How to Cancel or Modify a Train Ticket: Step-by-Step Guide
- Nov 29, 2025
- 5 min read
Train travel within India will be a memorable experience like none other. However, plans can shift, and you'll have to modify or cancel the train tickets you purchased. Whether you book directly through IRCTC or use convenient platforms like RailFeast, cancelling your train ticket is simple if sudden changes in plans or emergencies arise. In this step-by-step guide, we'll show you how you can remove tickets from trains, the various options available, and what you must be aware of regarding IRCTC cancellation fees and the cancellation of tickets via e-tickets.
How to Cancel Train Ticket: A Comprehensive Guide
The process of cancelling the purchase of a ticket for a train could seem like a daunting task however thanks to its user-friendly system, IRCTC makes it a simple and fast procedure. Cancellation is available for electronic tickets on the internet, via mobile applications, or at counters in railway stations. Let's explore the different methods and procedures to cancellation of a train ticket.
Methods for Canceling Train Tickets
1. IRCTC Cancellation Online: A Simple Way to Cancel Your Train Ticket
The easiest method to cancel your train reservation is through the IRCTC website or mobile application. It doesn't matter if it's an electronic ticket or counter ticket, IRCTC gives you numerous alternatives to cancel your reservation.
Steps to Cancel e-Ticket on IRCTC:
Visit the IRCTC official website or download the IRCTC app. Log in to the account to your IRCTC account.
Go to and then to the "Booked Tickets" section.
Choose the ticket you want to remove.
Select your passenger(s) to remove and begin the process.
After confirmation, your cancellation will be processed then the amount will be transferred to the credit card used to make the reservation.
Attention: IRCTC provides refunds in accordance with its cancellation fees policy. The cancellation charges for e-tickets are based on the amount of time in advance the cancellation must be done prior to the scheduled train departure. Learn the Indian Railway Fine rules to learn about the fees applicable.
2. Steps to Cancel Counter Tickets Booked at the Station
When it comes to Counter tickets The cancellation process differs. You'll have to go to the station at which you bought the ticket and complete cancellation at the counter designated for you.
Steps for Counter Ticket Cancellation:
Visit the station where the ticket was given.
Visit the counter for booking and present your ticket and a photo ID.
The staff at the counter will take your request and reimburse the amount that is appropriate according to charges incurred by the IRCTC cancellation fees.
3. Cancellation via Mobile App: A Convenient Option
If you are looking for a fast and easy method, then using an app from a third party such as Paytm, PhonePe as well as the IRCTC mobile application is the best choice. These apps let you manage your reservations as well as change train ticket reservations without the need to visit the station.
How to Cancel Your Ticket via Paytm or Other Apps:
Log in to the app, then open it and sign in.
Navigate to "My Bookings" or "My Orders."
Select the train ticket that you want to remove.
Choose the passenger you wish to cancel and then confirm the cancellation.
This technique is particularly useful in managing bookings on-the move.
4. Cancellation via SMS: The Quickest Way for Emergency Changes
If you're not connected via the Internet or mobile phone it is possible to cancel your train ticket via text message. This option is ideal to those who travel or for rapid changes while in motion.
SMS Cancellation Process:
Send an SMS with the format CANCEL
You can send it to send it to (which is number that is the official IRCTC assistance number.
IRCTC Cancellation Charges: What You Need to Know
If you cancel your train tickets If you cancel train tickets, the IRCTC cancellation fees are based on the date you cancel your tickets. Here's a breakdown on the charges associated with the cancellation of tickets via e-tickets:
At least 48 hours prior to departure A fixed cost is calculated based on the class of travel
AC First Class/Executive Class: Rs240
AC 2 Tier/First Class: Rs200
AC 3 Tier/AC Chair Car/AC 3 Economy: Rs180
Sleeper Class: Rs120
Second Class: Rs60
less than 48 hours but greater than 12 hours prior to departure The cancellation charge is 25 percent of the fare with the exception of minimum flat rate that are mentioned above.
Not more than 12 hours prior to departure, but prior to the preparation of the chart Charges for cancellation are 50 percent of the cost of the ticket.
Note after the chart is prepared, train ticket cancel cannot be done on the internet. You'll have to file an TDR (Ticket Deposit Receipt) online if you are seeking a refund for an cancelled ticket after chart preparation.
What Happens After Chart Preparation?
After the reservation chart is created after the reservation chart is prepared, your electronic ticket cancellation gets a bit more difficult. After the chart is prepared, train ticket cancel cannot be done directly through IRCTC's site. In such instances you'll have to submit an TDR to request the refund.
How to File TDR:
Log in to your IRCTC account and go into"File TDR" in the "File TDR" section.
Provide your ticket details.
Send your TDR request.
Once the refund is approved, it is handled by the railroad concerned and transferred on your bank account.
Key Points to Remember Before Cancelling a Train Ticket
Tatkal ticket cancellation If you've already booked an Tatkal ticket, it is important to be aware that there is no refund is permitted in the event of confirmed Tatkal tickets once they've been issued. The exception is that Tatkal cancellation of tickets is possible for waiting listed tickets in accordance with the standard regulations. Go through our blog on how to book the Tatkal Tickets to get a step-bystep guide to how to book Tatkal tickets in a timely manner.
Partially Cancellation If you want to cancel train tickets for certain but not all the passengers on group bookings the possibility of partial cancellation is permitted. In this instance you'll be able to get a reimbursement for the cancelled passengers, whereas the remaining will remain in the confirmation.
Return Time: Based on the method that you employ for change your train ticket and get your refund, it could be anywhere from a couple of hours to a couple of business days.
Conclusion
Being able to cancel train tickets efficiently could save you time and money, as well as anxiety in the event that your travel plans change. No matter if you're making use of the e-ticket cancellation, counter ticket cancellation or even a mobile app it's easy provided you're aware of IRCTC cancellation fees and rules. Make sure you initiate your cancellation as early as possible to reduce costs and increase the amount you can get back.
Comments