How Many Tatkal Tickets Can You Book? Full Rules, Timings, and Important Tips

For many railway passengers in India, Tatkal ticket booking is often the only way to secure a seat on short notice. However, not everyone is aware of the limits, rules, and process involved. If you’re wondering how many Tatkal tickets one person can book, here’s a complete guide.

How Many Tatkal Tickets Can Be Booked?

As per Indian Railways guidelines, one user can book Tatkal tickets for up to four passengers in a single booking. Whether you are booking online through the IRCTC portal or via a railway counter, the rule remains the same.

In addition:

A maximum of two Tatkal tickets per user ID is allowed between 10 AM and 12 PM if booked online.
If booking from the same IP address (such as in offices or cybercafés), only two tickets are permitted in the first two hours after booking opens.

This system helps prevent mass bookings and ensures a fair chance for individual passengers.

Tatkal Booking Timings

Tatkal ticket bookings open one day before the date of travel, not counting the day of departure itself.

For AC classes (1A, 2A, 3A, CC, Executive), Tatkal booking starts at 10 AM.
For non-AC classes (Sleeper, Second Sitting), it starts at 11 AM.

Booking opens on a real-time basis, meaning you must be quick, as tickets often sell out within minutes.

Other Important Details

Tatkal charges are higher than regular booking charges and vary depending on the class of travel.
Passengers must carry a valid photo ID at the time of travel.
Cancellations of Tatkal tickets usually do not offer a refund, except in very specific cases like train cancellation.
You can book Tatkal tickets online via IRCTC’s official website or mobile app, or by visiting authorized ticket counters.

Pro Tips for Tatkal Booking Success

Login early: Keep your IRCTC account logged in at least 5–10 minutes before booking opens.
Fill in details in advance: Use the “Passenger Master List” option to save time during booking.
Use faster payment options: Net banking or UPI methods usually complete payments faster than card options.

Tatkal ticket booking remains one of the fastest ways to secure a seat when plans are made at the last minute — but knowing the rules gives you a big advantage!

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