Survival Guide To Indian Railways Sleeper Trains
- Nov 19, 2025
- 11 min read
In this article, we'll show how we traveled across India on a small‑group excursion using the renowned sleeper trains. We'll share our tips and advice for navigating Indian sleeper trains, explain what the train classes mean, and highlight the amenities available onboard — along with how to easily check the track your train so you always know where your train is.
Planning Our Tour Of India By Sleeper Trains
We were looking for a small group tour in India that would include travel via trains, not buses or planes. We were looking for an adventure and to discover what it's like traveling on India's sleeper trains like the people in the nation. But we also wanted reduce our spending expenses and so we didn't want to be taking the luxurious ' Palace On Wheels or the infamous ' Maharajas Express'.
We've been on sleeper train travel in China and they're an absolute delight, however it's common knowledge that the standards of seating and sleeping carriages that are found in India aren't like those in China as well as Europe. It was going to be anything like the pictures we've seen of people seated and standing on the roofs of trains? No matter what happened, we knew that it would be a thrilling adventure. We'll share all the details of it here in this article and our top advice on how to get through Indian Railways sleeper trains.
People getting onto a sleeper train in India
About Indian Railways
Connecting India
The British introduced railway trains into India in 1853. In the present, Indian Railways is 4th largest train line worldwide. It's managed by the government and operates 14,000 passenger trains and transports millions of passengers each day up to 7 349 railway stations. Wow. It connects remote villages with major cities across the entire length and width of India's vast terrain.
The Indian Railways network is the vitality of the nation, linking small towns to big cities.
An Indian Railways Chair-Class carriage. The windows have bars that are there to prevent anyone from getting inside for free.
An adventure of a lifetime travelling by sleeper trains in India
There are eight different classes available on Indian Railways but not on every train.
Indian Railways Sleeper Train Classes
There are eight different classes that are available and they depend on the type of train and destination. We're only interested in sleeper classes, which are broken down in the following manner:
AC1 (or AC1 (or A-1) AC1 carriages (also known as A-1) are cooled and air-conditioned. They are first class, but there aren't many trains and routes using this class. They are equipped with 2 bunk beds (berths) cabins that locks on the doors. The carriages also have showers.
AC2 (or A-2) AC2 (or A-2) class, with air-conditioned carriages, and open design 2 bunk beds, arranged in four beds in a row. There are plug sockets near the windows, and a privacy curtain. There are also two bunk beds on the corridors that have separate curtains and lighting. A pillow and sheets are also provided. Most often, they are used by middle class and middle classIndian Indians of middle classfamilies and also tourists. In the day, all of bunk beds are folded into seats.
AC3 (or AC3 (or A-3) AC3 (also called A-3) has the same facilities as AC2 class, but the only difference is that they are more crowded because they have more beds. 3 bunk beds with three levels (upper middle and lower) are divided into rooms with 6 beds, plus 3 bunk beds on the corridors. As with AC2, there aren't privacy curtains.
SL Standard sleeper class is the third class and is the way that most Indians and backpackers travel. Three bunk beds are set up in a row of six beds, with two bunk beds running along corridors. There is no air conditioning, just windows that open with bars to keep people from coming into the room from the outside. It is essential to bring an extra sleeping bag because there is no bedding available.
Example of AC2 2-berth grouped in bays of 4 beds
Here's how AC2's two-berth bed looks like from the other side of the corridor.
Plug sockets for electricity are accessible on AC2 and AC3 air-conditioned carriages that are located beneath the windows.
AC1 Class AC1 Class sleeper train travel that has separate cabins that have lockable doors.
AC2 Class carriage – Trains are either blue or yellow
AC3 Class – Three tier bunk bed sleeper trains
SL Class - Regular sleeper trains that are used by backpackers and the general public.
Our Indian Sleeper Train Experiences!
Delhi to Udaipur Sleeper Train
We rode our first sleeper train overnight departing from Delhi towards Udaipur. The train arrived at 5pm. the railway station Hazrat Nizamuddin on time and to board at 7pm. We were thrilled but also a bit nervous to know if it was clean? Were we able to have a restful night? Once you get into the station, as with all railway stations across India you must undergo airport style security checkpoint and get your luggage scrutinized and your documents x-rayed to reach the platforms.
The aiport security in the railway station in South Delhi's HazratNizamuddin
Hazrat Nizamuddin railway station sign
Waiting For Our Sleeper Train
At the station, lots of people were looking at us, and taking discreet and not so discreet pictures It was hilarious. We didn't meet anyone else Western tourists in Delhi since not many tourists go to explore Delhi. Be aware that many people in the city have never met Westerners and are looking for a reason to be. A few individuals approached us to take a photo.
Platforms are very long due to trains being actually very long. The number of people awaiting trains at stations is huge. It's an amazing experience simply watching the hustle and hustle and bustle of life pass through. Platforms are crowded with families sleeping and snoozing on the floor and some of them with massive boxes to carry. Phil believed that a view of merchandise balancing on carts that looked medieval appear like a stage scene or a set from a pantomime.
It was fascinating to see the talents of a few people who would rather balance their luggage on their heads. The baggage porters too use this technique and work very difficult. One porter was carrying three huge suitcases and the other one was balancing on top of his head! It appears that porters are being forced out of work due to installing escalators at their stations. We also saw an elderly couple who evidently had never heard of any escalators prior to.
On station platforms, there are a lot of food stalls that sell tea called chai (sweet tea) as well as canned snacks, drinks, biscuits and crisps. Hazrat Nizamuddin was perhaps the most modern of stations we visited and featured a the most clean and tidy food bar and waiting area. India is an emerging country and they are currently building more clean and more sanitary eating places due to the growing demand from middle-class Indians. We had a vegetarian biryani, and a glass of Pepsi (nowhere can you buy the Garth's Diet Coca-Cola).
Indian sleeper trains are extremely long, as are carriages!
Waiting in Delhi for our sleeper train
On the platform, one can watch the hustle and bustle of everyday life pass by.
Luggage porters are dressed in red blazers, and carry enormous weights, and even on their heads
A great restaurant and lounge in the Delhi's Hazrat Nizamuddin station
Enjoying our vegetable biryani before boarding the sleeper train
On Board The Sleeper Train
From the outside, sleeper trains look dated, inside, they're a lot more modern. We boarded the AC-2 train and found our seats quickly. You can look to the ceiling to see the blue signs to locate your bed/seat number. Others in our group were required to request that people leave their beds Don't be afraid to request. Secure your bags to the hooks underneath the seats as fast as you can prior to letting others use up your space.
We each had an upper bunk bed that was located in the corridor. We instantly realized you have to get rid of the notion of privacy and personal space because everything is open but it's also modern and civilized. The bunks in the corridor's top could be difficult for elderly people entering and are not ideal for those suffering from fears of being claustrophobic once the curtain has been shut.
In each AC carriage, a train driver will hand you a brown bag containing a starched, ironed bedsheet, a rough woollen blanket as well as pillows. We were delighted to find that they were spotless on every sleeper train that we traveled on. We carried one of the silk sheets but we only needed to use them once.
The overnight train ride between Delhi towards Udaipur is 12 hours in length. This was an express train with 20 stops, each stopping for 5 minutes. It was somewhat disappointed to find that the windows were filthy and you couldn't see outside. This is true with all trains, but don't expect to see much out. The next morning, our group talked about how much sleep we got. Garth was able to get 1.5 hours of sleep while Phil got two hours. We were extremely tired as if we'd been on a long-haul flight. The rolling train's motion is everywhere, Garth thought the motion was similar to being flying in an airplane with constant turbulent. Phil found it slightly uncomfortable because it's difficult in order to spread out. Also, it's noisy, especially because mobile phones are constantly vibrating.
Woo hoo! We're headed to our very first sleeper train ride in India
Phil's on the top bunk during the first night of our sleeper train ride to Udaipur
Garth also had a top bunk in the corridor
Fresh clean sheets for bed, pillow and blanket are included in AC2 and AC3 classes.
Famous round glasses by Gandhi printed on the reverse of the blanket's sleeve. do you know what the message is?
We Got Off At The Wrong Station!
It's good to plan ahead for before getting from the train. Lock your padlocks from your bags and then stand in the vestibules, ready to leave. We stepped off of on the train, and then waited for the other participants to arrive but they didn't and then, before we knew it the train was gone! Doh! I don't know how this happened, but we stepped off the train way too early! It was a good thing it was only one stop prior to our destination, Udaipur.
Garth informed Phil not to panic, and we called our tour guide Pema who advised us to take the tuk tuk and drive towards the hotel. We actually made it to the hotel ahead of the other group! It's a good idea to research the names for the stations ahead of time because some stations still employ the older British names, or do not use the city's name.
We escaped here because of a mistake! This is not Udaipur.
Udaipur to Ajmer (Pushkar) - Morning Train
Our next train journey was a trip that took us starting from Udaipur up to Ajmer which we then moved into Pushkar via Jeep. We were in a 'Chair Class air-conditioned train that was comfortable and nice. When we arrived in Amjer we were able to see a number of pigs grazing along the tracks!
Our air conditioned chair-class carriage from Udaipur to Ajmer
Pigs wandering around the Ajmer train tracks
Jaipur to Agra - Early Morning Sleeper Train
We boarded an extremely early train in the morning that went from Jaipur towards Agra and a four hours. The train was more crowded since it was AC3 class. The passengers were sleeping by the time we arrived and there was not enough space to store our bags. Therefore, we secured them further down the carriage. The sleeping space was congested, the bunk beds are located in three layers and it felt a bit cramped at times. The room was not very private since there are none of the curtains available in AC3.
Jaipur Junction railway station
Phil sleeping on the AC3 sleeper train going from Jaipur through Agra Cantt
Phil awakes to find his bed support was not attached!
Agra to Allahabad - Overnight Sleeper Train
Our second sleeper train that slept overnight was a 10-hour journey between Agra Cantt to Allahabad. While we waiting on the platform, a few elderly people walked right towards us and stared at us. It was a bit strange. Other people also wanted pictures with us, and we was a bit of a wait. Now, the tannoy girl who keeps announcing messages that nobody hears is just a snoring background sound!
We took one of the AC2 Class train (the ones with curtains and two tiers). We slept very well! we blamed it on the extremely early start on the day we went to see the Taj Mahal at dawn.
We’ve arrived at Agra Cantt railway station
The train is waiting to sleep waiting on the train platform of Agra Cantt station.
Garth passing the time onboard with his iPad before sleeping
The next morning at Allahabad’s Railway Station
Varanasi To Kolkata - Our Last Sleeper Train
We were at the conclusion of our trip to India with only one overnight sleeper train that ran from Varanasi up to Kolkata for us to take. The train station in Varanasi was more filthy than the other ones we've seen. Even though it was winter, there were a lot of mosquitoes. We also saw rats along the train tracks. To keep busy and to keep warm, we waited in the waiting room inside and shared the space with others who slept in the bed.
It was fascinating to observe numerous people carrying small and large plastic bottles. They are filled with holy water by the River Ganges. A lot of Hindus prefer to bring the water home and give it to friends and family members who cannot go to Varanasi.
The 15-hour journey was an unimaginable experience. A screaming baby, a lot of snoring and phones that rang throughout the night, which meant we didn't have much sleep. We were shocked by the amount of people who hold high-volume conversations using their phones in any given moment So make sure you have headphones!
Waiting at Varanasi for the sleeper train to Kolkata
Garth got the top bunk on the corridor again
Views from the windows as we make our way towards Kolkata. Many people living in poverty live right in the tracks
A commuter train that goes to Kolkata The most familiar sight we've seen of people in train platforms
Our final destination – Kolkata Railway Station
Indian Sleeper Trains Practical Information & Advice
Lock Your Luggage
Do not take large suitcases as they will not fit under bed (or even in the tuk taxis). Our hardshell suitcases are the ideal dimension - H63cmxW42cm D24cm. It is safer to keep your luggage secure, check beneath the seats for metal rings. If they aren't there, lock your bags together. We took our bicycle combination lock. If you don't have one, you can buy locks and chains at railway stations. However, we discovered that they aren't often readily accessible. We put all of our important items in our rucksacks and then put the pillows on top and it was comfortable beneath our heads. Your head should be placed near the window if you're not sleeping on a bunk bed in a corridor mattress.
Lock your suitcases securely to the metal rings under your bed or seat on sleeper trains.
If there isn't a Ring Padlock, they will be locked beneath the seats
Food & Drink on Sleeper Trains
There are no dining cars on Indian sleeper trains. Instead personnel move up and down carriages on a regular basis selling food and drinks. We could choose from Chai, bottled water as well as biryani, tomato soup, and omelettes on the first mornings. A tea wallah was the most frequent person to chant "chai,"chai". We bought only chai and crisp packets, If you wish to stay clear of Delhi Belly don't buy any of the hot food items.
A paper cup of chai – India’s sweet milky tea
The Toilets on India's Sleeper Trains!
Then there are the toilets! It’s not easy — you might even claim that they’re too real. After each train you’re offered either a squat-style toilet or a Western-style one, and honestly, neither feels “much better” than the other. If you’ve been to Glastonbury Music Festival and know that smell, well… it’s similar to what you find on sleeper trains. They’re not exactly clean, though attendants do flush them out sometimes — so make sure you’re wearing shoes and carry your own toilet paper and hand sanitizer. For peace of mind during your journey, you can also use RailMitra to keep track of the train running status, check delays, and plan your stops accordingly.
A typical squatty potty from an AC2 sleeper train
A toilet in the Western style - perhaps just a little more comfortable than the squatty toilet?
Toilet signs in the carriages let you know when they're occupied, similar to in an aircraft
Phil and Garth’s Top 5 Indian Sleeper Train Tips
Phil and Garth's Top 5 Indian Railways Sleeper Train Tips
Tips #1 You should carry five essentials: earplugs, padlock and plenty of water. toilet roll and hand sanitiser.
TIP #2 You should have the number 2 in your hotel prior to when you get to the train station or the station if you need to.
Tips #3Everything appears the same once the curtains are closed. Attach a ribbon in case you have to bathroom during the night.
TIP #4Charge to the max and carry the power bank with you to avoid long travel and delays. Garth was pleased to have done.
TIP #5: Take note that the beds on top can be icy cold as they sit right near an AC outlet.
How We Did It
We left at close to the beginning of January for an 11-day tour around India. It was cold during the evenings, which means you'll need layers as well as an insulated jacket.
We took a small-group led tour by Explore who arranged and booked the train tickets. The tour is accompanied by the tour leader. Ours was Pema who led us to the right platforms and was available to give us any assistance we needed.
Also Read : Our top train travel experiences in India
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