Hello friends. These days, can you imagine travelling without using your mobile app? I know it’s a straight No. And if you are thinking about train travel, a train ticket booking app is your best friend.
You can quickly check the train schedules, book tickets, and even get live updates about your train’s timing, train location, coach details, seat details and many more. And all this can be done directly from the comfort of your home.
What are the Best Train Ticket Booking Apps?
So you might ask, what’s the best train ticket booking app? Well, there’s not just one answer. Today there are so many apps that offer different features and you can choose the one that suits you best. There are different apps for different situations and some examples are:
- Book Local trains like UTS.
- Book all express, superfast trains like IRCTC
- Book Train tickets along with food like Paytm.
- Book Train tickets along with Hotel rooms with hotel booking apps like Goibibo, Makemytrip, etc
- Book and track the train live status like PNR, running status like Where is My Train
- And many such train ticket booking apps fit different situations.
And the best part? You can do this anytime and anywhere. You don’t need to stand in long queues at the train station to book tickets.
There are plenty of apps out there, but you want the best, right? An app that’s easy to use, quick, and trustworthy.
Don’t worry, because, in this post, we are going to tell you all about the best train ticket booking apps that you can download right now. So let’s get started.
Please check our latest apps:
10 Best Train Ticket Booking Apps
| App | Downloads (Playstore) | Rating (Out of 5) |
|---|---|---|
| IRCTC Rail Connect | 50M+ Downloads | 4.7 ⭐ |
| UTS | 10M+ Downloads | 4.5 ⭐ |
| ixigo | 100M+ Downloads | 4.6 ⭐ |
| RailYatri | 50M+ Downloads | 4.4 ⭐ |
| MakeMyTrip | 50M+ Downloads | 4.6 ⭐ |
| RedBus | 50M+ Downloads | 4.5 ⭐ |
| Paytm | 100M+ Downloads | 4.6⭐ |
| Yatra | 10M+ Downloads | 4.5 ⭐ |
| Goibibo | 50M+ Downloads | 4.3 ⭐ |
| Confirmtkt | 50M+ Downloads | 4.5 ⭐ |
Now let’s talk about the 10 best general train ticket booking apps that make your train travel easy:-
IRCTC Rail Connect
Special Feature: The official app of Indian Railways offers detailed booking services
IRCTC is the official app of Indian Railways for booking train tickets. The app is 100% trustworthy and its user-friendly UI allows you to book tickets, check train schedules, and even order meals smoothly.
It simplifies the process of booking and cancelling train tickets by allowing you to do so directly from your phone.
One good feature of the app is its ability to remember the details of passengers you have added recently so that you can make your future bookings faster and more efficient.
You can check PNR, Check seat availability, Book Tatkal tickets, Change boarding stations and train schedules, Add money to your IRCTC wallet, Check last transitions and Track your train directly from the app.
Not only this, you get options to book tickets for Divyangajan travellers by showing the ID card.
It also offers additional amenities such as the ability to reserve meals for your journey and book tickets for IRCTC Air and IRCTC Tourism.
You can also order food by selecting your coach details and berth number. In addition to this, if you want to book a lounge inside the station area, you can do that using this app.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| The official app of Indian Railways | The app can be slow at peak booking times |
| Helpful features including meal ordering | |
| IRCTC E-Wallet option | |
| Check chart vacancy |
Ticket Payment methods
- UPI
- Debit Card
- Credit Card
- E-Wallet
- Net Banking
- Paytm Wallet
UTS
Special Feature: Specializes in local train ticket bookings across multiple Indian cities
If you travel by local trains, UTS is a great app for you. It allows you to book unreserved, suburban tickets. The interface is easy to use and you can book tickets in just a few taps.
The UTS train ticket booking app is a very useful tool made by Indian Railways. It allows you to book unreserved tickets for your train journey right from your phone.
The app also lets you buy platform tickets, that can be used when you go onto the platform at a train station.
The UTS app is designed to be user-friendly. You can easily book and cancel tickets any time you want. One of the best things about this app is that it supports paperless tickets.
But remember one thing, to book tickets you have to be standing within a certain radius of your nearest railway station. And you can book tickets on the day of travel itself.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Specialized in local train ticket booking | Only works locally |
| Quick and easy booking | |
| Trustworthy app as it was launched by the government |
Ticket Payment methods
- UPI
- Debit Card
- Credit Card
- R-Wallet
- Net Banking
- Paytm Wallet
ixigo
Special Feature: Offers smart tracking of trains and live updates
This app is known for its clean and easy-to-use interface. It lets you book train tickets, check live train status, and give you updates about platform numbers and coach positions.
Using the ixigo app you can easily book train tickets right from your phone. It’s an authorized app for booking train tickets, trusted by many people in India.
- The app can predict the status of your Passenger Name Record (PNR)
- Show you which platform your train will arrive at
- Show you the position of your coach in the train
- Show you the real-time status of your train.
- Also, check the real-time status of your train even when you don’t have internet
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| User-friendly interface | The app contains ads |
| Provides real-time train status | |
| Good stylish UI |
Ticket Payment methods
- UPI
- Debit Card
- Credit Card
- CRED
- Paytm Wallet
RailYatri
Special Feature: Provides real-time GPS tracking of trains
Another popular train ticket booking app, RailYatri provides information about train schedules, seat availability, and real-time train status. And yes, you can also book meals and buses.
RailYatri is a great app for people travelling by train in India. It makes life easier for them in many ways.
The app gives you a ‘PNR prediction’. This tells you if your ticket will be confirmed or not. It’s very useful when you are planning your trip.
The app also tells you whether your train is on time, early or late. This helps you decide when you need to reach the station.
You can also order food and a hot meal while you are on the train. But be careful, some people say the food is not so good. So, check the reviews before you order food.
You can easily track your train with GPS. And there’s a feature called Rail Wisdom where the traveller can share their train travel tips and experiences.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Provides extra services like meal booking | The interface can be complex for new users |
| Real-time train status | Sometimes, train status may not be accurate |
| Dedicated rail ticket booking app |
Ticket Payment methods
- UPI
- Debit Card
- Credit Card
- RY wallet option
- Paytm Wallet
- PhonePe
MakeMyTrip
Special Feature: Not only for train bookings but also includes flight and hotel bookings
Apart from flights and hotels, MakeMyTrip also lets you book train tickets. The app provides all the important information about trains and you can use this app to make easy cancellations and modifications.
The MakeMyTrip app is a simple way to book train tickets, flights, and hotels. It gives you all the important details you need about trains.
Here’s how it helps you. You can get a train ticket in just 2 minutes. It’s easy.
- Open the app
- Click on the “Trains & Bus”
- Tap on the “Book Train Tickets“
- Enter the “From” and “To” places, Select the date, Select coach type and then Tap on Search.
In addition to simple train booking, the app has lots of great features to help you with your train travel. You can easily order food straight to your train seat.
It also tells you where your train is right now with the ‘Live Train Status‘. Along with this, you can check your PNR status to see if your seat is confirmed.
The app also gives you the full schedule of your train, so you know exactly when it leaves and where it stops.
Another cool thing is the live announcements at any particular station which also shows where your coach will be on the platform and how many seats are still available. It’s like a one-stop shop for all your train travel needs.
Apart from train booking, there’s more present in this app. You can book hotels, flights, buses, and cabs. So it’s got you covered for all your travel needs.
One more thing, MakeMyTrip works with IRCTC. That means it’s safe and trustworthy for booking your train tickets.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Allows easy cancellations and modifications | Additional charges might be applied for bookings |
| Good customer service | The app becomes slow sometimes |
| Competitive prices | |
| Smooth and easy to use design |
Ticket Payment methods
- UPI
- Debit Card
- Credit Card
- TripMoney Wallet
- Travel credit line
- Gift cards
- PhonePe
RedRail
Special Feature: Provides train ticket booking along with bus ticket booking services
RedRail is a very handy and best train ticket booking app that can help you book train tickets. It is special because there is a popular name RedBus that lets you book bus tickets.
And RedRail is from the same company but designed specifically for train ticket bookings. So if you are familiar with RedBus, you will find RedRail easy to use.
It’s also an approved partner of IRCTC, which means you can trust it blindly to book your ticket online.
But it’s not just about booking tickets. Like other train booking apps, in this app, you can check the important details about your train.
It tells you everything you need to know, like when the train is leaving, how many seats are left, and where the train is right now. You can also track your train by just entering the train number
You can use the redRail app to check your PNR status. And Yes, the app can tell you how much the train tickets cost. If you need to cancel your ticket, the app also guides you on how to get your money back.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Books both train and bus tickets. | The app might feel tricky for new users. |
| Good for travel to less-connected places. |
Ticket Payment methods
- UPI
- Credit card
- Debit card
- Other online options
Paytm
Special Feature: Provides train ticket booking along with recharge, bill payment, and shopping features
Yes, Paytm is not just for payments, but also one of the best train ticket booking apps. The train ticket booking process is easy and quick, and the app also allows you to make instant refunds and cancellations.
Like every other train booking app, Paytm gives you the option to check your PNR. It shows you the status of your train live train location, time of arrival, etc.
The app has its own way of delivering food to you. So if you are hungry, you can order food right from this app without looking for some other food delivery apps.
Paytm being an Indian app, keeps the diversity of Indian languages as its top priority and proof of this is that the app has been made available in more than ten languages. You can choose the one which you understand best. So all those Indians who don’t know English can easily book a train.
And it doesn’t stop here, the app also operates via voice search. All you have to do is speak what you are looking for and the app will understand and do the work for you without the need to touch the screen.
There’s also a quick book feature. It means you can book your tickets with just 2-4 taps only. It saves you a lot of time during emergency bookings or last-minute train bookings.
Paytm is not just made to book trains. You can also book flights, buses, and hotels from this app. Even metro tickets can be booked from here. It’s like a one-stop solution for all your travel needs.
Paytm gives you support all the time i.e., 24/7 available. Sometimes, you can even some great offers on train booking which I think no other app provides.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Allows quick refunds and cancellations | Paytm wallet has to be preloaded for booking tickets |
| The interface is easy to use | Additional fees may be applicable. |
| Quick booking option | |
| Regular Offers on train booking |
Ticket Payment methods
- Paytm Wallet
- Paytm Bank
- UPI
- Debit Card
- Credit Card
- Net Banking
Yatra
Special Feature: Offers complete travel booking solutions from trains to hotels and flights
Using the Yatra’s app you can book train tickets, check the PNR status, and know the train’s running status. It’s easy to use and makes your travel planning very smooth.
Along with the option to book trains, you will also get the option to book flights, hotels, Buses and many more. And, with the Yatra app, you can get Yatra gift cards too that add extra benefits to your travels.
One thing that I do not like about the app is that, unlike other train ticket booking apps, you will not find many offers or discount options. Overall the app is good and you will surely love its simple UI and smooth navigation.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Book train tickets | Not a dedicated app for train booking |
| Light app with simple UI | |
| Wallet System |
Ticket Payment methods
- Yatra eCash
- Debit Card
- Credit Card
- UPI
- Online Wallets
- Net Banking
Goibibo
Special Feature: Known for the quick and easy booking process
With Goibibo, you can book train tickets, book hotels at your destinations, check the live train running status, and view train schedules. The app also offers 24/7 customer support to help you.
With this app, you can use that PNR number to check your ticket status. To check the status of your train ticket, simply enter your PNR number. The system will then display whether your ticket is confirmed or still on the waitlist.
You can get the real-time location of your train by just entering your PNR number. And also with its train schedule option, you don’t need to call the enquiry office anymore. You can know when your train will leave when it will come to your station, and all the stations it will stop at.
Also, you can locate the platform and coach of your train by using the Platform Locator option
One special thing about this app that impressed me is that, when you book your first train ticket from this app, they will not charge any convenience fee. In short, there’s no extra charge on your first booking.
Also in case your ticket confirmation process fails due to any issues, you will get double the money back. Similarly, if you change your plan and decide to cancel the booking you will get a full Refund on Cancellation.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Provides live train running status | Charges a convenience fee for booking |
| 24/7 customer support | Confusing UI |
| Regular updates | |
| Offers and Discounts |
Ticket Payment methods
- UPI
- Debit Card
- Credit Card
- goCash
- E-Wallet
- Net Banking
Confirmtkt
Special Feature: Notable for its feature of predicting the confirmation of waitlisted tickets
This app is great for checking seat availability and confirming your train tickets. It also predicts the chances of your waitlisted ticket getting confirmed.
You can check the PNR status, live train running status and train schedule. The app uses smart features such as Alternates and Prediction to increase your chances of getting a confirmed ticket.
You can see an estimation of whether or not a waitlisted ticket will get confirmed, while its Same Train Alternates feature can quickly locate hidden confirmed seats for you.
Also, you will get cancellation refunds for all tickets that have been purchased through ConfirmTkt. On the ConfirmTkt app, you can book your ticket 120 days in advance.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Provides PNR prediction for waitlisted tickets | The app may show pop-up ads |
| App performance is smooth with good UI |
Ticket Payment methods
- Debit Card
- Credit Card
- UPI
- ConfirmTKT wallet
- Paytm Wallet
Some Best Local Train Ticket Booking Apps
If you are travelling by local train, you just need an app to book tickets easily from your phone. Many apps help you do this which saves you time and energy. Let’s see the 10 best apps for booking local train tickets instantly.
UTS
As I already said above, the UTS app is the most popular train ticket booking app for booking unreserved, suburban tickets. The app is super smooth, and fast and doesn’t need complex steps to follow like other train book apps.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Specialized in local train ticket booking | Your device must be located at the nearby railway stations to book the tickets |
| Fast booking process |
Ticket Payment methods
- Debit Card
- Credit Card
- UPI
- UTS wallet
- Ixigo Money
- Paytm Wallet
Ridlr
This app provides online ticket booking for local trains in Delhi and Mumbai. You can also get live updates about train timings and schedules.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Accurate train timings and schedules | Primarily serves Mumbai, limiting its scope |
| Real-time traffic updates | Requires a stable internet connection for optimum use |
Ticket Payment methods
- Amazon Pay wallet
- All major UPI platforms like Phonepe, GooglePay, Paytm
- Debit Card
- Credit Card
- Netbanking
Where is my Train
Although not a ticket booking app, it is beneficial for local train travellers as it gives live updates about train schedules, delays, and platforms.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Provides offline train status using GPS and also train speed | Does not provide a ticket booking facility |
| Supports multiple regional languages |
Mumbai Local Train Timetable
This app, as the name suggests, provides the timetable for local trains in Mumbai. It also allows you to check the fare between stations.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Up-to-date and accurate timetables | Only serves the Mumbai area |
| Includes fare information between stations | Does not offer a ticket-booking feature |
Delhi NCR Metro
For those commuting in Delhi, this app is very useful. It provides the metro train timetable and also allows you to check the fares.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Detailed metro maps and route information | Does not have a ticket-booking feature |
| Provides estimated travel time |
M-Indicator
A very popular app in Mumbai, it provides the local train and bus timetable. It also provides live updates about any delays or changes in schedule.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Covers both train and bus schedules | Useful only in Mumbai |
| Provides auto and taxi fares | The user interface might be overwhelming for new users |
Hyderabad Metro Train
This app provides the Hyderabad Metro train timetable, fare information, and a route map.
This app is a great helper for those using the Hyderabad Metro Train in India. It gives details like timetable and fare, helping you plan and budget your journey.
Also, with its route map, you can easily see your train’s path. In short, this app makes travelling in Hyderabad city easy and more convenient.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Detailed information on metro routes and stops | Specific to Hyderabad city |
| Provides fare between metro stations | Does not provide a ticket booking option |
Kolkata Suburban Trains
This app provides the local train timetable for Kolkata. It also allows you to check the fare between stations.
This app is a good tool for anyone travelling by local train in Kolkata, India. It gives you the train timetable, so you can plan when to leave and arrive.
It also lets you know the fare between stations which in turn helps you to manage your travel expenses. Simply put the details, this app makes using Kolkata’s local train service easy and worry-free.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Accurate train schedules and timings | Exclusively for the Kolkata region |
| Easy access to fare information | Does not allow for ticket bookings |
Chennai Local Train Timetable
This app is a one-stop solution for all information related to local trains in Chennai. It provides the train timetable, fare information, and route map.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Provides comprehensive route maps | Useful only in Chennai |
| Includes both peak and off-peak timetables |
Comparison of Best Train Ticket Booking Apps
I have made a simple table for you. It will tell you about the best apps for each kind of train ticket booking. So, let’s have a look at the table below to find out the best train ticket booking app for you.
| Category | App | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Best General Train Ticket Booking App | IRCTC Rail Connect | The official app of Indian Railways offers comprehensive booking services. |
| Best Local Train Ticket Booking App | UTS | Specializes in local train ticket bookings across multiple Indian cities. |
| Best App for Unreserved Train Tickets | UTS | Allows for both reserved and unreserved bookings. |
| Best App for Current Train Tickets | IRCTC Rail Connect | Being the official app, it offers real-time booking for current tickets. |
| Best Android Apps for Booking Train Tickets | IRCTC Rail Connect | The official and most comprehensive train booking app available on Android. |
| Best Apps for Booking Online Train Tickets | ixigo | User-friendly interface with real-time train status for easy online booking. |
| The All-In-One Train Ticket Booking App | Paytm | Allows train, flight, and bus bookings, and other services like bill payments. |
| The best app to know the Live Status of the Train | Where is My Train | You can track the live location of the train, Coach details, Seat details and other similar train status |
Why Use Train Ticket Booking Apps?
Now, why should you use a train ticket booking app for mobile? Let’s understand the benefits.
- Firstly, it saves you a lot of time. Instead of waiting in long queues at the railway station, you can book your ticket with just a few taps on your phone.
- You can also check the availability of tickets, train timings, and even the status of your booking whenever you want.
- Another big advantage is that these apps are very easy to use.
- With user-friendly interfaces, even if you are new to smartphones, you can book your tickets without hassle.
- Also, these apps provide 24/7 customer support to help you out in case you face any issues.
How to book train tickets online or using the booking apps?
Now, let’s understand how to book train tickets using these apps. We will take the example of the IRCTC and UTS apps, two top-rated train ticket booking apps in India.
If you want to book a train ticket in the IRCTC app, follow these steps:
- Open the IRCTC app on your mobile.
- If you’re a new user, create an account. If you already have an account, log in.
- Select the “Train” option.
- On the next window tap on “Book Ticket“
- Enter your departure (From) and arrival (To) stations, date of journey, and class of travel.
- Click on ‘Search Trains‘.
- Select the train that suits you and proceed to book your ticket.
Similarly, to book a local train ticket in the UTS app, follow these steps:
- Open the UTS app on your mobile.
- Create an account or log in if you already have one.
- Select the “Normal Booking” option.
- Select the “Paperless option” (Book & Travel)
- Enter your source and destination station names
- Click on “Next“.
- Enter the passenger details and click on “Get Fare“
- No proceed with the instructions to make the payment
So, you see, booking train tickets online in the IRCTC app or any other app is really simple.
Conclusion
We have come to the end of our blog about the best apps for booking train tickets. We looked at many different apps. Each one has its own good points. But remember, the best app for you depends on your needs.
No matter where you want to go, these apps can help you. They give you all the information you need. You can find out about the train times. You can see how much the ticket will cost. And you can book the ticket with just a few clicks.
So, next time when you need to book a train ticket, don’t worry. Pick one of these apps, and it will do the job for you. I am sure you will find them helpful.
Now, booking a train ticket is as easy as ordering food online. So, which app will you download first for your next train journey? Comment your answer below
Which app is best for railway train ticket booking?
The best app for railway ticket booking can be different for everyone. It depends on what you need. But many people like IRCTC Rail Connect because it’s the official app of Indian Railways.
Which is the number 1 railway app?
The number 1 railway app is often considered to be IRCTC Rail Connect.
Which portal is best for booking train tickets?
There are many good portals for booking train tickets. However many people prefer IRCTC’s website and app. It is the official portal of Indian Railways.
What is the best train app to know train status?
Most people use the Where is my train app to get all the Live status of a particular train.
