Introduction
When planning a train journey in India, one of the most important steps is checking the train fare. Understanding the fare helps in budgeting your trip and choosing the right class of travel. This guide will walk you through various methods to check train fares in India, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free travel experience.
What are the methods to Check Train Fare
Due to dynamic nature of Train fare , there are only two methods to check the correct Train fare which are as follows:
- Indian Railway Enquiry website
- IRCTC
Indian Railway Enquiry Website
Checking train fare on the Indian Railway Fare Enquiry website is a straightforward process. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you navigate the website and find the fare details for your desired journey.
Step 1. Visit the Official Website i.e Indian Railways Fare Enquiry website.
Step 2. Select the Fare Enquiry Option On the homepage, look for the 'Fare Enquiry' link. This option is usually available in the menu or the main section of the page.
Step 3. Enter Your Journey Details like Train Number , Journey date , Source station , Destination station, class (e.g.Sleeper, 3AC, 2AC, 1AC) and quota.
Step 4. Click on Get fare button.The system will process your request and display the fare details for the selected journey.
IRCTC
The Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) website is the most reliable source for checking train fares. Here's how you can check the fare on the IRCTC website:
Step 1.Visit the IRCTC Website or Open the Mobile App.
Step 2.Log In to Your Account: - Enter your username and password to log in. If you do not have an account, you can create one by clicking on the ‘Register’ option.
Step 3. Select Book Train Ticket and Enter Journey Details - Input the ‘From’ and ‘To’ stations. - Select the travel date from the calendar. - Choose the class of travel (e.g., Sleeper, 3AC, 2AC, 1AC).
Step 4. Click on the class button and system will display the fare for the selected route and class, including base fare, reservation charges, and any applicable taxes.
Components of Train Fare in India
When you purchase a train ticket in India, the fare you pay comprises various components. Understanding these components helps you grasp the total cost breakdown and any additional charges that may apply. Here's a detailed look at what a train fare consists of:
1. Base Fare
The base fare is the primary component of the train fare. It is determined by the class of travel (General, Sleeper, 3AC, 2AC, 1AC, etc.) and the distance between the origin and destination stations. Each class has a different fare structure, with higher classes costing more due to the increased level of comfort and amenities.
2. Reservation Charges
Reservation charges are additional fees for booking a reserved seat or berth. These charges ensure you have a confirmed seat or sleeping berth and vary by class: Sleeper Class: ₹20-₹30 AC Classes: ₹40-₹60
3. Superfast Charges
Superfast charges are applicable to trains designated as "superfast," which travel faster than regular express trains by skipping multiple stops. These charges are added to the base fare and vary based on the class of travel: Sleeper Class: ₹45 AC Classes: ₹75-₹100
4. Catering Charges
For certain trains, especially premium trains like Rajdhani, Shatabdi, and Duronto, catering charges are included in the ticket fare. These trains provide meals as part of the service, and the cost of these meals is added to the total fare. The catering charge depends on the class and the meal provided (breakfast, lunch, dinner).
5. Dynamic Pricing
Dynamic pricing is a variable component seen in premium trains and certain routes with high demand. The fare increases as the availability of tickets decreases. This means that booking closer to the departure date or when fewer seats are available can result in higher fares.
6. Goods and Services Tax (GST)
GST is applicable on the total fare for AC classes and First Class tickets. The current GST rate is 5% of the ticket price. Non-AC classes are generally exempt from GST.
7. Tatkal Charges
Tatkal charges are applicable when booking tickets under the Tatkal quota, which allows passengers to book tickets on short notice, usually one day before the journey. These charges are a fixed percentage of the base fare: Sleeper Class: ₹100-₹200 AC Classes: ₹125-₹400
8. Premium Tatkal Charges
For routes with high demand, Indian Railways offers a Premium Tatkal quota with dynamic pricing. The charges vary based on demand and availability, similar to airline pricing models.
9. Other Miscellaneous
Charges Various other charges can be included in the fare: Supplementary Charges for Special Trains: These are additional charges for special trains like festival specials or holiday specials.
Safety Surcharge: This is occasionally added for specific routes or trains to ensure safety measures are maintained.
Service Charge for Online Booking: IRCTC charges a nominal service fee for tickets booked online through its website or mobile app.
Detailed Breakdown Example Let’s consider an example where a passenger books a Sleeper Class ticket from New Delhi to Mumbai on a Superfast train:
- Base Fare: ₹500 (determined by the distance and class of travel)
- Reservation Charges: ₹20
- Superfast Charges: ₹45
- Tatkal Charges: ₹100 (if booked under the Tatkal quota) GST: Not applicable for Sleeper Class
Total Fare: ₹665
Factors Affecting Train Fare
Train Type: Premium trains like Rajdhani, Shatabdi, and Duronto have higher fares compared to regular express and passenger trains. Concessions: Various concessions are available for senior citizens, differently-abled persons, students, and others. Dynamic Pricing: Some trains, especially premium trains, may have dynamic pricing where fares increase with demand. Distance: The fare is directly proportional to the distance between the origin and destination stations.
FAQ
Q1: Can I check the fare for multiple trains at once?
A1: Yes, the Indian Railways Fare Enquiry website allows you to view fare details for all trains available on the selected route and date.
Q2: Are the fares shown on the website inclusive of all charges?
A2: Yes, the fares displayed include the base fare, reservation charges, superfast charges, and any applicable GST. However, optional services like catering (on some trains) might be charged separately.
Q3: How accurate is the fare information on the Indian Railways Fare Enquiry website?
A3: The fare information on the Indian Railways Fare Enquiry website is generally accurate and up-to-date. However, for the latest updates and any dynamic fare changes, it’s advisable to cross-check on the IRCTC website or app.
Q4: Can I book tickets directly from the Fare Enquiry website?
A4: No, the Fare Enquiry website is for checking fares only. For booking tickets, you need to use the IRCTC website or app.
Q5: Do the fares include Tatkal charges?
A5: The fares shown do not automatically include Tatkal charges. If you are planning to book under the Tatkal quota, you need to add the Tatkal charges separately based on the class of travel.
