a travellers guide: different classes in Indian rails

AC First (1A), the most comfortable class to travel in, includes lockable four-berth and two-berth (coupe) compartments. The carriages are clean (and carpeted) and the toilets are much cleaner than any other toilets you get to see on Indian trains. Sheets, pillows and blankets are provided (an attendant makes the beds at night). AC First Class carriages are usually found only on important overnight trains and are the most expensive class.

AC 2 Tier (2A) Passengers sleep on four berths in an open cabin or on two berths that are positioned lengthwise along the side of the carriage. Each cabin has a curtain for privacy and each side berth has its own curtain for privacy. There are four toilets, two at each end of the carriage, and usually include a mix of western and eastern style loos, spottily provided with toilet paper. An attendant brings around blankets, sheets and pillows.

AC 3 Tier (3A) is similar to 2 Tier, the significant differences being the additional middle-bunk in the cabins (but not on the sides). Recently Indain Railways has added curtain in each cabin for privacy and each side berth has its own curtain for privacy similiar to AC 2 Tier coach. This can make it uncomfortable to sit up straight during the morning if the person in the middle-bunk is a heavy sleeper. An attendant brings around sheets, blankets, and pillows in the evening. Because there are more people around, AC 3 Tier tends to be noisier than AC 2 Tier.

AC 3 Tier Economy (3E) is generally found in Garib Raths and a few Durontos - it is similar to AC 3 Tier but with the presence of a middle berth on the side too making it 9 berths in a bay. Denoted by "G". 3E is cheaper compared to 3A.

First Class (FC), the way the Raj traveled, has mostly disappeared from Indian Railways in favor of Air Conditioned carriages. Like AC First Class, berths are arranged in four-berth and two-berth (coupe) lockable cabins but the similarity ends there. No bedding is provided unless booked in advance (there is an extra fee for bedding), and the carriages, not sealed from the heat and dust of India, can be quite grubby. Fares are higher than 3A owing to the fact that the preference of people shifted, resulting in FC becoming extinct.

Sleeper Class (SL) is the way most Indians travel and is an inexpensive way to get around the country. Berths are arranged in the same pattern as AC 3 Tier, six berths in a cabin and two along the side of the carriage, but there is no air-conditioning. The downside is that it can be hot, sweaty, and uncomfortable inside. The toilets are sometimes dirty and, in some parts of India, you'll find yourself sharing your cabin with passengers without a reservation. Still, for the adventurous, this is the way to see India. Chai-wallahs and hawkers selling all kinds of food (with the accent on local) roam the carriages and you'll find yourself sharing food and life-stories with the lower middle class families that travel on this class.

AC Executive Chair Car (XC) is only available on some Shatabdis. It is extremely comfortable, and is the most comfortable way to travel during the daytime.
AC Chair Car (CC), found on most daytime intercity trains, is also quite comfortable, but the seats are not as wide as XC. It is advisable to travel on this class wherever possible, as 2S can get quite crowded, particularly on busy routes.
Second Class Chair Car (2S), available on most daytime intercity trains, is reserved seating in carriages without airconditioning. Chair car seats are comfortably padded, but the heat and dust outside can make it an uncomfortable ride in summer.Also,it is usually used by the passengers with a "general" ticket,and use the seats by paying the fine (usually Rs15) to the TTE.There is every chance that you may end up in a seat with four people which is actually meant for 3.Also,if you find that there are too many empty seats while booking online,don't expect the compartment to be empty.

General compartments (GS) have uncomfortable wooden bench seats and the carriages are often packed with people sitting on the aisles and luggage racks. Not an advisable way to travel, even for short distances, except for the exceptionally tough and the curious travelers that are in it for the experience alone.

a travellers guide