If every direct train from Delhi to Bihar is full, the fastest fix is to book a journey in two parts—via Lucknow, Varanasi, Kanpur, Prayagraj, or Kolkata. This guide gives you practical workarounds, including exact cities to change at, how to spot open routes, and backup plans if nothing is available.
Best Split Routes from Delhi to Bihar When Direct Trains Are Full
The most reliable way is to break your journey into two legs:
- Delhi to Junction City (e.g., Lucknow, Varanasi, Kanpur, Prayagraj, Kolkata)
- Junction City to Your Destination in Bihar (e.g., Patna, Gaya, Muzaffarpur, Bhagalpur, Darbhanga, Saharsa)
These junctions have frequent trains to Bihar and usually more availability than direct Delhi-Bihar options.
Step-by-Step: How to Search and Book a Split Journey on IRCTC
- On IRCTC website or app, search for trains from "Delhi" to "Lucknow", "Varanasi", "Kanpur Central", "Prayagraj Junction", or "Howrah (Kolkata)" for your date.
- Pick a train with available seats. Note its arrival time at the junction.
- Now, search separately from your chosen junction (e.g., Lucknow) to your Bihar city (e.g., Patna, Gaya, Darbhanga) for the same day or next morning.
- Pick a connecting train that departs at least 1.5-2 hours after your first train arrives (to allow for delays).
- Book both tickets separately. Check PNR status to confirm waitlist or RAC if not available in general quota.
If the first connection fails (e.g., no seats), repeat with another junction city.
Popular Junctions for Reliable Connections to Bihar
| Junction City | Delhi to Junction | Junction to Bihar |
|---|---|---|
| Lucknow | Multiple Shatabdi, Express, and Mail trains | Frequent trains to Patna, Gaya, Muzaffarpur |
| Varanasi | Overnight and day trains | Direct trains to Patna, Bhagalpur, Darbhanga, Sasaram |
| Kanpur | Very frequent from Delhi | Trains to Patna, Gaya, and north Bihar via Barauni |
| Prayagraj (Allahabad) | Fast trains from Delhi | Connections to Patna, Gaya, and Samastipur |
| Kolkata (Howrah/Sealdah) | Rajdhani, Duronto, Humsafar, etc. | Many options to Patna, Bhagalpur, Katihar |
Chose the junction with the most open seats and best timing for your journey.
If All AC Classes Are Full: Try Sleeper or Chair Car
Don’t limit your search to AC classes. Sleeper (SL) and Second Sitting (2S) often have last-minute availability. If you are okay with a day journey, Chair Car (CC) is a good option between Delhi and Lucknow/Kanpur.
For urgent travel, Tatkal quota opens at 10:00 AM (AC) and 11:00 AM (non-AC) one day before departure. Book exactly at opening time for the best shot.
What to Do If Even Split Route Tickets Are Waitlisted
- Book both legs in RAC or even waitlist if that’s all that’s available. RAC (Reservation Against Cancellation) usually gets confirmed (at least for short legs).
- Monitor your PNR status regularly. If it hasn't moved by a few hours before departure, consider bus or flight options for part of the route.
- If your ticket remains waitlisted after chart preparation, you cannot board—see refund rules for what happens automatically.
Can You Board a Train from Another City?
If you can get to Lucknow, Kanpur, or Varanasi by bus or flight, check train availability from there to Bihar. Sometimes Delhi-Bihar is full, but seats open from these junctions.
Use Alternate Stations Near Delhi or Bihar
Instead of "Delhi Junction (DLI)", try nearby stations: "Anand Vihar (ANVT)", "Hazrat Nizamuddin (NZM)", "New Delhi (NDLS)", or "Ghaziabad (GZB)". For Bihar, try "Bakhtiyarpur (BKP)", "Ara (ARA)", "Jehanabad (JHD)", "Fatuha (FUT)", "Sonpur (SEE)", or "Barauni (BJU)". Sometimes trains to these are open when Patna (PNBE) is not.
Missed All Train Options? Buses, Flights, and Last-Minute Special Trains
If nothing is available, check intercity buses from Delhi to Gorakhpur, Lucknow, or Varanasi and continue by train or local bus from there. Check the "Special Trains" section on the IRCTC website for last-minute festival or demand-based trains. For urgent cases, look at budget flights to Patna, Gaya, or Ranchi, then a train or bus onward.
What to Do If Your Train Gets Cancelled or Diverted Last Minute
Monitor your live train status and cancelled trains pages for real-time updates, especially during fog or festival seasons. If your train is cancelled, your online ticket is automatically refunded as per refund rules. You can immediately try booking any released seats on other trains, as cancellations often free up spots last minute.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the fastest split routes from Delhi to Bihar if all direct trains are full?
The quickest options are via Lucknow, Varanasi, Kanpur, Prayagraj, or Kolkata. Break your journey at one of these cities and book two separate tickets.
Can I board a train if my ticket is still waitlisted after chart preparation?
No, boarding with a waitlisted e-ticket is not allowed. Only RAC or confirmed tickets permit boarding. Waitlisted e-tickets are auto-cancelled and refunded.
Is Tatkal booking available for split journeys?
Yes, you can use Tatkal quota for both legs of your journey. Remember, Tatkal opens one day before the travel date at 10 AM (AC) and 11 AM (non-AC).
What if there is a long gap between connecting trains at the junction?
Choose connections with at least 1.5-2 hours buffer. If there’s a long wait, you can spend time at the station or book a retiring room if available.
Are there extra charges or rules for booking two tickets for a split journey?
You pay regular fare for each leg separately. There’s no extra fee for split bookings, but through tickets (one PNR) may offer better cancellation terms if available.
What should I do if my connecting train is cancelled last minute?
Check for open seats on other Bihar-bound trains from your junction, or look for buses or special trains. Refunds for cancelled trains are automatic for e-tickets.