No Internet? How to Book Train Tickets Offline

Offline Train Ticket Booking in India: A Step-by-Step Guide

Lost internet access but need to book a train ticket? Here’s how to do it offline — quickly and reliably. While most of us are used to tapping our way through IRCTC apps or other online portals, there are still times and places where the internet doesn’t work. Maybe you’re in a remote town, the signal’s weak, or you miss that human touch. Whatever your reason, this blog is for you.
During a trip to a small town in eastern India, encountering a situation where a phone battery was depleted and the power bank was unresponsive can be challenging. With the need to book a return train to a remote location and no internet access available, there are typically two options: succumb to panic or resort to traditional problem-solving methods. Opting for the latter can provide valuable insights and learning experiences.

Book Train Tickets Offline

1. Head to the Nearest Railway Station

The most reliable way to book a train ticket offline is still through the railway station’s booking counter. Most stations, even the smaller ones, have separate counters for different categories—general, senior citizen, ladies, and Tatkal bookings.
It’s common to encounter queues upon entering the station after 9 a.m. The booking window for general tickets usually opens at 8 a.m., so it’s advisable to arrive early if you plan to travel the same day or urgently.

2. Know Your Train Details in Advance

Before heading to the counter, make sure you’ve noted down some important details:

• Your departure and arrival stations
• Preferred date of travel
• Train number or name (if you know it)
• Class of travel (Sleeper, AC 3-tier, Second Class, etc.)
• Your ID proof (especially for reserved tickets)

If you don’t have access to an online timetable, don’t worry. Most stations have printed charts and timeboards that show train schedules. And if you’re still unsure, the staff or fellow travelers are often more than willing to help.

Railway station booking counter

3. Fill Out the Reservation Slip

If booking a reserved ticket, you must fill out a reservation form. These forms are usually kept in racks near the ticket counters. They ask for basic information like your name, age, gender, train number, class, boarding point, and destination.
Pro tip: Carry a pen. Borrowing one in a rush is not ideal when a line of tired travellers is forming behind you.
Once filled, hand over the slip to the booking clerk. They’ll check seat availability, enter your details into the system, and issue a printed ticket.

4. Cash or Card? Payment Options Offline

Don’t assume the counter will accept UPI or online payments. In many smaller towns, especially in remote areas, cash is king. You might get lucky — the counter at some stations do accept card payments, but the card machine can have network issues (surprise, surprise). If you don’t carry enough cash, you can be stuck.
So always keep some cash in hand, especially when relying on offline services.

5. Tatkal Tickets? There’s a Different Window

If you're booking a Tatkal ticket (for last-minute travel), you need to queue at a special Tatkal window, which opens at specific times:

• For AC classes, bookings open at 10 a.m.
• For non-AC classes, they open at 11 a.m. (one day before the journey date)

These tickets get snapped up fast, so punctuality is crucial.

6. What If the Station Is Closed?

If the station is too small or closed at the time, try looking for authorized ticket booking agents. These are IRCTC-appointed vendors found in market areas or near bus terminals. They usually have a small booth with signage and a railway logo.
While they might charge a small commission, they’re a legit and useful backup plan.

Final Thoughts

In an era dominated by apps and instant booking, going offline to book a train ticket might feel like stepping back in time. But there’s a certain simplicity and reliability in the process. No captcha errors, no payment gateway failures — just a short queue, a pen and paper, and the quiet hum of the station in the background.
Whether you’re offline by choice or by circumstance, don’t worry. Indian Railways still has your back —even without the internet. And if you’re on a waitlist, remember — you can check your PNR status offline via SMS or a quick call to 139.