Can't get a train ticket: Mumbai-Varanasi

hughhill · Dec 15th, 2007, 10:01

Hello and thank you India Mike for a great web site,
Let me start by saying that me and my partner will be arriving in Mumbai at 01:30 on the 21st December, I have been to the main Indian railway website many times now trying to find trains that will get us from Mumbai to Varanasi yet all are saying full. The waiting lists seem to be full too, this is our first trip here maybe I am doing somthing wrong would I be better just go to the ticket office when there or keep trying?

Thanks

Hugh

jyotirmoy · Dec 15th, 2007, 10:12

Almost all long distance trains are running full due to holiday season. Your only hope is to try the foreign traveller's quota after reaching Mumbai and many foreign travellers are likely to take the route you are planing to take.

steven_ber · Dec 15th, 2007, 10:12

Hello and welcome to indiamike.com

It's always a good idea to give as many details as you can, even if you don't think the details are needed.

Being a fellow brit, I can guess that you're assuming people will know that you want to travel to Varanasi on the same day you arrive in Mumbai.

What class on the train?

Is a flight out of the question?

To others, I won't get time to reply to this thread again as I fly back to sunny London later today (or tomorow if the Delhi fog is bad.

)

jyotirmoy · Dec 15th, 2007, 10:17

The cheapest airfare is by Spicejet, Rs.8079/- dparting Mumbai at 11:55 and arriving Varanasi at 14:30

whatiyam · Dec 15th, 2007, 10:29

i wanted to go from kalimpong to varanasi around oct. 10, the local ticket agency will not sell to foreingers with travel date less than 2 months, but the agent said to go ahead and go to NJP (new jaipalguri) and i will probably be able to get a foreign quota ticket. i went directly there that day to catch the train to the closer varanasi sta (Dwarka express), the online booking also had big wait list. All the indians on line said i would not be able to get on because there was huge backlog for tickets, it is also the travel season to return from the hill stations. but when i got to the front of the line the agent pulled me aside and told me about the quota, it was ac3 (air cond. 3 tier), so i was nice trip. i have also heard there is a female quota (must be those traveling alone?) but i don't know any more about it.

hughhill · Dec 15th, 2007, 21:12

jyotirmoy thank you for your prompt reply but as I am there for a month 8080 will bite into my budget that is why I need to get the train 6500IR was the highest I could go, but thank you for looking at the prices I appreciate you taking the time.

Steven, I pray your flight is a gentle cradle and you feel relaxed on your arrival back home.
As for the details I thought I gave them all but will try again.
Many thanks.

Whatiyam
Thank you very much for your valuable insight, I have been trying to find out more about tourist quotas but still feel quite flummoxed as every train I try there is none, could this be down to the fact that you can only get it from the stations?

We have narrowed it down to 2 trains for the 21st as all others have huge waiting lists,

1st train is the 'Guwahati Express' (train number 5467) WL3/WL2. for AC2 3 tier sleeper.

2nd train is the 'Gorakhpur Express' (train number 5017) WL1/WL1.
Again for AC2 with 3 tier sleeper.

What we would really like to know is that is it worth us booking either of these, I mean what are the realistic chances of getting a place on them with the waiting lists.

We are both very grateful for all the help you are offering so would like to thank you first hand.

Hugh & Marta

hope the information is enough :¬)

hughhill · Dec 15th, 2007, 21:34

I am really confused on the issue of WL?
I have read everything else and seem just about o.k but confused on the WL & tourist quotas, we cannot afford the plain as it will bite deeply into our budgets.

capt_mahajan · Dec 15th, 2007, 21:36

The waitlist numbers look encouraging. I would say chances are pretty good, its still almost a week away.

machadinha · Dec 15th, 2007, 21:43

On waitlisting etc., have you tried:
Knowing the Indian Train
Train information
http://www.seat61.com/India.htm
http://www.indianrailways.gov.in/
http://www.irfca.org/faq/faq-travel.html ?

hughhill · Dec 16th, 2007, 00:01

Machadinha, thanks for that and yes i have read them, I found Beaches write up an excellent read and really informative too, however still do not understand the physics of the WL scenario or if I should bother trying to book with the current waiting list situation of ( WL3/WL2) for AC2.

Capt Mahajan,

You said that the WL looked promising, do you think we will get it at its current WL2/WL3 for the depart date of the 20th December?
What would happen if we bought the tickets on the waiting list but ended up not getting a ticket would we lose our money? Would we be put onto the next waiting list?

We also found out that the ticket office does not open in Mumbai till 8am but we need to take our train at 06:45 so getting the ticket on the day may prove to be very difficult indeed.

any ideas gratefully received

machadinha · Dec 16th, 2007, 00:18

Hm. Don't hold me on any of this, but: 2 & 3 are not very high (extremely low, in fact). Those waitlists often start moving at the very last minute; as canceling fees right up to departure (or afterwards even, but a little steeper) are negligible, many individuals and travel agents will book a nr. of rides, only to cancel at the last minute. You could in fact do the same; cancellation fees are up at the Railways website.

I think an unused ticket (that is, if your reservation falls through) will get refunded yes, but I can't be sure. You'd probably need to apply for it yourself, going by those same cancellation rules.

Another thing going for you is the TTE (ticket inspector) will be wanting to accommodate all his clients, and certainly a tourist, so he may find an open door that was previously shut.

I don't want to advise on Tourist etc. quotas; people tend to overestimate what can be done by them, and they're not available on all routes and so on, but it's always and certainly worth a try. In fact, start screaming (well, politely asking rather -- those TTE's are very busy folks) about any quota you can think of if you find your way blocked. May work wonders.

Bottom line: Like the Capt., I think (but can't be sure) you'll get on. Have you looked into RAC (Reservation Against Cancellation) figures yet? Means you have at least a guaranteed seat, if not a berth, but again the TTE will do his best to accommodate you.

whatiyam · Dec 16th, 2007, 11:06

Quote:

Originally Posted by hughhill

Whatiyam
Thank you very much for your valuable insight, I have been trying to find out more about tourist quotas but still feel quite flummoxed as every train I try there is none, could this be down to the fact that you can only get it from the stations?

Hugh & Marta

you can only get the foreign quota tickets at the counter, there is no way on the internet.

jyotirmoy · Dec 16th, 2007, 11:39

WL 1 & 2 is promising indeedd. But how are you booking these? WL tickets can not be purchased as e-ticket

Mickey S · Dec 16th, 2007, 13:08

Quote:

Originally Posted by hughhill

You said that the WL looked promising, do you think we will get it at its current WL2/WL3 for the depart date of the 20th December?

You said you were arriving in Mumbai on the 21st?

hughhill · Dec 17th, 2007, 05:22

Mickey that's right, if you check the first post on this list it explains,

"me and my partner will be arriving in Mumbai at 01:30 on the 21st December, I have been to the main Indian railway website many times now trying to find trains that will get us from Mumbai to Varanasi yet all are saying full. The waiting lists seem to be full too, this is our first trip here maybe I am doing somthing wrong would I be better just go to the ticket office when there or keep trying?

Thanks"

As you can see I did give the exact date, sorry if it confused you.

Hugh

Dec 15th, 2007, 10:01	#1
hughhill Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: London Posts: 7	Can't get a train ticket: Mumbai-Varanasi Hello and thank you India Mike for a great web site, Let me start by saying that me and my partner will be arriving in Mumbai at 01:30 on the 21st December, I have been to the main Indian railway website many times now trying to find trains that will get us from Mumbai to Varanasi yet all are saying full. The waiting lists seem to be full too, this is our first trip here maybe I am doing somthing wrong would I be better just go to the ticket office when there or keep trying? Thanks Hugh Last edited by machadinha : Dec 15th, 2007 at 21:17. Reason: adjusted title

Dec 15th, 2007, 10:12	#3
steven_ber Member Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: London, England. Posts: 9,571	Hello and welcome to indiamike.com It's always a good idea to give as many details as you can, even if you don't think the details are needed. Being a fellow brit, I can guess that you're assuming people will know that you want to travel to Varanasi on the same day you arrive in Mumbai. What class on the train? Is a flight out of the question? To others, I won't get time to reply to this thread again as I fly back to sunny London later today (or tomorow if the Delhi fog is bad. ) __________________ . How to get helpful replies to your transport/Itinerary questions. Train information.

Dec 15th, 2007, 21:34	#7
hughhill Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: London Posts: 7	I am really confused on the issue of WL? I have read everything else and seem just about o.k but confused on the WL & tourist quotas, we cannot afford the plain as it will bite deeply into our budgets. Last edited by machadinha : Dec 15th, 2007 at 21:40. Reason: merged threads, edited out double information

Dec 15th, 2007, 21:43	#9
machadinha Not Your Guru Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: yörp Posts: 10,916	On waitlisting etc., have you tried: Knowing the Indian Train Train information http://www.seat61.com/India.htm http://www.indianrailways.gov.in/ http://www.irfca.org/faq/faq-travel.html ? __________________ Reading tips, all picked up at IndiaMike : INDAX's A Comprehensive Guide To India / Dinoj Surendran's Desi Humor / ITHVC on Culture Shock & Travel Health / JetLag Travel Guides For the Undiscerning Traveller / India Travel Links

Dec 16th, 2007, 00:18	#11
machadinha Not Your Guru Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: yörp Posts: 10,916	Hm. Don't hold me on any of this, but: 2 & 3 are not very high (extremely low, in fact). Those waitlists often start moving at the very last minute; as canceling fees right up to departure (or afterwards even, but a little steeper) are negligible, many individuals and travel agents will book a nr. of rides, only to cancel at the last minute. You could in fact do the same; cancellation fees are up at the Railways website. I think an unused ticket (that is, if your reservation falls through) will get refunded yes, but I can't be sure. You'd probably need to apply for it yourself, going by those same cancellation rules. Another thing going for you is the TTE (ticket inspector) will be wanting to accommodate all his clients, and certainly a tourist, so he may find an open door that was previously shut. I don't want to advise on Tourist etc. quotas; people tend to overestimate what can be done by them, and they're not available on all routes and so on, but it's always and certainly worth a try. In fact, start screaming (well, politely asking rather -- those TTE's are very busy folks) about any quota you can think of if you find your way blocked. May work wonders. Bottom line: Like the Capt., I think (but can't be sure) you'll get on. Have you looked into RAC (Reservation Against Cancellation) figures yet? Means you have at least a guaranteed seat, if not a berth, but again the TTE will do his best to accommodate you. Last edited by machadinha : Dec 16th, 2007 at 02:06.

Dec 15th, 2007, 10:12	#2
jyotirmoy Maha Guru Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: India Posts: 4,659	Almost all long distance trains are running full due to holiday season. Your only hope is to try the foreign traveller's quota after reaching Mumbai and many foreign travellers are likely to take the route you are planing to take.

Dec 15th, 2007, 10:17	#4
jyotirmoy Maha Guru Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: India Posts: 4,659	The cheapest airfare is by Spicejet, Rs.8079/- dparting Mumbai at 11:55 and arriving Varanasi at 14:30

Dec 15th, 2007, 10:29	#5
whatiyam Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: new york city Posts: 61	i wanted to go from kalimpong to varanasi around oct. 10, the local ticket agency will not sell to foreingers with travel date less than 2 months, but the agent said to go ahead and go to NJP (new jaipalguri) and i will probably be able to get a foreign quota ticket. i went directly there that day to catch the train to the closer varanasi sta (Dwarka express), the online booking also had big wait list. All the indians on line said i would not be able to get on because there was huge backlog for tickets, it is also the travel season to return from the hill stations. but when i got to the front of the line the agent pulled me aside and told me about the quota, it was ac3 (air cond. 3 tier), so i was nice trip. i have also heard there is a female quota (must be those traveling alone?) but i don't know any more about it.

Dec 15th, 2007, 21:12	#6
hughhill Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: London Posts: 7	jyotirmoy thank you for your prompt reply but as I am there for a month 8080 will bite into my budget that is why I need to get the train 6500IR was the highest I could go, but thank you for looking at the prices I appreciate you taking the time. Steven, I pray your flight is a gentle cradle and you feel relaxed on your arrival back home. As for the details I thought I gave them all but will try again. Many thanks. Whatiyam Thank you very much for your valuable insight, I have been trying to find out more about tourist quotas but still feel quite flummoxed as every train I try there is none, could this be down to the fact that you can only get it from the stations? We have narrowed it down to 2 trains for the 21st as all others have huge waiting lists, 1st train is the 'Guwahati Express' (train number 5467) WL3/WL2. for AC2 3 tier sleeper. 2nd train is the 'Gorakhpur Express' (train number 5017) WL1/WL1. Again for AC2 with 3 tier sleeper. What we would really like to know is that is it worth us booking either of these, I mean what are the realistic chances of getting a place on them with the waiting lists. We are both very grateful for all the help you are offering so would like to thank you first hand. Hugh & Marta hope the information is enough :¬)

Dec 15th, 2007, 21:36	#8
capt_mahajan (in charge of navel affairs) Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: India Posts: 10,509	The waitlist numbers look encouraging. I would say chances are pretty good, its still almost a week away.

Dec 16th, 2007, 00:01	#10
hughhill Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: London Posts: 7	Machadinha, thanks for that and yes i have read them, I found Beaches write up an excellent read and really informative too, however still do not understand the physics of the WL scenario or if I should bother trying to book with the current waiting list situation of ( WL3/WL2) for AC2. Capt Mahajan, You said that the WL looked promising, do you think we will get it at its current WL2/WL3 for the depart date of the 20th December? What would happen if we bought the tickets on the waiting list but ended up not getting a ticket would we lose our money? Would we be put onto the next waiting list? We also found out that the ticket office does not open in Mumbai till 8am but we need to take our train at 06:45 so getting the ticket on the day may prove to be very difficult indeed. any ideas gratefully received

Dec 16th, 2007, 11:39	#13
jyotirmoy Maha Guru Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: India Posts: 4,659	WL 1 & 2 is promising indeedd. But how are you booking these? WL tickets can not be purchased as e-ticket

Dec 17th, 2007, 05:22	#15
hughhill Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: London Posts: 7	Mickey that's right, if you check the first post on this list it explains, "me and my partner will be arriving in Mumbai at 01:30 on the 21st December, I have been to the main Indian railway website many times now trying to find trains that will get us from Mumbai to Varanasi yet all are saying full. The waiting lists seem to be full too, this is our first trip here maybe I am doing somthing wrong would I be better just go to the ticket office when there or keep trying? Thanks" As you can see I did give the exact date, sorry if it confused you. Hugh

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