Train ticket booking

Regular Indian train tickets are available for purchase 60 days before the departure date. Foreign Tourist Quota (FTQ) tickets can be booked up to 365 days in advance for specific trains. Users must register on the official IRCTC website and pay a registration fee of 100 INR to access the booking system.

The official website for booking train tickets in India is irctc.co.in. It is the primary and legitimate portal for Indian Railways reservations.

Booking Indian train tickets via the official IRCTC website often requires an account and may be difficult for foreign cards. Local hotel staff or small shop owners frequently assist tourists by booking tickets online via their own devices.

Registering on the IRCTC platform for train tickets is officially possible for foreigners. However, in practice, it is extremely difficult to complete payments without an Indian-issued bank card and an active Indian mobile phone number. Non-Russian international cards are often rejected by the system.

When booking train tickets in India, utilize official platforms like IRCTC (Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation) or 12goasia. Be aware of potential waitlists for popular routes, suggesting early booking. For bus travel, consider RedBus and Ixigo. Some travelers recommend using an agent named 'Bral' for a smoother booking experience on express trains. Ticket counters are available at major stations like Delhi.

Some services in India can assist travelers in purchasing train and bus tickets, particularly for routes where general availability might be limited. This can also be helpful for securing tickets under a 'tourist quota' if such a system is in place for specific bookings, potentially aiding in accessing tickets even when they appear sold out on standard platforms.