Are you finding train ticket booking tricks and tips? Rail travel remains a cost-effective preference for many, and amidst the pandemic, Indian Railways introduced fare and ticket pricing adjustments. Some special trains were introduced for select routes. Now, Indian Railways has resumed its services, with all IRCTC trains adhering to their scheduled timings.
As travel plans come to life, the preference for train travel is evident. Many have started booking tickets in advance, where the booking cost varies depending on the chosen class. Nonetheless, travelers can save money through concessions, rebates under different quotas, utilizing coupons, and taking advantage of discounts provided by ticket booking websites.
Smart Tips for Saving Money on Online Train Ticket Booking
- Advance Booking for Convenience
Make sure to purchase your tickets well in advance after you have prearranged your trip. A recommended practice is to secure your tickets approximately 120 days before your scheduled journey. This not only eliminates the stress of last-minute bookings but also enhances the possibility of securing berths in the same coach when traveling with a group. Last-minute bookings may result in coach separation, potentially impacting the group travel experience.
Last-minute bookings can jeopardize your travel plans by failing to guarantee confirmed tickets, potentially dampening your vacation mood. To avoid this uncertainty, consider ‘Tatkal booking.’ While it does come with additional charges and a limited window for Confirm Tatkal Booking, it ensures a higher likelihood of securing your tickets. By buying your tickets in advance, you sidestep the hassles of random last-minute bookings and the need to pay extra charges.
2. Cost-Savvy Split Booking
Experienced and adventurous travelers often opt for split booking to reduce their expenses. Instead of booking a single ticket for an extended journey, they divide the journey into multiple segments and book separate tickets. For example, if your destination is Patna Junction from New Delhi, consider breaking down your journey into two phases. Begin by booking a ticket from Raipur Junction to Patna Junction. First, book a ticket from Raipur to Tatanagar Junction, then board a different train from Tatanagar Junction to Patna Junction. This method can lead to cost savings.
In this approach, you’ll need to buy two tickets instead of one. However, it’s essential to ensure that the train has a stop at the station where you plan to change trains or make your booking. This strategy is particularly effective, especially during festive seasons, even if the overall journey is similar to a direct booking.
3. Harness Cashback Opportunities
When booking your train tickets, stay vigilant for cashback opportunities. Rather than spending a significant sum on last-minute bookings, take advantage of these services to save money through cashback offers. Numerous websites offer cashback and discount incentives for train ticket reservations. Opt for this option to secure cashback and discounts on your booking. Additionally, booking train tickets through cashback sites may even reward you with benefits for your future payments.
4. Benefit from IRCTC Payment Card
IRCTC has partnered with SBI to introduce a platinum card designed for ticket booking. By using the IRCTC SBI card, you can access discounts and rewards, making it a preferred alternative to regular credit or debit cards. This card offers valuable rewards for booking AC1, AC2, and AC3 coach tickets. It is also efficient for Tatkal booking, eliminating the need for additional card details. Travelers are encouraged to keep the IRCTC SBI payment card handy and maintain an adequate balance for convenient online train ticket bookings.
5. Senior Citizen Discount Quota Advantage
Take advantage of the senior citizen discount quota to economize on your ticket bookings. This special quota caters to all male senior citizens aged 60 or above and female senior citizens aged 58 or more. In compliance with Indian Railways regulations, this quota provides a 40% discount for male senior citizens and a 50% discount for female senior citizens. Travelers under this category must carry a valid original ID proof confirming their age. Booking tickets through this quota can also offer perks like preferred lower berths and reduced ticket costs.
Update: Senior Citizen Quota has been suspended post COVID.
6. Opt for Sleeper Class Travel
Choosing a sleeper class coach can result in nearly half the cost of booking tickets in AC coaches. Experience the authentic charm of India, inhale the fresh air, and immerse yourself in the natural beauty through the window. When the weather is pleasant, consider switching to sleeper classes instead of AC coaches. This decision not only saves you money but also offers a rejuvenating opportunity to appreciate the splendid views of nature. The ticket fare for sleeper coaches usually falls below a thousand rupees, while AC coaches often cost above a thousand.
7. Affordable Online Food Options
During the ticket booking process, you have the option to select food services. Numerous e-catering providers offer online food delivery for train passengers and present attractive discounts and cashback offers on food orders. This is an excellent way to save money while relishing diverse cuisines on your train journey. Among the most reliable e-catering service providers for Indian Railways is IRCTC, which ensures top-quality food with strict hygiene standards, all at a budget-friendly price for rail travelers.
8. Train Ticket Booking Tricks: Utilize Coupon Codes
When booking tickets through travel and tourism websites or apps, take advantage of the available coupons and discounts. Stay vigilant for these coupon codes and ensure you make the most of them. Using coupon codes can significantly reduce your ticket prices, leading to cost savings on your bookings.
9. Timely Ticket Cancellation for Refunds
In case of unexpected urgencies or reasons for cancellation, make sure to cancel your ticket before the chart preparation. Refunds can only be processed before berth confirmations. Once the chart is prepared, cancellation is no longer an option, and refunds are not available. As per Indian Railways refund guidelines, a refund is feasible if tickets are canceled before the final chart preparation. By canceling your train booking on time, you can save money by receiving a refund, with the cancellation fee varying depending on the coach class booked.
10. Best ticket booking tricks: Opt for Moderate-Speed Trains
Selecting trains that have shorter journey times to your destination can often come with higher ticket prices compared to trains with more stopovers. If your schedule allows for it, consider opting for trains with moderate speeds that make multiple stops, resulting in a longer travel time. Tickets for these trains are generally more budget-friendly. For example, if you’re planning a journey from Patna to New Delhi, you can choose moderate-speed trains like Vikramshila Express or Islampur – New Delhi over faster alternatives such as Tejas and Sampoorna Kranti Express.
Are Discounts Available for IRCTC Tickets?
Yes, discounts on IRCTC train tickets are accessible through concessions extended to categories like senior citizens, children, individuals with disabilities, and women. Furthermore, purchasing your train tickets from IRCTC authorized ticket vendors can lead to cost savings. These vendors offer discounts during special events and provide coupon codes for reduced fares. To stay updated on the latest offers and coupon codes, you can conduct online research on various websites.
Which app gives more cashback on train ticket booking?
When it comes to cashback on train ticket booking, various apps and websites provide such offers. One noteworthy option to consider is RailSavari, which is set to introduce its train ticket booking service through its app and website. They plan to offer cashback and discounts to enhance the overall ticket booking experience for passengers.
What is smart ticket booking tricks for travellers?
Smart traveling involves planning cost-effective and convenient journeys that align with your budget. Trains are often an excellent choice for a smart travel experience, offering both savings and comfort. It’s about making informed decisions to optimize your travel experience while keeping expenses in check.
If you’re planning to travel in the near future, consider staying up-to-date with the RailSavari. It provides comprehensive rail enquiry services, including train time table, PNR status inquiries, and live station search. Keep yourself well-informed with the latest rail news and train updates available on the RailSavari website.
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