Rail is the most affordable mode of transport that most people choose to take. In the midst of the epidemic, Indian railways had brought certain changes to prices and fares. Also, a few special trains have started to operate on specific routes. The Indian railway is resuming its operations in several new locations.
People prefer to travel by train and have therefore begun train ticket booking ahead of time. In accordance with the class that you travel in, the cost could be high or low. However, you can save money by taking advantage of concessions and rebates within the quotas or availing coupons and discounts on ticket booking websites and many more.
It is wise to save cash on train tickets. Here are some ways to book tickets and save money.
1. Make Reservations in Advance
If you have a pre-planned trip, plan your travel ahead of time to save yourself the hassle of having tickets booked randomly. It is recommended to book your tickets at least 120 Days prior to the date of departure. It will save you from the last-minute ticket-buying rush. Additionally, travelling in groups will allow you to secure berths on the same coach. Last-minute bookings could split coaches, and you may miss the enjoyment of travelling in groups. After booking, you can always check the PNR status to confirm seat allocations and ensure your group is travelling together.
A last-minute booking doesn’t guarantee that you will receive a ticket, which could ruin your vacation mood. Thus, you should begin looking to book a Tatkal ticket, which will cost you extra fees, and the timing is only available to confirm Tatkal Booking. Thus, you should purchase tickets ahead of time to avoid the hassle of making a mistake, and you won’t need to pay any additional costs.
2. Split Your Booking
Travellers who are frequent and adventurous opt for the split booking to pay the lower amount. If you are booking one ticket for a long trip, you can split the trip and purchase multiple tickets for the same long trip. It is possible to split your trip by splitting your tickets up into two stages. For instance, if you plan to book your ticket between Raipur Junction and Patna Junction, book a ticket from Raipur to Tatanagar Junction and then board another train from Tatanagar Junction to Patna Junction.
To do this, you’ll be required to purchase two tickets instead of one. Make sure that the train is stopped at the station from which you want to depart. If you would like to change trains or book your ticket, this technique is especially effective in the Christmas season, even though the journey is like making a direct booking.
3. Find Cashback Offers
Be sure to keep an eye on websites that offer cashback when you book your flight. Instead of spending a massive sum on last-minute reservations, take advantage of the offer and save money by taking advantage of cashback offers. Numerous websites offer cashback as well as discounts on booking train tickets. Therefore, you must select the option that gives you cashback as well as a discount on your reservation. The cashback option for booking train tickets on websites can also give you rewards for the next instalment.
4. Make Use of the IRCTC Payment Card
IRCTC has partnered with SBI and has launched the Platinum card to book tickets. Instead of using a credit card or debit card, make use of your IRCTC SBI card to enjoy benefits and discounts. It provides value-based reward points for AC1, AC2, AC2, and AC3 coach bookings. These cards are ideal for booking Tatkal, and you don’t require additional information about them. So, travellers should have an IRCTC SBI credit card. Be sure to keep an adequate balance on the card to book train tickets on the internet.
5. Avail Senior Citizen Discount Quota
If you book your tickets under the senior citizen’s quota, it will reduce your costs. Bookings made by male seniors aged 60 and above, and female seniors aged 58 and above, are eligible for this benefit. In accordance with Indian Railways rules, the concession is 40 per cent for male senior citizens and 50 per cent for female senior travellers. A valid ID document with valid information about age is required for seniors. Travellers who make reservations under this quota can get preferred lower berths as well as an exclusive discount on the amount used to book tickets.
6. Choose to travel in a Sleeper Class for Travel
A sleeper coach can save nearly half the amount you pay when compared to booking tickets for AC coaches. Explore the natural beauty of India, breathe in the fresh air, and enjoy the fragrance of the stunning nature through the windows. Avoid travelling on AC coaches and take sleeper classes when the weather is nice and favourable. This can save a significant amount of money and allow people to relax and refresh their minds by taking in the stunning landscape. The price of a ticket for sleeper coaches is less than one thousand dollars, whereas AC are typically over 1,000.
7. Buy Online Food at Low Cost
When booking tickets, you have the option of choosing the food option. A lot of e-catering services offer online food delivery services on trains. They also offer discounted prices and even cashback on food items. You can save money while enjoying food on the train. IRCTC is one of the largest and most dependable online catering service providers of Indian Railways. It serves high-quality food that is of the highest standards of hygiene. It also offers catering services for rail passengers at a cost-effective price.
8. Coupon Codes Are Available for Purchase
Booking tickets on websites for tourism and travel, or apps, can provide discounts and coupons to take advantage of. Be sure to keep an eye on the coupons offered, and do not forget to take advantage of these coupons. Coupon codes will allow you to book tickets for less.
9. Cancel Your Ticket Before the Chart Is Prepared
If you must cancel your ticket due to urgency or other reasons, make sure that you cancel your ticket by the deadline for a refund. Refunds are only available prior to the confirmation of the berths. After the Chart is prepared and complete, you will not be able to change your reservation, and you won’t get a refund. In accordance with the Indian Railways refund rules, the possibility of a refund is only if tickets are cancelled prior to the final preparation of the chart. When you decide to cancel the train reservation at the time of departure, you could get the amount you paid back for the ticket reservation. The refund will be a deduction of a certain amount for cancellations based on the coach or class reservation.
10. Select a Train with a Moderate Speed
The choice of trains that require less time to reach your destination could be more expensive than trains that stop at a variety of stations. If you don’t need it, select the average speedy train to get there. Trains stop at a variety of stations, which require more time to get to. Tickets for such trains are affordable. If you’re planning a trip between Patna and New Delhi, you can pick low-speed trains. Instead of selecting Tejas as well as Sampoorna Kranti Express, you can go for trains like Vikramshila Express or Islampur — New Delhi.
What is the Best Way to Travel?
Smart travel is the ability to travel with convenience and accessibility. Trains are the most convenient means of transportation. So, make sure you choose trains to save money, along with getting a pleasant journey.
If you are planning to travel in the near future, make sure you are updated using redRail, which provides the most effective rail inquiry options, including finding seats available, PNR status, and the live running status of the train. Be informed about the latest train news and updates on the redRail.
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