Can I Book Train Tickets Online on Indian Railways without Registering on IRCTC?

Yes, it is indeed possible to book Indian Railways tickets online without registering directly on the IRCTC portal. Popular third-party sites like MakeMyTrip (MMT), Goibibo, and ixigo offer this service. However, it's important to consider the additional charges that these platforms may impose. Booking through these applications usually includes extra fees such as agent fees or booking charges. In contrast, when you book directly through the IRCTC website or its official app, you pay solely the train ticket price along with convenience charges.

For instance, if you choose to pay via UPI (Unified Payment Interface), the convenience charge is Rs.23.6, and with a debit card, it is Rs.35.4. No other charges are added beyond this, making your overall ticket cost lower compared to using third-party apps.

Why Use IRCTC for Online Ticket Booking?

IRCTC acts as the official railway carrier’s booking platform, allowing you to book tickets directly. It also gives authority to numerous agents, including giants like Amazon, Paytm, and MMT, to facilitate the booking process on their respective platforms. Using IRCTC ensures that you are leveraging an official and secure channel for your ticket transactions. Additionally, registering with IRCTC offers several advantages, such as making future ticket purchases simpler and more streamlined.

While there are other alternative platforms such as ixigo, MakeMyTrip, and Rail Yatra, it is highly recommended to use IRCTC directly due to the transparency and security it offers. Once taken to the IRCTC website, all the booking processes remain managed by IRCTC, thus ensuring a seamless and secure booking experience.

Benefits of Booking via IRCTC

Registering with IRCTC is a one-time process that does not incur any costs. It can significantly enhance the convenience of your future railway ticket bookings. If you are a regular traveler, maintaining an IRCTC account is highly recommended. Some easy steps to update your email or mobile number are also highlighted below:

Log in to your IRCTC account. Select 'My Account'. Click on 'My Profile' option. Tap on 'Edit' provided at the top. Type your new email ID or mobile number and verify it. Your email ID or mobile number will be updated.

Note: These steps are for the IRCTC mobile app.

Remember, to book your tickets hassle-free, you need to have an IRCTC account. If you already have an account, simply log in using your user ID and password to book your tickets easily.

If you are new to the IRCTC platform or need assistance with any further queries, don't hesitate to contact us. Your valued time and concern are greatly appreciated.

Thank you.

Have a pleasant journey!