When does train ticket booking open for 20th March 2026?

Advance train ticket booking for 20th March 2026 opens on Monday, 19th January 2026 at 8:00 AM IST, which is 60 days before journey date.

What if I miss the advance ticket booking for 20th March 2026?

You can book Tatkal tickets on Thursday, 19th March 2026 - AC classes at 10:00 AM IST and Sleeper/2S at 11:00 AM IST.

How do I prepare for booking train ticket on 19th January 2026?

Login to IRCTC at 7:45 AM, have passenger details ready (name, age, gender, berth preference), ensure payment methods are active, keep train number and journey details prepared, and use a stable internet connection.

Is 20th March 2026 a high-demand travel date?

Yes, this falls on a holiday, which typically sees higher demand. Book as early as possible when booking opens to secure confirmed tickets.

IRCTC Train Ticket Booking Open Date for 20th March 2026

Advance Booking Status

60-day advance reservation

Booking Opened On

Monday, 19th January 2026

8:00 AM IST

Now Open

Train tickets for 20th March 2026 become available exactly 60 days before departure from the train's origin station.

Tatkal Booking Window

Emergency booking option

If you miss advance booking, Tatkal tickets open 1 day before your journey date on Thursday, 19th March 2026:

AC Classes (1A, 2A, 3A, CC, EC)

10:00 AM IST

Sleeper & Second Sitting (SL, 2S)

11:00 AM IST

Important: Tatkal tickets have dynamic pricing and limited refunds. Have passenger details and payment ready before booking time.
Aadhar Verification Required: Your IRCTC account must be Aadhar-verified to book Tatkal tickets. Complete verification beforehand to avoid last-minute issues.

High Demand Period Alert

Weekend/Holiday travel warning

This date is marked as a public holiday. Holiday travel experiences extremely high demand on popular routes.

Recommendation: Book on the first day of advance reservation (19th January 2026) at 8:00 AM sharp.

Booking Success Tips

Maximize your chances

⚠️ Long Weekend Alert! This is a 3-day long weekend period. Train tickets will be extremely competitive!

Long weekends create MASSIVE demand - book at exactly 8:00 AM on opening day
Consider booking alternative dates if flexibility exists
Premium Tatkal may be the only option if advance booking is missed
Popular tourist destinations will see highest competition
Book return journey immediately to avoid being stranded

Special Tips for 20th March:

Holi is a MAJOR festival period - book exactly at 8 AM on opening day
Routes to UP, Bihar, Rajasthan will be most competitive
Tatkal tickets will be extremely difficult to get
Consider alternative dates (before/after Holi) if possible
Book return journey simultaneously to avoid being stranded

Login Early

Log into IRCTC 15 minutes before booking opens

Save Details

Use Master List for frequent traveler details

Payment Ready

Keep UPI, cards, and net banking as backups

Alternatives

Check connecting trains or nearby stations

Additional Information

Special notes for this date

Holi, the festival of colors, is one of India's biggest festivals. Expect extremely high demand as millions travel to celebrate with families. North India, especially UP and Bihar routes, see peak traffic.

IRCTC Ticket Date Calculator

Train Ticket Booking Opening Date for 20th March 2026