TrainsDateThe short answer, by type of booking
| Booking | How far ahead | Opens at |
|---|---|---|
| General reserved ticket | 60 days | 08:00 AM IST |
| Tatkal (AC) | 1 day | 10:00 AM IST |
| Tatkal (Sleeper, 2S) | 1 day | 11:00 AM IST |
| Earlier rule (ended 31 Oct 2024) | 120 days | No longer valid |
What the next 7 days look like
Each morning the window moves one day forward. Here is how that plays out starting today:
| If you book on | Farthest journey date (general) | Tatkal journey date |
|---|---|---|
| This table fills in using today's date. If you are reading this without JavaScript, add 60 days to today's date to find the last bookable journey date. | ||
A worked example
You want to leave on 25 December 2026. Counting back 60 days lands on 26 October 2026. So at 8:00 AM that day, the booking window opens. If you are reading this later, you can already book it; if you are early, the date is simply still outside the window.
Why people say 2 months, 4 months and 60 days
All three numbers are real, they just belong to different times. Four months was the rule until October 2024. Two months is a rough way of saying 60 days. Sixty days is the exact number you should plan around, because calendar months are different lengths and "two months" can mean 59 to 62 days.
For festival trips, where seats vanish in minutes, read how to plan peak season booking and the 2026 festival opening dates.
Want the reasoning behind the rule and the older error messages? See the advance reservation period explained and the booking time guide.
Quick FAQ
How many days before can I book a train ticket in India?
For general reservations, up to 60 days before the journey date, not counting the journey day itself. Booking opens at 08:00 AM IST.
How many days before can I book Tatkal?
One day before the journey date, at 10:00 AM for AC classes and 11:00 AM for Sleeper and Second Sitting.
Can I book a train ticket 4 months in advance?
Not any more. The 120-day (4 month) rule ended on 31 October 2024. The limit is now 60 days (about 2 months).
Can I book a train ticket 2 months in advance?
Yes, roughly. 60 days is the current limit, which is a little under 2 calendar months. Use the calculator for the exact date, because months have different lengths.
Does it matter which day of the week I book?
No. The rule counts calendar days, so a journey on a Monday or a Sunday follows the same 60-day count.
How many days before can I book for a train that starts the previous night?
Count from the date the train leaves its origin station. A late-night departure belongs to the origin date, even if you board after midnight.