Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
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Reserved tickets show your seat/berth and carriage number. Carriage numbers are written on the side of the train (sta-
tion staff and porters can point you in the right direction). A list of names and berths is posted on the side of each re-
served carriage.
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Refunds are available on any ticket, even after departure, with a penalty - rules are complicated, check when you
book.
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Trains can be delayed at any stage of the journey; to avoid stress, factor some leeway into your plans.
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Be mindful of potential drugging and theft.
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If the train you want to travel on is sold out, enquire about other options.
TOURIST QUOTA
A special (albeit small) tourist quota is set aside for foreign tourists travelling between popular stations. These seats can
only be booked at dedicated reservation offices in major cities, and you need to show your passport and visa as ID. Tick-
ets can be paid for in rupees (some offices may ask to see foreign exchange certificates - ATM receipts will suffice),
British pounds, US dollars or euros in cash, or Thomas Cook and American Express travellers cheques.
TAKTAL TICKETS
Indian Railways holds back a small number of tickets on key trains and releases them at 10am one day before the train is
due to depart. A charge of ?10 to ?300 is added to each ticket price. First AC tickets are excluded from the scheme.
RESERVATION AGAINST CANCELLATION (RAC)
Even when a train is fully booked, Indian Railways sells a handful of seats in each class as 'Reservation Against Cancel-
lation' (RAC). This means that if you have an RAC ticket and someone cancels before the departure date, you will get
his or her seat (or berth). You'll have to check the reservation list at the station on the day of travel to see if you've been
allocated a confirmed seat/berth. Even if no one cancels, you can still board the train as an RAC ticket holder and travel
without a seat.
WAITLIST (WL)
If the RAC quota is maxed out as well, you will be handed a waitlisted ticket. This means that if there are enough can-
cellations, you may eventually move up the order to land a confirmed berth, or at least an RAC seat. Check your book-
ing status at
www.indianrail.gov.in/pnr_stat.html
by entering your ticket's PNR number. You can't board the train on a
waitlisted ticket, but a refund is available - ask the ticket office about your chances.
Costs
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Fares are calculated by distance and class of travel; some are slightly more expensive, but the price includes meals.
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Most air-conditioned carriages have a catering service (meals are brought to your seat). In unreserved classes, it's a
good idea to carry portable snacks.
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Seniors (those over 60) get 30% off all fares in all classes on all types of trains. Children below the age of five travel
free, those aged between five and 12 are charged half price.
