Question with booking Eticket

I want to book a train for my wife and I for Dec 8th from Delhi(NDLS)to Varanasi(BSB). I would like to book (1st choice)the 2560 Shiv Ganga Exp or (second choice) the 2562 Swatantrta S Ex. I've registered ok. I would prefer 2AC but 3AC would do. Then I try to book ticket and it says there are no seats available (Waiting List or Reserved Against Cancellation).

I've tried both trains and both classes. No seats! Can they really be all full (3 weeks away)? What about tourist quota? It seems to just give me the choice between 'general' and 'ladies'.

Do I still book it and hope that there is room?

Also I forget what I select to pay with my VISA card?

I booked a couple of trains 3 years ago but I guess I need a little refreshing. Help!

Martin

No tourist quota online..

To pay with Visa, I selected the AXIS option, as said somewhere on this forum, and indeed, it worked fine.

I don't know the answer to your other question, but maybe this is an alternative:
There are very cheap daily flights with Spicejet. Just 1h15'. Look at www.spicejet.com
You can book online with your Visa card.

Christine

So does this mean I should wait to book in Delhi? I arrive on the morning of the 7th and would like to take the train on the evening of the 8th to Varanasi.

If I leave it to book in person on arrival in Delhi...would there still be tickets under the tourist quota you think?

I found a couple of slower trains that have a few seats available to book the Eticket online.

Why don't you book these now and then when you arrive in Delhi you can try your luck with the tourist quota on the other.

Thanks everyone,

I booked one!! By the way, some of the info about trains and booking in the 'stickys' of this forum is just great. Thanks to the ones who took the time to put them together. Very, very helpful.