In this article you’ll know about the different types of travel classes in Indian Railways – SL, 3A, 2A, 1A, CC, and more in detail.
By the end of this article, I hope you’ll have a clear understanding of how to choose the best class for your train journey.
Indian Railways is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for anyone who loves traveling and exploring new places across the country in India.
The Indian railways is a vast rail network issuing train tickets to millions of passengers every day both online and offline.
It offers you with choices of different coaches and travel classes accommodating every budget, comfort level, luxury, all travel purposes and sections of the society.
Along with the understanding of different Indian train coach types, passengers can also track the live train running status to stay updated on delays, current location, and arrival times during their travels.
Indian Railways tickets and travel coaches are designed for everyone, from the most basic unreserved category to air-conditioned premium types of train coaches.
General Coaches for the cheapest fare, to Premium 1 AC Coaches, and Special Coaches in Maharaja Trains for the most luxurious experience – Indian train journeys will give you a gist of the diversity, and life of the locals.
1. Unreserved General Class (UR)
No reservation is required for Indian Railways passengers, and tickets can be bought directly at the station.
The Unreserved General Class is the most economical and simplest means of transportation in the Indian Railways.
These types of train coaches are often very crowded as it serves daily commuters and budget travellers who all depend on the low-cost transport system.
Amenities are minimal, with seating often consisting of benches, and the atmosphere can be quite hectic during rush hours.
Even though it doesn’t provide comfort, it still plays a vital role in people travelling around India via the railway network.
I used to travel a lot in General Class Coaches (12 hour journey) from Guwahati during my college days.
2. Second Class Seating (2S)
Second Class Seating can be considered a reserved version of the general class, which makes it a bit more organized and convenient for short to mid journeys.
This coach also has bench-type seats and non-air-cooled ones, where even a simple travel experience is guaranteed, with the reliability factor.
The reservation of seats also means that the passengers will not be exposed to the crowding that is characteristic of general compartments.
This class is usually occupied by students, office-goers, and those who want an inexpensive seat while still enjoying the privileges of structured travel.
3. Sleeper Class (SL)
Sleeper Class is the most preferred and used travel class in India, especially for long-distance trips.
The coach comprises non-AC type of berth in train that are arranged in upper, middle, and lower tiers, which makes this class the best for overnight travel on a budget.
The windows are kept open for ventilation, and passengers get to experience a real Indian railway environment.
In case the class might become overly populated during festive times, it still enjoys its status as the most economical and comfortable class throughout India.
4. AC Chair Car (CC)
AC Chair Car represents an excellent option for people who want to travel by train during the day in a more comfortable way.
The train boasts plush reclining seats and complete air-conditioning, which are the main reasons that long journeys are less tiresome.
Moreover, the convenience of having overhead luggage racks, clean space, and comfortable travelling conditions has been added to the list.
This class is usually available on the Shatabdi Express (which is one of the best types of railway coaches) and other upscale daytime trains where passengers are served promptly and provided meals onboard.
It is perfect for business people, students, and anyone who wants to have a comfortable day trip.
Platforms like RailMitra make this journey even more convenient by providing detailed information about Live Train Status, seat availability and more.
5. Executive Chair Car (EC)
If you take the Executive Chair Car, you will get a primo travel experience like flying in business class.
The seats are much more comfortable as they are wider and spacious with better legroom and more comfort.
The interiors of the train are modern, clean, and sometimes have meal service depending on the train.
This category gives its travellers a relaxing and elegant travel experience, and that is why it is the most preferred class among business travellers and those who are looking for comfort in their short-distance trips.
The silence and the proper set-up are some of the reasons why it is considered so attractive.
6. AC 3 Tier (3A)
AC 3 Tier has always been one of the most picked classes for long-distance trips due to the great trade-off it offers between cost and comfort.
The train car is divided into three rows of beds on each side, with curtains, bedding, and charging points all available for the guest’s ease.
It gives privacy, air-conditioning, and a clean area, which makes it suitable for groups, families, and solo travellers who do not wish to spend much but still want to be comfortable.
Moreover, the fact that there are types of berths in trains that consist of a single carriage fosters a friendly spirit among the passengers.
7. AC 2 Tier (2A)
AC 2 Tier provides a quieter and larger space compared to 3A. It has only two rows of beds on each side, which gives the passengers more clearance, personal space, and comfort.
All cabins come with reading lights, partitions, and linens. The atmosphere is quiet, thus it is suitable for those who want to be undisturbed during their night travel.
Its luxurious nature and neat arrangement are reasons why it is the choice of the elderly, business people, and tourists on long-distance trips and also explore the list of different coaches in trains.
8. First Class AC (1A)
Among the types of railway coaches in Indian Railways, the first class AC is one of the most luxurious train in India, as compared to ordinary Indian Railways coaches.
Passengers can reserve entire cabins that can hold two or four people, thus affording hotel-like seclusion. Every cabin has fresh linens, a silent atmosphere, and locking doors.
In some cases, a concierge is provided to facilitate your stay even more.Comfort, exclusivity, and quality food on train are cornerstones of this class.
This makes an already private journey perfect for travelers who value luxury.
9. AC 3 Economy (3E)
AC 3 Economy is a cost-effective AC class that has been introduced in Garib Rath (One of the best types of train coaches) and select other trains.
The arrangement is that of an AC 3 Tier, but with extra side berths for lower prices. Bedding may come at an extra cost depending on the train.
This class suits the needs of those who don’t mind being in an AC coach if the ticket price is lower, thus becoming the choice of students, families, and people living on a tight budget.
Usually, the length of the train coach for the ICF coaches is about 22.28 meters (73 ft).
10. Vistadome Coaches
The Vistadome coaches are for the recreation of those who want to see the beautiful, scenic routes in their full glory.
The coaches are kitted out with massive glass windows, see-through glass roofs, rotating seats, and are able to display the mountains, waterfalls, and valleys in all their splendor.
The trains operate on the routes that give you a scenic experience like Araku Valley, Shivamogga, and the Western Ghats.
In Assam you can experience the Vistadome journey from Guwahati to New Haflong in Dima Hasao and from Guwahati to Naharlagun in Arunachal Pradesh.
The sensation is extraordinary, thus making the Vistadome trips especially favoured by nature lovers, photographers, and tourists wanting to have an unforgettable train ride.
Conclusion
Indian Railways provides you with travel classes that are suitable for all kinds of passengers, starting from the most basic unreserved types of railway coaches to the globally acclaimed types of coaches in Indian Railways.
No matter if you are going for a low-cost, comfort, isolation, or luxury experience, the choices are numerous and varied.
A good knowledge of travel classes allows the passengers to pick the best option and have the right expectations to enjoy their trips.
Modernization of the railway network in India is a continuous process that leads to the comfort and convenience being accessible to hundreds of thousands of passengers across India.
I am yet to experience traveling in the the AC 3 Economy (3E), First AC (1A) classes and Vistadome trains.
I hope this guide on Indian Railway travel classes helped you.
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