Can I book a train ticket before 1 hour?

Can I Book a Train Ticket at the Last Minute?

In India, train travel is a widely preferred mode of transportation, connecting cities and towns across the country. Indian Railways offers a convenient and affordable way to travel, making it a popular choice for both leisure and business travelers.

Booking Train Tickets in Advance

Ideally, it is recommended to book train tickets in advance to secure your preferred seats and ensure availability. Indian Railways allows booking of tickets up to 120 days prior to the date of departure. By booking early, you can take advantage of discounts, choose specific seat preferences, and avoid the last-minute rush.

Booking Tickets Close to Departure

However, there are instances when you may need to book a train ticket at the last minute. Indian Railways caters to such situations by allowing ticket booking up to 30 minutes before the scheduled departure time. This facility is subject to seat availability, so it is important to check if there are any seats remaining before proceeding with the booking.

Alternative Options for Last-Minute Bookings

If you are unable to book a ticket through the official website or mobile app due to unavailability, there are alternative options you can explore:

• Tatkal Quota: Indian Railways reserves a certain quota of seats for last-minute bookings, known as the Tatkal quota. These tickets are released 24 hours before the scheduled departure and can be booked through authorized reservation counters or the IRCTC website. However, Tatkal tickets attract a premium fare.
• Current Booking: If there are no Tatkal tickets available, you can try booking a current booking ticket. These tickets are made available at the railway station on the day of departure and are valid for travel on the same day only. However, current booking tickets are subject to availability and may not be available for all trains.
• RAC (Reservation Against Cancellation): RAC tickets are a type of limited availability ticket that allows you to board the train and occupy a berth if someone with a confirmed ticket cancels their reservation. RAC tickets are released 4 hours before the scheduled departure.

Tips for Last-Minute Bookings

• Check for seat availability frequently, as seats may open up due to cancellations.
• Keep multiple payment options ready, as the online booking process may be slow at peak times.
• Be prepared to pay a higher fare for Tatkal tickets.
• Consider alternative options such as current booking or RAC tickets if Tatkal tickets are not available.