceed to Booking.”
Passengers set
8. Fill in the passenger details, including names, ages, and any other required information.
9. Review the details and click on “Continue” or “Next” to proceed to the payment page.
10. Make the payment using your preferred method (credit/debit card, net banking, e-wallets, etc.). Follow the instructions provided.
11. After the payment is successful, you will receive a confirmation of your booking along with the relevant details via email or SMS.
It is advisable to book train tickets well in advance, especially during peak summer vacation periods or for popular tourist destinations, as trains can often get fully booked.
Tips to take
Here are 15 tips to keep in mind while booking railway tickets for summer vacations:
1. Book in advance: Railway tickets tend to get sold out quickly during peak summer vacation periods, so it’s best to book your tickets well in advance to secure your desired train and seats.
2. Check different booking options: Explore various booking options like the official railway website, mobile apps, authorized travel agents, or ticket counters to find the most convenient and cost-effective option.
3. Be flexible with travel dates and times: Consider traveling during weekdays or non-peak hours, as it may increase your chances of getting confirmed tickets and potentially lower the ticket prices.
4. Use the ‘Tatkal’ option:
If you couldn’t book in advance, you can try booking through the Tatkal scheme, which opens for a limited number of tickets on a first-come, first-served basis. This is typically available one day prior to the train’s departure.
5. Check for special quotas: Some trains have special quotas like Ladies Quota, Senior Citizen Quota, or Foreign Tourist Quota. These quotas may have a few additional seats available, so keep an eye on them while booking.
6. Check for alternative nearby stations: If your desired station is not available, check if there are any nearby stations where the train stops. You can book tickets to those stations and arrange for transportation to your destination.
7. Use different payment options:
Explore different payment options like credit/debit cards, net banking, e-wallets, or UPI to avail any discounts or offers that might be available.
8. Consider booking AC class tickets: AC class tickets have higher chances of confirmation compared to non-AC classes, as they have more coaches. If your budget allows, consider opting for an AC class ticket.
9. Opt for waitlisted tickets if necessary: If confirmed tickets are not available, you can book waitlisted tickets and keep an eye on the status. Sometimes, waitlisted tickets get confirmed closer to the travel date due to cancellations.
10. Check for alternative routes:
If the direct train is not available or has a long waiting list, check if there are alternative routes with better availability. Taking connecting trains or reaching your destination through a different route can be an option.
11. Keep IDs and passenger details handy: While booking, ensure you have the correct names, ages, and IDs of all passengers handy to avoid any mistakes or discrepancies.
12. Verify ticket and seat details: After booking, double-check the ticket details, including the train name, boarding point, date, and seat/berth allocation. Report any discrepancies immediately.
13. Consider booking e-tickets:
E-tickets are convenient as they can be easily accessed through your smartphone. However, ensure your phone is well-charged and you have a backup option to show the ticket if needed.
14. Be prepared for online traffic and delays: During peak booking periods, websites might experience heavy traffic, causing delays or timeouts. Be patient and keep trying if faced with any technical issues.
15. Be aware of cancellation and refund policies: Familiarize yourself with the cancellation and refund policies before booking so that you know what options are available if your plans change.
Remember, while booking railway tickets during peak seasons, it’s crucial to plan in advance, be flexible, and keep alternative options in mind. With careful planning and research, you can secure your desired tickets and enjoy a smooth summer vacation journey by train.
