Booking confirmed train tickets for large groups in India can be challenging. Most trains are largely occupied by the time you plan to book seats. For a few seats, people may look for alternatives like bus or flight tickets.
However, when it comes to large groups of 40-100 people, or more, alternative transportation is simply not practical. Multiple bus bookings or flight tickets can be quite expensive. The solution in such a case can be a full train or full coach booking. Yes, you can book an entire coach or a train with the Indian Railways. This guide explains how to book a full coach on the train or the entire train.
What Does Booking a Full Train or Coach Mean?
IRCTC full coach booking simply refers to reserving an entire coach on the train for your travel needs. Alternatively, you may also book charter trains. However, it needs prior approval, and one must submit a request for a full coach/train booking in advance to the IRCTC FTR (Indian Railways Catering and Tourism Corporation – Full Tariff Rate).
Who Can Book a Full Train or Coach in Indian Railways
Anyone can book a full train or coach with the IRCTC (Indian Railways Catering and Tourism Corporation). All it needs is a formal booking request and advance payments. It is not limited to a specific category of travellers.
Typically, an IRCTC full coach booking is done for wedding travel purposes, religious groups, large families, or corporate groups. In short, it is done by a large group of travellers who wish to travel together and in a coordinated manner.
Types of Train Charter Options Available
IRCTC offers three types of train charter options. Groups can choose one as per their preferences and budget:
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Full Train Booking
Full train booking is exclusively for large groups. For instance, large gatherings for weddings, corporate events, or religious purposes can find this option quite suitable. It gives you control over the train’s onboard arrangements for a customised travel experience.
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Full Coach Booking
If you do not have a very large group, you may proceed with a full-coach booking. It lets you book one or multiple coaches within a train. A full coach booking is often a cost-effective solution when you don’t need an entire train. Your entire group can travel together in the same coach. This is a good option for family functions, school trips, and small group travel
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Tourist Special Train Booking
Tourism is one of the leading reasons for booking an entire train or multiple coaches. Groups can book special trains offered by IRCTC that cover multiple destinations. These trains include catering services and various onboard facilities. It can be a complete package experience.
How to Book a Full Train or Coach Through IRCTC FTR Service
Now comes the most essential part of the guide: how to book a full coach on a train. To book coaches on a train or the entire train, you need to submit a request with IRCTC FTR (Indian Railways Catering and Tourism Corporation – Full Tariff Rate). For online booking, here are the steps you need to follow:
- Step 1: Visit the official website of IRCTC – FTR (https://www.ftr.irctc.co.in)
- Step 2: Log in to your account. If you are a new user, register with the website to proceed
- Step 3: Select the type of train charter service you are looking for (Coaches, entire train, luxurious saloon)
- Step 4: On the next page, enter journey details like original/destination station, type/number of coaches, train, and date
- Step 5: Upload the list of passengers and their details
- Step 6: Submit the booking request and pay the deposit amount to complete the process.
You may also approach the CRO (Chief Reservation Officer) or SM (Station Manager) at your preferred departure station or at a station where the train stops for 10 minutes. The officer will provide you with a form. Fill out the form with journey and passenger details, then submit it along with the deposit amount.
Charges for Booking a Full Train or Coach
IRCTC handles and manages the charges related to train charter bookings. Understanding the charges for train charter booking helps you plan the trip accordingly. The list below explains the cost to book a full coach of an Indian train or the entire train:
| Charges | Details |
| Service Charge |
|
| Security Deposit |
|
| Minimum Booking Charge | ₹9,00,000 (Minimum charges apply for 18 coaches are levied, even if fewer coaches are booked) |
Note: Indian Railways full coach booking may also include empty haulage charges and detention charges. These are based on the overall kilometres travelled and the rate per kilometre of the Indian Railways.
Rules to Book a Full Train or Coach in Indian Railways
IRCTC – FTR has certain rules and terms for full coach booking. You must know these terms and conditions before booking a train charter:
| Terms and Conditions | Details |
| Minimum Number of Coaches Required |
|
| Maximum Number of Coaches Permitted |
|
| Documents Required |
|
| Full Train/Coach Booking Timeline |
|
| Payment Clearance | All the payments must be cleared 48 hours before the journey |
Cancellation and Refund Rules
In case of cancellation of the journey by either party, the passenger is eligible for a refund. Also, after completion of the journey, the security deposit is refunded. Here are the refund and cancellation rules for train charters by IRCTC – FTR:
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Refund of Security Deposit
After completion of the journey, IRCTC – FTR refunds the security deposit. After adjustments in the final receipt, the excess balance is refunded. You must submit the following documents to get the refund:
- Completed train folder (journey documents)
- Passenger name list
- No Dues/No Damage Certificate from Railways
Note: Documents for refund must be submitted within 21 days of journey completion. Delay may lead to cancellation of the refund.
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Refund Due to Cancellation
Either party, Indian Railways or the passenger, may cancel the train charter booking. In that case, a refund may be applicable under the following conditions:
| Train Cancellation | Penalty Applicable |
| Up to 2 days before the journey | 10% of the security deposit |
| 1 day (excluding journey day) to 4 hours before journey | 25% of the total fare |
| Up to 4 hours before the journey | 50% of the total fare |
| Cancellation by Indian Railways | No penalty is charged. Full refund is applicable |
Note: Booking a train charter does not guarantee the allotment of coaches. It is subject to the availability and feasibility of IRCTC-FTR.
FAQs on Booking a Full Train or Coach in India
- What are the charges to book an entire train with IRCTC?
Passengers need to book a minimum of 18 coach trains with IRCTC-FTR under train charter booking. The cost of booking is ₹9,00,000. Even if fewer than 18 coaches are booked, the minimum cost of booking is ₹9,00,000.
- Can IRCTC reject or cancel train charter bookings?
Submitting the booking request does not guarantee the allotment. Even after submitting the booking request, the IRCTC may reject the request in case of unavailability of the train/coaches.
If IRCTC cancels the confirmed booking, no penalty is charged, and the passengers receive a complete refund.
- What is the booking period for a train charter with IRCTC?
Passengers must book a train charter 6 months in advance or at least 30 days prior to the journey date. It gives enough time to IRCTC to prepare the charter train/coaches.
- Can I book a train charter at any time of the year?
Train charters are generally available. However, on certain occasions or on select routes, IRCTC – FTR may pause these bookings for a certain period. Check the availability with the IRCTC – FTR before booking.
