In 2025, most of us book our train tickets online. Whether we are planning a trip to another city or booking Tatkal tickets at the last minute, IRCTC (Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation) is the go-to platform. But one question still confuses many passengers, IRCTC App vs Website: Which Is Better for Ticket Booking in 2025?.
Both platforms are made by IRCTC, but they offer slightly different experiences. In this post, let’s compare both and find out which one is better for booking in 2025 — the IRCTC App or the Website.
What Is IRCTC?
IRCTC is the official online ticket booking platform of Indian Railways. It allows passengers to book train tickets, cancel tickets, check PNR status, download e-tickets, and even order food during travel. You can access IRCTC through:
- The IRCTC Website (www.irctc.co.in) on your desktop or laptop
- The IRCTC Rail Connect App on your mobile phone (available on Android and iOS)
Both do the same job — booking train tickets — but how they perform can make a big difference, especially during rush hours like Tatkal booking.
IRCTC Rail Connect App
The IRCTC Rail Connect App has become very popular in recent years. It’s designed for mobile users who want a simple, on-the-go booking experience.
Advantages of the IRCTC App
✅Mobile-Friendly Design
The app is easy to use with big buttons and a simple interface. You can quickly search trains, choose seats, and make payments in a few taps.
✅Faster Tatkal Bookings
Many regular users say that the IRCTC App feels faster during Tatkal bookings. Since it remembers your passenger details and payment options, you can complete the booking in seconds.
✅Works Anywhere
You can book tickets even when you’re traveling. No need to sit at a computer — just open the app and book from your phone.
✅PNR and Live Train Updates
The app also shows live train status, platform details, and PNR updates. So it’s not just for booking — it’s useful during your journey too.
✅UPI and Wallet Payments
The app supports UPI apps like Google Pay, PhonePe, Paytm, and also IRCTC eWallet. Payments are smooth and secure.
Disadvantages of the IRCTC App
- Sometimes, the app crashes or hangs during heavy traffic (like Tatkal hours).
- You can’t open multiple tabs like you can on the website.
- If your internet is weak or your phone battery dies, your booking might fail.
IRCTC Website
The IRCTC Website is perfect for people who prefer booking tickets from a laptop or desktop. It offers more information on a single screen and makes it easier to plan long journeys.
Advantages of the IRCTC Website
✅Big Screen, More Options
You can see multiple trains, compare routes, fares, and seat availability easily. Perfect for people who plan their trips in advance.
✅Stable for Normal Bookings
During non-peak hours, the website works smoothly. It’s great for advance reservations, group bookings, or exploring holiday packages.
✅Better for Planning
You can easily open multiple tabs for different routes or dates — something you can’t do on the app.
✅Secure Payments
You can pay using cards, UPI, or net banking directly through your computer browser.
Disadvantages of the IRCTC Website
- The website sometimes slows down or crashes during heavy traffic.
- Not mobile-friendly unless you switch to the mobile version.
- Slightly slower during Tatkal hours compared to the app.
What’s New in 2025
Indian Railways has made a few updates in 2025 that affect both the app and website:
1. Aadhaar Verification Is Now Mandatory for Tatkal Bookings
Starting July 2025, you must link and verify your Aadhaar number before booking Tatkal tickets. This rule applies to both app and website.
2. 60-Day Advance Booking Period
The Advance Reservation Period (ARP) is now 60 days instead of 120 days, to reduce ticket cancellations and increase seat availability.
3. Agents Restricted for 30 Minutes During Tatkal Window
IRCTC has limited agent access for the first 30 minutes of the Tatkal booking window so that genuine passengers get a fair chance.
4. Slightly Higher Online Ticket Charges
Online tickets now include a convenience fee: ₹15 for non-AC and ₹30 for AC classes. This applies to both app and website.
Reliability in 2025
In October 2025, many passengers reported that both the app and website faced downtime. According to user data, about 51% of problems were on the app, while 46% were on the website.
So while the app is slightly faster, the website remains equally reliable overall. It’s always a good idea to have both ready — in case one fails, you can switch quickly.
IRCTC App vs Website: Quick Comparison
| Feature | IRCTC App | IRCTC Website |
|---|---|---|
| Speed | Faster for Tatkal | Slightly slower |
| Ease of Use | Very easy on mobile | Better on big screen |
| Best For | On-the-go bookings | Detailed planning |
| Payment Options | UPI, Wallets, Cards | UPI, Net Banking, Cards |
| Reliability | Occasionally crashes | More stable on desktop |
| Updates | PNR, live train, platform info | More detailed info |
| Tatkal Booking | Quicker if pre-filled | Slower but stable |
Expert Tip
If you’re booking Tatkal tickets, use the IRCTC App with your details pre-saved — that saves precious seconds.
If you’re planning a long trip, prefer the IRCTC Website for easy comparison and multiple-tab browsing.
And yes, always check your Aadhaar verification status before booking in 2025, or your ticket may get rejected.
Final Verdict: Which Is Better?
Both the IRCTC App and Website have their strengths. But here’s the simple truth:
- For fast Tatkal bookings → IRCTC App wins.
- For trip planning and browsing options → IRCTC Website wins.
- Best option → Keep both ready.
Because in India, when it comes to train tickets, every second counts — and having both the app and website at your fingertips ensures you never miss your seat!
