At what time does advance booking start in IRCTC?

Planning Your Journey: Decoding IRCTC Advance Booking Times

For millions of Indians, the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) website is the gateway to countless journeys. But navigating the intricacies of booking tickets can be challenging, especially when it comes to understanding the advance booking window. So, when exactly can you book your train tickets?

The simple answer is: IRCTC allows advance booking starting at 1:30 AM and continuing until 11:30 PM, every day.

This 12-hour window gives you ample opportunity to plan your travel. Whether you’re a night owl who prefers the quiet solitude of the early hours, or a busy professional who finds a moment during their lunch break, you have a considerable timeframe to secure your seats.

However, understanding “advance booking” requires further clarification. While you can access the IRCTC website and begin the booking process anytime within this 12-hour period, the actual advance booking period for a particular train varies. This depends on several factors including:

• The train’s route and popularity: High-demand routes and popular trains often see tickets selling out much faster.
• The class of travel: AC classes generally sell out quicker than sleeper class.
• The time of year: Peak travel seasons (festivals, holidays) will see significantly reduced availability, even further in advance.

Therefore, while the website is open for bookings between 1:30 AM and 11:30 PM, the earlier you attempt to book your tickets, particularly for popular trains during peak seasons, the better your chances of securing your preferred seats.

Pro Tip: Don’t wait until the last minute! Even though the booking window is open for a substantial portion of the day, aiming to book well in advance of your travel date is always recommended, especially if you have specific preferences regarding travel class and seat selection. This proactive approach will reduce stress and increase your chances of a smooth and enjoyable journey.