How soon in advance to book for Jan?

annietea · Oct 22nd, 2009, 06:46

I'm going traveling around North/Central India for the month of January and planning on doing almost all travel between cities by train and have heard it's recommended to book well in advance. Does this mean a month or 2 or more like a week/few days? I have a semi-solid itinerary but would rather book some trains once I'm there so I have a little flexibility! I'm planning on 2AC travel on overnight trains and I think only one day time train where I'll probably go a cheaper class.

Thanks for any advice!

CarlaSyd · Oct 22nd, 2009, 10:29

Hi Annitea

I am travelling around India in Dec/Jan in the same area. A few weeks ago I looked at some of the trains and noticed that a few of the more popular routes are already full and I am waitlisted. I have now booked all my o/night trains in advance as it is evident that are the most popular. It your plans change it is very easy to cancel and change the booking for only a small fee.

In relation to hotels, I have been calling around and a few of the highly recommended ones are already full at this time. So I suggest the earlier you book the better.

arunganpath · Oct 22nd, 2009, 14:11

Quote:

Originally Posted by annietea

I'm going traveling around North/Central India for the month of January and planning on doing almost all travel between cities by train and have heard it's recommended to book well in advance. Does this mean a month or 2 or more like a week/few days? I have a semi-solid itinerary but would rather book some trains once I'm there so I have a little flexibility!

You can book trains in India 90 days in Advance. As regards advance booking, it is advisable to book in advance. Also, there are certain routes which are very busy and you dont get tickets in a week's time. So, if you could share your semi-solid itinerary, we shall advise which sector you need to firm up and which one you can decide on a short notice.

Quote:

Originally Posted by annietea

I'm planning on 2AC travel on overnight trains and I think only one day time train where I'll probably go a cheaper class.

2AC or 3AC is okay.

As you have mentioned you will travel within central india, it might be hot during day - so, would be better to book by AC than by cheaper class.

staremperor73 · Oct 22nd, 2009, 14:17

Quote:

Originally Posted by annietea

I'm going traveling around North/Central India for the month of January and planning on doing almost all travel between cities by train and have heard it's recommended to book well in advance. Does this mean a month or 2 or more like a week/few days? I have a semi-solid itinerary but would rather book some trains once I'm there so I have a little flexibility! I'm planning on 2AC travel on overnight trains and I think only one day time train where I'll probably go a cheaper class.

Thanks for any advice!

I am leaving for India in 3 weeks time, but i booked everything about 10 weeks ago. Even then a few 2AC overnight train trips I was waitlisted for. They ahve all been confirmed now.

If I were you I would start booking now. Even if you change your mind I am pretty sure you can cancel a train ticket and pay a fee of $2 US and book another date/trip.

Sarah

annietea · Oct 23rd, 2009, 11:02

Thanks for all the help so far, I will definitely be booking in the next couple of days!!

I have a thread up with my itinerary here for the trains I'm planning on taking.

Oct 22nd, 2009, 06:46	#1
annietea Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Australia Posts: 12	How soon in advance to book for Jan? I'm going traveling around North/Central India for the month of January and planning on doing almost all travel between cities by train and have heard it's recommended to book well in advance. Does this mean a month or 2 or more like a week/few days? I have a semi-solid itinerary but would rather book some trains once I'm there so I have a little flexibility! I'm planning on 2AC travel on overnight trains and I think only one day time train where I'll probably go a cheaper class. Thanks for any advice!

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Oct 22nd, 2009, 10:29	#2
CarlaSyd Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Sydney Posts: 13	Hi Annitea I am travelling around India in Dec/Jan in the same area. A few weeks ago I looked at some of the trains and noticed that a few of the more popular routes are already full and I am waitlisted. I have now booked all my o/night trains in advance as it is evident that are the most popular. It your plans change it is very easy to cancel and change the booking for only a small fee. In relation to hotels, I have been calling around and a few of the highly recommended ones are already full at this time. So I suggest the earlier you book the better.

Oct 23rd, 2009, 11:02	#5
annietea Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Australia Posts: 12	Thanks for all the help so far, I will definitely be booking in the next couple of days!! I have a thread up with my itinerary here for the trains I'm planning on taking.