Train bookings for Holi 2026 are now officially OPEN, and with one of India’s biggest festivals falling right at the start of March, travel demand is already picking up fast.
Holi is not just about colours – it’s about coming home, celebrating together, and travelling across cities to be with family, friends, and loved ones. With Holi 2026 falling on Tuesday, 3rd March, many travellers are planning extended weekend trips, hometown visits, and short getaways, making this a high-demand train travel period.
If you’re planning to travel for Holi celebrations, family reunions, or a festive vacation, now is the best time to book your train tickets early and avoid long waitlists and last-minute hassles.
🌈 Secure Your Seats Before the Holi Rush Begins
Holi is among the top festival travel periods in India, especially on rail routes connecting metro cities to Tier 2 & Tier 3 towns. As the festival approaches, trains fill up quickly – particularly Sleeper, 3AC, 2AC, and Tatkal quotas.
March also marks the transition from winter to spring, making it a pleasant travel season, which further boosts demand. Booking early ensures:
- Confirmed seats
- Better train & timing options
- Stress-free festive travel
Whether you’re heading home to celebrate Holi or planning a colourful getaway, early booking helps you travel with peace of mind.
Book train tickets on Paytm for your Holi trip!
🎉 Why Holi 2026 Is a Major Travel Period
In 2026, Holi falls on Tuesday, 3rd March, making it ideal for:
- Long weekend travel
- Homecoming trips
- Short festive vacations
- Pre-summer getaways
🚆 What drives the travel surge?
- Massive intercity travel for family celebrations
- Students & working professionals returning home
- Popular tourist destinations hosting Holi events
- Pleasant weather across North & Central India
As a result, trains on popular routes start selling out weeks in advance, especially on 1–4 March 2026.
🎯 Why You Should Book Holi Train Tickets Early
Holi travel sees one of the highest railway footfalls after Diwali and Chhath. Booking early gives you multiple advantages:
✅ Confirmed Seats, Zero Festival Stress: Avoid long waitlists and last-minute Tatkal struggles.
💺 Preferred Class & Berth Choice: Choose Sleeper, 3AC, 2AC, or Chair Car before availability drops.
🕐 Better Train Timings: Select convenient departure and arrival times instead of settling for odd hours.
🌤️ Comfortable Spring Travel: March weather is ideal for train journeys – but demand rises fast.
🎊 Focus on Celebrations, Not Ticket Status: Enjoy Holi without checking PNR status every day.
🚄 Most Popular Train Routes for Holi 2026
These routes are expected to see heavy passenger traffic during Holi week:
🏙️ Delhi – Uttar Pradesh / Bihar / Rajasthan
One of the busiest corridors during Holi due to mass hometown travel.
🛕 Mathura & Vrindavan (Uttar Pradesh)
World-famous for Holi celebrations, attracting travellers from across India.
🌆 Mumbai – Uttar Pradesh / Madhya Pradesh
High demand from migrants travelling home for the festival.
🏙️ Bengaluru / Chennai – North India
Festival return travel sees packed long-distance trains.
🌆 Pune – Nagpur / Indore / Bhopal
Central India routes experience heavy festive bookings.
🏖️ Jaipur / Pushkar / Udaipur
Popular for destination Holi celebrations and tourist influx.
📲 How to Book Holi 2026 Train Tickets on Paytm
Booking your Holi train journey on Paytm is quick, easy, and secure:
- Open the Paytm App
- Tap on Train Tickets
- Enter From-To stations
- Select travel dates around 1-4 March 2026
- Choose your preferred train & class
- Add passenger details
- Pay securely via UPI, Cards, or Wallet
🎟️ Your e-ticket is instantly available in the app and sent to your registered email.
🚨 Watch Out for Special Trains & Extra Coaches
During major festivals like Holi, Indian Railways often introduces:
- Holi special trains
- Additional Sleeper & AC coaches
- Temporary schedule adjustments
Stay updated through:
- Official Indian Railways announcements
- IRCTC notifications
- Paytm Travel alerts for new trains & Tatkal openings
Even if your preferred train is full initially, these updates can significantly improve availability.
🧳 Plan a Short Getaway Around Holi
Since Holi 2026 falls on a Tuesday, you can easily plan:
- A long weekend trip
- A colourful destination Holi experience
- Family visits + quick vacations
- Relaxed travel before summer crowds begin
However, train tickets and hotels fill up fast – early planning helps you save both time and money.
🎒 Travel Tips for a Smooth Holi Journey
- Carry digital & printed copies of tickets and ID
- Pack light cotton clothes (Holi colours can stain)
- Carry wet wipes & a small towel
- Track live train status on Paytm
- Reach stations early due to festive crowds
- Prefer lower berths when travelling with elders
- Book return tickets early (3–5 March will be crowded)
🌟 Final Word: Celebrate Holi Without Travel Hassles
Holi is about joy, colours, togetherness, and celebration – don’t let last-minute travel stress dull the festive spirit.
With train bookings for Holi 2026 (Tuesday, 3rd March) now OPEN, this is the perfect time to:
🎟️ Book early & avoid waitlists
🚆 Secure confirmed seats via Paytm
🌈 Plan a colourful, joyful Holi celebration
Start planning your Holi travel today and celebrate the festival with complete peace of mind. ✨🚆🌈
Book train tickets on Paytm for your Holi trip!
