Train Fare Calculator: How to Check Indian Railways Ticket Price 2026

How to Check Train Fare on IRCTC

Go to irctc.co.in → Book Ticket. Enter From and To stations and date. Click 'Find Trains'. On the results page, available classes and fares are shown for each train. The fare shown is the total you pay including all charges. No need to calculate manually — IRCTC shows the exact amount before you book.

How Train Fare is Calculated

Indian Railways base fare is calculated per kilometre using a class-wise slab system: Sleeper (SL) has the lowest per-km rate; 3AC is roughly 2.5x; 2AC is 3.5x; 1AC is 5–6x. On top of base fare, the ticket price includes: Reservation Charge (₹15–60 depending on class), Superfast Surcharge (if the train is Superfast/Rajdhani/Shatabdi), GST (5% on fares above ₹250), and Catering Charge (if meals are included).

Rajdhani and Shatabdi Fares: Dynamic Pricing

Rajdhani, Shatabdi, Duronto, and Vande Bharat trains use a Flexi-Fare (dynamic pricing) system — fares increase as seats are filled. The first 10% of seats are at base fare; each subsequent 10% block increases the fare by 10% (up to 1.5x). Book early to get the lowest fare.

Tatkal Fare: How Much Extra Does It Cost?

Tatkal adds a fixed premium on top of the base fare: Sleeper Tatkal: ₹90–₹175 (distance-based). 3AC Tatkal: ₹175–₹400. 2AC Tatkal: ₹250–₹500. 1AC Tatkal: ₹400+. Tatkal fare can be 30–60% more than regular fare on the same class.

Common Questions

How do I check train fare without booking?

Go to irctc.co.in → Book Ticket → search your route and date → fares are shown in the results without making a payment. Alternatively, use enquiry.indianrail.gov.in fare enquiry section.

Why does the fare change every time I check?

Rajdhani, Shatabdi, Vande Bharat, and Duronto use dynamic (Flexi) pricing — fares rise as seats fill. Other trains have fixed fares that don't change.

Is Sleeper class always the cheapest?

For reserved travel: yes. Sleeper is the cheapest reserved overnight class. 2S (Second Sitting, Jan Shatabdi) is cheaper for short day journeys where no berth is needed.

How much does Tatkal cost extra?

Tatkal premium: SL ₹90–₹175, 3AC ₹175–₹400, 2AC ₹250–₹500 depending on distance. This is added to the regular fare.

Are Rajdhani fares dynamic?

Yes — Rajdhani, Shatabdi, Vande Bharat, Duronto, and most premium trains use Flexi Fare. Fares increase as occupancy rises. Book at the 120-day window for the lowest price.

Does GST apply to train tickets?

GST applies only on tickets above ₹250 base fare — at 5%. Sleeper class tickets under ₹250 are GST exempt. AC class tickets generally attract 5% GST.

What is the reservation charge in train fare?

Reservation charge is a fixed fee for getting a reserved berth: ₹15 (2S), ₹20 (Sleeper), ₹35 (3AC), ₹45 (2AC), ₹60 (1AC), ₹30 (CC). This is included in the total IRCTC fare shown.

How is senior citizen discount calculated?

Senior citizens get 40% discount on base fare for men 60+ and 50% for women 58+. The discount applies to base fare only — reservation charge, GST, and other charges remain full.

Useful Links

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