Here’s the easiest way to book Vande Bharat tickets online, even at the last minute
If you're planning a last-minute trip on a Vande Bharat Express, booking your train ticket online is now quicker and easier than ever. With Indian Railways enabling last-minute ticket booking up to 15 minutes before departure on selected Vande Bharat trains, travellers can now secure confirmed seats without relying on waiting list or alternate transport options.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to booking Vande Bharat tickets online using IRCTC's official platforms, whether you're planning in advance or hopping on just in time.
Step 1: Visit the IRCTC website or open the app
Go to the official Indian Railway ticketing portal www.irctc.co.in or open the IRCTC Rail Connect mobile app, available on Android and iOS.
Step 2: Log in or sign up
Use your existing IRCTC login credentials. If you're a new user, you'll need to create an account with a valid email ID and mobile number.
Step 3: Enter travel details
In the journey planner, select:
From station (boarding point)
To station (destination)
Travel date
Under the train options, choose Vande Bharat Express (you can filter by train name or number).
Step 4: Check seat availability
The system will display real-time seat availability for both Chair Car (CC) and Executive Class (EC). Select your preferred class and proceed.
Step 5: Make payment and confirm
Pay securely via UPI, debit/credit card, net banking, or e-wallets. Upon successful payment, you’ll receive an e-ticket via SMS and email. You can also download it from the IRCTC website or app.
List of Vande Bharat Trains Offering Last-Minute Booking (Southern Zone)
This feature is currently available on select trains under the Southern Railway zone, including:
20631/20632 Mangaluru Central – Thiruvananthapuram Central
20627/20628 Chennai Egmore – Nagercoil
20642 Coimbatore – Bengaluru Cantonment
20646 Mangaluru Central – Madgaon
20671 Madurai - Bangalore Cantonment
20677 Dr MGR Chennai Central – Vijayawada
Why this booking option matters
The 15-minute booking window improves flexibility, especially for passengers with urgent or sudden travel plans. It also helps Indian Railways ensure better seat utilisation, especially for seats that would otherwise remain vacant after intermediate stations.
By integrating this feature with the Passenger Reservation System (PRS), Indian Railways has taken a significant step towards digitally transforming how India travels, making rail journeys faster, smoother, and more accessible than ever before.