Festival Season Rush? How to Book Train Tickets Before They Sell Out

There’s something magical about train journeys in India, especially during the festival season. The air is filled with anticipation, the chatter of excited families, the smell of fresh samosas at platforms, and that unmistakable buzz of people heading home to celebrate with loved ones. But if you’ve ever tried to book a train ticket during Diwali, Dussehra, or Christmas, you probably know the real struggle begins much before you even reach the station.

Why Festival Travel Is a Different Ball Game

Every year, crores of Indians travel across the country during festivals. It’s the time when metros like Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore empty out and smaller towns come alive. Trains, being the most affordable and practical option, are the first to get snapped up. IRCTC shows a “waiting list” within minutes of bookings opening, and unless you’re quick—or lucky—you’ll be left scrambling for alternatives.

Here’s how to beat the rush and get a confirmed seat.

1. Know When the Booking Opens

It’s surprising how many people don’t know the basics. Indian Railways train tickets bookings open 120 days in advance. So, if you plan to travel on November 10th for Diwali, you should ideally book your ticket on July 13th.

Set a reminder. Use Google Calendar or any app that alerts you the night before and the morning of the booking date. Being there the moment bookings open—usually at 8:00 AM—is half the battle won.

2. Choose Your Train Wisely

Not all trains are equal during peak seasons. Some, like Rajdhani and Duronto Express, get filled up within seconds. However, lesser-known alternatives like Suvidha Specials or weekly express trains might be more available. Trains with the Vistadome carriages have limited numbers.

Check the train schedule between your source and destination and filter options by journey duration, boarding stations, and arrival times. This will help you narrow down your choices to book train tickets to your destination.

3. Use Autofill Tools or IRCTC Wallet

Seconds count. If you’re manually typing names, ID numbers, and seat preferences every time, you’re already behind thousands of others who use browser extensions to autofill those fields. Chrome extensions like “IRCTC Magic Autofill” allow you to pre-save passenger details and paste them instantly during booking.

Also, IRCTC eWallet or UPI can be used to speed up the payment process. Avoid net banking or credit cards during peak hours—they often lead to failed transactions or OTP delays.

4. Keep an Eye on Tatkal and Premium Tatkal

Did you miss the general quota? Don’t lose hope yet. IRCTC offers Tatkal tickets one day before the travel date, at 10:00 AM for AC and 11:00 AM for sleeper classes.

Tatkal tickets are pricier, but the trick lies in being online, pre-logged, with all details filled in beforehand. If you’re willing to spend a little extra, Premium Tatkal tickets (dynamic pricing, higher fare) also offer a last-minute chance.

5. Plan for Alternatives (But Not at the Last Minute)

Track Your PNR Status Religiously. If you’re on the waiting list (WL) or Reservation Against Cancellation (RAC), don’t lose hope. Use IRCTC’s PNR status checker (on their app/website) or third-party apps like ConfirmTkt or RailYatri to monitor updates. Tickets often clear as cancellations pour in closer to the travel date.

Pro tip: Check your PNR status 2-3 times a day starting 72 hours before departure—this is when most last-minute cancellations happen.

6. Join WhatsApp & Telegram Train Alert Groups

Yes, they exist—and they’re useful. Travel communities and railway enthusiasts often run groups where real-time updates about seat availability, cancelled trains, and route changes are shared. Being part of such a group helps you make quick decisions.

7. Don’t Forget the Festival Calendar

Double-check the festival date before booking. Some states celebrate festivals on different days. Onam in Kerala, Durga Puja in Bengal, and Chhath in Bihar follow different calendars. Booking for the wrong day could ruin the whole plan.

Also, consider the return journey. Often, people book their outward tickets early and forget about the return leg, only to find zero availability for the ride back. Try booking both legs together if the dates are confirmed.

Final Thoughts

Festival season brings joy, colour, and chaos in equal measure. While you can’t control IRCTC servers or the number of people trying to get home, you can be smarter about how you book.

Train travel in India during festive times is a unique experience—equally frustrating and heartwarming. But you can make it work with a little planning, some tools, and a lot of patience.

So the next time the festival bells ring, don’t just hope for a ticket—be ready. Nothing beats looking out a train window, knowing you’re finally on your way home.

This post is written by a guest author- Ayush Kumar. He is a travel content writer who crafts guides and blogs. With a nack for storytelling, he brings both hidden gems and iconic landmarks to life, inspiring readers to explore the world with confidence.