India is a subcontinent known for its mixture of cultures. India is a magnet for globetrotters. The Indian Railways is a lifeline that connects the country’s vast terrains and diverse cities. If you’re a foreign national planning a trip to India, understanding and navigating the complex booking system of the Indian Railways is crucial. The Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) is the primary platform that offers online ticket booking services for trains across India. In the blogpost I will walk you through the process on how to create an IRCTC account as a foreigner.

Understanding IRCTC

IRCTC isn’t just another online booking portal. It is a gateway to one of the largest and busiest rail networks in the world. The platform has an extensive reach and offers diverse services. It’s the starting point for millions of Indian Railways passengers on a daily basis! For foreign travellers it’s an unforgettable experience to travel around in India by train. From the bustling metropolises like Mumbai and Delhi, to serene historical havens like Hampi and the spiritual pathways of Auroville. The IRCTC can take you to places that capture the essence of India.

Step-by-step guide on how to create an IRCTC account as a foreigner

1. Accessing the IRCTC website

Your IRCTC adventure begins with the official website, www.irctc.co.in. Accessible from anywhere in the world, the website offers a user-friendly interface in English, Hindi, and a few other regional languages.

2. Registering as a new user

Start your registration by clicking on Login and after that the Register button. Fill in the required details such as username, password, security question, and answer. Choose the ‘User Type’ as a “Foreigner” and specify your nationality. Make sure your username is not already taken, and your password is strong, containing a combination of letters, numbers, and special characters. To create a foreign account you need an active foreign phone number. You can not use your Indian number because you won’t be eligible to book tickets under the Tourist Quota.   

Tip: registration of your phone number can be a bit tricky. They ask you for your ISD phone number. In general we use 00 or + before the country code. For example: I have a Belgium number and I use 00 32 OR +32. Mobile numbers in Belgium start with 4, so it would be 00324 or +324. But at the IRCTC they need only the ISD version, so no 00 or +. With my example it would be 324. You will receive an error message if you try otherwise.

3.  Creditcard payment

To register for an account you need to register a foreign credit card. To verify your credit card the IRCTC will charge  you 100 rupees. After successful payment you will receive a confirmation email and a text message. Keep in mind that it can take a few hours before you receive the confirmation email and text.

4.  Account verification process

Upon successful payment you will receive an email AND a text message. You need to verify both messages, so via email and your phone number. So they send you two OTP codes and you need to verify both.  

5. Booking tickets

Now you can start booking tickets online. You can know search for routes, trains and timings and select your desired train. If you want to be certain of a spot on the train it’s best to book tickets a few weeks in advance. On popular routes it’s even best to book a few months in advance.

Tips for smooth registration

Navigating a new online portal can be daunting, especially one as comprehensive as IRCTC. Here are some tips to ensure a smooth registration process:

• Language preferences: Select English as your preferred language to make the process easier to understand.
• Payment methods: Familiarize yourself with the accepted payment methods beforehand. You can choose from several options, including international credit cards and some e-wallets.
• Common issues to avoid: Ensure that you are connected to a stable internet connection. Disable your browser’s pop-up blockers to receive important notifications during the registration process.

Benefits of using IRCTC

Using IRCTC offers numerous advantages, such as:

• Convenience: Booking and managing your train travel can be done from the comfort of your home.
• Availability of trains: IRCTC lists all the available trains, from superfast expresses to local passenger services, allowing you to plan your travel itinerary efficiently.
• Travel planning ease: Access to your booking history on the webpage can assist in planning your onward travel or obtaining travel insurance

The Foreign Tourist Quota

On many trains (but not all) the IRCTC reserves tickets under the Tourist Quota. Only foreigners are allowed to book these tickets. Indian families tend to book tickets months before. They can easily cancel their tickets, even on the departure day. Because of this cheaper classes can be fully booked months before. This is why the IRCTC reserves Tourist Quota tickets.

Indian Railways have segmented the bookable tickets into different categories to streamline the online booking process. Among these is the Foreign Tourist Quota, which is not accessible on all trains. Securing these tickets has become even more challenging post the Covid-19 pandemic.

To access the Foreign Tourist Quota on IRCTC, first create an account and log in. Next, click the menu logo in the top right corner of the screen on your laptop. Navigate to ‘Trains’ and select ‘Foreign Tourist Booking.’ You can search for available trains and tickets under this quota, though the costs are higher than the general quota. If the general quota is full, the Foreign Tourist Quota may offer a chance. Note that this option requires an account with a foreign phone number and payment via a foreign credit card. It’s important to remember that an Indian phone number restricts access to the tourist quota.

A way around IRCTC

Tickets become available for purchase 180 days prior to the departure date. The rapid sell-out of tickets is attributed to families securing their bookings months in advance, often reserving multiple dates simultaneously. Indian citizens benefit from a convenient ticket cancellation process that allows them to obtain refunds at train stations, even on the day of travel. This high demand leads to quick ticket sales and the implementation of waiting lists by IRCTC.

Easiest option out there is 12Go. You don’t need an IRCTC account which is a huge plus but the site does not show the ticket availability. A way around this is to check the availability via IRCTC, Make my trip or Cleartrip, And than to book the ticket via 12Go. Another plus when using 12Go is to book buses and domestic flights in India. They compare bus and flight fares and making bookings is very easy.

A complete article about booking train tickets in India as foreigner

Feeling overwhelmed by the abundance of information on classes, train bookings, quotas, and more? I completely understand. To assist you, I’ve written a comprehensive article on how to book train tickets in India. It includes details on different classes, setting up an IRCTC account, and other relevant information.

Monumental highlights to visit in India

Explore the rich culture and history of India with my comprehensive travel guide! Discover valuable tips, top destinations and useful links to other India-related articles. Immerse yourself in the Indian culture and Hinduism with our beginner’s guide, which covers customs, etiquette and key Hindu gods. Or learn more about the lesser-known religion, Jainism.

Are you looking for travel inspiration? Consider a visit to the enchanting City of Lakes, Udaipur, or indulge in a shopping spree in Jaipur. Discover the majestic palaces of Rajasthan. Marvel at the colonial architecture of Kochi in Kerala or explore historical temples, palaces and ruins in Hampi. Let India’s wonders captivate you!

One of my latest articles is about The most fascinating festivals and celebrations in India. Or read more about sustainable travel India: How to get around in India as an eco-conscious tourist.

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