How to Cancel a Train Ticket and Get a Refund

We’ve all been there. You book a train ticket with excitement—maybe for a vacation, a work trip, or a visit home—and then plans change. Suddenly, that confirmed ticket feels more like a problem than a plan. The good news? Cancelling a train ticket in India isn’t as complicated as it used to be. Knowing the steps and rules around ticket cancellations can save you time, money, and stress, whether you’re a first-time traveller or a seasoned passenger.

In this blog, I’ll break down the real-world process of cancelling a train ticket—whether it was booked online or at the counter—and how to get your refund with as little hassle as possible.

1. Understanding the Type of Ticket You Booked

Before diving into the cancellation process, knowing what kind of ticket you have is important. This makes a big difference in how much refund you get (if any at all).

• Confirmed Ticket – You have a seat/berth. Cancellation charges apply based on timing.
• RAC (Reservation Against Cancellation) – You’re not guaranteed a berth but can travel. Partial refund rules apply.
• Waitlisted Ticket – No confirmed seat; refund rules depend on whether it was booked online or at the station.
• Tatkal Ticket – Booked for last-minute travel. Refunds are only possible under special circumstances.
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2. Cancelling an Online Ticket (IRCTC)

The process is straightforward if you booked your ticket through the IRCTC website or app.

Steps to Cancel:

1. Log in to IRCTC.
2. Go to “Booked Ticket History.”
3. Select the journey you want to cancel.
4. Click on “Cancel Ticket” and follow the prompts.
5. You’ll get a confirmation message and email once cancelled.

Pro Tip:
Before cancelling, check your PNR status—sometimes Waitlisted tickets get confirmed at the last moment, saving you cancellation charges!

Refund Timelines:

Refund is generally processed within 3-7 business days using your original payment method. If you used UPI or a wallet, check that account.

3. Cancelling a Ticket Booked at the Railway Counter

Still prefer the charm of buying a paper ticket at the station? If yes, cancellation works differently.

What You’ll Need:

• The original printed ticket
• Valid ID proof (in case of partial passenger cancellation)

Cancellation Options:

• Go directly to the cancellation counter at any railway station.
• Fill out a cancellation form and submit the ticket.
• Refund is given on the spot, usually in cash.

A refund is simple if you’re cancelling before the chart is prepared. Once the chart is ready (usually 4 hours before departure), cancellation becomes trickier, especially for confirmed tickets.

4. Cancellation Charges (Know Before You Cancel)

Let’s be honest—no one enjoys losing money on cancellations. But if you cancel at the right time, you can minimise the damage.

Here’s a quick guide to standard cancellation charges for confirmed tickets:

You get a full refund for waitlisted or RAC tickets cancelled before charting (minus a small fee, usually ₹60).

Note: After the chart is prepared, you can only file a TDR (Ticket Deposit Receipt), and the refund is not guaranteed.

5. Special Scenarios (And What to Do)

Sometimes, travel plans are interrupted due to factors outside your control. IRCTC and Indian Railways do offer ways to claim refunds in special cases.

Train Cancelled by Railways:

A full refund is automatically processed for e-tickets and counter tickets, so there is no need to cancel.

Train Running Late (Over 3 Hours):

You can cancel and claim a full refund if you choose not to travel. But do it before actual departure.

Passenger Didn’t Travel:

Submit a TDR within 1 hour of departure (for online tickets). For offline tickets, approach the station master.

6. TDR – What Is It and When to Use It?

TDR stands for Ticket Deposit Receipt. It’s essentially a formal way of requesting a refund for an unused or partially used ticket after chart preparation.

Here are some valid reasons to file a TDR:

• The train cancelled, but the chart was already prepared
• Train was  delayed, and you didn’t board
• The AC coach is not functioning
• The passenger passed away before the travel

Depending on your booking, you can file it through IRCTC or submit a form at the station.

Final Thoughts

Cancelling a train ticket doesn’t need to be a bureaucratic nightmare. Whether you booked online or in person, Indian Railways has evolved to make the process more traveller-friendly. The key is to act early, know your ticket type, and stay updated with the rules.

If there’s one piece of advice I’d leave you with, it’s this: Don’t wait till the last minute to cancel, hoping plans magically fall into place. If you know you won’t make that journey, cancel your ticket. You’ll save some money and open up a seat for someone else who may need it more than you think.

Happy travels—whenever they happen!