Saudi Arabia and the wider Gulf are home to millions of Indian workers, and you can book Indian Railways tickets from Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam and across the Gulf on IRCTC. Here is how to log in and book.

Can You Book India Trains From Saudi Arabia?

Yes. IRCTC is not blocked in Saudi Arabia or the Gulf — no VPN needed. Log in with your username and password exactly as in India; only payment and the OTP need attention.

IRCTC Login From the Gulf: Step by Step

Open the IRCTC website or Rail Connect app, enter your username, password and captcha, and sign in. Reset a forgotten password via email or mobile. No account? Register with an international mobile number. For the complete flow, see our guide to booking from abroad.

Paying From Saudi Arabia & the Gulf

If you keep an Indian bank account (NRE/NRO), linked UPI or net banking is simplest. Otherwise use an international Visa/Mastercard via IRCTC's international payment option — see how to pay on IRCTC with an international card. Be ready to approve the OTP.

The OTP / Mobile Number Issue

Your OTP goes to your registered mobile. Keep your Indian number reachable (Gulf–India roaming or eSIM), or register your Gulf number on IRCTC so the OTP arrives locally.

Booking & Tatkal Times in Saudi/Gulf Time

Saudi Arabia is 2.5 hours behind India (AST, no daylight saving), so windows fall in the early morning your time:

• General booking (ARP), 8:00 AM IST — 5:30 AM KSA time.
• Tatkal AC, 10:00 AM IST — 7:30 AM KSA time.
• Tatkal Sleeper (non-AC), 11:00 AM IST — 8:30 AM KSA time.

(Kuwait, Qatar and Bahrain share KSA time; the UAE and Oman are one hour ahead of it.) See Tatkal timing and rules.

Flying to India From the Gulf

Riyadh (RUH), Jeddah (JED) and Dammam (DMM) — plus Gulf hubs like Doha, Kuwait and Bahrain — connect to many Indian cities on Saudia, Air India, IndiGo and Air India Express in about 4–5 hours. After landing, continue by train: see India's top scenic train routes.

Get a Confirmed Seat

Book up to 60 days ahead. If you end up on RAC or waiting list, check your odds with will my RAC ticket get confirmed and track it on our PNR status tool.

Bottom line: booking India trains from Saudi Arabia and the Gulf is straightforward — IRCTC isn't blocked, pay via an Indian account or international card, sort your OTP, and book in the early morning (KSA time) when the India window opens.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I book Indian train tickets from Saudi Arabia?

Yes. IRCTC works from Saudi Arabia and the Gulf without a VPN. Log in normally, pay with an Indian account or international card, and make sure you can receive your OTP.

What time does IRCTC booking open in Saudi time?

Saudi Arabia is 2.5 hours behind India, so general booking (8 AM IST) opens at 5:30 AM KSA time, Tatkal AC at 7:30 AM, and Tatkal Sleeper at 8:30 AM.

How do I pay on IRCTC from the Gulf?

Use an Indian NRE/NRO account via UPI or net banking if you have one, or an international Visa/Mastercard through IRCTC's international payment option, and approve the OTP.

Do I need a VPN for IRCTC in Saudi Arabia?

No. IRCTC is accessible directly from Saudi Arabia and the Gulf, and a VPN can make payment harder, so it is best avoided.

Planning your India trip? [Check PNR status](/pnr) and [search trains](/search) on ConfirmYatra.