🚆 How to Book Tourist Quota Train Tickets on IRCTC (2025 Guide)
🧳 What is the Tourist Quota in Indian Railways?
The Tourist Quota is a special seat reservation system in select trains for domestic and foreign tourists, allowing easier access to train tickets for travel to major tourist destinations in India. These seats are reserved to promote tourism and provide flexibility in planning trips.
🌍 Who Can Use Tourist Quota?
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🧑💼 Indian Tourists (planning tours across regions)
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🌐 Foreign Tourists (with valid passport/visa)
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🧓 Senior citizens with a tour itinerary (sometimes allowed)
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👫 Groups & Backpackers traveling across India
🛑 Note: Not all trains have a tourist quota. Mostly available in long-distance or tourist-special trains.
📋 Documents Required (2025)
| Type of Traveler | Documents |
|---|---|
| Indian Citizen | ID proof (Aadhaar, PAN, DL) |
| Foreign Tourist | Passport, Visa |
| Senior Citizen | ID + Itinerary (in some cases) |
🛤️ Where Is It Available?
Tourist quota is available on select popular trains connecting:
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Delhi 🏛️
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Agra 🕌
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Jaipur 🌸
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Mumbai 🌇
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Varanasi 🙏
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Chennai 🌊
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Goa 🏖️
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Kerala 🌴
📲 How to Book Tourist Quota Tickets on IRCTC
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Login to IRCTC: www.irctc.co.in
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Click on Plan My Journey
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Select From → To Stations
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Select class (2A/3A/SL) and "Tourist Quota"
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Choose train → Click on Check Availability
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If available, click Book Now
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Add passenger details & documents
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Make payment (UPI recommended for speed)
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Ticket will be emailed and available in “My Bookings”
🧠 Pro Tips
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Book 1–2 months in advance if possible.
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Choose less crowded dates to increase chances.
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Use IRCTC Rail Connect App for faster booking.
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Carry a printed ticket and valid ID during travel.
🚫 Cancellation & Refund Rules (Tourist Quota)
| Condition | Refund |
|---|---|
| Canceled 48 hrs before | 50% refund (minus charges) |
| Less than 48 hrs | No refund |
| Train canceled | Full refund |
📦 IRCTC Tourist Packages (Optional)
IRCTC also offers all-inclusive tour packages that include:
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Train ticket 🎫
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Hotel stay 🏨
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Sightseeing 🚌
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Meals 🍛
You can book these at https://www.irctctourism.com
✅ Conclusion
Tourist quota bookings make train travel smoother for Indian and foreign travelers planning to explore India. With this 2025 guide, use IRCTC smartly to book your tickets with ease, speed, and security.