Are you planning a railway journey in India and wondering how many days before retiring room can be booked? You’re not alone! Thousands of travelers across India rely on retiring rooms for a comfortable stay at railway stations during long layovers or early arrivals. But the big question is — how early should you book one?
In this article, we’ll answer that question in detail. We’ll also explain the retiring room booking process, eligibility rules, charges, cancellation policy, and helpful tips to make your booking experience smooth and hassle-free.
What Is a Retiring Room?
A retiring room is a resting facility provided by Indian Railways at major railway stations across India. These rooms are available for short stays ranging from a few hours to a couple of days and are ideal for passengers who are waiting for connecting trains or have reached their destination early.
There are typically three types of retiring room accommodations:
- Single rooms
- Double rooms
- Dormitories (shared accommodation)
All are equipped with basic amenities like beds, clean bathrooms, and sometimes even air-conditioning.
How Many Days Before Retiring Room Can Be Booked?
Now, let’s get to the main point — how many days before a retiring room can be booked?
Indian Railways allows you to book a retiring room up to 60 days in advance of your scheduled journey date. That means:
- You can make a retiring room reservation 60 days before the date of arrival at your destination station (if booking for arrival)
- You can also book for departure or transit stay, depending on your ticket type
So, if you’re traveling on 15th June, you can start booking a retiring room as early as 16th April.
Is There a Minimum Booking Window?
Yes. While the maximum booking window is 60 days, you can also book retiring rooms on the same day of travel, provided rooms are available.
So technically:
- Earliest booking: 60 days before
- Latest booking: Same day (subject to availability)
However, during peak travel seasons, rooms fill up fast. So it’s always better to book early.
Where Can You Book a Retiring Room?
There are two main ways to book a retiring room:
1. Online Booking via IRCTC
The most convenient way is to use the IRCTC website or the IRCTC Rail Connect app. You’ll need a confirmed or RAC train ticket (PNR number) to make a booking.
Steps to book a retiring room online:
- Visit www.irctc.co.in and log in
- Go to the “Retiring Room” section
- Enter your PNR number
- Select station, room type, check-in and check-out time
- Make the payment and confirm your booking
2. Offline Booking at the Station
You can also book a retiring room from the booking counter at the destination station. This is helpful for last-minute or same-day bookings. However, availability is not guaranteed.
Who Can Book a Retiring Room?
Here are the eligibility criteria to book a retiring room:
- You must have a valid, confirmed Indian Railways train ticket (either for arrival, departure, or transit)
- One passenger can book one room or one bed in a dormitory
- Booking is only allowed for a maximum of 2 days (48 hours) at one station
Retiring rooms are not available for general public use without a valid train ticket.
Booking Duration Options
Indian Railways offers retiring room stays in time slots of:
- Up to 3 hours
- Up to 6 hours
- Up to 12 hours
- Up to 24 hours
- Up to 48 hours
Charges vary depending on the duration and the room type you choose.
How Much Does a Retiring Room Cost?
The cost of a retiring room depends on:
- Station category (A1, A, B, etc.)
- Room type (single, double, AC, non-AC, dormitory)
- Duration of stay
Here’s a rough idea:
Note: Charges are subject to revision and GST may apply.
Can You Cancel or Modify a Retiring Room Booking?
Yes, Indian Railways allows cancellation and modification of retiring room bookings, but with some rules:
- Cancellation is allowed only up to 24 hours before check-in time
- Partial cancellations (like reducing number of rooms) are not allowed
- A cancellation fee (usually 20% to 50%) may be deducted
You can cancel online through your IRCTC account or at the station counter, depending on how you booked.
Important Rules to Remember
Here are some key rules to keep in mind while booking or using a retiring room:
- Booking is valid only for ticket-holding passengers
- No check-in before scheduled train arrival
- You must carry a valid photo ID during check-in
- Extra guests are not allowed without prior permission
- Check-out time must be strictly followed; late check-out charges may apply
Retiring Rooms Are Available at Which Stations?
Retiring rooms are mostly available at:
- Major railway stations (A1, A, and B category stations)
- Junction stations and popular tourist routes
- Metro city railway terminals
Examples include:
- New Delhi (NDLS)
- Mumbai CST / Dadar / Bandra
- Howrah & Sealdah
- Chennai Central
- Bengaluru City
- Hyderabad / Secunderabad
- Jaipur, Ahmedabad, Lucknow, Patna, and more
Benefits of Booking a Retiring Room in Advance
Here’s why you should consider booking early:
- Guaranteed stay during busy seasons or late-night arrivals
- No last-minute stress of finding a hotel or waiting room
- More options for choosing room type (AC, non-AC, dormitory)
- Cheaper than nearby hotels
- Hygienic and safe environment provided by Indian Railways
Pro Tips for Retiring Room Booking
- Book 30 to 60 days in advance if you’re traveling during festivals, summer holidays, or weekends
- Use IRCTC login to track, cancel, or modify bookings easily
- Always check if the destination station has retiring rooms available before planning
- Carry your train ticket printout or e-ticket and ID proof at check-in
- If traveling with family, consider booking a double room for comfort
Conclusion
So, to answer the question again: How many days before retiring room can be booked? — the answer is up to 60 days in advance. Whether you’re traveling for business, vacation, or family visits, retiring rooms are a budget-friendly and convenient option for Indian Railways passengers.
Make sure to book in advance through IRCTC, especially during busy seasons, and enjoy a peaceful break during your journey.
FAQs
1. Can I book a retiring room without a train ticket?
No. A valid Indian Railways ticket (confirmed or RAC) is required to book a retiring room.
2. How many days before can I book a retiring room online?
Up to 60 days before your scheduled journey date.
3. Can I stay in a retiring room for more than 2 days?
No. Maximum stay is 48 hours at one station.
4. Can two people use a single room?
Yes, if it’s a double room. Otherwise, one person per single room or dormitory bed.
5. Is ID proof required for retiring room check-in?
Yes. Carry a valid photo ID like Aadhaar, PAN, Passport, or Voter ID.