When Can You Book a Premium Tatkal Ticket on Indian Railways?

The availability of premium Tatkal tickets is something that many travelers keep a close eye on. In Indian Railways, premium Tatkal tickets can be booked up to one day in advance of your travel date. This means that if you're planning to travel on a specific day, you can start booking your premium tickets as soon as the previous day from 10 AM for AC classes and 11 AM for non-AC classes.

Tatkal Booking Timing Explained

It's important to note that the premium Tatkal ticket booking window starts at the same time as the regular Tatkal booking window.

For AC coaches, the booking opens at 10:00 AM. For non-AC coaches, the booking opens at 11:00 AM.

However, it's crucial to check whether the train you're planning to travel on has a premium Tatkal quota. Many trains do not offer premium Tatkal tickets, so you might have to settle for a regular Tatkal ticket if there's high demand. Premium Tatkal tickets tend to sell out quickly due to high demand, and the fare for these tickets keeps increasing based on supply and demand.

Comparison with Tatkal Ticket Booking

The timing for booking premium Tatkal tickets is identical to the regular Tatkal tickets. Here are the specific timings to note:

AC coaches: Bookings start at 10:00 AM. Non-AC coaches: Bookings start at 11:00 AM.

Both types of tickets become available at the same time, but the availability of premium Tatkal tickets is limited and train-specific. Before you aim for a premium Tatkal ticket, ensure that the train you're planning to travel on still has a premium quota.

FAQs on Premium Tatkal Ticket Booking

When does premium Tatkal ticket booking begin?

Bookings for premium Tatkal tickets start at 10 AM for AC classes and 11 AM for non-AC classes, one day before your journey date.

How does the booking for regular Tatkal tickets compare?

Regular Tatkal tickets follow the same timing as premium Tatkal tickets. However, the availability and demand for premium Tatkal tickets are typically higher, leading to faster booking.

Why are premium Tatkal tickets more expensive?

The premium fare for Tatkal tickets is determined by demand. As demand increases closer to the departure date, the fare for premium Tatkal tickets tends to rise significantly.

Proper planning and timely booking are key to securing a premium Tatkal ticket. Always check the availability of premium quotas before starting your booking process.