Indian Railways: What the Different Classes Mean

Dec 1, 2025
7 min read

Indian railways are vast and are the main mode of transport that connects the whole country. Actually, one of the most effective ways to travel in India (after biking or driving) is by train. A journey on the Indian train may be uncomfortable for the initial day, but gradually you'll begin to fall in love with the experience (sometimes much more so than the airlines). Many travelers even use tools like railmitra to plan their trips and navigate the extensive railway network more easily.

As thrilling as it can be traveling through India by train, Indian railroads are difficult to navigate. From choosing the right train to arranging the tickets and then preparing for a pleasant journey, the process is quite different from the typical procedure of Western countries. In this article, I break down the whole process for you. Near the end of this article I'll also offer some of my personal tips that will definitely assist you!
The Different Classes
If you've been to India and tried to get tickets for trains it could have been an absolute nightmare. It's possible that you haven't fully grasped the different classes available on the trains and which will be most appropriate for you. If you're a person who's planning to visit India in the beginning, it's important to clear any doubts about the coaches and trains this is because it's the most economical and comfortable mode of transportation in the world.
Before I begin the explanation, it is important to be aware that certain classes might not be offered on certain trains. You'll need to pick your train according to the class you prefer.
1. AC First Class (AC 1)
Let's begin with the most expensive and luxurious class of train travel on Indian railways. AC1 is the most luxurious can be found in all Indian train. Honestly. If you are interested in the concept of luxurious trains then take a ride on the 5 most luxurious trains located in India.
Like the name suggests, the entire class is climate-controlled. If you value privacy above all else this is the ideal choice for you. This is because they're separate cabins that can be locked. Each cabin can accommodate either two or four berths.
However, when booking tickets, you aren't able to pick whether you'd like to stay in a 2-berth or four-berth. It's decided through the railroad authorities however their standard of choice typically is two couples, as well as four families. If you're a single person the fate of your life is in the hands of them.
Bathrooms are accessible on both sides of the coach (just beyond the doors of both exits). Items like pillows and towels will be supplied to passengers. In the cabins, you are sure to have all kinds of facilities, including the washbasin! Because you're in the first-class cabins, your service will always be excellent. The cabins are all situated on the same side of the aisle, and there's plenty of room for walking around the cabins — and many travelers like to check the current running status during the journey to stay updated on their train’s progress.
The cost is comparable to the cost of air travel because here, the first class on trains is similar to the business class on flights. Additionally, Tatkal booking (reservations at the very last minute) is not permitted in the first class, therefore you'll need to make your decision to book a bit earlier.
2. AC 2-tier
The name may sound complicated, but I'll make it easy for you. Certain people (like my mom) may also refer to it as 2nd AC. Its costs are lower than the first AC and, if it's to is told, it's more effective than first AC as well.
The only reason I'm able claim that it's better than the initial AC is that anything could happen in the later and nobody would be aware since everyone would have locked the cabins (although it's not been any incidents of theft or any other risks). It's still everyone's individual choice.
In AC 2-tier There are seats at both ends of aisle. It's a bit smaller, but still very comfortable. There's no cabins here. To one end, there will be four bedrooms (two higher and one below) on the other side, there will be two berths. Both sides are separated by curtains, ensuring that you'll have privacy.
There is no washbasin in the cabin, and only outside. In addition the individual reading lamps are provided, which is a huge benefit. Towels, sheets and towels are also available. It is much easier to socialize with fellow passengers when you travel in the class.
As I have mentioned before the price of seats for this class are cheaper that AC First Class. However, one benefit is that tatkal reservations are permitted.
3. AC 3-tier
It'll be slightly more crowded as instead of four berths on one side of the boat, there will be six. On the other hand there will be two. Along with an increase in people, the second problem is that has six berths (two below and two on top and two between these) The middle berths must be removed early in the morning. They are erected by hooking them to hinges that are attached to one of the berths on top. There is no chance of falling off, but you'll also be unable to rest whenever you like during the afternoon as there are people sitting on the lower the berth.
Tips: Most of the times, you can request the other passengers traveling with you to take advantage of their upper beds to rest in the afternoon. They'll generally allow since most passengers are very accommodating. There aren't curtains in this area, so there is you won't have privacy.
No reading lights are available available in AC 3. Other amenities are also available as in the two previous classes. Prices are slightly less than the 2nd AC. There isn't much difference, but. Tatkal is readily available.
4. Sleeper
This class is likely to be where half of India's Indian populace travels. Sleeper class isn't air-conditioned. The seating arrangements are as AC 3-tier. Sheets and pillows are not included.
Toilets are located in front of both exits, as they are in other classes. However, the bathrooms in AC coaches are much more clean than sleeper class. This is because everyone can join the sleeper class to sell items when trains stop at an station. People who don't have reservations are able to join the class.
To admit it, I've traveled in sleeper class for about five times (after which we began booking AC coaches). Sleeper class makes your trip more enjoyable in the event that you're not averse to it's noise, the vendors, and many passengers. It is possible to keep the windows open, unlike the AC coaches and certainly get more enjoyment of the surrounding. In addition at times when trains stop in stations, it is possible to contact vendors right from your windows (I always do this to purchase things).
The cost of a ticket will never go more than the amount of Rs. 1000, and this class is throughout all trains in the country.
5. First Class
Do not mistake this class with the second since this one isn't conditioning. It's not even present in all trains today. However, in some older trains it's still there.
It's exactly like AC First Class regarding facilities and service, with every compartment and things. The only issue is that it's not air climate controlled. If this isn't any issues for you and you're still looking for privacy at a lower cost then you should consider this class.
However, you'll need to confirm in advance whether the train you're planning to take on such a class, or if it doesn't.
6. Second Sitting
It's sort of a compartment for local travelers; the people who travel to smaller travel distances (within that same town or in nearby states). There are also people who are standing and traveling in these coaches all the time, even if they can't find a seat, and it's typically extremely crowded.
Its seating arrangements is simple. The coaches are divided in two rows and have three seats with cushions in each row.
7. AC Chair Car
This is the only class and it's similar to Second Sitting but it's air-conditioned.
It's slightly uncomfortable if you intend to move to a different state entirely because being in one spot for that long could be quite uncomfortable. It is possible to move your chair to some degree, but it will feel uncomfortable.
The price for this particular one is 3 times that of the second Sitting.
Tips for Travelling by Train
We've completed the various classes, here's a few ideas that might prove as useful.
1. Lock your luggage and take your handbags or bags with you, especially in the event of traveling on Sleeper class.
2. Make sure you bring an extra set of clean sheets in case the sheets you're given in the station is filthy. If you're in the Sleeper Class class, you may occasionally be cold at night, and this will help.
3. The toilets in those in the Sleeper Class and occasionally in AC 3-tiers can be extremely filthy. The washbasins can also be filthy. Therefore, always bring a small pouch to store your items for toiletries. So you won't need to store your items on the top of the bench. Additionally, you should go to the bathroom in the early morning, before people start to gather around it.
4. It's better to purchase certain food items from the stations rather than from vendors selling it on coaches. This doesn't refer to packaged food items but food items that are freshly cooked.
5. Chat with other passengers. There's no way to know who may be able to help you. Additionally, you'll learn more about the country they represent from them. If they are a part of to the country you're visiting, they'll recommend places to you.
6. If you think you're being questioned by someone or you're concerned about the person, don't hesitate to get in touch with the police. The numbers to contact them are displayed on the walls of coaches as you enter.
7. Bring a book to avoid getting bored during long distance. Some vendors will bring books and there are numerous book stores available on the stations. There are many genres to choose from and the majority are bestsellers. Keep plenty of cash on hand as packaged drinks and snacks are usually brought to coaches, and they'll require change every time.
8. Food served on trains aren't always very tasty and if you stroll down a couple of coaches, you'll be able know where they're cooked, and this will keep you from eating them. The majority of Indians have the food they prepare themselves.
9. Enjoy!