How to Book Train Tickets on IRCTC

If you’re planning to travel by train in India, booking your ticket through the IRCTC website is one of the easiest ways. Whether you’re a first-time user or someone who just needs a refresher, this step-by-step guide will help you book your ticket without any confusion.

Step 1: Visit the IRCTC Website

Go to the official IRCTC website: https://www.irctc.co.in
You’ll see the homepage with options like “Book Ticket,” “PNR Status,” “Train Schedule,” etc.

Step 2: Login to Your IRCTC Account

Click on “Login” at the top right corner.
Enter your username, password, and captcha code.
Click “Sign In.”

If you don’t have an account, click on “Register” and fill in your details to create a new account.

Step 3: Enter Your Journey Details

On the homepage, fill in the following:

From Station: Where you will start your journey.
To Station: Your destination.
Journey Date: Select the date you want to travel.
Class: Choose your preferred class (Sleeper, 3AC, 2AC, etc.).
Ticket Type: Usually, this is “General.”

Click on “Search” to find available trains.

Step 4: Select a Train

You will see a list of trains running on that route and date.

Look for a train that suits your time and class preference.
Check seat availability and fare by clicking the “Check Availability & Fare” button next to the train.

Step 5: Select Your Train and Class

Once you find a train with available seats, click on “Book Now.”

Make sure you’re booking under the correct quota (General, Ladies, Tatkal, etc.)

Step 6: Fill in Passenger Details

Enter the passenger information:

Name
Age
Gender
Berth Preference (optional)
Senior Citizen checkbox (if applicable)

You can add multiple passengers (up to 6 in one booking).
Tick the box if you want to book food (optional).

Step 7: Choose Your Travel Preferences

You’ll also see options like:

Auto-upgrade (for automatic class upgrade if available)
Travel insurance (usually ₹0.35 – optional)

Select as per your need.

Step 8: Enter Captcha and Click “Continue”

A captcha box will appear at the bottom of the form.

Enter the characters shown in the image
Click on “Continue”

Step 9: Make the Payment

You will be taken to the Payment Page.
Select a payment method:

Debit/Credit Card
UPI/Google Pay/PhonePe
Net Banking
Wallets like Paytm

Click on your preferred option and complete the payment.

Step 10: Booking Confirmation

Once your payment is successful:

You will see a confirmation page with your PNR number, train details, and passenger info.
You will also get an SMS and email with your e-ticket.

Bonus Tip: How to Download or Print Your Ticket

Go to “My Bookings” or “Booked Ticket History” after logging in.
Click on “Print E-Ticket” or “Download PDF”

Final Words

And that’s it! You’ve successfully booked your train ticket on IRCTC. Make sure to carry a valid ID during your journey (Aadhaar, PAN, Voter ID, etc.).

If you’re traveling soon, double-check your PNR status closer to the journey date to know your final seat and coach allocation.