Train Ticket Cancellation Rules, Get a Full Refund with These Simple Steps - Times Bull
Preferences

Train Ticket Cancellation Rules, Get a Full Refund with These Simple Steps

Sweta Mitra
January 27, 2026

Railway Rules: If you are love to travel by train, then you should have known some of the rules of Indian Railways. In India, trains are more than just a way to get around; they’re a crucial part of daily life. Every day, millions hop on trains for work, school, medical needs, or to see family. Trains are favored because they’re seen as budget-friendly, comfy, and dependable compared to buses and flights. Nowadays, booking tickets is a breeze. You can snag your tickets in just a few minutes using the IRCTC website or mobile app. But sometimes, plans can change.

There are times when you might need to cancel a trip unexpectedly, or a train could be significantly delayed or even cancelled. In these cases, the main concern for travelers is whether they’ll get a full refund or how early they need to cancel their tickets. If you’re curious about this, it’s important to know the railway’s refund policies. So, let’s dive into how many days in advance you can cancel a train ticket to get a full refund.

How many days ahead do you need to cancel to receive a full refund for your train ticket?

Indian Railways has specific guidelines about ticket cancellations and refunds. If you cancel your ticket in a timely manner, you can receive a full or nearly full refund. If you cancel before the train chart is made, the Railways will refund the ticket price, although a small clerkage fee will be deducted. The fees differ based on the class of travel; for instance, second class (general) has lower charges, while sleeper and AC classes incur slightly higher fees. The remaining balance will be credited back to your account. If the Railways completely cancels the train, passengers are entitled to a full refund. IRCTC handles this refund automatically or via TDR.

Will you get a full refund if the train is delayed by 3 hours or more?

If your train is delayed by 3 hours or more and you don’t want to travel, the Railways will provide a full refund. This applies to all classes: General, Sleeper, Third AC, Second AC, and First AC. However, if you board the train, you won’t receive a full refund. You don’t have to travel to receive a refund.

What do you need to do to get a refund if your train is delayed?

1. In such a situation, you need to file a TDR. To file a TDR, visit the IRCTC website.

2. Login with your user ID and password.

3. Go to My Account.

4. Click on My Transactions.

5. Select the option File TDR.

6. Select the ticket and select the reason.

7. Now submit, after this your request will reach the Railways.

📌

Topics