The Annual Festival Rush
Every year, the period from Diwali to Chhath Puja sees an unprecedented travel surge, particularly on routes to Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. This year, with Diwali on the horizon and the main Chhath Puja days falling between November 15th and 16th, 2026,
the demand has once again overwhelmed the railway network. Regular trains on popular routes were fully booked weeks, if not months, in advance. This predictable rush creates immense stress for those trying to secure a last-minute journey home. But understanding the landscape is the first step to finding a smart solution.
Hunt for Special Festival Trains
Indian Railways anticipates this demand and announces hundreds of special festival trains to ease the pressure. In late September 2026, various zones, including Northern, Central, and Southern Railways, announced numerous special services connecting major hubs like Delhi, Mumbai, Pune, and Bengaluru to destinations in UP, Bihar, and West Bengal. Central Railway alone announced 418 special services for the season. These trains run on high-demand routes, such as Varanasi-Delhi, Ayodhya-Anand Vihar, and Chandigarh-Patna, throughout October and November. To book these, regularly check the IRCTC website and app, the NTES app for live status, and follow the official social media handles of railway zones for the latest announcements. Bookings open close to the departure dates, offering a fresh window of opportunity.
Take to the Road: Buses and Coaches
When trains are full, the national highways become the next best option. A vast network of government and private bus operators connects major cities to even the smallest towns. Platforms like redBus and AbhiBus consolidate options from over 6,000 operators, including state road transport corporations (RTCs) like UPSRTC and BSRTC. These platforms allow you to compare fares, timings, and bus types (from seater to sleeper AC). During the festive season, operators often add special services to meet the demand. Booking online in advance is crucial, as bus tickets also sell out quickly. These services offer the advantage of reaching closer to your final destination, bypassing the need for onward travel from a major railway station.
Consider Flying: Finding Flight Deals
While air travel is typically the most expensive option, it’s not always out of reach. Fares for festive periods can surge by up to three times their usual rate, especially on routes like Delhi-Patna. However, a few smart strategies can help you find more affordable tickets. Being flexible with your travel dates by a few days can lead to significant savings. Early morning or late-night flights are often cheaper than those during peak hours. Use flight comparison websites like Skyscanner or Ixigo to check all airlines at once. Sometimes, flying into a nearby, less busy airport and completing the journey by road can be a cost-effective alternative. Booking at least 60-90 days in advance is ideal, but even at the last minute, persistent searching can uncover deals.
Share the Ride: Carpooling and Taxis
For those comfortable with a more informal travel arrangement, carpooling is a growing and often budget-friendly option for intercity travel. Apps like BlaBlaCar, Rodshare, and YatraPool connect passengers with drivers who have empty seats in their cars. This mode of transport is particularly useful for popular routes like Mumbai-Pune or Delhi-Jaipur and can be a lifesaver during the festival rush. These platforms prioritize safety with features like user verification, ratings, and in-app chat. For families or groups, booking a one-way outstation taxi can also be a viable, albeit more expensive, alternative. It offers door-to-door convenience and eliminates the hassle of multiple transfers.
