Tatkal Booking Time for AC and Sleeper Classes

Tatkal opening time

Tatkal booking usually opens at 10:00 AM for AC classes and 11:00 AM for non-AC classes one day before the journey date, excluding the date of departure.

Prepare before the window opens

Keep passenger names, age, ID preference, route, train number, class, and payment method ready before Tatkal starts. Even a small delay can mean the fare moves to waitlist.

Check alternatives fast

If your first train sells out, compare nearby departure times, nearby boarding stations, and alternate classes immediately instead of waiting on a single route.

Common Questions

What time does AC Tatkal booking open?

AC Tatkal booking usually opens at 10:00 AM one day before the journey date, excluding the departure date.

What time does Sleeper Tatkal booking open?

Sleeper and other non-AC Tatkal booking usually opens at 11:00 AM one day before the journey date, excluding the departure date.

How can I improve my Tatkal chance?

Prepare passenger details in advance, keep multiple train options ready, and check alternate routes or classes quickly if the first option fills up.

Is Tatkal more expensive than regular booking?

Yes. Tatkal has a fixed surcharge on top of the base fare — typically ₹100–400 for non-AC and ₹300–600 for AC classes depending on train type and distance.

Can I book Tatkal on the day of journey?

No. Tatkal closes when the general booking closes — which is usually a few hours before departure. Tatkal is for 1 day before journey, not on the day of travel.

Does Tatkal ticket have different cancellation rules?

Yes. Tatkal tickets have stricter cancellation rules — no refund is given on Tatkal tickets cancelled after the Tatkal booking opens. The Tatkal charge is non-refundable even in most cases.

Useful Links

Check your ticket directly, track train running status, or read related railway guides.