Train Ticket Cancellation Charges and Refund: Everything You Need to Know

Planning a train journey in India but unsure about cancellation charges and refund policies? Whether your plans change suddenly or you're simply exploring your options, understanding Indian Railways' cancellation and refund rules can save you both money and stress.

In this guide, we'll break down the cancellation charges and refund process for various types of train tickets booked through IRCTC or at railway counters.

Types of Train Tickets in India

Before diving into the cancellation charges, let's get familiar with the different types of train tickets:

  1. Confirmed Ticket – Your seat is guaranteed.

  2. RAC Ticket (Reservation Against Cancellation) – You can board the train and will be allotted a seat if available.

  3. Waitlisted Ticket – No seat is guaranteed, even if the ticket is booked.

  4. Tatkal Ticket – Last-minute bookings under the Tatkal quota.

  5. Premium Tatkal Ticket – Dynamic fare pricing for urgent travel needs.

  6. E-Ticket – Booked through IRCTC online.

  7. Counter Ticket – Booked at the railway reservation counter.

Cancellation Charges for Confirmed Tickets

If you cancel a confirmed ticket, the cancellation charges depend on the time left before the train's scheduled departure:

  • More than 48 hours before departure:

    • AC First Class/Executive Class: ₹240+ GST

    • AC 2 Tier/First Class: ₹200+ GST

    • AC 3 Tier/AC Chair Car/AC 3 Economy: ₹180+ GST

    • Sleeper Class: ₹120

    • Second Class: ₹60

  • Between 48 hours and 12 hours before departure:

    • 25% of the fare (subject to the minimum charges listed above).

  • Between 12 hours and 4 hours before departure:

    • 50% of the fare (again subject to minimum charges).

  • Less than 4 hours before departure:

    • No refund for confirmed tickets if canceled.

Important Note:

You cannot cancel a confirmed e-ticket after the chart has been prepared. However, you can file a Ticket Deposit Receipt (TDR) online for a refund under valid circumstances like train cancellation or travel not undertaken.

Cancellation of RAC and Waitlisted Tickets

  • Fully waitlisted e-tickets: Automatically canceled, and full fare is refunded after chart preparation.

  • RAC or waitlisted counter tickets: You can cancel them up to 30 minutes before the train departs and get a full refund (excluding a nominal clerkage fee of ₹60 per passenger).

Tatkal Ticket Cancellation and Refund

  • Confirmed Tatkal Tickets: No refund is provided if you cancel.

  • Waitlisted Tatkal Tickets: You'll receive a full refund (excluding clerkage) as they are not confirmed.

  • RAC Tatkal Tickets: Same as above — eligible for a refund minus clerkage if canceled at least 30 minutes before departure.

Premium Tatkal Ticket Refund Policy

  • These tickets follow the same rules as Tatkal — no refund for confirmed Premium Tatkal tickets if canceled by the passenger.

Cancellation After Chart Preparation

If the chart is prepared and:

  • You did not travel due to genuine reasons (e.g., medical emergency), you can file a TDR on IRCTC.

  • IRCTC may process the refund based on the case within 60 days.

Make sure to file the TDR within 4 hours of the train's departure if you didn't travel due to personal reasons. If the train was canceled, TDR can be filed within 3 days.

Refund for Train Canceled by Indian Railways

If the train itself is canceled by the railways (for any reason such as strikes, natural calamities, or technical issues), you are entitled to a full refund, whether it was an e-ticket or a counter ticket.

For e-tickets, the refund is processed automatically.

For counter tickets, you'll need to visit the PRS counter within 3 days to claim your refund.

How to Cancel a Train Ticket (E-Ticket)

  1. Visit www.irctc.co.in.

  2. Log in with your credentials.

  3. Go to "Booked Tickets History."

  4. Select the ticket you want to cancel.

  5. Click "Cancel Ticket" and confirm.

  6. The refund (if applicable) will be credited to your original payment method within 5–7 business days.

Conclusion

Train ticket cancellation and refund rules can seem tricky, but once you understand the timing and ticket type, it's pretty straightforward. Always try to cancel tickets well in advance to minimize deductions. And remember, filing a TDR promptly can save your money if you miss your train or face unexpected issues.

So the next time you book a train ticket, keep this guide handy — your wallet will thank you