Travel Classes In Indian Railways: 3E, 3A CC, 2S, SL, UR, 2A, and More

Have you tried to book a train ticket but could not understand the difference between the classes mentioned there? Well, traveling is an important part of life. And different types of tickets are suitable for different occasions. 

If you are traveling very far, it becomes extremely important to ensure that the bathrooms are hygienic. Also, you need to ensure that the sleeping area is uninterrupted. On the flipside, if you have to book a train ticket for an important guest, you may need to choose something like First AC or AC Executive Class tickets.

So, it is best to be sure about what the travel classes on the Indian Railways exactly means.

Travel Classes in Indian Railways

There are a total of 16 Seat Classes in Indian Railways. So, every ticket is definitely not the same.

In this post, we will be explaining each travel class so that the next time you are booking tickets, you are making an informed choice.

1. Unreserved (UR)

UR stands for Unreserved. The Unreserved General Class is for those times when you could not get a reserved ticket on time, or you wanted to save money. However, you have to compromise on both comfort and convenience. These coaches are often overcrowded, and sometimes even the floors are not spared. They might be fine for short trips but are not recommended for long-distance travel. Nevertheless, this is what many poor people in India can afford while traveling. This is the cheapest travel class in Indian Railways.

• Total Berths: Unreserved General Class does not have fixed berths. Seats accommodate around 70-90 passengers per coach.

• Chart Preparation: Not applicable; no reserved seating.

• Food: Not specifically prepared for this class; can be purchased from pantry car or vendors.

• Pets: Generally not allowed in this class; permitted in luggage van or brake van with booking.

• Washrooms: Standard washrooms available; no shower facilities.

2. Second Seating (2S)

2S stands for Second Seating. The second seating, or 2S, is for affordable daytime travel and is available on most intercity and Jan Shatabdi trains. There are both reserved and unreserved seats. Despite some newer carriages having individual seats, the majority of them have cushioned bench-style seats. However, in this class, there are no accommodations for sleeping. Fans are used to cool carriages.

Also Read: PQWL: Pooled Quota Waiting List – Meaning, Confirm Chances, and More

3. Sleeper Class (SL)

SL stands for Sleeper Class. The Sleeper Class has around 72–80 berths, with 8 berths in each compartment. These are usually very noisy, crowded, and dirty. The biggest struggle in the sleeper class is finding a clean bathroom. Although, if you are lucky, you may find both western-style toilets and Indian-style toilets.

There are six beds in each of the open-plan compartments that make up the carriages. On either side of the compartments, there are three tiers of beds stacked vertically. The middle beds must be folded flat against the compartment walls during the day so that people can sit on the lower beds. Two tiers of beds are also located outside the compartments, along the aisle.

The carriage's ceiling is ventilated with fans, and the windows have bars to deter burglars since they are frequently left open.

• Total Berth: 72-80

• 8 berths per compartment.

• Usually 2 windows that can be opened/closed manually.

Also Read: RLWL: Remote Location Waiting List – Know Train Ticket Types & Confirmation Chances

4. First AC (1A)

1A stands for 1st AC. The First AC sleeper class train tickets are the most expensive in India. These tickets may even cost more than plane tickets! And the facilities available here are like no other. Every compartment has a door that can be locked from the inside. The berths are spacious and dustbins are given. It looks and feels like a moving hotel room.

Also, you won’t have to worry about hygiene.  The food served here is also different than elsewhere. You will be able to order from a menu. These are fully AC coaches and have 2 coupes and 4 cabins. If you want to experience something luxurious, you could probably start here!

But it seems like this class would soon become extinct just like the dinosaurs, in coming years.

• Safe due to doors per compartment.

• Clean and hygienic.

5. Second AC or AC 2-tier (2A)

2A stands for AC 2-Tier. The 2A or 2AC, or the 2 Tier Air Conditioned Class, is popular among India's upper class. Since there are only four bunk beds per cabin, there is a lot more floor space. The sleeping quarters feature a double-decker bed configuration, with the beds stacked vertically on either side. There are two levels of bunk beds along the aisle outside the compartments, just like in the other classes.

The greatest advantage of buying 2AC tickets is that there are privacy curtains and reading lights, and you can avoid interaction if you wish to.

• Total Berths: 48-54

• Reading Lamps

• Curtains

6. Third AC or AC 3-tier (3A)

3A stands for AC 3-Tier. 3A Travel class is the most preferred category of train-tickets for traveling as they provide a fairly good experience at an affordable price. Due to this, they are usually the heaviest coaches on the train. It has 8 berths in each compartment. However, the backdraw is that it is impossible for an adult to sit upright when all three berths are open. Also, there are no reading lights.

Also Read: GNWL Tickets: General Waiting List Tickets – Know Train Ticket Types & Confirmation Chances

7. Chair Car (CC)

CC stands for Chair Car. AC Chair has a full AC coach along with an exclusively 3-by-2 seating arrangement. These are short-journey trains and maybe an alternative to buses. The space overhead is for keeping your luggage. And there are small tables attached to the back of your front seat, which can be opened when required. These are great for comfortable day travel and short journeys. 

8. Third AC economy (3E)

3E stands for 3rd AC Economy. The 3E travel class is available in Duronto trains, Garib Rath Express, and some other long-distance trains. It was an initiative by Lalu Prasad Yadav to make AC travel more affordable for economically weaker sections. 3E class is similar to 3A (3rd AC), but with a different seating arrangement. It has 6 berths per section instead of 8, including three tiers on each side (lower, middle, upper) and three side berths (side lower, side middle, and side upper), making it slightly more cramped compared to 3A.

• Total Berths: 72-81 per coach.

• Bedroll charges extra: In some trains, bedrolls are available for an additional charge of Rs. 25/-.

• Note: The side middle berth is an extra berth that contributes to the slightly more crowded feeling in 3E coaches.

Also Read: TQWL: Tatkal Quota Waitlisted Ticket – Know Train Ticket Types & Confirmation Chances

9. First Class (FC)

FC stands for First Class. The First Class used to be a favorite among the rich during the late 70s and 80s. These are Non-AC coaches, yet they used to be royalty before AC coaches were invented. They have two berth coupes and two berth cabins with a door that can be locked from the inside. They are equipped with reading lamps and the cleanliness is not an issue at all. With time, people have started to travel more on the 3A class, and therefore these got phased out slowly.

Also Read: Train Berth Types: A Look at the Different Choices

10. AC Executive Class (EC)

EC stands for AC Executive Class.These are analogous to business class in air travel. They are spacious due to the 2-by-2 seating arrangements, without sleeping arrangements. Travelers will feel more comfortable due to greater leg-space and wider middle walkway.

And yes! You will also be responsible for paying the catering fees when you travel on EC. EC is present in Shatabdi Express, Tejas trains, and in some double decker trains as well. 

Also Read: Indian Railways Helpline Number- Check PNR, Train Status

11. Executive Anubhuti (EA)

EA stands for Executive Anubhuti. These are special trains equipped with airplane-like facilities and designed to provide travelers with a very different experience. The features are even more enhanced than those of Shatabdi trains. It does not have a sleeper berth.

But, it is a 56-seat coach arranged in a 2*2 manners with LCD screens at the front. The seats can recline, and charging sockets are available too. You will find other facilities such as automatic doors, washroom occupancy indicators, and many more. 

Others Travel Classes in Railways

Vistadome Coach (Vistadome)

The Vistadome Coach is an air-conditioned, glass-roof coach designed for scenic routes, offering panoramic views through large windows and transparent ceilings. Seats are often rotatable up to 180 degrees, giving passengers an immersive travel experience. Ideal for journeys through scenic landscapes, such as the Western Ghats or the Darjeeling hills, it’s a popular choice for leisure travelers.

• Total Seats: Approximately 40-44 seats per coach.

• Chart Preparation: Available; seats are reserved.

• Food: Onboard catering provided in select trains.

• Pets: Not allowed.

• Washrooms: Standard washrooms; no shower facilities.

Garib Rath AC 3-Tier (3A)

Garib Rath AC 3-Tier, commonly known as Garib Rath, is a low-cost air-conditioned class that offers affordable comfort exclusively in Garib Rath Express trains. It provides basic amenities with 3-tier sleeping berths, making it a budget-friendly option for long-distance travel.

• Total Berths: Approximately 78 berths per coach.

• Chart Preparation: Available; seats are reserved.

• Food: Can be purchased from onboard pantry cars or vendors.

• Pets: Not allowed.

• Washrooms: Standard washrooms available; no shower facilities.

General Second Class (Second Class)

The General Second Class is an economical, non-air-conditioned class with open seating. This class is ideal for short-distance commutes, though it’s often overcrowded, especially on busy routes, with many passengers standing due to high demand.

• Total Seats: Typically seats around 90-110 passengers, often exceeding capacity.

• Chart Preparation: Not applicable; open seating.

• Food: Not specifically prepared; available from vendors or pantry cars.

• Pets: Allowed with booking in the luggage van.

• Washrooms: Standard washrooms; no shower facilities.

Luggage-Cum-Brake Van (LHB) (Power Car)

The Luggage-Cum-Brake Van, also known as the Power Car, serves a dual purpose of providing power to the train and accommodating luggage and parcels. It also has space for railway staff and sometimes guards.

• Total Capacity: Variable, primarily used for luggage storage and power equipment.

• Chart Preparation: Not applicable; no passenger seating.

• Food: Not applicable.

• Pets: Permitted with booking in designated areas.

• Washrooms: No passenger facilities available.

Seating-Luggage-Rake (SLR)

The Seating-Luggage-Rake (SLR) coach is generally positioned at the ends of trains, providing seating for disabled passengers and carrying parcels or luggage. It includes a small compartment for the guard and space for bicycles or packages.

• Total Capacity: Limited seating for disabled passengers; rest of the space is used for luggage.

• Chart Preparation: Reserved for specific purposes; seats for disabled passengers are booked.

• Food: Not applicable for luggage area; available for seated passengers.

• Pets: Allowed with booking in designated sections.

• Washrooms: Standard washrooms for seated passengers; no shower facilities.

FAQs

Yes, there is a difference in the level of air conditioning provided in different travel classes on Indian Railways. The air conditioning in first class AC and AC 2-tier is generally more powerful and effective than in AC 3-tier and sleeper class.