How to Book Train Tickets Early for the Dussehra and Diwali Rush

Published Date: 13/10/2026

Dussehra and Diwali are among the most popular festivals in India. During this time, many people travel to their hometowns to celebrate with family and friends. Others plan holidays to explore new places during the festive break. As a result, trains can become crowded, and confirmed tickets may be difficult to find on busy routes.

Planning your journey early can help you choose suitable travel dates, preferred train classes, and convenient departure times. It also gives you more time to arrange your luggage, meals, and other travel essentials. Whether you are travelling with family or planning a solo trip, a little preparation can make your festive journey more comfortable.

Here is how to book train tickets early and prepare for the Dussehra and Diwali travel rush in India.

Check Your Travel Dates in Advance

The first step is to decide when you want to travel. During the festive season, demand often increases on routes connecting major cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Patna, Lucknow, and Varanasi with smaller cities and towns.

Before booking your ticket, consider the following points:

Confirm your festival holiday dates and work schedule.
Decide when you want to leave and return.
Check whether travelling a day earlier or later is possible.
Discuss travel dates with family members before making a reservation.
Keep an alternative date in mind in case your preferred train is full.

Booking early gives you more flexibility when choosing a suitable journey.

Know When Advance Train Booking Opens

Indian Railways has rules for advance reservations, so it is important to check the current booking window before planning your ticket.

As per the advance reservation policy introduced by Indian Railways, the general advance reservation period was reduced from 120 days to 60 days, excluding the date of journey, from 1 November 2024. Certain trains and special services may follow different rules.

For example, if your train journey falls during the Diwali holidays, check the reservation opening date on the official IRCTC website or app. You can then prepare to book as soon as reservations become available for your travel date.

Keep these details ready before booking:

Passenger names and ages
Preferred travel class
Boarding and destination stations
Journey date
Valid passenger details required for booking

Always verify the applicable booking window for your train before relying on a particular date.

Book Through the Official IRCTC Website or App

The official IRCTC website and app allow passengers to check train availability and book reserved tickets online. Booking through official channels also helps you access the latest reservation information.

Follow these steps:

Visit the official IRCTC website or open the official app.
Log in to your account.
Enter your boarding station, destination, and journey date.
Check the available trains and travel classes.
Review seat availability, fare, and journey details.
Enter the required passenger information and complete payment.
Check your booking confirmation and save your ticket details.

Book as soon as your reservation window opens, especially if you are travelling on a popular route during the festive season.

Keep Alternative Trains and Stations in Mind

Your preferred train may fill up quickly during Dussehra and Diwali. Instead of relying on only one option, compare other trains that connect your starting point and destination.

You can improve your chances of finding a suitable journey by:

Checking trains that depart at different times of the day.
Considering nearby boarding or destination stations when practical.
Comparing Sleeper, AC 3 Tier, and other available classes based on your budget.
Checking the availability of return tickets separately.
Looking for additional services announced by Indian Railways.

Always confirm the train's route, stoppages, timings, and ticket availability before making your final decision.

Check for Festival Special Trains

Indian Railways may introduce special train services to manage the additional passenger demand during major festivals. These services can provide more travel options on selected routes.

Before your journey, check official railway announcements for:

Special trains operating around Dussehra and Diwali.
Departure and arrival timings.
Available travel classes and booking arrangements.
Station stoppages and route details.
Changes to existing train schedules.

Do not assume that a special train will operate on your preferred route every year. Announcements can vary by zone, route, and festival. Check the latest information through official railway channels before making plans.

Understand Tatkal Booking as a Backup Option

If you cannot secure a confirmed ticket through regular reservations, Tatkal booking may be another option, subject to availability and applicable rules.

According to the official IRCTC Tatkal guidelines, booking opens one day before the train's departure from its originating station. The published opening times are:

AC classes: 10:00 AM
Non AC classes: 11:00 AM

Tatkal tickets are limited, and availability is not guaranteed. Additional charges apply, and special booking conditions may apply to particular trains or classes. Review the current rules on the official IRCTC Tatkal page before booking.

It is better to book during the regular reservation period rather than depend entirely on last-minute options.

Plan Your Meals Before the Journey

Food is another important part of festive train travel, especially when you are travelling with children, elderly family members, or a group. Long queues and crowded stations can make it difficult to find a suitable meal at the last minute.

You can prepare by carrying essential snacks and drinking water, where appropriate, and planning your main meals in advance.

Passengers who prefer freshly prepared meals during their journey can also order food in train through a suitable railway food delivery service. With Rajbhog Khana, passengers can enter their PNR number on the food ordering page, explore available meal options, and arrange delivery at a supported railway station.

Planning meals ahead of time can help you avoid unnecessary stress and enjoy a more comfortable festive journey.

Make a Checklist Before Leaving Home

Once your ticket is booked, take a few minutes to prepare for departure. A simple checklist can help you avoid common travel problems.

Check your PNR status and coach details.
Verify the latest train running status before leaving.
Keep your ticket and a valid identity document ready.
Pack medicines, chargers, and other essentials.
Reach the station with sufficient time before departure.
Confirm your return journey arrangements.
Plan meals and keep your luggage organised.

These small steps can make a noticeable difference when railway stations are busy during the festive period.

Final Thoughts

Booking train tickets early is one of the simplest ways to prepare for the Dussehra and Diwali rush. Decide your travel dates, check the reservation opening window, compare alternative trains, and keep track of official railway announcements.

Remember to plan your meals, organise your luggage, and check your train status before leaving home. With a little preparation, you can spend less time worrying about travel arrangements and more time enjoying the festive season with your loved ones.

FAQs

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How early should I book train tickets for Diwali?

Try to book as soon as reservations open for your journey date. For most trains covered by the general advance reservation policy, bookings open 60 days before the journey date, excluding the date of travel. Check the applicable rules for your train.

What should I do if confirmed train tickets are unavailable?

Check alternative trains, travel dates, nearby stations, and available classes. You can also look for officially announced festival special trains or check Tatkal availability if eligible.

When does Tatkal booking open?

Tatkal booking generally opens one day before the train's departure from its originating station. The published opening times are 10:00 AM for AC classes and 11:00 AM for non AC classes. Check the current IRCTC rules before booking.

How can I check whether a festival special train is available?

Check official Indian Railways announcements and the IRCTC booking system for train numbers, routes, dates, stoppages, and ticket availability.

How can I plan meals for a long festive train journey?

Carry suitable snacks and plan your meals before departure. You can also check food delivery services that accept your PNR number and provide meals at supported railway stations.