Holding an RAC ticket this festive season? Know your berth, bedroll and refund rights

Passengers holding RAC tickets during the festive season are advised to understand the rules before travelling, as unawareness could lead to difficulties.

Written by: Hritika Mitra

Published: October 22, 2026, 6:50 PM IST

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Here are some rules about RAC ticket you should know aboutRepresentational Image

Around Diwali and Chhath, confirmed tickets on regular trains are almost impossible to find, which leaves many travellers with RAC tickets and no other choiceIf that’s you, learn the rules and your rights before you get to the stationA lot of passengers don’t know what they are entitled to, and they end up struggling during the trip.

Seat sharing and travel rights

Holding an RAC ticket means you are allowed to travelThe catch is that two RAC passengers share a single Side Lower berthThe ticket doesn’t get cancelled on its own, so you can board the train without worry.

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TTEs do seat upgrades

An RAC ticket can get upgraded once you are on the trainWhen a confirmed passenger doesn’t show up or cancels late, the TTE gives the freed berth to RAC passengers in order of priority, so RAC number 1 is first in line.

Bedroll facility

A lot of people holding RAC tickets figure they won’t get bedding, so they don’t askThey shouldThe Railways provides a full bedroll kit to RAC passengers too, with a sheet, pillow, blanket and towel, and each of two passengers sharing a berth gets their own.

Also Read | Indian Railways’ Durga Puja gift for Rajdhani passengers: Floral comforters to replace regular blankets in first AC coaches, check details

Cancellation and refund rules

Changed your mind about travelling with an unconfirmed RAC ticket? You can cancel up to 30 minutes before the train leavesThe Railways keeps at least ₹60 per passenger plus GST and refunds the restIf the chart is already prepared and you simply don’t travel, you’ll need to file a TDR online to get money back.

Auto-upgrade option

Did you tick the Auto Upgradation option while booking? Then, if the chart shows empty seats in the class above yours, such as 2AC for a 3AC passenger, your RAC ticket can move up and be confirmed there without you paying anything more.