Introduction
The Railways have their own mini-hotels within large stations, called Retiring Rooms, which are ideal places to take a day nap, shower in a few minutes or even spend some time using a laptop between trains. You can reserve them online in 2025 with your PNR with blocks as short as 3/6/12 hours (day-use) or a overnight.
The guide concentrates on the day-use of four busy South-Indian hubs (MAS (Chennai Central), SBC (KSR Bengaluru City), ERS (Ernakulam Jn), and MDU (Madurai Jn)) with easy steps, ID regulations, and realistic tariff scales thus you are aware of what to anticipate prior to arrival.
Quick Planner (What You Need, What You Get)
| Eligibility | You need a valid train PNR with MAS/SBC/ERS/MDU as boarding, destination, or passing (arrival/departure same day or next). PNR name must match the gue |
| Booking window | Typically up to 60–90 days in advance online; same‑day booking possible if rooms free. |
| Time blocks (day‑use) | 3h / 6h / 12h (availability varies by station/room type). Max stay usually 24–48h across blocks. |
| Room types | AC/Non‑AC Single, Double, Family (Triple/Quad in some stations), AC Dormitory (bunk/bed). |
| Check‑in | Show original government ID + PNR. Most places take a small refundable key/linen deposit. |
| What’s included | Bed, linen, towel (for rooms), attached bath (rooms), common bath (dorms), basic housekeeping. |
| Payment | Online (UPI/cards/netbanking) or at counter (cash/card). Taxes extra. |
| Who can stay | Only the passenger(s) on the PNR. Extra guests need to be added/paid as per room capacity. |
| Luggage | Cloak room is separate; use it if you’ll step out between blocks. |
Step‑by‑Step Booking (App/Website/Counter)
IRCTC Rail Connect app (easiest)
- Open Services – Retiring Room – Enter PNR – Select Station – Pick date, time block (3/6/12h) – Select room type/capacity – Pay – Receive e-voucher.
IRCTC Tourism website
- irctctourism.com – Retiring Rooms – Enter PNR – Select station/dates/slot – Pay – Interview voucher.
On‑station Counter
- Go to the office of Retiring Room/ Reservation at the station with your ID + PNR. Ask for “day-use” availability. Pay and collect paper slip. Works most weekdays but may be busy all through during festivals.
Note: You have to travel at 6:10 AM, so you should reserve 6:00-12:00 (6 hours) block, but not 5:00-11:00. Employees are adamant about slot timings.
Day‑Use Time Blocks and Check‑in Rules
- Common block options: 3h (take a quick freshen up), 6h (nap and shower and work), 12h (long layover).
- Period of grace: typically 15-30 minutes on either side is offered at the discretion of the staff; anything more is charged next block.
- Split booking: Split booking can be done 6h + 6h when 12h is not available. Overnight + day-use: bookings are to be made separately.
Station‑Wise Day‑Use Tariff Snapshot (Indicative 2025)
| Station | Dorm bed (AC) 6h / 12h | Single AC Room 6h / 12h |
|---|---|---|
| MAS — Chennai Central | ₹180–300 / ₹250–450 | ₹600–950 / ₹900–1,400 |
| SBC — KSR Bengaluru | ₹200–350 / ₹280–500 | ₹650–1,000 / ₹950–1,500 |
| ERS — Ernakulam Jn | ₹150–280 / ₹220–420 | ₹550–900 / ₹850–1,300 |
| MDU — Madurai Jn | ₹150–260 / ₹220–400 | ₹500–850 / ₹800–1,250 |
Where They Are Inside the Stations (MAS, SBC, ERS, MDU)
- MAS (Chennai Central): Retiring Rooms are close/ located over the main concourse side (Platform-1 side). After security, look at the sign after security which is Retiring Rooms/Waiting Rooms; go to the desk which directs you to the right wing.
- SBC (KSR Bengaluru City): It is usually located on/near Platform-1 side towards the main building (signage next to the concourse and TTE office reads Retiring Rooms/AC Dormitory).
- ERS (Ernakulam Junction): Platform-1 on the main entrance side and foot overbridge access, AC dorm + on the upper floor.
- MDU (Madurai Junction): above/outside Platform-1 concourse, go to the Enquiry/Retiring Room counter at the main hall.
ID, PNR, Guests and Extensions (The Rules That Trip People)
- Name match: The guest should be a passenger in the PNR. Employees can note the final 4 digits of PNR and check the identification.
- Multiple occupancy A Double room can accommodate two adults within the same PNR (or added guests at booking). No need to cram more people on–spot checks occur.
- Check-in window: This is normally the block start time. In case of delayed train display live status–they can stop and wait a few minutes; otherwise dial desk number on your voucher.
- Extension: 30-45 minutes to the end of your block. When the following slot is available, they will increase at the same or next block tariff, otherwise, you have to clear.
- Visitors: The majority of stations do not admit external visitors into the room/dorm area.
- Cleanliness deposit: In other places they collect small refundable deposit as key/linen; refunded back on check out.
- Cloak Room: Cloak room during times that you will walk outside between classes, RR staff does not handle luggage that has been left after checkout.
Do’s and Don’ts (Based on Actual Use)
| Do | Don’t |
|---|---|
| Book the exact hours you need (6h is the sweet spot for freshen‑up + nap) | Count on walk‑in during festival weekends—slots go fast |
| Carry original government photo ID + PNR SMS | Arrive with photocopies only; they need to see originals |
| Screenshot your voucher; networks drop inside halls | Rely on mobile data at the door |
| Use cloak room if you’re stepping out between blocks | Leave bags in the corridor—staff may remove them |
| Tell staff early if you need an extension | Overstay silently—next guest may be assigned |
| Keep the room tidy; return key on time | Take linens/towels out—they’re accounted items |
Conclusion
In tight layovers at MAS/SBC/ERS/MDU, IRCTC Retiring Rooms are good value that can never be beaten, clean, and located within the station and available in 3/6/12 hours. You need to carry your initial ID, pair the PNR and select a realistic time block.
When you are either coming in at the dawn or leaving late at night, 6 hours of day-use slot is the golden ticket: taking a shower, having a nap, recharging gadgets, and going home fresh. Look at the live portal to ascertain last minute tariffs and keep in mind the on the ground rule-request extensions early, clear out on schedule and you will never feel pressed.
