Select Your Route
We'll show you the smartest fare options, not just a table
How Much Does Each Class Cost?
Starting ticket prices from Delhi to Patna
All 20 Trains
Distance Tariff Calculator
Traveling via intermediate stations? Check fares for any distance.
How Indian Railways Calculates Train Ticket Fares
Unlike airlines, Indian Railways fares are fixed and based on distance slabs
Every train ticket fare is calculated using a simple 4-step formula:
Fixed per-km coaching tariff slabs (e.g. ₹490 for 1,000 km Sleeper, ₹1,239 for 3rd AC).
Fixed booking fee: ₹20 for Sleeper, ₹40 for 3E/3A/CC, ₹50 for 2A, ₹60 for 1A.
Applied to all Superfast & premier trains: ₹30 for Sleeper, ₹45 for 3E/3A/2A/CC, ₹75 for 1A.
5% GST is applied exclusively to AC coaches (Non-AC is 0% exempt). Final amount is rounded to the nearest ₹5.
Frequently Asked Questions
Real rules on IRCTC tariffs, 3E savings, and dynamic pricing
How does Indian Railways calculate train ticket prices?
Indian Railways fares are strictly distance-based. The total ticket price equals the statutory base tariff for the journey distance, plus reservation charge, superfast fee (if applicable), and 5% GST for AC classes, rounded up to the nearest multiple of ₹5.
Why is 3E (AC 3-Tier Economy) cheaper than standard 3A?
3E coaches are designed with 83 berths compared to 72 berths in normal 3A coaches. Because capacity is higher, Indian Railways prices 3E base fare roughly 8% lower than standard 3A, saving you ₹70 to ₹120 per ticket with full AC comfort.
Is GST applied to Sleeper class tickets?
No. Non-AC travel (Sleeper Class ‘SL’ and Second Sitting ‘2S’) is completely exempt from GST (0% tax). The 5% GST surcharge is exclusively levied on AC coach classes (3E, 3A, 2A, 1A, CC, and EC).
Do Indian train fares surge like flight tickets?
For regular Superfast, Mail, and Express trains, fares are 100% fixed and never surge. Dynamic flexi-fare pricing only applies to select premier services like Rajdhani, Shatabdi, and Duronto (where fares step up 10% after each 10% bucket of berths is sold, capped at 1.5x base fare).
Explore More Indian Railways Passenger Tools
Free, honest, and clutter-free utilities designed around genuine passenger ergonomics.
Train Charting Time Calculator
Find out the exact timing IRCTC generates the 1st chart and final chart for morning, day, evening, and night trains with 1-click reminders.
Train Route & Halts Explorer
Explore comprehensive station halts, arrival/departure timings, stop durations, and intermediate day schedules for any Indian train.
Train Stop Checker
Check if your train stops at a specific station, along with platform numbers, scheduled halt duration, and next stop distances.
Best Train Decision Engine
Skip cognitive fatigue. Compare trains by sleep-friendly timings, punctuality, speed, and genuine passenger comfort trade-offs.