IRCTC Train Enquiry: Complete Guide to Check Train Status, PNR, Schedule & Seat Availability

  To make train travel easier, Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) provides a simple and user-friendly online platform to book tickets, check train status and track live train activities. Whether you are a daily commuter, a tourist, or planning a long-distance journey, the IRCTC train inquiry system is your one-stop destination for all train-related information.

IRCTC train enquiry

irctc train enquiry seat availability

🌐 What is IRCTC Train Enquiry?

IRCTC Train Inquiry refers to the online services offered by IRCTC and Indian Railways for checking real-time train information. It allows passengers to see:
live train running status
PNR status
seat availability
Train schedule and route
Fare details and coach status
Station Arrival and Departure
All this can be done in a matter of seconds using your smartphone, computer or the official IRCTC app

How to check train inquiry on IRCTC

Follow these easy steps to check your train details on the IRCTC website:

Visit official website: www.irctc.co.in

Log in with your registered ID and password.

On the home page, click on “Trains” → “Train Enquiry”.

Enter your train number or train name in the search box.

You can view the schedule, running days, stations and times.

Alternatively, for quick live tracking, you can also visit the NTES (National Train Inquiry System) website:

👉 https://enquiry. indianrail.gov.in

📱 IRCTC Mobile App for Train Inquiry

The IRCTC Rail Connect app available on Android and iOS brings all train inquiry services at your fingertips.

Key Features of IRCTC Rail Connect App:

live train running status

Seat Availability and Ticket Booking

PNR status and confirmation possibility

train between stations

Train Schedule and Fare Inquiry

E-Wallet Payment Options

You can download it from Google Play Store or Apple App Store, log in and manage your entire journey digitally.

🕒 Checking Live Train Running Status

Live Train Status feature is one of the most used tools on IRCTC and NTES. This helps passengers know where their train is at any time.

Steps to check live status:

Visit IRCTC or NTES website.

Enter your train number and date of journey.

The system will display:

current station

Delay (if any)

Estimated Arrival/Departure Time

Rail routes and stops

This feature is extremely useful during bad weather or when trains are running late.

🎟️ How to check PNR status on IRCTC

Every booked train ticket has a PNR (Passenger Name Record) number – a 10 digit unique code. You can use this number to check whether your ticket is Confirmed (CNF), RAC (Reservation Against Cancellation), or Wait Listed (WL).

Steps to check PNR status:

Visit www.irctc.co.in

Click on “PNR Enquiry”.

Enter your 10 digit PNR number.

Click "Submit".

Your booking status, coach number and seat details will be visible immediately.

You can also send an SMS -

📩Type pnr  and send it to 139 (Railway Inquiry Service).

💺 Seat Availability Inquiry

Before booking a ticket, you can see how many seats are available in your chosen train and class (Sleeper, 3AC, 2AC, 1AC, etc.).

step:

On the IRCTC website, go to “Train → Search”.

Enter your departure and arrival station and journey date.

Click on the train of your choice.

You will see the availability chart and fare list.

IRCTC also provides predictions of confirmation chances based on past trends – so you can decide whether to book or wait.

💰 Train Fare Inquiry

To know the exact ticket fare:

Go to IRCTC website or app.

Enter source, destination, train and class.

The system will show fare details which include:

base fare

reservation fee

Superfast surcharge (if applicable)

GST and total fare

This transparency helps you plan your travel budget efficiently.

Train Schedule and Route Information

IRCTC lets you see the complete route and timing of any train across India.

How to check:

Go to IRCTC → Train Inquiry → Train Schedule.

Enter train number or name.

You will see a detailed list of stations with arrival, departure, stopping time and distance covered.

This is especially useful for long journeys like Rajdhani Express, Duronto, or passenger trains with multiple stops.

🧾 Train inquiry between stations

If you don't know which train to take, use the "Trains between stations" option.

step:

Open IRCTC or NTES site.

Enter your starting station and destination.

Select travel date.

You will get a list of all available trains, timings and classes.

You can filter results based on train type – Express, Superfast, Rajdhani, Shatabdi or Passenger.

Railway Inquiry Number (139)

For passengers who prefer offline enquiries, Indian Railways provides a toll-free number – 139.

you can:

For voice enquiry, call 139

Send SMS for PNR or train status

Use WhatsApp (RailMadad 139 Helpline)

Example SMS Format:

PNR 1234567890 → send to 139

Train 12049 → for schedule

Seat 12049 20-10-2025 NDLS BCT SL → For Availability

🕰️ Real-time train tracking via GPS

Some modern trains are equipped with GPS tracking. Uses GPS data to show live status of IRCTC:

current location on map

estimated delay time

Speed ​​and last updated station

This feature is especially true for premium trains like Rajdhani, Shatabdi and Vande Bharat Express.

✈️ Bonus Tip: IRCTC Tours & Packages

Apart from train enquiry, IRCTC also offers:

Tour Packages (Pride of India, Buddhist Circuit, etc.)

flight booking

hotel booking

food distribution in trains

All services are available directly through the official IRCTC portal or mobile app.

irctc train enquiry time table

🧠 Tips for hassle free train enquiry

✅ Always enter the correct train number or journey date.

✅ Use the official IRCTC site – Avoid fake third party portals.

✅ Check train running status before leaving for the station.

✅ Save your PNR number and keep your digital ticket safe.

✅ Download NTES app for live updates for long journeys.