{"id":168305,"date":"2021-11-24T05:32:02","date_gmt":"2021-11-24T05:32:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/cashkaro.com\/blog\/?p=168305"},"modified":"2026-07-22T13:07:40","modified_gmt":"2026-07-22T13:07:40","slug":"how-to-save-money-on-train-tickets","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/cashkaro.com\/blog\/how-to-save-money-on-train-tickets\/168305","title":{"rendered":"How to Save Money on Train Tickets in India"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"has-background\" style=\"background-color:#eaf1f7\"><strong>Quick answer<\/strong><br>To save money on train tickets in India, book early within the 60-day reservation window instead of paying Tatkal charges, book directly on IRCTC and pay by UPI or IRCTC eWallet to avoid extra payment-gateway and agent fees, choose the right class and quota, and use a travel rewards or IRCTC co-branded card to earn points. Third-party apps like MakeMyTrip via <a href=\"https:\/\/cashkaro.com\/stores\/makemytrip-train-coupons\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/cashkaro.com\/stores\/makemytrip-train-coupons\">CashKaro<\/a> help you save a lot of money while offering discounts or cashback that beats their booking fee.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Train fares in India are set by the Railways, so unlike a shopping deal, you cannot simply &#8220;find a coupon&#8221; for a lower base fare. But that does not mean the price you pay is fixed. Between booking too late, paying through the wrong channel, and getting stung by Tatkal and agent fees, most travellers quietly pay more than they need to. Fix those, and the same journey costs less.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This guide explains&nbsp;<strong>how to save money on train tickets in India<\/strong>, from booking at the right time to paying the smart way and avoiding the fees that add up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"tips-to-save-money-on-train-tickets-bookings\">Tips to Save Money on Train Tickets \/ Bookings<\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wpsm-titlebox clearbox wpsm_style_1\"><strong class=\"\">Tips to Save Money on Train Ticket Booking<\/strong><div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"save-money-by-booking-a-ticket-in-advance\">Book Early: Beat Tatkal and Dynamic Fares<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The biggest saving is simply booking ahead. Indian Railways now allows booking up to&nbsp;<strong>60 days in advance<\/strong>&nbsp;(the reservation period was reduced from 120 to 60 days from 1 November 2024), with bookings opening at 8:00 AM. Book early, and you avoid two expensive traps:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Tatkal charges:<\/strong>&nbsp;last-minute Tatkal tickets carry a hefty premium (often \u20b9100\u2013\u20b9400 extra per ticket). Planning skips this entirely.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Dynamic pricing:<\/strong>&nbsp;on trains with flexi-fare (like many Rajdhani, Shatabdi and Duronto services), fares rise as seats fill. Early booking locks in the lower fare.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>If your travel dates are known, book the moment the window opens.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"book-directly-on-irctc-and-skip-agent-fees\">Book Directly on IRCTC and Skip Agent Fees<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Every third-party booking app adds its own convenience or agent fee, often \u20b930\u2013\u20b950 more per ticket than booking directly. Unless an app is giving you a genuine discount or cashback that beats its fee, book straight on the official&nbsp;<strong>IRCTC<\/strong>&nbsp;website or app. Over a family of four, avoiding agent fees on a round trip is a real saving. Only use a third-party app when the offer clearly wins.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"pay-by-upi-or-irctc-ewallet-to-cut-payment-charges\">Pay by UPI or IRCTC eWallet to Cut Payment Charges<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>How you pay affects the final price. Paying by UPI is usually free of the payment-gateway charge that some cards and net-banking options add. For frequent travellers, the&nbsp;<strong>IRCTC eWallet<\/strong>&nbsp;is worth loading up: it can save you a small per-ticket transaction fee and makes Tatkal booking faster (speed matters when seats vanish in minutes). Small amounts, but they add up over a year of travel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"choose-the-right-class-quota-and-train\">Choose the Right Class, Quota and Train<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>A few smart choices at booking cut the fare without hurting your journey:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Compare classes:<\/strong>&nbsp;Sleeper versus 3A, or 3A versus a flexi-fare AC train, can differ a lot. A regular Mail\/Express is often far cheaper than a premium train on the same route.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Pick non-dynamic-fare trains<\/strong>&nbsp;where possible to avoid surge pricing.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Use the right quota:<\/strong>&nbsp;senior citizens (men 60+, women 58+) get priority for lower berths, and other quotas (ladies, Divyangjan) may apply to eligible travellers. Note that the age-based fare concession (40\u201350%) has remained suspended since 2020, so do not count on it unless it is officially restored.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"use-a-travel-rewards-or-irctc-co-branded-card\">Use a Travel Rewards or IRCTC Co-Branded Card<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>While you cannot get cashback on the base fare the way you would on shopping, the right card still earns you value. IRCTC co-branded credit cards (such as the IRCTC SBI or IRCTC RuPay cards) earn reward points on train bookings and can waive part of the transaction charge on the IRCTC platform. If you travel often, the points add up. You can compare and apply for travel and co-branded cards through\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/cashkaro.com\/products\/home-categories-exclusive\/banking-finance-offers\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/cashkaro.com\/products\/home-categories-exclusive\/banking-finance-offers\">CashKaro&#8217;s credit-card marketplace<\/a>, which often rewards you for a successful application. Use this coupon code <strong>MMTTRAINCK<\/strong> to save extra on your next journey.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"save-on-the-rest-of-your-trip-with-cashkaro\">Save on the Rest of Your Trip with CashKaro<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Train fares may be fixed, but the rest of your journey is not. Hotels, flights for longer legs, and bus connections all offer real cashback. Book them through&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/cashkaro.com\/\">CashKaro<\/a>&nbsp;and you earn money back on partners like&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/cashkaro.com\/stores\/makemytrip-domesticflights\">MakeMyTrip<\/a>, EaseMyTrip, Goibibo and&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/cashkaro.com\/stores\/redbus\">redBus<\/a>, withdrawable to your bank account. So while the train ticket saves you money through smart booking, the surrounding travel earns you cashback on top.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"small-habits-that-save-you-money\">Small Habits That Save You Money<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Opt out of optional travel insurance<\/strong>&nbsp;if you do not want it; it is a small per-ticket add-on you can decline.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Check refund and cancellation rules<\/strong>&nbsp;before booking, as cancellation charges rise closer to departure; cancelling a waitlisted ticket early loses less.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Board from a slightly earlier station<\/strong>&nbsp;on some routes where the fare is calculated differently, if it is convenient.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Split journeys<\/strong>&nbsp;occasionally cost less than a single long-distance ticket, though this means two bookings, so weigh the hassle.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"conclusion\">Conclusion<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>You cannot coupon your way to a cheaper train fare, but you can stop overpaying. Book within the 60-day window to dodge Tatkal, book directly on IRCTC to skip agent fees, pay by UPI or eWallet, choose the right class, and use a co-branded card for points. Then let CashKaro earn you cashback on the hotels, flights and buses around your trip. Small, smart moves, real savings on every journey. Happy travelling!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Railway fares, fees, quotas and concessions are set by Indian Railways and IRCTC and change from time to time. Please verify current rules on the official IRCTC website before booking.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Other Money Saving Ideas:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/cashkaro.com\/blog\/how-to-save-money-in-india\/167684\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" title=\"https:\/\/cashkaro.com\/blog\/how-to-save-money-in-india\/167684\">Save Money In India<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/cashkaro.com\/blog\/how-to-save-money-on-salary\/167790\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" title=\"https:\/\/cashkaro.com\/blog\/how-to-save-money-on-salary\/167790\">How To Save Money From Salary Every Month In India<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/cashkaro.com\/blog\/how-to-save-money-on-flight-tickets\/168378\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" title=\"https:\/\/cashkaro.com\/blog\/how-to-save-money-on-flight-tickets\/168378\">Save Money On Flights Tickets<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/cashkaro.com\/blog\/how-to-save-money-on-mobile-phones\/168415\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" title=\"https:\/\/cashkaro.com\/blog\/how-to-save-money-on-mobile-phones\/168415\">Save Money On Mobiles<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/cashkaro.com\/blog\/how-to-save-money-on-headphones\/168460\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" title=\"https:\/\/cashkaro.com\/blog\/how-to-save-money-on-headphones\/168460\">How To Save Money On Headphones?<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"faqs\"><strong>FAQs<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n<div id=\"rank-math-faq\" class=\"rank-math-block\">\n<div class=\"rank-math-list \">\n<div id=\"faq-question-1784724481715\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h4 class=\"rank-math-question \"><strong>How can I save money on train tickets in India?<\/strong><\/h4>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>Book early within the 60-day advance window to avoid Tatkal and dynamic fares, book directly on IRCTC to skip agent fees, pay by UPI or IRCTC eWallet to cut payment charges, choose the right class and train, and use an IRCTC co-branded card for reward points.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1784724493813\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h4 class=\"rank-math-question \"><strong>How many days in advance can I book a train ticket?<\/strong><\/h4>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>You can book up to 60 days in advance (excluding the date of journey). The reservation period was reduced from 120 to 60 days with effect from 1 November 2024, and booking opens at 8:00 AM.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1784724506509\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h4 class=\"rank-math-question \"><strong>Is it cheaper to book on IRCTC directly or through an app?<\/strong><\/h4>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>Booking directly on IRCTC is usually cheaper because third-party apps add an agent or convenience fee of roughly \u20b930\u2013\u20b950 per ticket. Use an app only if it offers a genuine discount or cashback that is larger than its fee.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1784724519228\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h4 class=\"rank-math-question \"><strong>Does paying by UPI save money on train tickets?<\/strong><\/h4>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>Yes, a little. Paying by UPI typically avoids the payment-gateway charge that some cards or net-banking options add. The IRCTC eWallet can also save a small per-ticket transaction fee and speed up Tatkal booking.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1784724532005\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h4 class=\"rank-math-question \"><strong>Is the senior citizen train fare concession available?<\/strong><\/h4>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>As of 2026, the age-based senior citizen fare concession (40\u201350%) remains suspended, having been withdrawn in 2020. Senior citizens still get priority for lower berths. Restoration has been discussed but not confirmed, so check the latest IRCTC rules.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1784724545867\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h4 class=\"rank-math-question \"><strong>How do I avoid high Tatkal charges?<\/strong><\/h4>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>Plan and book a general ticket within the 60-day window instead of relying on Tatkal, which carries a premium of roughly \u20b9100\u2013\u20b9400 per ticket. Tatkal should be a last resort, not a default.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button has-custom-width wp-block-button__width-100\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button external\" href=\"https:\/\/cashk.app.link\/XQkPx1gBYlb\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Sign up on CashKaro here<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Quick answerTo save money on train tickets in India, book early within the 60-day reservation window instead of paying Tatkal charges, book directly on IRCTC and pay by UPI or IRCTC eWallet to avoid extra payment-gateway and agent fees, choose the right class and quota, and use a travel rewards or IRCTC co-branded card to [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":117,"featured_media":168306,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_gspb_post_css":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[15230],"tags":[1049],"offerexpiration":[],"class_list":["post-168305","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-save-money-in-india","tag-save-money-online"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/cashkaro.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/168305"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/cashkaro.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/cashkaro.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cashkaro.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/117"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cashkaro.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=168305"}],"version-history":[{"count":17,"href":"https:\/\/cashkaro.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/168305\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":250501,"href":"https:\/\/cashkaro.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/168305\/revisions\/250501"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cashkaro.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/168306"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/cashkaro.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=168305"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cashkaro.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=168305"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cashkaro.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=168305"},{"taxonomy":"offerexpiration","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cashkaro.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/offerexpiration?post=168305"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}