How Indian Railways Train Fares Are Calculated
Last updated 10 October 2026
A train ticket is not one price. It is several charges added together, and which ones apply depends on the class, the train, the quota and how you book. Once you know the parts, it is easy to see why a fare is what it is, and why the same journey can cost different amounts on different trains.
The parts of a fare
| Component | What decides it | Applies to |
|---|---|---|
| Base fare | Distance travelled and class | Every ticket |
| Reservation charge | A flat amount per passenger, set per class | Reserved tickets |
| Superfast charge | A flat amount per passenger, set per class | Trains classified as superfast |
| Tatkal charge | A percentage of the base fare, with a minimum and maximum | Tatkal tickets only |
| Catering charge | Set by the train | Some premium trains |
| GST | 5% of the fare | AC classes and First Class |
| Booking charges | IRCTC convenience fee and payment charges | Online bookings |
Railzy deliberately does not show fares, because a figure that is slightly out of date is worse than none. IRCTC shows every one of these parts on its payment page before you pay. Use that as the final figure.
Base fare: distance and class
The base fare comes from the distance the train travels between your two stations and the class you book.
- The distance is measured along the railway route, not as a straight line. A train taking a longer route between the same two cities is charged for the longer distance.
- Fares are telescopic: the rate per kilometre falls as the distance grows. A 1,000 km ticket costs less than twice a 500 km ticket in the same class.
- Each class has its own fare table. Second Sitting (2S) is the cheapest reserved class and First AC (1A) the most expensive. Our class guide compares them.
Superfast and train-type charges
Trains classified as superfast carry a flat superfast charge on top of the base fare. Many superfast trains have numbers beginning with 12, 20 or 22, but the classification, not the number, is what counts.
Premium services such as Rajdhani, Shatabdi, Duronto and Vande Bharat have their own fare structures. These usually include catering, and some use dynamic pricing.
Dynamic (flexi) fares
On Rajdhani, Shatabdi and Duronto trains, the base fare in many classes rises as seats sell. Fares go up in steps as each slice of the train's berths is booked, up to a fixed cap on the base fare. Booking early on these trains usually means paying less. On ordinary Mail and Express trains, fares do not change with demand.
Premium Tatkal also uses dynamic pricing. See the Tatkal guide.
GST
GST at 5% applies to AC classes and First Class. Sleeper (SL) and Second Sitting (2S) tickets do not attract GST. This is one reason the price gap between Sleeper and AC 3-Tier is larger than the base fares alone suggest.
Children and concessions
- Children under 5 travel free if they do not need a separate berth or seat.
- Children 5 to 11 pay full fare if a berth or seat is booked for them. If not, they pay a reduced child fare and share a berth.
- The senior citizen concession was withdrawn in March 2020. Some other concessions still exist, such as for certain categories of patients and persons with disabilities, and need supporting documents. IRCTC lists the current concessions.
- No concessions apply to Tatkal tickets.
Why two trains on the same route cost different amounts
Search trains between two stations and you will often find several trains, all at different prices in the same class. The usual reasons:
- Route distance. Trains between the same two stations can take different routes, and the fare follows the distance.
- Train type. A superfast train adds a superfast charge, and premium trains have their own fare tables.
- Dynamic pricing. On Rajdhani, Shatabdi and Duronto trains, the price depends on how full the train already is.
- Catering. Some trains include meals in the fare.
The cheapest train is not always the slowest, and the fastest is not always the most expensive. It is worth comparing journey times and fares together.
Frequently asked questions
How is the base fare of a train ticket calculated?
From the distance travelled along the railway route between the two stations and the class booked. Fares are telescopic, so the per-kilometre rate falls as distance increases.
Is GST charged on train tickets?
GST at 5% is charged on AC classes and First Class. Sleeper (SL) and Second Sitting (2S) tickets do not attract GST.
Why does the Rajdhani fare change every time I check?
Rajdhani, Shatabdi and Duronto trains use dynamic (flexi) fares in many classes: the base fare rises in steps as berths are sold, up to a cap. Booking earlier is usually cheaper.
Do children need a train ticket?
Children under 5 travel free without a separate berth. Children aged 5 to 11 pay full fare if a berth is booked for them, or a reduced child fare if they share.
Is there a senior citizen concession on train tickets?
The senior citizen fare concession was withdrawn in March 2020. Check IRCTC for the concessions currently available.
Put it to use
This guide summarises published Indian Railways and IRCTC rules in plain language. Rules and charges change from time to time. For anything that affects money or travel, check the current rule on the IRCTC website before you book.