How do I book an IRCTC ticket?

Sign in on the IRCTC portal, enter origin, destination and date, choose a train and class, then pay to confirm.

What if my train ticket is waitlisted?

Track the PNR for updates. If it stays unconfirmed after the chart is prepared, apply for a refund before departure.

How does IRCTC e-catering work?

While on a train, order from restaurants serving at upcoming stations; the food is delivered to your seat.

When does the Tatkal booking window open?

The Tatkal quota opens at 10:00 AM one day before the date of travel.

What are the IRCTC helpline numbers?

Call 139 for booking enquiries, 182 for complaint tracking and 1464 for e-catering support.

Not the official site

irctc.help travel guide

Book a ticket, check your PNR, understand your seat result, or find railway help.

Seat options Get help

Where would you like to go?

Book a train ticketOfficial IRCTC Understand my seat resultAvailable, RAC or waitlisted Get railway helpHelpline numbers

Services Rules Seat options Helplines

What IRCTC is

Overview

IRCTC — the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation — is a Government of India enterprise that runs the IRCTC e-ticketing platform, onboard food catering, tourism packages and a network of retiring rooms and lounges across the country.

1999

Year established

1000+

Catering stations

Book, check & travel

Services

Online ticket booking

Reserve confirmed or waitlisted seats on any train. Book up to 120 days ahead via the official IRCTC portal.

Open official IRCTC

Train search & PNR

Look up live running status by train number and check booking, coach and berth details using your PNR.

Check on Indian Railways

e-Catering

Order meals from partner restaurants at eligible stations, delivered straight to your seat on the move.

Order food

Retiring rooms

Find short-stay rooms at major stations for rest, a shower and a clean bed between trains.

Find a room

Refunds & Tatkal

Understand cancellation windows, refund charges and how the Tatkal quota opens each day.

Read the rules

Helpline numbers

139 for bookings, 182 for complaint tracking and 1464 for e-catering.

View helplines

Know before you book

Refunds & Tatkal rules

Cancel 48+ hrs before departureLower fee

Cancel 12–48 hrs beforeModerate fee

Cancel within 12 hrsHigher fee

Tatkal quotaDay before, 10 AM

Charges vary by ticket class and status. Confirm current rules on the official portal before cancelling.

Quick answers

Frequently asked

How do I book a ticket?+

What if my ticket is waitlisted?+

Track the PNR for updates. If it stays unconfirmed after the chart is prepared, check the applicable refund process before departure.

How does e-catering work?+

While on a train, order from restaurants serving at upcoming stations; your food is delivered to your seat.

Support irctc.help

Keep the guide running

irctc.help is a free, community-run reference. A voluntary contribution helps keep this guide accurate and ad-free.

Make a donation