How to Cancel Railway Tickets: Guidelines and Fees

Travel plans can change, and sometimes you need to cancel your railway tickets. Whether you purchased e-tickets or regular tickets, understanding the cancellation policies and procedures is crucial to avoid any unnecessary fees. This article covers the general points to consider, specific guidelines for e-tickets, and the cancellation fees associated with railway tickets in India.

General Cancellation Guidelines

Typically, you can cancel railway tickets, but the process and policies can vary depending on the railway service and the type of ticket you purchased. Here are some important factors to keep in mind:

Cancellation Policy

Check the specific cancellation policy of the railway service you used. Some tickets may be fully refundable, while others may have restrictions or fees.

Time Frame

Most railways allow cancellations up to a certain time before the departure. The closer you are to the departure time, the higher the likelihood of facing cancellation fees. Therefore, it's best to cancel as early as possible to avoid penalties.

How to Cancel

You can usually cancel tickets online via the railways website or app, at ticket counters, or through customer service. It’s best to check the specific options with your railway company.

Refund Process

If your ticket is eligible for a refund, the amount returned may vary based on the cancellation time. Ensure you provide any necessary information such as your booking reference.

Note: You cannot cancel a travelled ticket or any untravelled ticket after the train has reached its destination. For more accurate and specific information, always refer to the website or customer service of the railway company you booked with.

E-Ticket Cancellation Guidelines

For e-tickets, the cancellation process is slightly different. Here are the guidelines you need to follow:

Before Chart Preparation

Cancellations are allowed up to the time of chart preparation. For trains starting by 12 noon, the chart preparation is usually done on the previous night. You can log onto and go to the cancellation page to cancel your e-tickets.

More Than 48 Hours Advance

For cancelled tickets more than 48 hours before the scheduled departure, the cancellation charges are as follows:

AC First/Executive Class: Rs. 240/- AC 2T (2 Tier): Rs. 200/- AC 3T (3 Tier): Rs. 180/- AC Chair Car, AC 3E: Rs. 180/- Sleeper Class: Rs. 120/- Second Class: Rs. 60/-

Between 48 to 24 Hours

For cancelled tickets less than 48 hours but more than 12 hours before the scheduled departure, the cancellation charges are:

25% of the total fare paid, subject to a minimum flat cancellation charge for each class.

Less Than 24 Hours

For cancelled tickets less than 12 hours before the scheduled departure, the cancellation charges are:

25% of the total fare paid, subject to a minimum flat cancellation charge for each class. 50% of the total fare paid, if cancellation is less than 4 hours before the departure, subject to a minimum flat cancellation charge for each class.

RAC/Waitlisted Tickets

In the case of RAC or waitlisted tickets:

If the first leg of the journey is confirmed, the whole ticket is treated as a confirmed ticket for the purpose of applying cancellation/refund rules. If the first leg of the journey is waitlisted, even if all other legs of the onward journey are confirmed, the ticket is treated as a waitlisted ticket for the purpose of granting a refund.

If you cancel a waitlisted ticket within 30 minutes before the scheduled departure, you will get a full refund of the fare, subject to a per passenger clerkage charge.

More Info

For comprehensive and detailed information, please refer to the IRCTC website or contact customer service.