Planning a train journey and confused about when IRCTC will open bookings for your travel date? The IRCTC Ticket Date Calculator helps you instantly find the date when you can start booking your train tickets based on the latest 60 Days Advance Reservation Period (ARP) rule.
(This date assumes the train departs from the starting station on the same day.)
IRCTC 60 Days Advance Ticket Date Calculator
Use the calculator below to check when you can start booking tickets for any journey date.
How the IRCTC 60 Day Rule Works
As per the latest guidelines of Indian Railways (November 2024), train tickets can be booked 60 days before the scheduled travel date. Earlier, the ARP used to be 120 days, but IRCTC reduced it to 60 days to make booking more efficient and reduce unnecessary early reservations.
For example:
If your journey date is 30 June, the booking will open on 01 May.
General booking opens daily at 8:00 AM on IRCTC (website, app, and railway counters).
Tatkal follows a different schedule:
- AC Tatkal opens at 10:00 AM
- Sleeper Tatkal opens at 11:00 AM
The calculator subtracts exactly 60 days from your journey date to show the booking start date.
Today’s Booking Availability
(Based on the 60 day rule)
This is updated daily according to the current IRCTC reservation window.
Why IRCTC Changed ARP from 120 Days to 60 Days
IRCTC reduced the ARP from 120 days to 60 days to:
- Prevent misuse and large-scale advance bookings
- Reduce cancellation rates
- Improve train occupancy efficiency
- Help passengers book tickets closer to actual travel plans
- Allow better planning during festivals and peak seasons
The shorter booking window ensures more fair access to seats and reduces the number of unutilized reservations.
How to Use the IRCTC Ticket Date Calculator
Using the calculator is simple, fast, and works on all devices.
Step 1: Enter Your Journey Date
Select the date when the train departs from its starting station.
Step 2: Tap “Calculate Booking Date”
The calculator instantly shows the booking opening date.
Step 3: Check Tatkal Timing
For AC and Sleeper classes, Tatkal times are displayed automatically.
Step 4: Add Reminder (Optional)
You can add the booking date to Google Calendar or save it to your phone, so you don’t miss the booking window.
Why This Calculator Is Useful
- Saves time by avoiding manual date counting
- Helps plan train journeys accurately
- Keeps up with latest IRCTC rules
- Useful for Tatkal, Premium Tatkal & festival periods
- No login or personal information required
- Works for all long-distance Indian Railways trains
Millions of passengers book train tickets daily. Knowing the exact time bookings open makes the process smooth and stress-free.
Examples of Booking Date Calculation
Example 1
Journey Date: 15 July 2025
Booking opens on: 16 May 2025
Tatkal:
- AC → 14 July, 10 AM
- Sleeper → 14 July, 11 AM
Example 2
Journey Date: 01 January 2026
Booking opens on: 03 November 2025
Tatkal:
- AC → 31 December, 10 AM
- Sleeper → 31 December, 11 AM
Example 3
Journey Date: 25 March 2025
Booking opens on: 24 January 2025
Understanding the IRCTC Advance Reservation Period (ARP)
The Advance Reservation Period determines how early a passenger can book reserved train tickets in India.
Current rule: 60 Days
Passengers can book most long-distance train tickets up to 60 days before journey.
Tatkal Booking
- Opens 1 day before journey date
- AC: 10 AM
- Sleeper: 11 AM
Premium Tatkal Booking
Similar to Tatkal but with dynamic pricing.
Special Trains
Festive and seasonal trains may follow separate booking windows, as announced by IRCTC.
Exceptions to the 60-Day Booking Rule
Not all trains follow the 60-day rule strictly. Exceptions include:
1. Special Festival Trains
The booking window may vary depending on demand.
2. Foreign Tourists
They can book tickets up to 365 days in advance.
3. Daytime Express Trains
Some trains like Taj Express or Gomti Express may follow different reservation rules.
4. Modified Rules During Peak Season
IRCTC may temporarily adjust booking windows during high-demand periods like Diwali or summer holidays.
IRCTC Booking Timings
General Booking
Opens daily at:
8:00 AM IST
Tatkal Booking
- AC: 10:00 AM
- Sleeper: 11:00 AM
Ticket Counters
Follow the same timing as online booking.
Features of IRCTC Ticket Date Calculator
- Instant calculation
- Accurate 60-day rule
- Tatkal date & time included
- Works on all devices
- No sign-up required
- Lightweight & fast-loading tool
- Calendar reminder option
This tool is created to help passengers plan their train travel confidently.
FAQs – IRCTC 60 Days Advanced Ticket Date Calculator
When does IRCTC booking open for regular trains?
Booking generally opens 60 days before the travel date at 8:00 AM.
Can I rely on this calculator for holiday season trains?
Yes, but special trains may have different rules.
Does it work for Tatkal tickets?
No, Tatkal has its own timing (1 day before travel).
Is this calculator free to use?
Yes, it’s completely free and easy to use.
Does IRCTC ever change the 60-day rule?
Yes, it may change occasionally, so always verify during peak seasons.
What time does IRCTC open bookings?
IRCTC opens booking at 8:00 AM daily for general tickets.
When does Tatkal booking start?
AC Tatkal: 10 AM
Sleeper Tatkal: 11 AM
Is the 60-day rule valid for all trains?
Most trains follow the rule, but festival trains and special services may differ.
Can I use this tool to book Tatkal tickets?
No. The tool only calculates dates; ticket bookings must be done on IRCTC.
Does this work on mobile?
Yes, the calculator works on all devices including mobile phones.
Is Train Date Calculator affiliated with IRCTC?
No, it is an independent tool based on publicly available rules.
Why Book Train Tickets Early?
- Higher chance of confirmed seats
- Lower risk of long waitlists
- Better planning for long journeys
- Avoid last-minute price variations (Premium Tatkal)
- Useful during peak seasons and festivals
Booking early ensures a smooth travel experience.
Conclusion
The IRCTC Ticket Date Calculator makes train travel planning simple and stress-free. By using the latest 60-day reservation rules, the tool instantly shows when booking starts for any journey date. Whether you’re planning a vacation, festival trip, or daily travel, knowing the correct booking date helps you reserve tickets at the right time.
Use the calculator any time, stay updated, and enjoy hassle-free train travel.
Disclaimer
This calculator is provided for informational purposes only. Results are based on the latest public IRCTC rules. Always verify final booking dates and timings on the official IRCTC website (www.irctc.co.in) before booking. We are not responsible for any errors, delays, or discrepancies. Use the tool at your own discretion.