Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Booking Online
Booking in-country is a notoriously convoluted process, but you can avoid the hassle by
booking online. Here's the low-down on how to do it.
When booking online, it pays to know the details of your journey - particularly station
names, train numbers, days of operation and available classes. Start by visiting
ht-
tp://erail.in
- the search engine will bring up a list of all trains running between your
chosen destinations, along with information on classes and fares.
Step two is to register for an account with IRCTC (
www.irctc.co.in
)
, the government-run
ticket booking service. This is required even if you plan to use a private ticket agency. Re-
gistration is a complex process, involving passwords, emails, scans of your passport and
texts to your mobile phone. The ever-helpful Man in Seat 61 (
www.seat61.com/India.html
)
has a detailed guide to all the steps.
Once registered, you can use a credit card to book travel on specific trains, either directly
with IRCTC or with private agencies. You'll be issued with an e-ticket, which you must
print out to present alongside your passport and booking reference once you board the
train. Note that the railway reservation system is open from 1.30am to 11.30pm (IST) every
day.
Reputable booking agencies include the following:
IRCTC
(
www.irctc.co.in
) Government site offering bookings for regular trains and luxury tourist trains; only American
Express cards for international ticketing.
Cleartrip
(
www.cleartrip.com
)
Reliable private agency; accepts international credit cards.
Make My Trip
(
www.makemytrip.com
) Reputable private agency; accepts international cards.
Yatra
(
www.yatra.com
)
Books flights and trains; accepts international cards.
