indian rail website

HELP!

Trying to look up trains, fares, etc. and I am getting errors . . . can someone please tell me what these mean, what i am doing wrong, and/or how i can fix it?

I get errors like "The dates given were outside ARP", or "Class does not exist for the dstn on this date".

Huh???

Thanks,
ace

You can only search on dates within the next 2 (or maybe 3?) months, you may be trying to search too far ahead.

For the class, you can choose "All classes" and you'll get to see the various options available.

One of the train gurus will probably have more comprehensive answers to add, but this should help if you need the info in a hurry.

Kat

thanks kat --

i put in my dates for next month (dec), and did select all classes -- still getting the errors . . .

other suggestions?

If you are using the website www.indianrail.gov.in,

then click on "Train / Fare Accomodation", key in your originating and destination stations, choose "All class" and click on "Get It". You will get the default settings for the source and destination station. If these are the stations you want, then once again click "Get it".

You will get a list of trains with all the available classes of accomodation. Select your train, class, enter your journey date(max.60 days ahead) and click on "Get Availability" or "Get Fare" or "Get Schedule", depending on what is it you are looking for.

Very easy !

If the train you're looking at only runs on some days (ie Mon, Wed, Sat) you might have selected a date which doesn't correspond with one of those days? Had a play with the website and can't work it out.

you may be right guerik.

i tried everything you suggested, shimla, and for most of the trains -- you're right, it's pretty easy. there is just one where i keep getting error messages. don't know what's up with that . . . it may be me, or it may be the site . . . i'll try again later too and see if it works then.

thanks for the help!

Ace - the error message "class does not exist ..." seems straight forward - only certain classes eg 2AC, 3AC, SL perhaps on that service (?)

one would think it's straight-forward, but they have these little circles for the classes available on each train and i picked one of those and still got the @#$! message. no worries though . . . it was one train. i will either catch a different train, or try again later. it wouldn't be that it was 'cause i was trying to book it X-mas eve would it? i got the other trains that day . . .

probably me . . . or the connection . . . or a quirk on the site . . . dunno . . .

If you post the train/journey you want to take, chances are someone around here will be able to make it work for you.

thanks for the offer of help gurik . . . it's the Taj Express #2180 from Delhi (leaves HN station) to Agra on Dec 24. just tried again . . . no luck . . . i just want to know that it exists, and what the fare is . . . i can get it on the other trains, it's just a it frustating with this one . . .

ace,

I tried and received the same "outside ARP" message. "ARP" stands for "Advance Reservation Period".

There are some short distance intercity trains where the advance booking can be done just 30 days or even just 7 days in advance. Possibly, the Taj Express is one of them, hence the problem you're facing.

Yes, I'm right ! The "ARP" for 2180 Taj Express is 30 days !! Today you can check the fare and availability for both the classes only till Dec.11 !!

There we go, Shimla to the rescue

Thanks Shimla!

even if you can't find the fares, consider this:

1. there is no competition to the indian railways
2. IInd class tickets are typically cheaper than any other form of transportation