The Tatkal and Premium Tatkal Option
For last-minute travel, the Tatkal quota is your first line of defense. Booking opens one day before a train's departure from its originating station. Be ready at 10 AM for AC classes and 11 AM for non-AC classes. Success requires speed: use a fast internet
connection, log into the IRCTC portal 10-15 minutes early, and keep a list of passenger details ready to copy and paste. If you're willing to pay more for a confirmed seat, look for the Premium Tatkal (PT) quota. Unlike regular Tatkal's fixed extra charge, PT fares are dynamic and increase with demand, much like airline tickets. However, PT only offers confirmed tickets—no waiting lists—and agents are not allowed to book them. Be aware that Premium Tatkal tickets are generally non-refundable.
Watch for Festival Special Trains
Indian Railways consistently announces hundreds of 'Festival Special' trains to manage the holiday rush for events like Diwali and Chhath Puja. These services are crucial for connecting major hubs like Delhi, Mumbai, and Pune with destinations in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh. Railway zones like Northern Railway and Central Railway have already announced numerous special services for the October-November 2026 period. Keep a close watch on the official IRCTC website, the National Train Enquiry System (NTES) app, and railway news portals for these announcements, as new trains are often added based on demand. These trains provide a significant number of extra berths and can be your best bet for a confirmed ticket.
Opt for the VIKALP Scheme
If you have a waitlisted ticket, don't give up on it just yet. Opt for the IRCTC's VIKALP or Alternate Train Accommodation Scheme (ATAS) when you book. This free service gives Indian Railways permission to shift you to another train with available seats if your original ticket does not get confirmed. The scheme applies to all Mail and Express trains, and you can select up to seven alternate trains. While it doesn't guarantee a seat, it significantly improves your chances. You will be notified via SMS if you are allocated a seat on an alternate train. The only trade-off is that the new train's timing might be different, and your boarding station could change to a nearby one.
Consider the Road: Buses Are a Strong Alternative
Bus travel has become a reliable backup, especially on high-demand corridors from cities like Delhi to Bihar. In 2026, the Delhi government planned to introduce over 50 new government-run AC and non-AC deluxe buses to connect Delhi with cities like Patna, Gaya, Darbhanga, and Muzaffarpur before Chhath. These services aim to be more affordable than the private buses that currently operate on these routes. For long overnight journeys of 13-14 hours, look for AC sleeper buses which offer more comfort. To avoid last-minute chaos, book your bus ticket at least three weeks in advance and plan your onward journey from major hubs like Gorakhpur or Varanasi beforehand.
Strategise a Break Journey
Instead of looking for a single direct train, try booking your journey in two parts. This is known as a 'break journey'. For instance, if you can't find a direct ticket from Delhi to Patna, search for a ticket from Delhi to a major intermediate station like Kanpur or Lucknow. Then, book a separate ticket on a different train from that station to Patna. This method requires more planning but often opens up more seat availability, as you're tapping into the quotas of different trains along the route. Use third-party apps to check for seat availability on multiple legs of the journey simultaneously.
When Budget Allows, Look to the Skies
Flying is the most expensive option, with fares to cities like Patna and Darbhanga surging during the Chhath season, sometimes costing more than international flights. However, with some strategy, you might find a manageable fare. To save money, consider flying into nearby airports like Gaya, Gorakhpur, or Varanasi and completing the journey by road or a local train. Flights on Tuesdays and Wednesdays or at odd hours (early morning or late night) are often cheaper. The main rush for Chhath in 2026, which falls around November 15, will be in the days leading up to it, so booking a flight for earlier in the week could result in significant savings.
