Train classes
| Class | What it is |
|---|---|
| 1A (First AC) | Lockable cabins with 2-4 berths; most comfortable |
| 2A (AC 2-tier) | Curtained berths in open bays; great value |
| 3A (AC 3-tier) | Three-tier berths; popular and busy |
| CC / EC | Chair car / Executive chair car on day trains (Shatabdi, Vande Bharat) |
| SL (Sleeper) | Non-AC berths with fans; cheap and crowded |
When can you book?
- General booking: opens 60 days before the journey (not counting the travel day).
- Foreign Tourist Quota (FTQ): foreign passport holders can book up to 365 days ahead on many trains, using a reserved quota of seats.
- Tatkal: last-minute quota opening one day before travel: 10:00 for AC classes and 11:00 for non-AC.
How foreign tourists can book
- Online on IRCTC: create an account at irctc.co.in using your foreign mobile number and email; the Foreign Tourist Quota appears for eligible trains.
- At an FTQ counter: International Tourist Bureaus at major stations including New Delhi, Mumbai CST, Bengaluru, Chennai, Kolkata and Jaipur. Bring your passport.
- Through a travel agent or hotel: easiest, for a fee.
Online Tatkal now requires Aadhaar OTP authentication, so for last-minute trips foreigners should try the FTQ or an agent.
Waitlists, explained
If a train is full you may get a WL (waitlist) or RAC (shared berth) ticket. Online waitlisted tickets that don’t confirm are cancelled automatically and refunded.
Tips for overnight trains
- Lower berths are best for sitting by day; upper berths for privacy at night.
- Bedding is provided in AC classes.
- Keep valuables with you and lock bags to the berth.
- Food is sold onboard and at stations; e-catering apps deliver to your seat at major stops.
Useful routes
Delhi → Agra (Gatimaan/Shatabdi/Vande Bharat), Delhi → Jaipur, Delhi → Varanasi (overnight), Mumbai → Goa (Konkan Railway: beautiful), Kalka → Shimla and New Jalpaiguri → Darjeeling (toy trains).
Find your station
Our list of major railway stations has station codes and a map, and bus travel in India has the official state bus sites for routes trains do not cover.
