How To Save Money On Train Tickets In India Using UPI And The IRCTC App

It is 9.58 am, and you are staring at the IRCTC app, waiting for Tatkal booking to open. Two minutes later, half the seats are gone. What makes the difference between success and failure? Your speed. And that is where UPI and the right hacks come in. Booking a train ticket in India is not just about luck; it is about timing, preparation, and knowing how to work the system. Here is a step-by-step guide that shows how to use the IRCTC app and UPI to secure the cheapest fares and improve your chances of booking success.

Here is a step-by-step guide that shows how to use the IRCTC app and UPI to secure the cheapest fares and improve your chances of booking success.

Step-By-Step Guide To Use The IRCTC App And UPI To Secure The Cheapest Train Tickets:

1. Prepare Your IRCTC Account Before The Rush

Do not wait until the booking window opens to start typing. Make sure your IRCTC account details are updated. Save passenger information in advance, add your preferred payment methods, and stay logged in at least a few minutes before booking starts. If you are going for Tatkal, this preparation can make the difference between confirmation and disappointment.

2. Always Book Through The Official IRCTC App Or Website

Stick to the official IRCTC app or website for your ticket bookings. While plenty of other apps exist, many add hidden service or agent fees. The official app connects you directly to Indian Railways quotas and fare schemes, keeping your costs transparent and accurate.

3. Use UPI As Your Fastest Payment Option

When the race is against time, every second matters. UPI is instant, secure, and far more reliable during high-demand bookings like Tatkal. Unlike cards or net banking, it has fewer chances of failing mid-transaction. Many authorised apps also waive UPI fees, making it both faster and cheaper.

4. Compare UPI With The IRCTC Wallet

Some travellers prefer to preload the IRCTC wallet for quick payments. While it can save a few seconds, it comes with a one-time activation fee and usually lacks cashback benefits. UPI remains the more flexible and cost-effective choice for most users, but the wallet is worth considering if you book trains frequently.

5. Master Tatkal Ticket Booking With UPI

Tatkal tickets are the toughest to get, selling out within minutes. To increase your chances, have your IRCTC account logged in and passenger details saved. Use UPI for payment because it clears almost instantly, unlike card transactions that often lag. Think of UPI as your express lane while others wait in the slow queue.

6. Use The Right Quotas For Savings

The Indian Railways quota system can work to your advantage. Male senior citizens above 60 years and female senior citizens above 58 years get reduced fares under the senior citizen quota. Female passengers also have a reserved Ladies Quota, which sometimes has better availability than the General Quota. These quotas not only save money but also increase your chances of getting a confirmed berth.

7. Watch For Special Schemes And Alerts

During festivals or long weekends, Indian Railways runs special trains and introduces seasonal fare discounts. The IRCTC app regularly pushes alerts about such services. Keeping notifications switched on and using UPI for quick payment helps you grab these limited seats at lower prices.

8. Take Advantage Of Cashback And Offers

Banks and payment apps frequently roll out promotions, from cashback deals to bonus reward points. Using UPI through these apps can reduce your overall ticket cost even further. For regular travellers, these savings add up over time.

9. Book Your Ticket Well In Advance

If your journey date is fixed, booking early is the simplest way to secure cheaper fares. Indian Railways opens reservations up to 120 days in advance. For popular routes, tickets sell out fast, and waiting until the last moment often means paying more or missing out altogether.

10. Check Authorised Third-Party Apps For Extra Benefits

Apps like ixigo and ConfirmTkt are authorised IRCTC partners. They provide zero payment gateway fees on UPI transactions and occasionally offer coupons or cashback. For travellers comparing options, they can be a legitimate and cost-saving alternative.

The Bottom Line

Booking train tickets in India will always have its challenges, but with the IRCTC app, UPI payments, and a few smart tricks, you can turn the odds in your favour. Whether it is preparing your account in advance, using the right quota, or speeding through Tatkal bookings with UPI, these steps can help you travel cheaper, faster, and with less stress.