Discover how ONDC travel is set to transform train and bus ticket booking in India by 2025 — cheaper fares, no monopoly, better choice, and digital convenience for passengers.
Introduction – Why You Should Care
If you’ve ever tried booking a train or bus ticket in India, you know the pain — high platform charges, sudden price hikes, failed transactions, and monopoly by a few big platforms.
That’s about to change. With the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) expanding into travel, train and bus ticket booking in India is set for a massive disruption. This will mean cheaper fares, multiple booking options, and better transparency.
In this blog, let’s break down how ONDC travel works, why it’s different, and how it will affect your next journey.
What is ONDC Travel?
- ONDC = Open Network for Digital Commerce, a government-backed initiative.
- It connects buyers and sellers directly, breaking monopolies of large apps/websites.
- Already active in food, groceries, fashion, and logistics, ONDC is now entering the travel sector.
- For passengers, this means you can book train/bus tickets from any app integrated with ONDC, instead of being forced to use just IRCTC or a handful of bus booking platforms.
👉 Think of it like UPI — one common network, multiple apps, universal access.
Train Booking via ONDC – What Will Change?
- Multiple Apps, Same Inventory – You can book IRCTC train tickets via Paytm, PhonePe, Google Pay, or any ONDC-integrated app.
- Lower Charges – Currently IRCTC and its partners levy convenience fees. With ONDC, fees will drop due to competition.
- Better Refunds & Support – Refund timelines could improve as ONDC ensures standardized dispute resolution.
- More Transparency – No hidden “dynamic convenience fee” tricks.
Example: Instead of paying ₹30-50 extra per ticket on some platforms, ONDC-integrated booking might cost ₹0-10 only.
Bus Booking via ONDC – What Will Change?
- Direct Connection with Operators – Smaller bus operators will directly list tickets, bypassing middlemen.
- Lower Ticket Prices – Because platforms won’t charge high commissions, passengers save.
- Better Choices – More local/state transport buses (MSRTC, KSRTC, etc.) will be discoverable on all ONDC apps.
- Unified Experience – You’ll be able to compare private + state transport + Volvo in one place.
Imagine booking a Mumbai to Pune Volvo + MSRTC Shivneri + Private AC Bus all visible in the same app at transparent prices.
Want to know how you can book Metro tickets using Google Maps?
To know how to book Metro tickets via Google Map with ONDC integration, please check this Google article here.
Benefits of ONDC Travel for Passengers
✅ Cheaper tickets (lower commissions & fees)
✅ More apps, more choices
✅ Standard refunds & policies
✅ Level playing field for smaller bus operators
✅ Reduced monopoly of big OTAs (Online Travel Agencies)
Comparison – Current vs ONDC Ticket Booking
| Feature | Current System | ONDC Travel (2025) |
|---|---|---|
| Platforms | Few monopolies (IRCTC, RedBus, etc.) | Multiple ONDC apps |
| Convenience Fees | ₹20–₹100 | As low as ₹0–₹10 |
| Operators Listed | Limited (mostly big players) | All operators (state + private) |
| Refunds | Delays common | Standardized & faster |
| Price Transparency | Hidden charges | Open, visible fees |
Timeline – When Will You See This Change?
- Pilot projects are already being tested in metros.
- By late 2025, expect widespread adoption of ONDC travel for buses.
- Train bookings via ONDC (through IRCTC tie-up) are expected to roll out in phases starting 2025.
What’s Actually Live Today
ONDC is not just a promise—it’s already delivering, and here’s proof:
- Delhi Metro (DMRC) went live on ONDC in late 2024. Now you can book metro tickets via apps like Google Maps, RedBus, EaseMyTrip, Rapido, Google Maps, Telegram Bots, and more. Metro Rail NewsThe TribuneMetro Rail Today
- Chennai Metro (CMRL) was the first metro on ONDC, and you can book via Rapido, NammaYatri, RedBus—with Google Maps and PhonePe coming soon. ET Now
So yes, ONDC Travel is already functioning in metros—and is just about ready to go mainstream.
What You Should Do Now
- Download ONDC-supported apps (Paytm, PhonePe, Magicpin, etc.).
- Compare ticket prices once ONDC travel is live.
- Save on fees — don’t stick to just one platform.
- Stay updated with SimplifyWala — we’ll bring step-by-step guides when train & bus booking goes live on ONDC.
FAQ Section: ONDC Travel (Train & Bus Tickets)
Q1. Is ONDC travel live for booking train and bus tickets in India?
Yes, ONDC travel is live in India. Currently, platforms like Paytm, Namma Yatri, and some ONDC-partner apps allow you to book bus and train tickets via the ONDC network. The experience may vary depending on the app, but the service is being actively expanded.
Q2. Which apps can I use to book train and bus tickets through ONDC?
As of 2025, you can try Paytm app for booking IRCTC train tickets and KSRTC bus tickets (in select routes) via ONDC. More apps will integrate soon as the ecosystem grows.
Q3. How is ONDC different from IRCTC or private travel apps?
Unlike IRCTC or redBus, ONDC is an open network. This means you are not tied to one app — multiple apps can show you the same train/bus availability, often at lower costs due to zero heavy commissions.
Q4. Can I save money by booking tickets through ONDC?
Yes. ONDC reduces platform commission fees. For example, a bus ticket that costs ₹600 on private apps may show at ₹560–₹580 on ONDC-integrated apps. For frequent travelers, this adds up to big savings.
Q5. Is ONDC travel safe and reliable?
Yes. ONDC is backed by the Government of India. Payments are made securely via UPI or cards, and all ticketing is routed through verified sellers like IRCTC for trains and state/private bus operators.
Q6. What’s the future of ONDC in travel?
ONDC plans to integrate domestic flights, metro tickets, cab rides, and tourism packages in the near future. Imagine planning your entire journey (bus + train + cab) on one open platform without switching apps.
Final Thoughts
ONDC is not just about shopping and food delivery — it’s about freedom from monopolies. For millions of Indians who travel by train and bus daily, this is a game-changer.
At SimplifyWala, we’ll keep sharing step-by-step guides, hacks, and tools to help you save more, travel smarter, and make the most of digital India.
💬 What do you think — will ONDC make IRCTC’s monopoly weaker? Drop your thoughts in the comments!