How to Book IRCTC Train Tickets Without Paying Extra Charges – Best Tips to Save Money in 202
In India, millions of people rely on trains every day for travel, and IRCTC (Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation) is the official platform to book tickets online. While booking train tickets on IRCTC is easy and fast, many users often end up paying extra charges without realizing it. These include payment gateway fees, agent commissions, and unnecessary addons. In 2025, with increasing digital payments and service costs, it’s important to know how to book IRCTC tickets without paying extra charges and get the best deal.
In this detailed guide, we will explore step-by-step how to save money while booking train tickets online, which platforms to use, and secret tips to get confirmed tickets faster—without wasting your money.
What is IRCTC and How Does It Work?
IRCTC is the official ticketing platform of Indian Railways, offering:
- Online train ticket booking (General, Tatkal, Premium Tatkal)
- Hotel bookings, tourism packages
- Catering and food delivery in trains
- Wallet and payment system integration
You can book tickets via the IRCTC official website or through the IRCTC Rail Connect mobile app. However, you can also use third-party apps like Paytm, PhonePe, MakeMyTrip, etc., which add extra service charges.
Why Do You Pay Extra While Booking Train Tickets?
Many passengers unknowingly pay extra while booking due to:
- Payment Gateway Fees – Depending on your UPI/card/wallet, IRCTC may add ₹10–₹20 extra.
- Agent Fees – If you book through an agent or app like MakeMyTrip, you might pay ₹30–₹50 more per ticket.
- Travel Insurance Add-on – Default insurance is added (₹0.49 to ₹1 per person).
- Meal & Seat Selection – Optional services are pre-ticked sometimes.
Over time, these small charges add up. If you book 10 tickets/month, you might lose ₹300–₹500 monthly unnecessarily.
Step-by-Step: How to Book Train Tickets Without Paying Extra
Let’s break it down to save every rupee:
1. Use Official IRCTC Website or App Only
Always prefer:
- IRCTC.co.in
- IRCTC Rail Connect App (available on Android/iOS)
Avoid third-party apps unless they offer confirmed cashback or discounts.
2. Uncheck Add-ons Before Payment
Before final payment:
- Uncheck travel insurance (if not required)
- Don’t add meals if you bring home food
- Ignore priority seat selection (unless necessary)
3. Use IRCTC eWallet for Free Transactions
IRCTC eWallet offers zero payment gateway charges and faster refunds.
- Recharge wallet before booking.
- You’ll save ₹10–₹25 per ticket compared to UPI/net banking.
Registration fee for IRCTC eWallet is ₹50 (one-time) + KYC.
4. Use IRCTC SBI Card for Bonus Points
If you have an IRCTC SBI Platinum or Premier Card, you earn:
- 10% value back in reward points.
- Waived transaction charges.
- Exclusive booking quota access.
This helps frequent travelers reduce travel costs over time.
5. Book on Off-Peak Hours
Booking during 11 PM to 6 AM may help you avoid peak-time traffic delays and improve chances of ticket confirmation.
6. Avoid Tatkal if Not Urgent
Tatkal charges are high (₹100–₹400 extra). Plan early and book general tickets 120 days in advance to save big.
Hidden Charges in Other Booking Platforms
Let’s compare common charges:
| Platform | Extra Fee Per Ticket | Refund Charge | Insurance Auto-add |
|---|---|---|---|
| IRCTC Website | ₹0–₹20 | ₹0 | Yes (can opt-out) |
| Paytm | ₹20–₹30 | ₹10–₹15 | Yes |
| MakeMyTrip | ₹30–₹60 | ₹20–₹30 | Yes |
| PhonePe | ₹10–₹25 | ₹10 | Yes |
So, booking from IRCTC directly is not just cheaper — it’s safer and faster too.
Best Tricks to Get Confirmed Train Tickets Without Agents
- Use ‘Preferred Coach’ Option Wisely
- Selecting “Any Coach” improves your confirmation chances.
- Book from Nearby Stations
- If the main station is full, try a nearby boarding point and change it later (via IRCTC).
- Tatkal Booking – Use Automation Tool
- Use RailYatri Smart Tatkal, ConfirmTkt, or IRCTC AutoFill tools (within policy).
- Try Premium Tatkal only as a last resort – more expensive.
Best Apps for IRCTC Without Extra Charges
- IRCTC Rail Connect – Official, most reliable
- RailYatri – Shows confirmation probability
- ConfirmTkt – Suggests alternative trains/routes
- ixigo – Has smart alerts and price tracking
But always complete final booking on IRCTC for max savings.
Refund Policy – Save on Cancellations Too
- Confirmed Ticket: Cancel 48 hrs before – small deduction.
- RAC/Waitlist: Full refund minus ₹60
- e-Ticket Refund: Auto-refund on cancellation online
- Tatkal Ticket: No refund on confirmed Tatkal unless train is canceled
Pro Tip: Use IRCTC Wallet for faster refunds than banks.
Final Words
Booking train tickets in India doesn’t have to be expensive. With a few smart steps—like using the IRCTC wallet, unchecking add-ons, and avoiding third-party apps—you can easily save hundreds of rupees every month. As 2025 brings more digital tools and smarter services, travelers who understand these tricks will have more control over their travel budget.
Whether you’re a student, family traveler, or solo explorer, learning how to book IRCTC tickets without paying extra is a small move with big savings. Try it today, and you’ll never go back to paying hidden charges again.
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