What is PNR Number? — Complete Guide
PNR stands for Passenger Name Record. It is a unique 10-digit number generated by Indian Railways for every ticket booking — whether made on IRCTC website, app, counter, or agent. The PNR number links your booking to the railway reservation database. Using it, you can check your seat/berth confirmation status, passenger names on the booking, coach and berth numbers, chart preparation status, and train details. Your PNR is your primary identifier for everything related to your train journey.
Check Your PNR Status →Frequently Asked Questions
What does PNR stand for?
PNR stands for Passenger Name Record. It is the standard reservation record used globally in travel (airlines, railways). In Indian Railways, it is a unique 10-digit number assigned to every ticket booking.
Where do I find my PNR number?
Your PNR number appears at the top-left corner of your physical ticket. For e-tickets (booked on IRCTC), the PNR is in the booking confirmation SMS, email, and in the IRCTC app under "My Bookings". For counter tickets, it is printed on the ticket itself.
How many passengers can one PNR have?
One PNR can include up to 6 passengers. All passengers under the same booking share one PNR number. If you book more than 6 tickets in one transaction, Indian Railways creates two separate PNRs.
How long is a PNR valid?
A PNR is valid from the booking date until the journey date. After the journey is complete, the PNR record may remain accessible for a limited time for historical reference. Cancelled PNRs remain accessible for a short period to track refunds.
Can one PNR have different seat statuses for different passengers?
Yes. In group bookings where not all tickets are confirmed from the waitlist, different passengers under the same PNR can have different statuses — e.g., passengers 1–2 may be CNF while passengers 3–4 remain WL.
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