Tatkal vs. Premium Tatkal: Differences

Need to travel by train at short notice? Indian Railways offers two options that can help you: Tatkal and Premium Tatkal. While both are meant for last-minute travel, their prices, availability, waiting list rules and cancellation policies differ. 

Knowing the differences between Tatkal and Premium Tatkal and understanding Tatkal rules can help you choose the right option and avoid surprises when booking your train tickets.

What is Tatkal Ticket?

Tatkal is a special railway booking quota for passengers who need to travel at short notice. You can book it one day before the train’s departure from its originating station. 

• The booking window opens at 10 AM for AC classes and 11 AM for non-AC classes.
• It is available only on selected trains and classes.
• The fare includes an additional Tatkal charge, which varies by class.
• The quota has a limited number of seats, so availability can drop quickly after bookings open.

What Is Premium Tatkal?

Premium Tatkal is another quota for last-minute train bookings, but it uses dynamic pricing. This means the fare can increase as demand rises and seats get booked. It is available only on selected trains and offers confirmed tickets rather than RAC or waiting list tickets.

Like regular Tatkal, Premium Tatkal timings also follow the same advance booking period. However, Premium Tatkal charges and availability are subject to change based on demand.

Tatkal vs Premium Tatkal: Key Features and Differences

Both options are meant for last-minute train bookings, but the main differences are ticket prices and how availability is handled. Here are the key differences:

How to Book Premium Tatkal on redRail

You can check Premium Tatkal availability and complete your booking online on redRail. Follow these easy steps:

• Open redRail: Open the redRail app or visit the ‘Train Ticket’ section on redBus website.
• Enter Journey Details: Add your boarding station, destination and journey date.
• Search for Trains: Tap on the “Search Trains” bar to see available options.
• Select Premium Tatkal: Look for trains showing Premium Tatkal availability and select your preferred class.
• Check the Fare: Review the fare shown before continuing, as Premium Tatkal uses dynamic pricing.
• Add Passenger Details: Enter the required passenger information.
• Complete the Booking: Log in with your IRCTC credentials, make the payment and enter your IRCTC password to confirm the ticket.

How to Book Tatkal on redRail

Tatkal bookings open close to the journey date, so keeping your details ready can make the process quicker.

• Open redRail: Open the redRail app or visit the ‘Train Ticket’ section on redBus website.
• Enter Your Journey: Select your source, destination, and journey date.
• Search Trains: Check the trains available for your route.
• Select Tatkal: Choose a train and select the Tatkal quota if it is available for your preferred class.
• Check Availability: Check whether the ticket is available as confirmed, RAC or waitlisted before proceeding.
• Enter Passenger Details: Add the required passenger information and log in with your IRCTC credentials.
• Pay and Confirm: Complete the payment and enter your IRCTC password to finish the booking.

Which Should You Choose?

The right option depends mainly on your budget and whether you need a confirmed ticket.

Tatkal and Premium Tatkal: Cancellation and Refunds

Premium Tatkal and Tatkal cancellation charges and rules are important because tickets booked under these two categories do not follow the same refund rules as regular confirmed tickets.

FAQs

• What is tatkal ticket?

It is a railway ticket booked under a special quota for passengers travelling at short notice. Booking opens one day before the train’s departure from its originating station.

• When can I book a tatkal ticket?

For selected trains, online booking starts one day before the journey. The Tatkal ticket timings are 10 AM for AC classes and 11 AM for non-AC classes. 

• What happens if my Tatkal ticket remains on the waiting list?

If your ticket remains waitlisted, the Tatkal waiting ticket refund is processed according to the applicable railway cancellation and refund rules. The exact amount depends on the ticket status and applicable charges.

• Is there a fixed premium fare for every Premium Tatkal ticket?

No. The fare uses dynamic pricing. The amount can increase as demand rises and seats become limited. Therefore, the premium fare you see may vary based on availability and demand.

• Can I book Premium Tatkal if the train is already waitlisted?

No. Premium Tatkal does not allow RAC or waiting list bookings. If Premium Tatkal availability is shown, the booking is for a confirmed ticket.

• What happens if I cancel a confirmed Premium Tatkal ticket?

If you cancel a confirmed Premium Tatkal remember that your ticket does not normally qualify for a refund. However, railway refund rules can provide refunds in specific circumstances.

• What happens if my train is cancelled after I book a Tatkal ticket?

If the railway cancels the train, the refund is processed according to the applicable IRCTC and railway refund rules. The refund process can differ from cancellation by the passenger.

• Why should I choose redRail to book my tickets?

redRail is an IRCTC-authorised partner that lets you search trains, check seat availability, and book train tickets online with ease and convenience. It also provides features such as PNR status and live train status tracking.