how to pay for my e-ticket

Help! I have been trying to book and pay for my train e-ticket online, (from South Africa) but my credit cards (i have tried both visa and mastercard) are not accepted. its says something to the effect of "international cards not accepted" at the top of payment page - and then something about the payment gateway - do i need to select a specific "payment gateway" and if so, which one?
I arrive Mumbai 17 Feb and want to go to Kota (Bundi) on the 19th - afraid that trains will be full if i wait till i get there to book.....

www.irctc.co.in does not accept international credit/debit card. You can use www.cleartrip.com or www.makemytrip.com

Welcome to IndiaMike, indiayes!

The IRCTC website does not take foreign credit cards. You might book your train tickets through cleartrip.com or yatra.com. Both of these will take your credit card.

Wow! that was quick. Thanks guys

Hi DaisyL - its my first time to India, do you think it will be okay for me to travel to Bundi on Sleeper Class by myself? I plan to buy a light warm shaw in Mumbai as i believe no bedding provided. Departing Mumbai early evening and arriving Kota early morning.

Its my first time in India - Do u think it will be okay for me to take sleeper class on my own? Leaving mumbai early evening and arriving Kota early morning.

I'm sorry it took me so long to get back to you, I was out running errands. The trains I took were 3AC and CC class. I have never taken a sleeper class train. I tried to go in to see if there was a ladies carriage on the train you wanted, but I kept getting error messages and was told to try later. Honestly, I may be told by others that my advice to you is wrong, but I am going to say that 3AC is the lowest class you want to go. I think it may be a safer choice for you. They do supply bedding, too.

If you do find that the sleeper class train you want does have a ladies carriage, I would feel OK recommending that to you. It will be very crowded, though, from what I understand. If you can afford to spend a little more, I really would feel better knowing you are on at least a 3AC.


I hope I didn't get back to you too late with this.

Hi,

I agree with Daisy. 3AC is the best option...safe, comfortable and affordable. Though not cheap as Non-AC sleeper but still not too expensive. Above all the facility you'll get will be more than the money you pay.

Another thing I would like to point out that Indian Railways has stopped Ladies coach in Sleeper class. There is only one unreserved coach attached to some trains for ladies only.

Does IRCTC still take Amex on the appropriate portal.?

Non AC Sleeper is also a comfortable option at this time of year and can be considered unless you are particular about having a bedding and less or no noise. I have seen plenty of foreigners and single women as well travel.

The Non AC Sleeper is what I would call a true representation of train travel in India and its people.

no worries DaisyL, thanks everyone for replies
I went ahead and booked on sleeper class to bundi, 3ac, 2ac and 1ac all booked out for that date! - so it seems that fate had decided for me. I spoke to a woman yesterday who travelled on her own from delhi to varanasi on sleeper class in december (her first time in India)and she says it was fine. I am waitlisted as number 9 so hopefully will have berth in two weeks when i am due to travel.

Hi, Lets hope for the best that yours waitlisted ticket would be confirmed in two weeks else there is an additional option to book the tickets under urgent scheme "tatkal scheme" after paying some extra amount. The reservation under this scheme will start 2 days prior to the travel day so suggesting you to check the status of yours ticket on 14th & in case of no confirmed ticket you can book a ticket in urgent scheme and can cancel this one.

Thanks aktmr - Can one book from the start on tatkal, for instance i have looked at tickets from kota to varanasi and all are long waitlists - can i now already book on tatkal scheme for 1 march booking - or can you only do 2 days in advance?

Tatkal can be booked only 2 days in advance.

Thanks Aarosh