How to Book an Entire Train or Coach Through IRCTC – Complete Step-by-Step Guide

Traveling with a large group in India—be it for a wedding, pilgrimage, corporate event, or school trip—often comes with a common frustration: getting confirmed train tickets for everyone in one place. If you’ve ever tried to book more than a handful of tickets together on Indian Railways, you know the struggle of scattered seat allotments and last-minute waitlists.

But here’s something many people still don’t know: you can actually book an entire train or coach for your group through IRCTC. That’s right! Thanks to the Indian Railways’ Full Tariff Rate (FTR) service, it’s completely possible to reserve your own coach—or even an entire train—for private use. This not only ensures a more comfortable and organized journey, but also avoids the chaos of regular ticket bookings.

Here’s everything you need to know to book a train or coach using the IRCTC FTR service, explained in simple steps.

What is the FTR (Full Tariff Rate) Service?

IRCTC offers group travelers the option to charter:

• A full railway coach (18 to 100 passengers)
• An entire train (18 to 24 coaches)
• A luxury saloon with private facilities including living, dining, and sleeping areas
• This service is perfect for weddings, religious yatras, corporate events, or school/college tours.

Who Can Book?

Anyone—a travel organizer, individual, group leader, or institution—can request a booking as long as you meet the basic requirements and timelines. You don’t need any special approval or travel agent license.

Key Booking Timelines & Conditions

Advance window: Bookings can be made up to 6 months before the travel date

Cut-off: Bookings close 30 days prior to departure

Full Train Booking: You must charter at least 18 coaches and no more than 24, including 2 SLR (Seating-cum-Luggage Rakes) or generator coaches

Security Deposit & Charges

Before booking, you must pay a Registration Money cum Security Deposit (RMSD):

₹50,000 per coach

This amount is adjusted against the final fare. It confirms your intent and temporarily holds your request.

How to Book a Coach or Train

You can book online through IRCTC’s portal or offline by visiting a railway station. Choose the method that’s most convenient for you:

Online Booking (Via IRCTC FTR Portal)

1. Visit the official site: https://www.ftr.irctc.co.in

2. Create an account and verify your mobile number using OTP

3. Select your service type:

• Coach Charter
• Train Charter
• Saloon Charter

4. Fill in the journey details:

• Start and end stations
• Travel date
• Train number (if known)
• Number and type of coaches

5. Upload a list of all passengers

6. Make the ₹50,000 per coach deposit online

You’ll receive a confirmation and further instructions by email or SMS.

Offline Booking (At Railway Station)

Prefer dealing in person? No problem.

1. Visit the origin station or a station where the train halts for at least 10 minutes

2. Approach the Chief Reservation Officer or Station Manager

3. Request the FTR booking form and provide:

Passenger details

Travel route

Identity proof

4. Submit the deposit and estimated fare at the counter

This method may be better for those unfamiliar with online processes or those booking from rural areas.

Ideal Use Cases for FTR Bookings

The FTR service is tailor-made for:

• Weddings with full families traveling together
• Corporate events and incentive tours
• Religious pilgrimages with large groups
• School and college field trips
• Sports teams, cultural troupes, or NGOs on tour

Booking an entire coach or train may sound complicated, but IRCTC has made it surprisingly straightforward through the FTR service. With early planning and a clear idea of your group size and destination, you can skip the hassles of individual bookings and enjoy a smooth, private, and personalized journey.

For complete details or to begin your booking, visit the IRCTC FTR Portal or head to your nearest railway reservation office.