travel classes in indian trains

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Classes of Travel on Indian Railways Trains Explained

Tips to Choose the Class that's Right for You

TripSavvy / Lisa Fasol

Many different classes of travel can be found on Indian Railways trains, and it can be confusing for those who are unfamiliar with it. Here's an explanation of what can be expected in each class, as well as some tips to help you choose the right class to meet your needs for a comfortable train trip in India .

Unreserved General Class (UR)

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India’s poorest people travel in Unreserved General Class (UR), as well as those who haven't been fortunate enough to secure a ticket in Sleeper Class. Reservations aren’t required and the concept of overcrowding really is taken to a new level. There’s sitting or standing room only, and any spare floor space is occupied by those willing to sleep on it. Most seats are simply wooden benches, although some trains do have padded benches.

Comfort Rating: Unreserved Class is not recommended for long distance train travel in India.

Second Seating AC (2S)

Reservations are required in Second Seating, or Second Class (2S). 2S is usually found on daytime intercity trains and is a cheap way of traveling. There are three seats on either side of the aisle, and they don't recline. Most of them are cushioned bench-style seats, although some newer carriages have individual seats. There are no sleeping facilities in this class. Carriages are cooled with fans.

Comfort Rating: Bearable for short distance trips if really necessary. However, carriages are often occupied by passengers who don't have reservations.

Sleeper Class (SL)

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While most of India's middle class used to travel in Sleeper Class, many have now moved up to AC 3. These days, you'll often find people from General Class (who were unable to get confirmed tickets) flooding over into the Sleeper Class carriages. The carriages are divided into open-plan compartments with six beds in each. The beds are stacked vertically in three tiers on either side of the compartments. During the day, the middle beds must be folded down flat against the compartment walls to allow passengers to sit on the lower beds. Two tiers of beds are also located outside the compartments, along the aisle. Fans on the carriage ceiling provide some cooling, and the windows have bars to keep intruders out as they are usually kept open. The bathrooms have both western and Indian style toilets.

Comfort Rating: There's no privacy in Sleeper Class, and it's noisy, crowded and dirty (and that includes the toilets). Temperature is also an issue; the carriages can be too hot, or too cold at night in winters. However, some people do prefer to travel in this class so they can interact with Indians from all walks of life, or save money.

Three Tier Air Conditioned Class (3A)

Three Tier Air Conditioned Class, known as 3AC, offers a significant step up in comfort and quietness. The carriages in 3AC are laid out in the same manner as in Sleeper Class. However, the windows are covered with tinted glass that’s unable to be opened, and air-conditioning keeps the carriages cool. Bedding and hand towels are provided to passengers.

Comfort Rating: Passengers tend to keep to themselves more in 3AC, but privacy is still severely lacking due to the open plan nature of the compartments. Most importantly, the carriages and bathrooms in usually remain much cleaner than those in Sleeper Class.

Two Tier Air Conditioned Class (2AC)

Two Tier Air Conditioned Class, known as 2AC, attracts India’s upper class travelers. There’s much more space, as there are only four beds in each compartment. The beds are stacked vertically in two tiers on either side. Just like in the other classes, there are also two tiers of beds along the aisle outside the compartments. Bedding and towels are also provided, the same as in 3AC.

Comfort Rating: The best thing about 2AC is the added benefit of privacy curtains on the entrance to each compartment, as well as across each of the beds that run along the aisle. The curtains are usually always kept drawn and this class of accommodation is quite devoid of any interaction.

First Class Air Conditioned (1AC)

First Class Air Conditioned, known as 1AC, is found only on the most popular inter-state train routes. The cost is around double that of 2AC and is comparable to that of flying. Compartments have lockable doors, carpet and either two or four beds, stacked vertically in tiers. The beds are wider than other classes. Sheets, pillows, blankets, towels, and room freshener are also provided. 1AC carriages also have better and cleaner bathrooms, plus shower cubicles.

Comfort Rating: If comfort and privacy are utmost concerns, choose 1AC. The only problem with 1AC is that it's not possible to specify if you want a two bed or four bed compartment when you book. However, couples are normally allocated accommodations in the two bed compartments, while singles and families are accommodated in the four bed compartments.

Executive Air Conditioned Chair Car (1A)

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Executive Class is only found on Shatabdi Express trains, which are premium super fast passenger trains that run between major cities (such as Delhi , Agra and Jaipur), as well as selected Duronto Express trains. It's Indian Railways' version of airline business class. Carriages have only two seats on each side of the aisle. This makes them less crowded, and provides more leg room and luggage space. Better food is also served.

Comfort Rating: This class is well maintained, clean, and pleasant for a day trip. However, it costs significantly more than Air Conditioned Chair Car (see below). Some people don't think the price difference is worth it. You may be better of paying a bit extra and flying!

Air Conditioned Chair Car (CC)

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Air Conditioned Chair Car carriages (CC) are commonly found on shorter distance Indian Railways trains between major cities, especially those sectors that are frequented by business travelers. The carriages are slightly more crowded than Executive Class. They have three seats on one side of the aisle, and two on the other.

Comfort Factor: The seats recline, there is overhead space for luggage, and bathrooms tend to be relatively clean. It's a comfortable enough way to travel on day trips.

Second Class on Jan Shatabdi (2S)

Sharell Cook

Different to normal Shatabdi Express premium trains, the Jan Shatabdi is a budget "people's" train. It has both air conditioned (CC) and non air conditioned (2S) chair classes. Travel in 2S on Jan Shatabdi trains offers perhaps the best value for money on Indian Railways.

Comfort Factor: Unlike 2S on other trains, there are no bench seats. All are padded, individual seats. However, they do not recline like the seats in air conditioned CC class, and this gets uncomfortable after a while.

Indian Railways Travel Tip 1: Choosing Your Berth

The beds are referred to as "berths". Where possible, always try to reserve an upper level one. They don't have to be folded down during the day like the middle level ones, or act as seats for all the passengers like the lower level ones.

The beds located along the aisle outside the main compartments (referred to as "side berths") also offer a bit more personal space, and are less claustrophobic. They're great if you're traveling as a couple. However, they are enclosed at both ends and are shorter than the ones inside the compartments. As a result, they're not recommended for people who're taller than around 5 feet 10 inches.

Indian Railways Travel Tip 2: Choosing Your Class

Travel in Sleeper Class is suitable for those on a tight budget, or those who don't mind roughing it or who want to experience the "real" India. If comfort is more of a concern, then travel in 3AC is a better option. For those who require space and/or privacy, 2AC or 1AC is recommended.

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Travel Classes in Indian Trains

Travelling is an integral part of the lives of human race. But the magnitude of travelling has changed a hell lot over the years. In olden days travelling merely meant getting from one place to another. People were not very choosy for a particular class while travelling via railways and luxury was never a part of travelling in those days. Trains used to be comprised of coaches where seats were made of iron rods that were moulded to form bench where people could sit.

But with advancements in technology, features, services people started taking care of these details while travelling. Soon came the sleeper classes, coaches with toilets, washbasins, cushioned berths and what not. It was then that the concept of AC Coaches started in Frontier mail (Now known as Golden Temple Mail). Although the technology used for air conditioning was quite unconventional way back in 1934. Thanks to the modern day Indian Railways that are employed to provide comfort and ease to the passengers at every step.

With changing travelling needs there are now various options of classes available by the Indian Railways to travel anywhere in India. I enjoy every bit of travelling but little do I know about the various abbreviations used by the Indian Railways like First AC (1A), Second AC (2A), Third AC (3A), First Class (FC), Executive Class (EC) etc and what are the differences between these different classes?

First AC (1A)

First AC sleeper Class of the Indian Railways are the most expensive mode of travelling. These are fully AC coaches. It consists of 4 or 2 berths per compartment and there are no side upper or side lower berths in 1A coaches. Compartment having 2 berths are called coupe and ones with 4 berths are called cabin .

Each compartment has a door which passengers can lock from inside. Charges are rocket high for First AC, sometimes even more than those of flight ticket but is worth giving a try. The berths are more comfortable and spacious, there is a small ladder to reach upper berth, dustbins to throw garbage (thanks to Swachh Bharat Abhiyan) and there are small tables for every passenger to have meals.

For trains like Rajdhani and Duronto, food is served in cutlery plates and bowls and there is special menu for 1A passengers unlike in 2A and 3A coaches where food is loaded from IRCTC’s Kitchen setups at various places. Also in some trains there is a button in each First AC compartment to call attendant at any point of time.

In some trains even washbasins are provided inside each compartment. There is also one washroom with shower facilities per coach where passengers can bathe and get ready. The curtains used in these coaches are fire-proof and blankets are covered and clean. Chart is prepared manually for 1A coaches hence, passengers get seat numbers only after chart is prepared.

If you are lucky, you might be welcomed with a flower and a welcome drink in this class making you feel like a Maharaja of some era.

Total Berths: 18-24
Chart Prepared manually.
Food prepared inside the train in pantry cars.
Pets (Dog or any other pet) allowed in this class subject to various conditions.
Washrooms to take shower (In some trains).

Executive Anubhuti (EA)

Executive Anubhuti coaches are furnished with aircraft like amenities by the Indian Railways. These coaches are equipped with enhanced features when compared to the executive class of Shatabdi trains. Executive Anubhuti classes have been recently added in some Shatabdi trains. It does not have sleeper berths. It is a fully AC 56-seat coach that has a chair car seating arrangement of 2X2 fashion along with LCD screens. LED lights are fitted in these coaches which provides appropriate lighting in train. It has recliner seats and cushioned leg rests to ensure a comfortable journey to the passengers.

Railways have also provided headphones on each seat to watch movies and music for the entertainment of passengers on board. Charging sockets are also available in between two seat joints. Automatic doors are there in which passengers do not have to slide/push the door. Above each seat it also has attendant call button. The food tables are attached under armrest which can be opened just with a click button and pushed inside when not in use. Passenger details also gets displayed on the panels which are in the middle of each coach like speed of train, upcoming station, etc.

In order to keep the tracks defecation-free, anubhuti coaches have modular bio-toilets furnished with touch-free taps. At the end of each coach, there is also a washroom occupancy indicator by which you can get to know that it is vacant or occupied.

Luggage racks, washrooms, doorway area, exterior of coaches are exquisitely covered with anti-graffiti vinyl wrapping. Fare of such coaches is very high which also includes the catering charges.

AC Executive Class (EC)

These are Executive Class coaches by the Indian Railways. It is said to be Railway’s Business Class mode of travelling like in aircrafts. It is fully AC class with only Chair Car type seating arrangements. There are no Sleeper berths in these coaches. It is similar to CC (Chair Car) class like the one’s in Shatabdi trains. The only difference being seat arrangements are in 2 X 2 fashion in Executive Class making it more comfortable and spacious. Therefore there is more leg space and middle walk way is also wide.

Washrooms are clean and hygienic in this class. There are small tables attached to the back of your front seat, which can be used to have meals or to keep your belongings. The Executive class is present in Shatabdi trains, tejas express and in a handful double decker trains too. Fares for this class is too high, similar to first ac. Catering charges are included in ticket fare for this class for shatabdi trains. And as you know, the higher the class, the less noise; hence in this class too you would find people engrossed in their own world and you would hardly find any co-passengers chit chatting in this class.

Second AC or AC 2-tier (2A)

This is second AC Sleeper class by the Indian Railways. In terms of features it stands less than the first ac coaches but in terms of service and comfort this class is way above 3A class. It has 6 berths in each compartment. Only 2 berths are there on each side of the compartment and there is no middle berth.

Therefore, it is also sometimes classed ac 2-tier. This gives ample space to passengers unlike crowded third AC coaches. The seats are spacious and curtains are provided in each compartment unlike in 3A coaches where curtains were removed recently. There is a reading lamp provided on each berth for anyone to use it personally.

Food served in second ac and third ac are same! Although you would feel attendants are more attentive and would bring you anything you demand (be it extra roti or extra rice or more dal or even extra pillow etc.) in 2A while in 3A attendants are more adamant and might refuse to bring you anything extra.

As a traveller I miss the train discussions and random communication with co-passengers here, since people do not indulge into much discussions and talking in these coaches generally. It is quieter in Second AC coaches compared to Third AC and Sleeper class coaches.

Total Berths: 48-54
Reading Lamps

First Class (FC)

First Class are the non ac coaches by the Indian Railways. This class was very popular in late 70’s and early 80’s amongst VIPs and politicians. But with the introduction of AC coaches, FC classes phased out slowly. Now only handful of trains offer First Class.

This class too have 2 Berth Coupes and 4 Berth Cabins with a door which can be latched from inside just like the ones in AC First class. The main reason for passengers to still continue to travel in this class is for the safety and peace of mind. There are no attendant call button or dustbins inside the cabins or coupes in this class, although these coaches comes equipped with reading lamps and are clean and hygienic.

Ticket fare of this class is comparatively higher than third ac and ac chair car while it is lower than the fares of second ac and first ac classes. Since people could travel in third ac with lesser money, almost everyone started preferring third ac over first class which further led to its demise.

Some of the toy trains too have first class. The FC class of toy trains and some of the short distance trains and passenger trains in India have seating arrangements only. Seats are in 2 X 1 fashion or 2 X 2 fashion . For example Rail Motor- 72451 have only FC class which have only seating arrangements. There are other short distance trains that have only FC class coaches for the entire train.

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.

Third AC or AC 3-tier (3A)

This is the most common and most preferred class of travel by the Indian middle class passengers. Third AC Sleeper has 8 berths in each compartment. The backrest of the lower berth is pulled upward to make it a middle berth and since each side of the compartment has three seats, it becomes impossible for an adult to sit upright when all three berths are open.

Also, there is no reading lamps on the berths which is there in second ac class. The side upper and lower berth resemble the same to that provided in 2A Sleeper the exception being reading lamps. Hence there is extra head space in side berths and you might not risk getting hit on side berths. Washrooms are not as clean as in 2AC and First AC Sleeper coaches. The 8-berth compartment composition makes it little crowded.

Third ac coaches are normally heaviest coaches of the train. Well one thing I like about this class is that people get into discussions more frequently in this class, so if you are not looking out for personal space, you could indulge into group discussions with your co-passengers. If not, you can get on the upper berth and avoid any communication with others.

Total Berths: 64-72
No curtains

Third AC Economy (3E)

This is very rare AC 3 tier Economy class available by the Indian Railways. They are just like 3A coaches the only difference being in the number of berths in each compartment. In 3A class there are 6 berths and 2 side berths in each compartment, but in 3E class there are 3 side berths making it a total of 9 berths per compartment. This class is available in some of the Duronto trains and Garib Rath Express (translates to poor man chariot).

The extra side middle berth in 3E class makes it bit congested in daytime journeys while it is comfortable or rather manageable during night journeys. Due to the side middle berth the head space in side berths are too less unlike in 3A coaches where there are ample of head space for the side berth passengers. The concept of Garib Rath was introduced by the then Railway Minister Lalu Prasad Yadav in view of passengers who could not afford to travel in AC Coaches.

For this class of travel in Garib Rath Express bedroll charges are not included in ticket fare and passengers need to opt the same during ticket reservation for which they are charged Rs. 25 extra. For the 3E class of other trains no extra bedroll charges are incurred and are already included in the ticket fare.

Total Berth: 72-81
Bedroll charges extra Rs. 25/- for some trains.
Side middle berth extra.

AC Chair Car (CC)

This is Chair Car class by the Indian Railways. It consists of only seating arrangements with 3 X 2 seats per row. Each seat is dedicated to one passenger. This is fully AC coach. This type of class is available in short journey trains. Premium trains like Shatabdi Express and some of the Duronto trains (Day time) has Chair Car coaches. Sometimes jan-shatabdi trains also have 1-2 ac chair car coaches. There is a space overhead to keep luggage and it is placed safe in your sight at all times.

There are small tables attached on the back of your front seat which a passenger can open to have meal or to keep their belongings. These coaches are clean and well maintained by the Indian Railways. I think travelling in Chair Car gives you a combined feeling of flight and bus journey. The fare for this class is higher than sleeper but lower than third ac.

Sleeper (SL)

These are sleeper class coaches by the Indian Railways. These are Non-AC Coaches and have 8 berths per compartment. The windows are not shielded with thick glasses unlike in AC coaches hence there is enough air ventilation. But with air comes dust, sunrays and water (During rainfall) through the windows. It gets too hot in daytime and too cold during nights in these coaches. One can view and feel beautiful countryside sceneries more in Sleeper Class coaches.

Since attendants are not there for these coaches, safety remains a major issue in this class of travel. There are lots of hawkers selling tea, coffee, bhelpuri, books and lots of other stuff inside the train in this class. The best part with these hawkers coming and going is that it reminds you of your childhood memories. These hawkers are not allowed to board the train in AC class coaches. Since travelling in sleeper class is very economical, it is mostly preferred for short overnight journeys by the passengers.

One can see people discussing a hell lot on any topic in this class. There is a great deal of noise (from the windows and from the chit chatting going around). The capacity of this coach is normally 72 passengers but don’t be surprised if you see twice or more passengers inside a sleeper coach. This is because a lot of people having waitlisted ticket or unreserved ticket also travel in this class. So if you are looking for some lonely quiet time, we would highly recommend not to prefer this class.

Total Berth: 72-80
8 berths per compartment.
Usually 2 windows that can be opened/closed manually.

Second Seating or 2S:

These are Second Seating Class by the Indian Railways. 2S is a Non AC class coach which are the cheapest class to travel by the Indian Railways. This class is common in most daytime Intercity and Janshatabdi trains. 2S can be reserved or unreserved. For reserved 2S category coaches are equipped with chair car seats in 3X3 fashion. Since it is non AC class, it gets quite uncomfortable at times during summer. Also, 3X3 seating makes it bit compact and congested.

For the unreserved class seats are bench like just like in buses and local trains and 3 passengers can accommodate per bench. You would find this class to be most lively as there is always some movement going around in this class. You would find various short distance passengers who would always occupy seats in this class and would be engaged in highest level of discussions.

For long journeys it is not advisable to travel by this class. Many a times people fight over seat in this class due to the unreserved nature and big demand.

Do you know there is luggage allowance in railways too just like in airways. There is a maximum limit for the luggage load allowed per passenger in trains beyond which a passenger is liable to be charged extra. This is different for different classes by the Indian Railways. Although I never found this rule to be followed very strictly by the passengers and railway employees but if a passenger is seen carrying shit load of extra luggage, they need to take special permission from the railway authority for which they are charged extra. There are specified luggage dimension too for the passengers to carry them in their compartment. Your luggage’s outside dimensions for trunks, suitcases and bags should not exceed 100cmsX60cmsX25cms (length X breadth X height). Anything beyond this might be objected by the railway authorities. In case a luggage dimensions fall beyond this capacity, it needs to be carried only by brake van/luggage coach car.

The dimensions of berths differs for different classes and for different category of trains. For instance first ac coaches are very spacious and 2 people can easily accommodate on a single berth of this class while it is narrow in Sleeper class (SL) coaches. Also side berths are shorter in length compared to its opposite lower, middle or upper berths for all the classes. Dimensions for lower/middle and upper berths are usually in the range of 181cms-190cms (length) while it is 179 cms-188 cms (length) for side berths.

Here is a comparison list of various features for different classes in Indian Railways:

Here is the price comparison between different classes for trains between Mumbai and Ahmedabad

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Travel Classes of Indian Railway

Indian railway uses the two types of coaches, first one is ICF (Integral Coach Factory) and second one is LHB (Linke Hofmann Busch) coaches. While Indian Railways offers different types of travel classes on its coaches, with different patterns of seating or berths, depending on the class of travel.

ICF Coaches is a conventional railway bogie used on the majority of Indian Railway main line passenger coaches. The design of the bogie was developed by ICF (Integral Coach Factory), Perambur, Chennai, India. The ICF design refers to the conventional design of coaches seen across trains in India.

LHB Coaches are the passenger compartments of Indian Railways that have been developed by Linke-Hofmann-Busch of Germany. The coaches are designed for an operating speed up to 160 km/h and could go up to 200 km/h. However, they have been tested up to 180 km/h.

Types of Travel Classes

Indian Railways offers different types of travel classes on its coaches, with different patterns of seating or berths, depending on the class of travel.

1A - AC First Class

This is the most expensive class, where the fares are almost on par with airfare. There are eight cabins (including two coupes) in the full AC First Class coach and three cabins (including one coupe) in the half AC First Class coach. This air-conditioned coach is present only on popular routes and can carry 18 passengers (full coach) or 10 passengers (half coach). The sleeper berths are extremely wide, carpeted, have sleeping accommodations and have privacy features like personal coupes.

2A - AC Two-Tier

These air-conditioned coaches have sleeping berths across eight bays. Berths are usually arranged in two tiers in bays of six, four across the width of the coach and two berths longways on the other side of the corridor, with curtains along the gangway or corridor. Bedding is included with the fare. A coach can carry 48 passengers (full coach) or 20 passengers (half coach).

3A - AC Three-Tier

Air conditioned coaches with 64 sleeping berths. Berths are usually arranged as in 2AC but with three tiers across the width and two longways as before giving eight bays of eight. They are slightly less well-appointed, usually no reading lights or curtained off gangways. Bedding is included with fare. It carries 64 passengers per coach.

FC - First Class

Similar as 1AC, but without air conditioning. No bedding is available in this class. The berths are not as wide and spacious as in 1AC. There is one coach attendant to help the passengers. This class has been phased out completely. However, heritage trains still have this class.

3E - AC Three-Tier (economy)

Air conditioned coaches with sleeping berths, present in Garib Rath Express trains. Berths are usually arranged as in 3A but with three tiers across the width and three longways. They are slightly less well-appointed, usually no reading lights or curtained off gangways. Bedding is not included with fare.

EC - Executive Chair Car

An air-conditioned coach with large spacious seats and legroom. It has a total of four seats in a row used for day travel between cities. This class of travel is available on Tejas Express and Shatabdi Express trains.

CC - AC Chair Car

An air-conditioned seater coach with a total of five seats in a row used for day travel between cities. AC Double Deck seater coaches are used in Double Decker Express.

SL - Sleeper Class

The sleeper class is the most common coach in the Indian Railways with ten or more coaches of this type attached to the train. These are regular sleeping coaches with three berths across the width and two longways, without air conditioning. It carries 72 passengers per coach.

2S - Second Seater

similar as CC, without the air-conditioning. Non-AC Double Deck seater coaches were introduced in a few Mumbai-Pune trains and the Flying Ranee. However, Flying Ranee is the only train that uses Non-AC Double Decker seater coaches.

UR/GEN - Unreserved/General

This is the cheapest accommodation. These coaches are usually over-crowded and seats are not guaranteed. Tickets issued are valid on any train on the same route if boarded within 24 hours of buying the ticket.

A List Of Top Travel Classes In Indian Railways

In India, “haan sab first class hai!” is the most common answer to the question “aur baaki sab thik?” As soon as we hear first class, our mind immediately thinks of a comfortable, luxurious, and altogether relaxing place. And when it comes to travelling by train, nothing can beat the comfort and luxury of travelling in a first-class compartment. It is one of the best travel classes in Indian Railways and absolutely worth every penny!

At the time of booking train ticket in India, you are not only provided with multiple trains to choose from, but you also have the liberty to choose in what class you want to travel in depending upon your budget or how closer or far away your destination is.

What are the difference travel classes in Indian Railways?? What sort of amenities do they offer to the passengers? Well, that’s what we are here for!

Also Read: List of Frequently Used Indian Railway Abbreviations

Here are the top travel classes in indian railways:, first ac (1ac).

This entirely air-conditioned class is the most spacious, comfortable and expensive of all the travel classes in Indian Railways. The coaches are equipped with 2-berth or 4-berth sleeper compartments and have a lockable door adding to the privacy and security of the passengers. 1AC compartments have a washbasin, and a common shower facility and they also provide a pillow, sheet, blanket, and towel for each berth. Pets are also allowed subject to certain conditions as laid by the Indian Railways.

Second AC (2AC)

The fully air-conditioned class of Indian railways is also called the 2-tier AC class as there is no middle berth on each side of the compartment, just lower and upper berths. Unlike 1 AC, this coach has no door, only curtains to separate the compartments. You are provided with a pillow, sheet, blanket, and towel in 2AC as well. The ticket fare is almost half of the 1AC, so it’s a great choice for those who want a good deal of comfort and privacy during a long journey without spending much. You also have a reading light to read your favorite novel on your journey.

Third AC (3AC)

Third AC or 3-tier AC can be seen as a fully air-conditioned sleeper class coach. It has 8 berths in a compartment, including the side berths. Unlike the 1AC and 2AC coaches, the berths in 3AC are not separated by curtains or doors. A pillow, sheet, and blanket are provided for each berth. 3AC is one of the most common and preferred travel classes in Indian Railways and is generally completely booked. Since there are 8-berths in the compartment, more people travel in it compared to the 1AC and 2AC.

Third AC Economy (3E)

The 3E class is one of the newly introduced travel classes in Indian Railways that has more capacity than the 3AC class. It is fully air-conditioned and has 9 berths in the compartment where there are 6 berths on one side of the aisle and 3 berths on the other side. There are individual AC vents for each berth along with reading lights and mobile charging ports. It is cheaper than the 3AC class making it a new choice for budget travellers. You are also provided with a blanket, sheets, pillow, and face towel.

Sleeper Class (SL)

Indian train coaches provide ample of space for a comfortable journey and to move around freely

Sleeper Class is the most popular of all travel classes in the Indian Railways. It is generally booked up to its capacity in almost every zone and division of the network. It is a non-air-conditioned class with 8-berths in a compartment. There are 6-berths on one side of the aisle and 2-berths on the other side. It is cheaper than the air-conditioned classes and you are not provided with bedding, but you can ask for it at an extra cost. You can mingle with the passengers and chat on every topic possible and even buy food on the go, which surely is a different experience.

Second Sitting (2S)

Second Sitting in the Jan Shatabdi Express

The second sitting class is one of the cheapest reserved non-AC travel classes in Indian Railways. As the name suggests, there is no sleeping arrangement in the 2S coach and it is good for short-distance travel during the day. It has a bench-like arrangement similar to buses in a 3×3 fashion. 2S can be reserved or unreserved, making it a bit chaotic and thus would be uncomfortable if you are undertaking a long journey. 2S class coaches are most common in intercity and Jan-Shatabdi trains as they operate on shorter distances.

Executive Chair Car (ECC)

Executive Chair Car of the Shatabdi Express

Also known as the First AC Chair Car, the Executive Chair Car is a seating coach available in flagship trains like Tejas, Shatabdi Express, and Vande Bharat Express . It is a fully air-conditioned coach with very comfortable seats that can be reclined and adjusted as per your need. It has enough legroom along with other top-class passenger amenities which makes them good for traveling shorter distances in intercity trains.

Also Read: Top Luxury Trains in India

Ac chair car.

The AC Chair Car is a cheaper alternative to the Executive Chair Car and ideal for a short distance journey. It has 5 seats in a row in a fully air-conditioned coach. You get mobile charging for each seat in some trains and a tray to eat meals or just work on your laptop over it! AC Chair Car is a good and comfortable way to travel without spending a fortune and simultaneously enjoying the journey with your friends and family.

Interior of Indian Railways Vistadome Coach

Vistadome class is currently running on a selected few tourist routes across India. Vistadome is a luxury coach with a glass roof, large glass windows, and rotating chairs that lets you enjoy everything enroute while traveling. Indian Railways operate Vistadome trains on Araku valley, Konkan Railways, and Kalka-Shimla Railway routes to name a few. It is one of the most luxurious travel classes in Indian Railways.

Anubhuti coaches are the state-of-the-art travel classes in Indian Railways especially utilized in Shatabdi and Rajdhani trains. Anubhuti coaches give you the best traveling experience with its ergonomically designed seats, LCD screens for entertainment and information, meal trays, and other amenities aboard the train. Anubhuti class offers you the best ‘ airplane-like experience’ which will make you want to travel again and again.

Unreserved /General

Unreserved or General Class is the cheapest of all travel classes in Indian Railways and there are no reserved or designated seats in these coaches. There is no air-conditioning and is generally crowded and uncomfortable to travel over a long distance. Almost every train, except premium trains, has General class across the Indian Rail Network.

Knowing and understanding the difference between all the classes that are available can help you make an informed decision and choose the best class as per your duration of the trip, budget, and comfort level.

The different types of train coaches representing different classes not only look different from the outside but are also very much different on the inside. Some have windows sealed with glass, while others have iron railings on the windows, some air-conditioned, others not, some perfect for a long journey and others ideal for a short distance, there are so many options to choose from!

So, what’s your preferred class to travel by on Indian trains? Drop a comment below and let us know!

Did you know? You can earn up to INR 80,000 in commissions per month by booking train tickets and offering other travel-related services? Interested? Know all about how to become an IRCTC agent with Akbartravels .

Central, Terminus & Junction: Know All About The Different Types Of Stations In India
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Train travel in India

Train travel in India is one of the most cost-effective modes of transport. However, the Indian railway system is an extremely complicated network, connecting big… Read More

Last Updated on March 27, 2024

Train travel in India is one of the most cost-effective modes of transport. However, the Indian railway system is an extremely complicated network, connecting big cities and small villages. Booking Indian train tickets can get confusing with the range of options, confirmed seats, reserved seats, waitlisted tickets, and no shows. But as an India Someday client , your only hassle with train travel in India is being able to recognize the train numbers and the different train classes available in passenger trains. We will take care of the rest.

les différentes classes de trains en Inde, different classes of train travel in india

Table of Contents

What are the different train classes in India?

Indian trains have multiple train classes, ranging from personal cabins in First Class to plane style seating in AC Chair Cars. Be it daytime journeys or long overnight journeys, there is something for every budget. While 1AC and 2AC are private, spacious, and more expensive, the Sleeper Class is a good way to travel on a lower budget if you don’t mind roughing it out. 3AC is ideal for comfort on a budget. If you are not traveling a very long distance, most trains have an executive Chair Class.

AC First Class (1AC)

Probably the most comfortable way to travel in sleeper trains, 1AC is a coupe with two or four beds, and a lockable door. T here is also an attendant to give you a more personalized experience. The sleeping berths convert to seats for daytime use. These coaches are only on the most important long-distance trains and cost about twice the price of 2AC.

The windows on these coaches are slightly tinted and can hamper the view a bit, but you can still see the scenery as you pass by. Each bed has a reading light and an electrical power socket to charge your electronic devices. The washrooms are clean and well maintained, have a western-style WC and normally contain toilet paper. But it’s always better to carry your own on Indian trains, just in case.

AC 2 Tier (2AC)

2AC does not have a lockable door or additional space for luggage, but it is otherwise similar to 1AC. Bedding (pillow, blanket, and bed sheet) is provided and it is very comfortable. The air-conditioning fluctuates and it can get very cold at times. For people over the height of 6.2 ft. your legs might stick out of the berth. Just like 1AC, 2AC also has berths that convert into seats.

Similarly, each compartment has a reading light and electrical power sockets for all four passengers. The washrooms, in Indian and Western style, are normally very clean, but depending on how the other passengers use them, their usability can differ.

This is a good choice for the seasoned user when it comes to train travel in India.

AC 3 Tier (3AC)

The cheapest of the air-conditioned coaches, the AC 3 tier has a 3×2 seating. It has three tiers – the top bunk, middle bunk, and the lower bunk – on one side and two bunks on the other side of the aisle. It is more crowded than 2AC, and lacks the privacy curtains and individual reading lights of 2AC.

You are provided with bedding and power sockets to charge, although they can be unreliable at times. You will also have to share them with the other passengers, so preferably carry a power bank with you. The washrooms have Western and Indian style toilets, which again depend on the usability of other people.

This is a great way to travel authentically and meet locals who may speak considerably good English.

Non-AC Sleeper

This coach is a replica of the AC 3 tier, but non-air-conditioned. Most Indians travel this way and it can get quite crowded. Every Indian train has multiple sleeper class compartments. Bedding is not provided in this coach, so you will need to bring your own for longer journeys.

The sleeper class is very basic and the bathroom hygiene can be below par. There are plug points for charging in some trains. However, you get a better view of the countryside, since the windows can be opened. Train journeys in summer can get quite hot, but with the fans and breeze outside, it cools down considerably. During monsoons the windows have to be kept shut, so it can get stuffy; however, monsoons also mean some of the most spectacular views. During winters, the journeys can be quite cold, so bring appropriate clothes and something to wrap yourself up at night.

If you are an adventurous backpacker here to experience the local India, this can be a good choice for you. It is a great way to share food, songs, and stories with locals in the most authentic way.

AC Chair Car (CC)

Normally, trains making shorter journeys and frequently travelled business sectors have AC chair cars. The layout is similar to an airplane. There is overhead space for luggage and common charging plugs that can be shared among 3 passengers. The bathrooms are clean and basic, with Western and Indian style toilets. These cars are perfect for comfortable day trips.

Non-AC Chair Car (SS)

The Non-AC Chair Car is slightly more cramped than the AC chair car and doesn’t have any power outlets. These cars are preferred by daily travellers for shorter trips and are not usually recommended for tourists, and definitely not first timers. When tickets are hard to get, you can enjoy a 2 to 4 hour ride in this class. We recommend emptying your bladder before these short trips, as the WC will not be very hygienic.

An experience only for seasoned backpackers, unreserved coaches see intense crowds. With wooden or padded plastic seats, you will see large hordes of Indians fighting to secure a seat in an already crowded train. It is the most economical and hassle-free coach for booking.

Nevertheless, even the most expensive classes are comparatively cheap for the distances being covered. Of course, the ideal thing to do would be to just pick out all the destinations you want to explore, give us your preferences in terms of train travel in India, and let us do the work. Contact us here if you’d like to start planning a train journey through India.

what to expect from Indian trains?

The Indian Railways can be intimidating, but here are a few facts and simple tips that will help you get ready for train travel in India:

Booking early

Indian Railways transport close to 18 million people on a daily basis. Book your tickets as early as possible while undertaking train travel in India. While e tickets have made things easier, it can still be a hassle to book tickets on a short notice . You can book tickets only 120 days before your date of travel, or in some trains, just 30 days prior. Unless you are backpacking or have a lot of time on your hands to wait to get a confirmed ticket, booking well in advance is a must.

Booking in First Class travel

Some shorter train journeys have a First Class with normally 24 to 32 seats in 1AC car. It is difficult to get these tickets, but 2AC and 3AC are also very comfortable and provide the experience you are looking for.

If you’re looking for a luxury train experience, have a look at some of the most luxurious trains in the world.

Foreigners’ quota

For the undecided foreign traveller, you can purchase a few tickets under a special quota reserved for foreign visa holders (not if you are registered in India). However, you can only do this once you reach certain train stations in India and we cannot book them for you. During the peak season between October and March, even these tickets sell out quickly.

Here’s more detailed information about this type of ticket for foreigners.

Long-distance trains in India

There can be several types of trains for a single route. For example, the Mumbai to Delhi route has plenty of options. We advise choosing trains that start and end at your station of origin and destination. Trains that arrive from elsewhere have a higher likelihood of being delayed. We speak from experience: having to wait for 6 to 10 hours at train stations is no fun.

If you want to check out some of our best train routes, here is a good place to start.

Train food:

Unless you are open to eating a little questionable food at train stations or from the train pantry, carry your own food during trips. The food here is delicious but it might not be very hygienic. You can steer clear of it if you are a picky eater or have a sensitive stomach. Stick to hot food and carry snacks and sandwiches to keep you satisfied. If you need to eat a meal on the train, you can get something fresh from the train station, but make sure you don’t miss your train.

The bathrooms can get a little dirty after continuous use from other passengers. Carry toilet paper, soap, and maybe a can of deodorant to spray before you use it. The AC compartments have Western toilets that are fairly well-kept, but always be prepared on long Indian train journeys.

Learn More: Travel Costs in India

This guide should tell you everything you need to know about train travel in India even in the worst case scenarios, but you can always contact us if you have any doubts. If you cannot wait to board the trains of India and travel across the country in a comfortable yet authentic way, get in touch and plan your trip with us.

About Harsh Sonawala

Harsh Sonawala is the co founder of India Someday and since his childhood, he has travelled to different parts of India and the world. The thrill of travelling and sharing his experiences with others was the reason behind starting India Someday. Other than the office where he is conjuring up marketing ideas, he can be found scuba diving in the Andamans or relaxing in a chalet in the Himalayas.

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Everything you need to know about India is here We have tried writing about everything you may need help with for your trip to India, If you need help in planning a trip to India Get in touch with us to to plan your trip of a life time.

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Train Travel in India for Tourists (& Train Classes)

Updated: Jul 27

About Train Travel in India for Tourists

In this travel guide, we will go over everything you need to know to travel by train in India, which is a great way to get around the country and something you must experience at least once!

How to Book a Train Ticket in India

Different train classes in india.

Tips for Choosing Your Train Ticket in India

Arriving at the Station for your Train Journey in India

What it is like on the train in india, leaving the train.

In this travel guide for taking the train in India, I am not talking about the luxury Indian trains where tickets are upwards of £5K – I am talking about the good old public railways!

You've probably seen the photos of the dudes sitting on the train roof and hanging out the doors, or carriages being so full people have to climb out the window to get off the train?

These are real images, this does happen, but it is not as often a sight as it may seem! Train travel in India can be quite comfortable, or pure chaos - depending on which class you take (more on that later).

So first let me address the rumours about public transport in India...

''Trains book up well in advance in India!''

''Indian bus drivers are reckless!''

''You'll be much better off taking domestic flights or hiring a private driver.''

I have heard these statements time and time again.

I am not saying my knowledge of Indian trains surpasses that of locals, but in the same way, I have had a 'helpful local' tell me never to drink milk in India as it would make me sick. I have been to India 6 times and spent more than 2 years in the country, I drink milk every single day while I am there, and I am fine.

While you should listen to local advice in most cases, do take some things with a pinch of salt – including when people tell you train travel is difficult in India. It isn't – and here's how to take the train as a tourist in India, with information on the different train classes.

This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may get a commission if you make a purchase through this website, at no extra cost to you. I only link to products and services that I use and love.

Option 1: Book Online

Option 2: Book with a travel agent/your hotel

Option 3 (Best Option): Book at the train station

Option 1: Book your train ticket for India online

Since 2016 it has been possible for foreigners to book trains in India via the IRCTC (Indian Government) website, so they say.

To do this you will need to go through the painstakingly slow process of creating an account, and by the end of it all your international card may not work anyway (as happens with me every single time I try this method). Nowadays if I need to book a ticket ahead of time online, I just have my Indian friend book me the tickets through IRCTC. It may still be worth giving it a try... you might have more luck than me!

Most long-distance train tickets tend to go on sale here 90-120 days before departure, and they do sell out quickly. Train tickets are refundable, so even if a train is full some seats will clear eventually which is why they sell waitlist (WL) tickets.

Don't worry too much about this though, as some tickets are held back for tourists as a special quota - which I will talk about more later.

Third-party sites such as 12Go Asia also sell Indian train tickets, but they do charge quite a hefty commission. If the peace of mind of having your tickets all purchased and ready is important to you, then 12Go Asia is a good option.

Option 2: Book a train ticket in India with a travel agent/your hotel

This is a great option if you don't know your exact travel plans 120 days before departure (like most people don't) and you want to take advantage of that tourist quota. (Or another last-minute quota of tickets known as 'Tatkal'.)

Indian towns and cities frequented by tourists are littered with tiny travel agents who can do the leg work for you in securing these tickets. They will need a copy of your passport to do so!

Make sure you check the train times and ticket prices on RailYatri - so you know how much the ticket is and therefore the commission they are taking is transparent. In my experience a commission of 100-300 rupees is fair, but if you go in blind don't be surprised if they take advantage and triple the train fare without you knowing!

Many guest house owners offer this type of service too, and it is an ideal option for buying a train ticket in India if you cannot personally make it to the train station the day before you intend to travel.

If it is an option for you, I strongly suggest heading to the train station THE DAY BEFORE YOU PLAN TO DEPART to buy your ticket in person - where you will likely be allocated a ticket from the special tourist quota (this is for long-distance trains, for shorter local trains, an hour before departure is fine).

The staff in the ticket booths always normally speak English, and are honest and clear with your options... no middle-man, no scam, no confusion. They will explain all of the classes available, just be sure to bring your passport!

I have done this many times for local and interstate trains and have never been turned away, although there have been occasions where I have had to sit in a class that wouldn't be my first choice (these General Class journeys have also made the best stories.)

You can check times and routes on RailYatri so you know which train you would like to book.

To help you plan your trip to India, check out my article: A Pre-departure Checklist for India.

For travel insurance for india i suggest browsing travel supermarket and choosing a cheap policy with a high defaqto rating..

Not all trains have all of these classes, but these are options you'll likely come across when choosing your ticket:

This class is only found on some popular interstate train routes. The cabins each have 4 beds, in the form of 2–tiered berths known as coupes. There is AC, curtains, charging points, bedding, and clean toilets, and it feels quite luxurious! For this reason, it is almost twice the price of 2AC, the class below, and an overnight train will set you back something like £25. This class sells out quickly.

This is my preferred class, as it is not too different from 1AC, just a little less luxurious, but comfy enough. It's normally only around £12 for an overnight journey. With curtains drawn around each coupe, these carriages are just as quiet as 1AC with little interaction with other passengers.

3AC is favoured by India's middle class, and it is a lively carriage with a similar set-up to 2AC except the berths are 3-tiered, and the middle berth is folded up during the day. This means that in daylight hours the middle berth passenger is expected to fold up their bed - and share the lower berth as a bench.

While technically the same layout as 3AC, the sleeper carriage has no air-con so the windows are barred rather than having tinted glass. This means the cabins are louder and dustier. There is a lot of overflow from General Class, so the carriages are crowded and many passengers squish up and share the same bed An overnight train ticket in Sleeper Class may cost around £3.

Executive Chair (1A) –

These are normally on super fast trains between major cities, we took one from Delhi to Amritsar. They have cushioned armchairs with a table, much like trains in the UK, but with the added luxury of air-con and often a meal service.

Second Seating (2S) –

2S is usually on daytime intercity trains, and absolutely fine for journeys up to 8 hours - I took them all over Mumbai and also from Mumbai to Aurangabad (7 hours).

The carriage is lively and interesting, and often gender separated. While the women aggressively shoved each other out of the way to get on the train, once aboard they were all friends again and took turns giving up their seats so everyone could have a time sitting down when the carriage was full.

General Unreserved –

This was the only class available for my 4-hour train from Agra to Jaipur, the upside being the ticket cost 50p. Not that having a ticket mattered, because to be honest, the passengers were such a bowl of spaghetti there was no way a train conductor could get on board to check tickets.

General Unreserved is the class used by less wealthy people, so most of India, who squeeze into every nook and cranny of the carriage.

This was one of the craziest experiences of my life, with passengers, kids and luggage passed through windows as the carriages were so hectic and crammed. If you can cope with the chaos - this is an eye-opening experience for a journey no longer than a few hours!

This is a General Unreserved Class on a train from Agra to Jaipur!

Tips for choosing your train ticket in india.

For sleeper trains, choose the upper berth! This means you can lay in your bed whenever you want, rather than having to fold up your bed and share the bench with other passengers. It also means as a lady passenger you are less exposed to roaming male passengers.

Clearance – If you have a (WL) Waitlist ticket, also known as RAC (reservation against cancellation) – don't worry, you can still board the train - you just may not get your preferred class. Head to the train station a little earlier and check with the ticket officer if a seat has cleared. If it has, whoop , if it hasn't do not worry, board on General Class and seek out the train conductor and let him know you'd like a berth as soon as one becomes available.

Not sure what to pack for your trip to India? Check out the I Dream of Mangoes article:

The only female backpacking packing list you'll ever need.

Depending on where you are, a railway station in India can be a scamming hotspot. People may approach you and tell you a load of B.S. - like - ''Your train is cancelled – here, let me help you buy a new ticket''.

As you arrive at the railway station, ignore everyone who approaches you, and yes, it is perfectly fine for you to completely blank them - especially if you are female and they are male. Only take advice from someone in uniform – or better yet beeline straight for the ticket booth.

I would suggest arriving at the train station at least an hour before your departure time - as bigger stations can be confusing! Your train number should be on a screen, and once you reach your platform, your carriage number should also be indicated on screens so you know where to stand. Be sure to have your physical ticket and passport.

These days you can track the live location of Indian trains just by googling the train number - so do keep checking its status on the day of departure – as sometimes delays can be many hours and you can plan accordingly.

On long-distance trains, runners come through with snacks like samosas and biscuits, and coffee and tea very often. They normally jump on and off at a station so be alert and have your money ready!

It is the same with water! They'll be shouting ''pani pani pani!''

For overnight trains, the train staff often take dinner orders from each passenger in the evenings, which will be something like a tub of veg or chicken biryani. You won't go hungry or thirsty on Indian trains!

It is normal etiquette to take off your shoes when climbing into your berth.

Store your big bags under the lower berth, but keep your valuables by your head – train theft is common but most trains have police/security and they are looking out for you.

Toilets are hit-and-miss. Some trains have Western loos, but most only have squat urinals. 1AC and 2AC toilets can seem to be cleaned regularly, but in all other classes towards the end of a long-distance journey, the toilets can be ankle-deep in piss. I would say take toilet roll and anti-bac gel and curb your liquid intake! Oh yeah, and your waste goes straight onto the tracks, so do not use the toilet when the train is stationary!

Overnight train travel is perfectly fine as a solo female for 3AC, 2AC, and 1AC. I would personally suggest avoiding sleeper class, but mainly because you'd probably be the only foreigner and therefore people will be curious and you will not get any privacy.

Make sure you have mobile data! This is to track the train so you know where to get off, this is especially important if you arrive at your destination in the middle of the night. There are no station announcements and arrival times are unreliable - often trains are very delayed and sometimes delayed trains make up the time.

For all of my advice for females travelling to India, check out my article: Is India Safe for Female Travellers?

It is helpful to have a small idea about what is awaiting you at your destination.

Does your arrival city have UBER?

What is the distance from the station to your accommodation?

Do you arrive at night, so is it best to arrange a pick-up from your guesthouse?

You may get swarmed as soon as you leave the platform by drivers and touts - as a foreigner you are a walking target for scammers – so knowing these things will help you from feeling overwhelmed.

So there you have it! A complete guide to taking the train in India! I hope this post has been helpful, and if you have any questions please hit the comments.

If you enjoyed the read, please consider subscribing to my blog where I post articles once per week filled with travel tips, inspiration, and stories from my adventures around the world.

Happy Travels

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Train travel UK & Ireland...

Train travel in europe..., train travel in asia..., train travel in africa..., train travel in america..., train travel in australasia, around india by train.

The best way to see India is at ground level on the incredible Indian railway system, not from 35,000 feet. Experience the bustle of Indian railway stations and a comfortable journey on an Indian express train with the tea seller's cry of Chai, chai, garam chai wafting down the aisle. Forget media images of crowded local trains with people sitting on the roof. In an AC Chair Car or AC1 or AC2 sleeper on an express, all seats & berths are reserved and it’s safe, civilised, inexpensive & comfortable. Even journeys such as Mumbai to Delhi or Delhi to Jaisalmer can be covered time-effectively by overnight sleeper, centre to centre, saving a hotel bill too. Book Indian train tickets online at 12go.asia

Useful country information

Train routes & maps.

India's passenger rail network is the third biggest in the world after Russia and China, with 63,000 km of rail routes and 6,800 stations. In terms of passenger kilometres, it's the biggest in the world. Indian Railways are the world's biggest employer, with over 1.5 million staff.

The trains in India go almost everywhere, and it's generally safe to assume that you can travel between any two Indian cities or major towns by train, the length and breadth of the country.

Most of India's rail network is broad gauge with rails 5' 6" apart, wider than standard gauge (4' 8½") used in Europe, allowing Indian trains to be wider than European trains. Parts of the country such as Rajasthan used to be served by an extensive metre-gauge network, but most metre-gauge routes have now been converted to broad gauge. A few hill railway such as Kalka-Simla and New Jalpaiguri to Darjeeling use narrow gauge, either 2' or 2' 6".

For an Indian railways route map see surveyofindia.gov.in/files/Railway map_Eng_C.jpg (please let me know if this stops working).

Also try www.mapsofindia.com/maps/india/india-railway-map.htm , or indiarailinfo.com/atlas .

How to check train times & fares

It can be easiest to check train schedules & fares for the main tourist routes at agency website 12go.asia , this can also sell you a ticket, hassle-free.

For train times & fares for any journey in India use www.indianrail.gov.in .

This is one of the various official Indian Railways websites, an amazing site but a little bewildering, not helped by there being another official site, www.indianrailways.gov.in . It's a good training course for your travels in India.

To check train times, look for Reserved Train Between Stations at the top of their home page.

To check fares, first find a train and note the train number, then click Fare enquiry at the top of their home page.

To check availability over various dates, first find a train and note the train number, then click Seat availability at the top of their home page.

Or download an app for your phone. There are many apps to choose from, the official IRCTC apps seem unavailable outside India so try these 3rd-party apps for checking Indian train times on the go. They're ad-heavy, but they work, I find Ixigo the best.

Indian Rail IRCTC for iPhone or Indian Rail IRCTC for Android .

Ixigo for iPhone or Ixigo for Android .

Trains at a Glance

You can buy the famous Trains at a Glance timetable booklet for 100 rupees at any station bookstall - it makes a great souvenir. It shows times in printed form for most major stations on all the main routes. Very useful!

Or download it for a small fee from www.irctctourism.com/gallery/tag.html .

Or download for free at indianrailways.gov.in/railwayboard/view_section.jsp?lang=0&id=0,1,304,366,537 Important: If it says Error 404 Page Not Found, simply set your VPN to India and it will work. This is why people need a VPN !

Tips for checking Indian train times

Which station in which city .

Kashmir originally had no rail connection, but a line to Srinagar and beyond has now been completed with more under construction. The line heads through tough terrain, and features the highest railway bridge in the world. Srinagar's station code is SINA (not to be confused with another smaller Srinagar in Rajasthan with station code SNAR).

Khajuraho (a much-visited temple complex) now has a station, station code KURJ. There's a daily overnight train called the Kurukshetra-Khajuraho Express leaving New Delhi station at 18:20, picking up at Agra Cantonment around 21:35 and arriving in Khajuraho at 08:00 next morning. It returns from Khajuraho at 18:35 arriving New Delhi at 08:45.

Example train times

Example fares from delhi.

£1 = 105 Rupees, €1 = 90 Rupees, $1 = 82 Rupees.

Shatabdi Express = Premier daytime train, special fare payable, meals included.

Rajdhani Express = Premier overnight train, special fare payable, meals included.

Child fares on Indian trains since 2016: Children aged 0 to 4 inclusive travel free. Children aged 5 to 11 inclusive travel at half fare if they do not take up a reserved seat or berth, but as from April 2016 they must pay the adult fare if they travel with their own reserved seat or berth. I do not recommend that any child aged 5 to 11 travels without their own seat or berth in AC1, AC2, AC3, AC Chair car or Sleeper Class, so this effectively means you must now pay the adult fare for children aged 5 and over. Children aged 12 and over pay the adult fare in all cases.

Classes explained

Which class to choose.

Above, a typical long-distance express or mail train with older carriages (not a premier Rajdhani or Duronto express). You can just make out 3 cars in the centre of the train with different windows. These are the AC cars, perhaps one AC1, one AC2 & one AC3 car. The rest of the train is Sleeper class. Courtesy of Albert Höchst.

Types of train

Which train to choose.

Executive Chair (EC) class on a Vande Bharat Express. These are India's most modern trains, capable of 160 km/h (100 mph) & used at up to 130 km/h (80 mph). See en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vande_Bharat_Express . Photos courtesy of Nonstop Eurotrip , see video of Varanasi-Delhi Vande Bharat Express .

AVL, CNF, RAC & Waitlist

You need a reservation to travel on Indian long-distance trains, you can't just turn up and hop on. Reservations are fully computerised using the world's largest computer reservation system. Trains get fully-booked weeks in advance, so buy tickets as far ahead as possible.

When do bookings open?

Bookings for most Indian long-distance trains currently open 120 days before departure.

It was 60 days until 2008, when it was experimentally extended to 90 days, then it was experimentally extended even further to 120 days in 2012, reduced again to 60 days in 2013 to make ticket 'scalping' by agencies harder, but restored to 120 days as from 1 April 2015.

Some short-distance inter-city trains may open for bookings less than this, for example Delhi-Kalka & Kalka-Simla may open only 30 days or in some cases just 15 days ahead.

The remarkable Indian Railways system

Indian Railways have a unique system with 4 possible statuses for seats/berths/bookings:

AVL = Available , these are seats or berths that are unsold and available for booking.

CNF = Confirmed . When you book an available seat or berth, your PNR status (Personal Name Record) becomes CNF, confirmed. You're safely booked on the train with a specific seat or berth.

RAC = Reservation Against Cancellation . When all the seats or berths on a train in a given class have been sold, a certain number of tickets in that class are sold as Reservation Against Cancellation, or RAC.

WL = Waitlist . When all the RAC places have been sold, further prospective passengers can buy Waitlist (WL) tickets.

If you go to www.indianrail.gov.in & click Seat availability you can see how many seats remain available in each class on a given train.

For example, today is 26 January, let's say I want to go from Delhi to Kolkata on the best train, the overnight Howrah Rajdhani in AC 2-tier. Tomorrow's train is fully-booked in AC2 and shown as NOT AVAILABLE. I can buy Waitlisted tickets for this train on 28 and 29 January. I can buy RAC tickets on any day between 30 January & 5 February and if I buy those I can definitely board the train and travel with (in practice) maybe a 90% chance of ending up with a berth to myself. The first day on which AC 2-tier is shown as AVL so I can buy a ticket and instantly get a confirmed berth is 6 February. The Foreign Tourist quota would help me here, there are 7 or 8 FT quota places shown as AVL every day from 27 January onwards, but I'll explain that in the quotas section .

Reservation Against Cancellation (RAC)

With an RAC ticket, you're allowed to board the train and travel. Whatever happens, you know you're safely booked on that train. So if you're offered an RAC ticket you should take it, even though you won't have a specific seat or berth number at this stage.

In the vast majority of cases, one of the confirmed passengers will cancel or unsold tickets will be left in one of the more obscure quotas on departure day and you'll be promoted from RAC to CNF with a confirmed seat or berth on the train.

Your name will then be shown against a specific seat or berth number on the reservation list pinned on the notice board at the boarding station on the day of travel when the train is charted , or you can check your PNR (Personal Name Record) status online . A waitlisted passenger will be promoted from WL to RAC in your place.

In the unlikely event that nobody cancels, you'll be given a place to sit (but not a berth) in a carriage of the class you've booked. For example, two RAC passengers might be given seats on a bunk that would normally be for one person. In most cases, at least one of the confirmed passengers will fail to show up for the train and the on-board staff will allocate their berth to the passenger holding ticket RAC1. The passenger holding ticket RAC2 will then be left with a berth to themselves, solving two RAC passengers' problems! In the worst case scenario, if there were no no-shows the RAC passengers would have to sit up all night or take turns using the berth to snooze, but in practice this seldom happens. Like I said, if an RAC place is available, you should take it.

A downside of buying RAC tickets as a couple, family or small group is that you might be split up, because you get the places freed up when people cancel or which are left when tickets remain unsold in special quotas. But there's usually only one or two AC2 or AC3 cars on a given train, so in those classes you probably won't be far apart.

Incidentally, RAC tickets exist in AC2, AC3 & SL, but not in AC1, EC, CC or FC. In AC1, EC, CC & FC, passengers are always CNF or WL.

Waitlist (WL)

With a WL ticket you cannot travel, unless you are promoted to RAC or CNF before departure.

Each WL ticket has two numbers at any given moment in time, for example WL10/WL3.

The first number is the ticket's original Waitlist number. In this example, WL10 means you bought the Number 10 Waitlist ticket allocated to this train, 10th in the queue when the train opened for booking. This number won't change, even if you are promoted to a confirmed place (CNF), your ticket will always be WL10 and shown as such on the reservation list.

The second number is your current position in the queue, this number will reduce as people cancel. On websites & apps that show only one WL number rather than two, this is the number it shows. In this example WL10/WL3 means that 7 people have already cancelled and you are now 3rd in line for promotion to RAC. If 3 more people cancel, you'll be promoted to RAC and can travel.

If more people cancel you may even be promoted to CNF with a confirmed seat or berth. With a low-numbered WL ticket you've a good chance of this happening. For example, one traveller reports having Waitlisted places between WL1 and WL10 on numerous trips, and always successfully got promoted to CNF with a confirmed place on the train, usually in the 24 hours before departure as that's when all the movement takes place from tickets in unsold quotas being used to reduce the number of WL & RAC passengers.

Keep checking your PNR status online . Even if you're only promoted to RAC, you can at least travel. If the train is charted and you're still only Waitlisted, then you can't travel and your fare will automatically be refunded, less a minor clerkage fee.

How likely is a given WL ticket to be confirmed?

There are now several websites that claim to predict how likely it is that a given WL ticket will be confirmed and allow you on the train, based on historical data. Try entering your PNR into trainman.in , or use it to see what the current availability of a given train is, and how likely it is that if you bought WL tickets they'd be confirmed by departure.

The Vikalp scheme (ATAS)

There's yet another process to help Waitlisted passengers. When you buy a WL ticket, you may be asked if you want to opt in to the Vikalp scheme, also known as Alternate Train Accommodation Scheme or ATAS. Vikalp is Hindi for option .

If you tick the Vikalp box, you're offered a selection of possible alternative trains and you can choose which of these you'd be willing to take if you can't get a berth on the train you've booked. Then, if you are still Waitlisted (WL) when your original train is charted (so you can't travel on it), and if space is available in the same class on one of your chosen alternative trains, you'll be given a confirmed (CNF) berth on that instead.

An alternative train is one between the same or similar origin & destination leaving between 30 minutes & 72 hours after your original choice of train. For example, a train leaving from Old Delhi or Delhi H.Nizamudin might be considered alternatives to a train from New Delhi.

If there are several of you on one PNR, either all of you will be given places on an alternative train or none of you will, so don't worry, you won't be split up. However, once you opt in to Vikalp, you can't opt out again. And if you are transferred to a CNF place on an alternative train and decide you don't want it, you can cancel but only in line with the terms & conditions of a CNF place, which means a partial refund less the CNF cancellation fees (as an unsuccessful Waitlisted passenger on your original train you'd normally have been refunded almost all of your money).

Charting is the process of drawing up the final passenger list for each carriage of a given train, allocating names to berths. The list is posted on the reservations notice board at stations or you can check your PNR status online .

During this process, any unsold tickets in quotas such as handicapped, military or parliamentary are released, freeing up places so RAC passengers can be moved up to Confirmed (CNF) and WL passengers to RAC or CNF. So if you have a WL ticket and haven't already been promoted to RAC or CNF as passengers cancel, this is when you discover whether or not you're on the train.

It's also at this point that specific berth numbers are allocated to AC1 sleeper passengers, which is why you can't choose between an AC1 2-berth coupé and an AC1 4-berth compartment when you book.

Charting for trains leaving their origin station between 12:00 & 23:00 takes place around 4 hours before departure from that station.

Charting for trains leaving their origin between 23:00 & 12:00 takes place 19:00-21:00 Monday-Saturday or 13:00-15:00 Sundays & holidays.

How to check your current status

You can confirm your current PNR (Personal Name Record) status as WL, RAC or CNF at www.indianrail.gov.in/pnr_Enq.html or using one of the apps suggested above , by entering the PNR number shown on your ticket.

Remember that things can change even on the day of departure, most movement happens shortly before departure, when the train is charted.

When you buy a ticket, it comes from a specific quota. A quota is simply an allocation of tickets for a particular type of traveller such as senior, handicapped, military or government, on each train in each class. By default, tickets come from the General quota.

General (GN) quota

Remote location (rl) & pooled (pq) quotas, handicapped, senior & ladies quotas.

The Senior quota is only for Indian seniors so don't use this if you're not Indian.

The Ladies quota only exists in Sleeper class & AC3, it gets you berths in one small bay reserved for women, it's hardly worth bothering with.

The Lower Berth quota is for anyone with mobility issues who can't use the ladder to the upper berths, so absolutely needs a lower.

When a train is charted and the final reservation list is compiled, any unsold seats or berths in these quotas will be freed up used to reduce the RAC/Waitlist, promoting RAC passengers to CNF and WL passengers to RAC and (once all RAC passengers are confirmed) CNF.

Foreign Tourist (FT) quota

Many important trains have a small Foreign Tourist (FT) quota of seats or berths available only to foreign tourists. The purpose of the FT quota is to allow foreign tourists to book trains at short notice notice when the General quota is fully-booked.

It's not a foolproof way to travel around India without pre-booking: There's an FT quota on only 200 trains a day out of some 9,000 trains, and the quota might be just 2 places, seldom more than 12, in one or two specific classes, typically AC1 & AC2 or CC. So even using the FT quota, you may have to wait a day or so before there is a berth available to your chosen destination in your chosen class.

For example, today is 25 January, the earliest date for which AC2 tickets available from the General quota on the Delhi-Varanasi Swatantrtwa Express is 11 February. But if I look at the Foreign Tourist quota, although there are no tickets today, there are two tickets available in AC2 tomorrow, and on each of the following few days.

If you buy an FT quota ticket at a ticket office or tourist reservation centre, you must pay in US Dollars, pounds sterling, or rupees backed by an exchange certificate proving they've come from a bank or bureau de change in exchange for foreign currency. Rupees backed by an ATM receipt and foreign bank card are usually sufficient. You can now book tickets from the Foreign Tourist quota when booking online .

Let's be clear, as a foreign tourist, you don't have to book from the FT quota. Anyone of any nationality can book from the General quota whenever it's available. And FT tickets are a little more expensive than tickets from the General quota, too.

Indeed, if there are still seats available in the General quota when you book, you shouldn't use the FT quota . Because later on when the train is fully-booked, some other overseas visitors may urgently need those precious few FT places, desperate to get a train back to Delhi for their flight home. If you used up all the FT places weeks ahead when you didn't need to, those travellers may be stranded!

Tatkal (TQ & PT) quotas

To allow travel at short notice on trains that are often fully-booked weeks before departure, Indian Railways introduced a system called Tatkal (Hindi for immediate ). A number of tickets on key trains are held back and released at 10:00 one day before departure (originally 72 hours before departure, reduced to 2 days back in 2009 and just 1 day in 2011). They are sold with a Tatkal fee of 10% of the fare in 2nd class or 30% in all other classes. There are in fact two Tatkal quotas, regular Tatkal (TQ quota) with fixed fares, and Premium Tatkal (PT quota) with variable fares that increase with demand. Tatkal places can also be booked online . If there are seats available in the Foreign Tourist quota then the Tatkal quota may be irrelevant for you, if not, the Tatkal system can be useful.

How to buy tickets online

Indian trains often get fully-booked weeks in advance as demand usually exceeds supply. So if you have a fixed itinerary and limited time you should buy tickets in advance before you get to India.

I recommend ticketing agency 12go.asia as option 1 for good reason: It's hassle-free, even though it only does the principle trains on the routes usually requested by visitors. It only sells confirmed tickets, it doesn't sell RAC or WL places. It happily accepts overseas credit cards.

However, for complete access to all routes, trains, ticket types & quotas including Waitlisted & RAC , you must face the challenge of registering with the official Indian Railways booking website irctc.co.in, which is option 2. I provide detailed instructions below. Be warned, the process may drive you nuts. Some people give up, others manage it in the end, but once registered you can book anything.

Option 1, buy at 12go.asia

I recommend ticketing agency 12go.asia as the quickest & easiest way to buy tickets for the principal trains and routes used by tourists, it makes booking trains as easy as booking flights.

You can check prices & availability online, pay with an international credit card and get the same e-ticket you'd get if you booked directly with irctc.co.in, but without the frustration of having to create an account and register with irctc.co.in.

Booking opens 120 days ahead , although some short-distance inter-city trains have a shorter booking horizon. You can't buy tickets before reservations open. Indian trains get fully booked weeks ahead, so book as far ahead as you can to be sure of a place.

How it works

12go.asia 's system shows fares & availability in real time, taken from IRCTC's system. You select your train & class and click to buy. Tickets are then manually secured by 12go staff using IRCTC's business-to-business booking system.

You can choose to see prices & pay in Indian Rupees, USD, GBP, Euros & several other currencies.

Limitations

12go.asia sells tickets for all the major routes of interest to visitors, but not between every possible station. For that you need irctc.co.in.

Option 2, buy at www.irctc.co.in

You can buy train tickets direct from Indian Railways at the IRCTC website www.irctc.co.in .

Registering to use www.irctc.co.in is a time-consuming and frustrating process, but once registered you'll have access to all routes, trains, classes & ticket types.

Irctc.co.in has accepted overseas (non-Indian) credit cards since 2016, although it occasionally goes through periods when international cards don't seem to be accepted, just to keep everyone on their toes. You must select the payment option which mentions International cards powered by PayU at the payment stage.

How to register for an IRCTC account

Go to www.irctc.co.in and click REGISTER top right.

Now enter the details to create an account.

Choose a username , some trial and error may be needed.

Enter your mobile phone number - your home country's international dialling code goes in the box marked ISD (this box says '91' until you have changed India to your own country in the box above). The ISD for the UK is '44'. Then enter your mobile phone number without any leading '0'.

Pin code means postcode . Use 123456 as it won't accept UK-style postcodes. Under Post Office , just enter your city & phone number again.

Payment problems paying the SMS verification fee

Just after I test-registered they imposed a fee for sending the OTP to a non-Indian mobile. A few people have had credit card acceptance problems in paying this fee, but others find paying the fee works fine. Again, I don't know why, but it could be problems with your own bank detecting and blocking a 'suspicious' foreign transaction. Give them a call!

How to buy tickets at www.irctc.co.in

When you click to see availability on a particular train, you will see places shown as AVL , RAC or WL , see the explanation of Reservation Against Cancellation & Waitlisting here .

AVL = Available , this means there are tickets available for confirmed seats or berths on that train.

RAC = Reservation Against Cancellation , this means that the train is theoretically full, but Reservation Against Cancellation tickets are available for that train which allow you to board and be allocated a berth by the conductor. So if you only see RAC tickets available, my advice is to go ahead and book, you'll still be able to travel on that train.

Tip: Download the IRCTC app for your phone. Download the IRCTC Rail Connect app for iPhone (if it's available in your region, it may not be) or IRCTC Rail Connect app for Android onto your phone. You'll probably find you can't buy tickets with overseas credit cards using the app, but tickets bought online at the IRCTC website will show up in the app and can be shown to the conductor. You can check train times, and see the current status of your booking if you are waitlisted or RAC. Feedback appreciated . I recommend some other apps that are available outside India in the travel tips section .

Option 3, Cleartrip.com, Makemytrip.com , Ixigo.com

How to buy tickets at the station.

The main stations in big cities and tourist centres such as New Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Agra, Jaipur and Varanasi have an International Tourist Bureau where foreign travellers can book trains away from the crowds and queues at the normal booking office. There is also a 24-hour rail booking office at Delhi International Airport.

For a list of stations with an International Tourist Bureau & opening times, see www.indianrail.gov.in , select Information then International Tourist .

New Delhi International Tourist Bureau ( temporarily closed )

U pdate 2024: The New Delhi International Tourist Bureau remains temporarily closed due to the pandemic and low numbers of tourists. A notice directs tourists to the international tourist counter at the Rail Reservation Centre 300m down the road, see the section below .

When open, the International Tourist Bureau at New Delhi railway station makes it easy for foreign visitors to buy tickets. They could often sell you places out of the tourist quota, even when a train is fully-booked for Indian passengers. Before the pandemic, it was normally open 06:00-23:00 every day, it's now temporarily closed.

How to find it

Enter New Delhi main station entrance on the Paharganj side (shown in the photo below left), veer slightly to the left and go up one flight of stairs to find yourself outside the International Tourist Bureau, as shown in the photo below right. It's above platform 1. If it doesn't look like the photo below, it isn't the real International tourist office.

New Delhi international tourist counter

Mumbai csmt, formerly bombay victoria terminus.

A station to rival London's St Pancras, Mumbai CSMT is an attraction in its own right. Completed in 1887, its full title is Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus or (officially) Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, station code CSMT . Known as Bombay Victoria Terminus until 1996 and still known as 'VT' by many, see en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chhatrapati_Shivaji_Terminus .

Foreign Tourist Counter: At Mumbai CSMT you can easily buy tickets from the foreign tourist quota at the Foreign Tourist counter, counter 4 downstairs in the Reservation Centre at CSMT. It moved from counter 20 upstairs in 2018, please let me know if it changes again.

Tips for train travel in India

Checking your reservation.

The reservation system is very efficient and the days of finding your reserved berth already occupied by several passengers are long gone. Your train, coach & berth number will be printed on your ticket - unless you're travelling in AC1 in which case the reservation list with your allocated berth numbers is only compiled a 2-4 hours before departure.

Reservation lists for each class in each long-distance train are posted on the notice board at each station about two hours before departure, showing the name, age and sex of each passenger reserved in each berth in each coach. The age and sex help the ticket inspector identify that the right passenger is in the right berth. A reservation list for each coach used to be pasted next to the entrance door on the train itself, but this is no longer done.

If you need to check your reservation, you can do so on your phone or laptop by entering your PNR (= booking reference) a PNR status-checking website such as www.railyatri.in/pnr-status or etrain.info/in , or using one of the Indian railways apps.

Download an app

I recommend downloading an app for your phone. There are a bewildering number to choose from, some official, some 3rd party. The official IRCTC apps seem unavailable outside India, so try these:

Indian Rail IRCTC for iPhone or Ixigo for iPhone .

Indian Rail IRCTC for Android or Ixigo for Android .

With these you can:

Check train schedules between any two stations.

Check a train's schedule at each of its calling points. It also shows the train formation and carriage numbering to help you find your seat or berth.

Check your PNR status to see whether a Waitlisted ticket has become RAC or Confirmed.

Check real-time train running to see if your train is on time.

Check the platform for your train using the Live Station Info button, so you won't have to rely on the station departure displays to find your train.

Set a destination alarm to warn you a certain number of kilometres before your destination.

Luggage on Indian trains

Luggage is not a problem on Indian trains, you take your bags with you onto the train and place them on the overhead racks or underneath the lower berths.

The free luggage allowance is generous: You can take to 70 Kg in AC1, 50 Kg in AC2, 40 Kg in AC3, AC Chair class or Sleeper class, 35 Kg in 2nd class seats. Most western travellers are unlikely to exceed that, but if you really need to, you can pay an excess luggage fee and take up to 150 Kg in AC1 or 100 Kg in AC2. However, the maximum is 40 Kg in AC3 or AC Chair class.

Theft of luggage is rare, but for peace of mind take along a bicycle lock or medium-sized padlock to secure your bags. In the sleeping-cars, there are wire hoops hanging down underneath the seats to which you can padlock your luggage while you sleep.

Carriage numbers

The carriage numbers shown on tickets, on reservation lists and on the side of each coach consist of a letter and a number, for example H1, A1, A2, B1, B2, S1, S2, S3 and so on. The letter shows the class of accommodation in that car.

A = air-con 2-tier (2A).

B = air-con 3-tier (3A).

AB = composite coach, half air-con 2-tier, half air-con 3-tier.

C = air-con chair car (CC).

D = non-air-con 2nd class reserved (2S).

E = executive chair class (EC).

G & J are used for AC 3-tier & Air-conditioned Chair class on Garib Rath trains.

GS = General Seating = non-air-con 2nd class unreserved (GN).

H = air-conditioned 1st class (1A).

HA = composite coach, half AC1, half AC2.

M = air-con 3-tier economy (3E).

S = sleeper class (SL).

There's typically just one air-con 1st class sleeper on a given train, so that's usually numbered H1. If there were two air-con 2-tier cars on a train, those cars would be numbers A1 & A2. So if you booked an AC2 ticket you'd expect to be given a car number 'A1' or 'A2', if you booked AC1 you'd expect to be in car H1 or HA1.

You may also see EOG = generator car. PC = pantry car, for catering. SLR = Second class Luggage Rake, a car with luggage space, guard's compartment and limited 2nd class seating.

How to check train formations & seat maps

Go to www.trainman.in/coach-position and enter the train number or name. You'll see a diagram of the train formation, and a seat map for each car.

Food and drink on Indian trains

There are no restaurant or buffet cars on Indian Railways, but on long distance trains an attendant will appear in your coach and ask you if you would like to order food. He will note down your order (usually a choice of 'veg' or 'non-veg') on a bit of paper. An hour or so later he will reappear with some rice and curry in small foil containers from the kitchen car. It is not expensive - you can reckon on £2-£3 per meal. Attendants also regularly pass down each car selling soft drinks, snacks, or excellent hot sweet Indian tea (garam chai) for a few rupees. On the premier Rajdhani Express trains (linking Delhi with Mumbai, Kolkata, etc.) and the premier daytime Shatabdi Express trains (linking Delhi with Jaipur and Agra, etc.), food is included in the fare, served at your seat.

Pre-order your food from a restaurant of your choice. Alternatively, there are now several Indian websites that allow you to pre-book food to be delivered to your seat on the train from various vendors along the way. If you have a confirmed train booking you can go to railrestro.com , enter your PNR, select a vendor you like the sound of who is located at a station where your train calls at a suitable time, and select specific items from their menu to be delivered to you on board the train at that station - reports so far have been very positive, but feedback is always appreciated !

Cleanliness, toilets & crowding

The efficient reservation system means that you can safely forget any pictures you've seen of overcrowded Indian trains with people on the roof or hanging on the side. These these photos show suburban or local trains, or unreserved 2nd class on long-distance ones. On fast long-distance trains in AC1, AC2, AC3, or AC Chair Class, all passengers have an assigned seat or sleeping berth so there's no overcrowding. Don't expect pristine western standards anywhere in India, but you'll find AC1, AC2, AC3 and AC Chair class clean by Indian standards, with both western-style and squat toilets usually in a reasonably sanitary condition, see the train interior photos below. On the other hand, Sleeper Class gets much grubbier than the AC classes and unreserved passengers can sometimes enter the coaches making it crowded. 2nd class unreserved can be incredibly crowded. Toilets in sleeper class or basic non-AC 2nd class seats can leave a lot to be desired.

Safety & security

Indian trains are safe to travel on, even for families or women travelling alone, and you are unlikely to have any problems. As in any busy place anywhere, pickpockets operate at the major stations (for example Delhi and New Delhi), so take care. Oh, and be prepared: If anyone tells you that your train is cancelled, that the ticket office has closed or has moved to a travel agency across the road, or your pre-booked hotel has burnt down or been abducted by aliens, please politely ignore them, even if they look 'official', to avoid ending up in a travel agency paying for a car and driver at vast expense, or booking their 'alternative' hotel which of course will luckily have a room available. These are all well-known scams (yawn...) to get travel agency business, usually obvious to any regular India hand, but first-timers have been known to fall for them.

Do Indian trains run on time?

Indian Railways are generally remarkably efficient, but Indian trains do run late, sometimes hours rather than minutes. To get a feel for it, why not go to either www.trainenquiry.com or www.erail.in and see how late yesterday's Delhi-Jaisalmer Express arrived, or last Thursday's Mumbai-Delhi Rajdhani Express? At www.erail.in , select the origin and destination that interests you, and bring up the train list. Now find the train that you want and click on it. Now select a date and click the 'train running status' button. It will show you a table of scheduled times and actual times at each station. Data is only held for the last few days, not weeks or months ago. At www.trainenquiry.com , you simply enter the train number or name, then select from a list of possible trains.

Alternatively, these examples from my own travels may give you a feel for the likely delay: Delhi-Varanasi overnight express spot on time, Bombay-Howrah Mail 1½ hours late, Chennai-Mumbai Chennai Express 40 minutes late, Kolkata-Delhi Rajdhani Express spot on time (Rajdhani Expresses get priority and are pretty punctual), Delhi-Agra Shatabdi Express spot on time (Shatabdi Expresses also get priority and are pretty punctual), Jaisalmer-Delhi Express 2 hours late starting and 3 hours late arriving, Delhi-Kalka-Simla Himalayan Queen spot on time, Varanasi-Agra-Jaipur Marudhar Express 50 minutes late, Chennai-Delhi Grand Trunk Express 1½ hours late.

Recharging mobiles & cameras

There are shaver sockets in most AC1/2/3 sleeper cars and many Indian trains now have power outlets for mobiles and laptops. However, I never travel without an Anker powerbank which can recharge your phone several times over if you're on the move and can't get to a power outlet.

Other Indian train tips

Bring your own toilet paper. You'll normally find one western toilet and one squat toilet at one or both ends of the car. In AC1, AC2, AC Chair Class and even AC3 the toilets are normally reasonably clean by Indian standards, and in full working order. Sleeper Class and 2nd class toilets may be a different matter!

Make sure you research when to visit India carefully - in summer it can be unbearably hot, and you also want to avoid the monsoon rains. And in January & February in Northern India that there can be major disruption to road, rail & air due to thick fog, so bear that in mind.

Finally, forewarned is forearmed

In India, if someone asks which hotel you're going to, then announces that this hotel has been flooded, burnt down, or abducted by aliens, they are of course trying to get commission from sending you to another hotel - that's often painfully obvious and it's almost funny! Smile, ignore them, and persist in walking to your own hotel, which will of course be open as usual. But similarly, especially at big stations such as New Delhi, if an official-looking person (they may even show you a badge) says your train has been cancelled, or says you can't board without a boarding pass (with an e-ticket you can get on the train, there's no such thing as a boarding pass), smile, ignore them, walk past, and persist until you see the actual departure indicators and get your train. If necessary, go and see the station master! Although this has never happened to me, there are occasional reports of travellers being conned into buying new tickets from a nearby travel agency, being sent to a nearby travel agency when they wanted the genuine New Delhi foreigners booking office, or being conned into hiring a private car and driver for hundreds of dollars when they already had trains booked, which of course weren't really cancelled. So smile, ignore, persist, go and see the departure boards with your own eyes, find and get on your train, and have a giggle about it later! If you encounter any of this, feedback (and a good laugh) is always appreciated!

The 11 classes on Indian trains

There are 11 classes of accommodation on Indian trains or at least, 11 different class codes in the system. You can argue that 3E is a variation of 3A, EA a variation of EC and that 2S & GN are the same (both are 2nd class seats, one reserved, the other unreserved). But that's still 8 classes!

Only a small selection of classes is available on any given train, a typical long-distance train might have one AC1 car, one or two AC2 cars, perhaps an AC3 car, then a long line of 6, 7 or 8 Sleeper class cars and maybe one GN or 2S car at the end. But it varies, of course.

Here are the classes, in roughly descending order of cost, together with the usual 2 & 3-letter abbreviations. A request: If you get any clear interior photos of AC2, AC3 or Sleeper class which would better illustrate these classes, please get in touch !

Air-conditioned first class (AC1 or 1A)

Air-conditioned 2-tier (ac2 or 2a).

AC2 is relatively clean & comfortable, with room to spread out. It's the class typically used by middle class Indian families and a good choice for most western visitors. AC2 is found on almost all decent long-distance trains including the premier Rajdhani & Duronto expresses.

AC2 offers padded leatherette seats by day which convert to flat padded bunks at night. AC2 coaches are open-plan with berths arranged in bays of four on one side of the aisle (two upper, two lower, transverse across the car width), and in bays of two on the other side of the aisle, arranged longitudinally along the coach side above and below the windows. If you're tall, you should book a transverse berth.

Each bay is curtained off for privacy, and an attendant distributes pillows, clean sheets and blankets in the evening. Update: Curtains were removed as a Covid-19 precaution and may still be absent.

Click for car plans & berth numbering in AC1, AC2, AC3, AC Chair, Sleeper Class .

Air-conditioned 3-tier (AC3 or 3A)

AC3 has a similar layout to AC2, but instead of upper & lower berths it has 3 tiers of bunks - upper, middle and lower - arranged in bays of six on one side of the aisle, and longitudinal bays of two - upper and lower - along the wall on the other side of the aisle. As in AC2, an attendant distributes pillows, sheets and blankets in the evening. Berths convert to seats for daytime use.

With 3 people sitting on each bench seat during the day rather than just 2, it feels a lot more crowded than AC 2-tier, and at night there is less height-space between each bunk - the top bunks are significantly higher up near the ceiling. AC3 may lack the privacy curtains and individual berth lights usually found in AC2. As in AC2, you should avoid the longitudinal berths if you are tall. Still, if you find AC2 fully-booked, most western travellers will find AC3 an acceptable fall-back. See car plans & berth numbering in AC1, AC2, AC3, AC Chair, Sleeper Class . Photos courtesy of Rachel Poschi.

Air-conditioned 3-tier economy (3E)

Executive anubhuti chair car (ea), ac executive chair class (ec).

AC Executive Chair Class is only found on the high-quality Shatabdi Express , Vande Bharat Express & Tejas Express trains. Seats are arranged 2+2 across the car width, basic pre-packaged food & drink is included in the fare, served at your seat. It's also known as First AC Chair class. Seat numbering plan for AC Chair cars .

AC Chair class (CC)

AC Chair class is a good choice for daytime journeys. Comfortable & air-conditioned, they have seats arranged 2+3 across the car width. AC Chair Class is found on the Shatabdi Expresses, Vande Bharat Express, the several Tejas Express trains and a number of other inter-city daytime trains, for example Delhi-Jaipur, Delhi-Agra, Delhi-Kalka for Simla. Seat numbering plan, AC Chair cars .

Sleeper Class (SL)

This is the way the bulk of the Indian population travels on long-distance trains, but it's also used by many more adventurous backpackers who are prepared to take the rough with the smooth. The majority of cars on a typical long-distance mail or express train will be sleeper class.

Sleeper class consists of open-plan berths, arranged in bays of 6 bunks (upper, middle and lower) on one side of the aisle, and bays of 2 bunks (upper & lower) along the coach wall on the other side of the aisle. Bunks fold away to form seating for daytime use. It's the same basic layout as AC3, but without the air-con and without any privacy curtains. Bedding is not provided, so bring a sleeping-bag.

Sleeper class is found on almost all long-distance trains except for the premier Rajdhani & Duronto services. Sleeper class can be crowded (although in theory all berths must be reserved, so it can't get overcrowded), and it's fairly grubby and basic. On the other hand, you get a better view of the countryside then in AC coaches, where the windows are sealed, tinted and sometimes dirty. In summer, there are fans on the ceiling and a breeze from the windows. In winter, wrap up warm at night and take a sleeping bag and fleece, as it can get cold. Berth numbering system, AC1, AC2, AC3, AC Chair, Sleeper Class cars .

1st class (FC)

Traditional non-air-con 1st class has now almost disappeared, as Indian Railways have progressively phased it out in favour of AC 2-tier. But for the record, ordinary first class consists of non-air-conditioned sleeper coaches with lockable 4-berth and 2-berth compartments, a similar layout to AC1 but without the AC. Bedding is not provided, and it's much grubbier than AC1, AC2 or AC3 as it's not sealed against the dirt .

2nd class seats (2S = reserved or GN = unreserved)

Open plan cars with wooden or padded plastic seats, sometimes reserved and shown online as 2S, sometimes unreserved and shown online as either GN or II. Not recommended for long distance overnight journeys (you'll see the huge scrum of Indians all trying to bag a seat in unreserved 2nd class), but quite acceptable for daytime journeys of up to a few hours if you're on a budget.

IndRail pass es: Discontinued in 2017

Where to go in india.

First-time visitors often wonder where to start in such a vast country and they're sometimes told to tour only a small area, for example stick to Rajasthan or perhaps the beaches of Goa. But I suggest a bolder approach. Use the remarkable Indian train network to see a varied cross-section of India's highlights, picking one example from each type of place: A big city, a colonial hill station, a princely city or two in Rajasthan, then Agra of course for the Taj Mahal, and also Varanasi, the classic Hindu holy city on the Ganges. This way, you'll see some incredible highlights and complete contrasts, with overnight trains minimising both daytime travelling time and hotel bills.

A suggested itinerary

Here's what I personally consider the best itinerary around Northern India, taking in an amazing variety of classic Indian cities in as little as 2 weeks. Highlight after highlight in a 2-week itinerary. If you have longer to spare, add an extra day or two here and there and/or add one more Rajasthani city, Udaipur.

Delhi 1-3 days. Contrast the bustling old city with Lutyens' gracious New Delhi.

Take the Swatantrta S Express leaving New Delhi at 21:15 arriving Varanasi Junction at 08:05 next morning. AC1, AC2, AC3, Sleeper class.

Varanasi 2-3 days. Formerly called Benares, Varanasi is the must-see Hindu holy city on the Ganges. Make sure you stay in a local Indian riverside hotel such as the Hotel Alka , with its terrace overlooking the Ganges. Western chain hotels are usually located in the new town, well away from all the amazing riverside action. The Hotel Alka is one of the better hotels in this top riverside location, and eating a Thali on the terrace as the Diwali fireworks went off overhead and Lilly pads with candles drifted down the Ganges was an unforgettable experience.

Take the Marudhar Express from Varanasi Junction around 18:25 arriving Agra Fort at 06:40 next morning. AC2, AC3, Sleeper class. No AC1.

Agra 2 days, remembering to visit the fantastic deserted royal city of Fatephur Sikhri 30km away by bus or car. Agra may be the most touristy place in India, but the Taj is utterly beautiful and well worth the tourist tout hassle. Agra fort and the ‘baby Taj’ are also worth a visit.

Take the Marudhar Express from Agra Fort around 06:45 arriving Jaipur at 11:50 the same day. AC2, AC3, Sleeper class (No AC1).

Jaipur 2-3 days. The 'Pink City' is one of the most wonderful princely cities in Rajasthan, and indeed in India.

Take the daily Raniket Express leaving Jaipur at 10:10 arriving Jaisalmer at 22:30 the same day, with AC1, AC2, AC3, Sleeper class.

Jaisalmer 2-3 days. This is Rajasthan’s ultimate fairytale city and one of the most beautiful cities in the whole of India, in the desert close to the Pakistan border. For many years it had no airport so only those who made the effort got to experience it, although sadly it may now have flights using the military airbase nearby.

Take the Runicha Express leaving Jaisalmer at 19:00 daily, arriving Old Delhi at 10:35 next day. AC1, AC2, AC3, sleeper class.

Spend a day and night in Delhi.

Take the Kalka Shatabdi leaving New Delhi at 07:40 arriving Kalka at 11:40. AC Executive chair class and AC Chair class, meal included served at your seat. Change onto the waiting narrow-gauge Simla toy train leaving Kalka at 11:55 arriving Simla at 16:45 with (non-AC) 1st class, AC Chair class, 2nd class. The journey to Simla by narrow gauge Toy Train is an absolute delight.

Simla 2-3 days. Cool relaxation and colonial mock-Tudor charm in this lovely Himalayan hill station from the days of the Raj. The ideal final destination for your trip! The upmarket colonial-style Clarkes Hotel is wonderful.

Take the Shivalik Deluxe Express toy train leaving Simla at 17:25 arriving Kalka at 22:05. Change onto the mainline Netaji Express leaving Kalka at 23:55 and arriving Old Delhi at 06:00. AC1, AC2, AC3, Sleeper class.

How to book this itinerary

Option 1 is to arrange it all yourself . First sketch out your itinerary, perhaps using the technique explained here . Then book each train journey at 12go.asia (hassle-free, although naturally they charge a reasonable agency mark-up) or get yourself registered with IRCTC and book as explained here . Then book each of your hotels separately using Booking.com . This is the budget option, if you don't mind the legwork and managing it yourself.

Option 2 is to have it all booked for you, hassle-free . I've arranged for train specialists Railbookers to offer this exact itinerary as a package, with trains, hotels, transfers (and if you like, your flight to India) all sorted for you. This costs more than sorting it all out yourself, but it saves a lot of effort (and possible frustration) and as it's then a package, if anything affects one part of the tour Railbookers will sort things out for you. Their suggested tour can be customised to your own requirements, to spend more or less time in each place. Railbookers is an ABTA member and holidays including flights are ATOL protected.

UK call 0207 864 4600, www.railbookers.co.uk .

us call free 1-888-829-4775, see website ., canada call free 1-855-882-2910, see website ., australia call toll-free 1300 971 526, see website . , new zealand call toll-free 0800 000 554 or see website ., alternative versions.

Alternatively, just pick on big city, one hill station, a couple of cities in Rajasthan, and a couple of places from the 'other' list below and create your own itinerary. How about: Kolkata - (overnight sleeper train to New Jalpaiguri then the famous Darjeeling Toy Train) - Darjeeling - Varanasi - (overnight sleeper train) - Agra - (daytime train) - Jaipur - (overnight sleeper train) - Kolkata?

The big cities

The royal cities of rajasthan, old colonial hill stations, other places to see, two personal favourites: a ride to darjeeling.

A personal favourite is the ride to Darjeeling on the narrow gauge Darjeeling Himalaya Railway (DHR), and a night or two at the wonderful Windamere Hotel . The DHR is now a UN World Heritage Site.

Travel from Kolkata's Sealdah station to New Jalpaiguri (NJP) on the broad gauge Darjeeling Mail, leaving Sealdah at 22:05 and arriving NJP at 08:15 next morning. The Darjeeling Mail has AC1, AC2, AC3, sleeper class and 2nd class accommodation. Then take the connecting DHR 'toy train' up to Darjeeling, leaving NJP at 10:00 daily, arriving Darjeeling at 17:30. It's a long ride on a narrow gauge train, sometimes next to the hill road, sometimes through jungle, and sometimes through the streets.

You can check the current status of the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway at www.dhrs.org/page4.html - it has it's ups and downs, if you'll pardon the expression.

Once in Darjeeling, the place to stay is the Windamere Hotel . Originally a boarding house for bachelor tea planters, it became a hotel in 1939. Meals are served by white-gloved, turbanned waiters and eaten by candlelight to the sound of Cole Porter tunes on the piano. Even if you can't afford it, make sure you come along for afternoon tea - probably the best cup of tea you will ever drink.

The daily Toy Train from NJP to Darjeeling on the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway. Photos courtesy of Nonstop Eurotrip .

For much of the way, the line runs next to the hill road with wonderful views, at one point it runs around a loop to gain height. At Kurseong, the train runs through the streets like a tram. Forget the bus, take the toy train.

The wonderful Windamere Hotel , Darjeeling. Photo courtesy of Nonstop Eurotrip .

...and a ride to Simla.

A little bit more robust than the line to Darjeeling, the similar toy train up to Simla in the Himalayan foothills is the way to reach Simla, once India's summer capital. Take a fast broad-gauge train from New Delhi to Kalka and change there onto the Toy Train up into the hills. The train ride to Simla is one of Simla's highlights on its own. If you get the chance, use the Shivalik Deluxe Express on the way back down from Simla (it connects with the overnight express to New Delhi going forward next day to Kolkata). The Shivalik Deluxe has plush fabric-covered first class armchairs, and a meal is served at your seat, included in the price. Although it gets dark as you descend, at stations without electricity the signalmen hand the single-line token to the driver whilst holding burning torches, the shimmering flames lighting up the side of the train. It's wonderfully atmospheric.

Tours of India by train

The cheapest option is to arrange everything yourself, independently, but this takes time and effort. If you want a customisable itinerary with all your train tickets, up-market hotels and transfers arranged for you, you can do this through train specialists Railbookers. Their website has various example itineraries including a one-week Golden Triangle one visiting Delhi, Agra and Jaipur, but have a look at the suggested itinerary above covering Delhi, Agra, Varanasi, Jaipur, Jaisalmer & Simla as I think it's the best 2-week itinerary around northern India that you'll find, and I've arranged for Railbookers to offer it. Railbookers takes good care of their clients and gets very good reviews.

Tourist cruise trains

There are now several luxury cruise trains catering for tourists and offering sightseeing itineraries around Indian cities. All of these trains are in effect 5 star international hotels on wheels, allowing you to see India in great comfort. They're not cheap, prices are in the $000s.

The Palace on Wheels

See www.palacesonwheels.com and see the Palace on Wheels video . This is India's first and most celebrated cruise train, voted as the world's 4th best luxury train by Condé Nast Traveller magazine. All suites feature private shower & spotlessly clean toilet, TV & CD player, and the train's two elegant restaurant cars offer both Indian and international cuisine.

You can book the Palace on Wheels through recommended train holiday specialist Railbookers who can also arrange flights, hotels and other Indian trains for you.

Other luxury cruise trains

The Palace on Wheels is no longer the only cruise train in India, and it's not even the best. Others have sprung up, though prices are sky-high. Be warned that most of these companies quote a rate per night, not for the whole tour!

Maharaja's Express , see www.the-maharajas.com - See the Maharaja's Express video . Runs various 3 or 7 night tours from Delhi back to Delhi or between Delhi & Mumbai, via places such as Agra, Jaipur, Varanasi, Lucknow, Khajuraho. This train is run by Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC), originally as a joint venture with Cox & Kings. Gets very positive feedback, 'ten out of ten' from one correspondent. You can now book the Maharaja's Express through train holiday specialist www.railbookers.co.uk .

Royal Rajasthan on Wheels , www.royalsrajasthanonwheels.com - See the Royal Rajasthan on Wheels video . Offers 8-day (7-night) itineraries with weekly departures from Delhi back to Delhi, stopping at Jodhpur, Udaipur, Ranthambore National Park, Jaipur, Khajuraho & Varanasi. Has also had great feedback, and can also be booked through www.railbookers.co.uk .

Golden Chariot , www.goldenchariot.org - see the Golden Chariot video . A luxury train offering weekly departures from Bangalore for a week-long tour to Goa & southern India.

Deccan Odyssey , www.deccan-odyssey-india.com - see the Deccan Odyssey video . A luxury train offering weekly departures from Mumbai for a week-long tour to Goa, Pune, and the caves at Ajanta & Ellora.

Indian Maharaja , www.theindianmaharaja.co.in . Offers 8-day 7-night 'land cruises' between Delhi & Mumbai in either direction on various dates between October & April, with stopovers & tours at Agra, Jaipur, Udaipur, Ellora & Ajanta Caves.

These trains can also be arranged through Railbookers. On their website, select 'Private trains'.

International trains, buses & ferries

There are international trains to Pakistan & Bangladesh, and buses to Nepal. Here's a quick summary:

Delhi - Amritsar - Lahore, Pakistan

Take a train from Delhi to Amritsar, there are lots to choose from. See www.indianrail.gov.in for times & fares.

Take a bus or taxi the 26km from Amritsar to the India/Pakistan frontier at Atari. Walk through the border posts to Wagah on the Pakistani side. You may want to hang around Wagah to see the spectacular ceremony at sunset when the border closes. Indian and Pakistani guards try to outdo each other with their performances, watched by Indians and Pakistani crowds!

Take another bus or taxi the remaining 20km to Lahore. Allow plenty of time for this deceptively short journey.

There used to be a cross-border train, but tension in Kashmir means all India-Pakistan trains are suspended at the moment.

Delhi - Jodhpur - Karachi, Pakistan

A weekly international train called the Thar Express started in February 2006 from Jodhpur to Karachi via the border at Munabao. But it's currently suspended.

Eastbound: The Thar Express leaves Karachi every Friday at 23:00, arriving at 'Zero Point' on the Pakistan/India frontier at around 08:00 next morning. After customs checks, the train goes forward to Munabao on the Indian side, arriving around 11:00.The Indian train departs Munabao at 19:00 after customs formalities, arriving Jodhpur (Bhagat Ki Kothi station) at 23:50 Saturday.

Westbound: The Thar Express leaves Jodhpur (Bhagat Ki Kothi station, about 4km from the main station) every Saturday morning at 01:00 arriving Munabao at 07:00, leaving Munabao at around 14:30 on Saturdays, reaching Karachi at 02:15 on Sunday morning.

The sleeper fare from Jodhpur to Munabao/zero point is about Rs170, and from Munabao/zero point to Karachi is about Rs230. No more information is yet available, but feedback would be appreciated! The train has one sleeping-car and several economy cars.

Update : Tension in Kashmir means all India-Pakistan trains are suspended at the moment.

Delhi to Kathmandu, Nepal

It's quite easy, cheap, and an adventure to do this journey overland. You take an overnight train from New Delhi to Gorakpur, then a bus. For details, see the Nepal page .

Kolkata to Dhaka, Bangladesh

A new direct train from Kolkata (Calcutta) to Dhaka started in April 2008, see the Bangladesh page .

India to Sri Lanka by ferry

After many years of being cut off from each other (with at least one short-lived attempt to start a ferry service in 2011), a new ferry service started in late 2023, linking Nagapattinam (mainland India) with Kankesanthurai (on Sri Lanka, near Jaffna).

The fast ferry Cheriyapani sails from Nagapattinam (India) at 07:00 arriving Kankesanthurai (Sri Lanka) at 11:00.

She sails from Kankesanthurai (Sri Lanka) at 13:30 arriving Kankesanthurai (India) at 17:00.

Crossing time 3 hours for the 60 nautical miles. Service will be suspended during the monsoon season in November-December.

Fare around 8,000 Indian rupees, luggage allowance 40 Kg.

Online booking will be available starting in January 2024, website not yet known. Until then, call +91 978 987 9971 at least 24 hours in advance. You will be required to send a copy of your passport and visa details via WhatsApp to confirm the booking.

Be careful with e-visas when using this ferry, they will not initially be accepted at these entry points, but may be in future.

India to Burma (Myanmar)

The India/Burma border is closed to foreigners. It is not possible to travel to Burma overland from India. For train and river steamer service within Burma, see the Burma page .

India to China

The direct route from India into China is difficult and mountainous, there are no trains, you need some serious permits to be in that part of India, and most if not all border crossings are closed to foreigners. If you wish to travel this way, do your research before attempting it!

For most practical purposes, you are better off going from India to Kathmandu in Nepal ( see the Nepal page ), then taking an organised tour from Kathmandu to Lhasa in Tibet ( see the Nepal page ), then a train to Beijing. For train service within China, including Lhasa to Beijing, see the China page .

Europe to India overland

Europe to india via istanbul, iran, pakistan.

It's possible to travel from Europe to India overland by train and bus via Turkey, Iran & Pakistan, along what in the 1960s & 70s was the hippy train. However, these days there are serious security problems affecting this route in Turkey, SE Iran & Pakistan. If you are foolhardy enough to brave these, it takes a minimum of 2-3 weeks and you should consider it as an adventure or expedition rather than a routine way to travel there.

Administratively, the main issue is getting a tourist visa for Iran - see the London to Iran page for agencies to contact to get one. Finally, there are major security issues in southeast Iran to be aware of - see the official travel advice for Iran and Pakistan at the British Foreign Office website, www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice . If you are still interested, see the Europe to India overland page . I'd suggest planning the trip out carefully before you start to book anything - this may help: How to plan an itinerary & budget .

Europe to India via Moscow, the Trans-Siberian Railway, Beijing & Lhasa

A safer though somewhat round-about way is London to Moscow by Eurostar and onward trains to Moscow (2 nights, £300, daily departures), Moscow to Beijing via the Trans-Siberian Railway (6 or 7 nights, £500, two per week), Beijing to Lhasa by train (2 nights, £100, daily), then an organised tour by bus from Lhasa to Nepal (7 nights, maybe $400), then bus and train to Delhi . Again, you may find this helpful: How to plan an itinerary & budget . Trains to Russia are suspended due to Covid-19 and now sanctions .

Hotels in India

Personal hotel recommendations, tripadvisor hotel reviews.

www.tripadvisor.com is a good place to find independent travellers' reviews of the main hotels. It also has the low-down on all the sights & attractions too.

Flights to India

Overland travel by train around India is an essential part of the experience, so once there, don't cheat and fly, stay on the ground! But if you need a long-haul flight to reach India in the first place.

1) Check flight prices at Opodo, www.opodo.com

2) use skyscanner to compare flight prices & routes worldwide across 600 airlines.

3) Lounge passes

Make the airport experience a little more bearable with a VIP lounge pass, it's not as expensive as you think! See www.loungepass.com

For independent travel, the best guidebook to take is either the Lonely Planet or Rough Guide . I gave Sarah the Lonely Planet and Karen the Rough Guide and we road-tested both of them head-to-head across India. The result was a tie, with similarly excellent levels of both practical travel information and historical and cultural background. I personally prefer the Lonely Planet, but Karen preferred the Rough Guide. Just make sure you take one of these two guides with you..! If you buy anything at Amazon through these links, Seat61.com gets a small commission to help support the site.

Buy Lonely Planet India at Amazon.co.uk Buy Rough Guide India at Amazon.co.uk

Alternatively, you can download just the chapters you need in .PDF format from the Lonely Planet Website , from around £2.99 or US$4.95 a chapter.

Also for your reading list

Travel insurance & other tips, always take out travel insurance.

Never travel overseas without travel insurance from a reliable insurer, with at least £1m or preferably £5m medical cover. It should also cover cancellation and loss of cash and belongings, up to a sensible limit. An annual multi-trip policy is usually cheaper than several single-trip policies even for just 2 or 3 trips a year, I have an annual policy with Staysure.co.uk myself. Here are some suggested insurers. Seat61 gets a small commission if you buy through these links.

Get an eSIM with mobile data package

Don't rely on WiFi, download an eSIM with a mobile data package for the country you're visiting and stay connected. Most newer mobile phones can download a virtual SIM card so you don't need to buy a physical SIM, including iPhone 11 & later, see device compatibility list . Maya.net is a reliable eSIM data retailer with a 4.5 out of 5 Trustpilot rating and a range of packages including unlimited data .

Get a Curve card for foreign travel

Most banks give you a poor exchange rate, then add a foreign transaction fee on top. A Curve MasterCard means no foreign transaction fees and gives you the mid-market exchange rate, at least up to a certain limit, £500 per month at time of writing. The money you spend on your Curve card goes straight onto one of your existing debit or credit cards.

How it works: 1. Download the Curve app for iPhone or Android . 2. Enter your details & they'll send you a Curve MasterCard - they send to the UK and most European addresses. 3. Link your existing credit & debit cards to the app, you can link up to two cards with the free version of Curve, I link my normal debit card and my normal credit card. 4. Now use the Curve MasterCard to buy things online or in person or take cash from ATMs, exactly like a normal MasterCard. Curve does the currency conversion and puts the balance in your own currency onto whichever debit or credit card is currently selected in the Curve app. You can even change your mind about which card it goes onto, within 14 days of the transaction.

I have a Curve Blue card myself, it means I can buy a coffee on a foreign station on a card without being stung by fees and lousy exchange rates, just by tapping the Curve card on their card reader. The money goes through Curve to my normal debit card and is taken directly from my account (in fact I have the Curve card set up as payment card on Apple Pay on my iPhone, so can double-click my phone, let it do Face ID then tap the reader with the phone - even easier than digging a card out). I get a little commission if you sign up to Curve, but I recommend it here because I think it's great. See details, download the app and get a Curve card , they'll give you £5 cashback through that link.

Get a VPN for safe browsing. W hy you need a VPN

When you're travelling you often use free WiFi in public places which may not be secure. A VPN encrypts your connection so it's always secure, even on unsecured WiFi. It also means you can select the geographic location of the IP address you browse with, to get around geoblocking which a surprising number of websites apply. See VPNs & why you need one explained . ExpressVPN is a best buy with a 4.7 out of 5 Trustpilot ranking which I use myself - I've signed up as an ExpressVPN affiliate, and if you go with expressvpn.com using the links on this page, you should see a special deal, 3 months free with an annual subscription. I get a small commission to help support this site.

Carry an Anker powerbank

Tickets, reservations, vaccination records and Interrail or Eurail passes are often held digitally on your mobile phone, so it's vital to keep it charged. I always carry an Anker powerbank which can recharge my phone several times over if I can't get to a power outlet. Buy from Amazon.co.uk or from buy from Amazon.com .

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Your Ultimate Guide to Indian Train Classes / Types

Tourists visiting India for the first time will struggle with the train classes before booking. India has some of the largest crowd who travel through trains for the nearest and the farthest corners of the country. No matter what your purpose of travel is, whether you want to travel to witness the scenic beauty through the window, or to get an experience of the railways of India, the train journey will always be a perfect option. You can make a better decision if you know some of the Indian train classes. It’s not that confusing after all; the sections in Indian trains can be divided into eight classes, take a look.

1. Unreserved General Class (UR)

This Indian train type has reached new heights when it comes to being overcrowded. You will get a free body massage if you are traveling in this section. Oh no, not in a literal sense, but because you will be closely knit with the other person standing next to you, rather standing on your feet. Expect wooden benches, where you will be able to barely stand or sit (if you are lucky), you will find many people sleeping in a small space right in front of your eyes. Don’t envy, they are a regular.

2. Second Class (2S)

This second class Indian train type will require reservations for sure. Remember the codes used for different sections, you will find it easy to make the booking. No matter how much you’re paying, the seats of the second class don’t recline. Though, the seats are comfy with cushioned benches and you will have the luxury of sitting on one single seat, unlike the unreserved section.

3. Sleeper Class (SL)

Prepare yourself to rest in an open-plan compartment, and yes, they have some legroom, if that’s what you are thinking. Many middle-class Indians who were fans of SL have now taken 3AS as their BAE. Wondering why? Because people from the general class will self-invite themselves to the sleeper class carriage. You will find fans to take off the heat and Indian, as well as the western toilets.

4. Three Tier Air Conditioned Class (3AC)

This section can be a fair upgrade due to the addition of AC. You won’t find unnecessary faces and you will find peace and comfort. The compartments are made in a similar manner as the sleeper class except for the windows that have a glass instead of iron bars. The surprise of the entire journey in this class will be unfolded when you will find proper bedding and you will also be handed with towels.

5. Two Tier Air Conditioned Class (2AC)

The 2AC section of the Indian trains is mostly traveled by the upper-class travelers. Each compartment consists of 4 beds and it’s much more comfortable than the other previous sections of the train. You will find a good leg space and a peaceful environment. Unlike other classes, people who love sleeping will find a perfect environment for that.

6. First Class Air Conditioned (1AC)

Hail the elite travelers. The first class is often reserved by the ones who cannot compromise with their comfort. The cost is double of the 2AC, you will get doors with lockers, and vertically stacked beds. The comfort level considering a train compartment goes off the radar. You will find room freshener, towels, pillow, and sheets to sleep peacefully without disturbance. Couples mostly prefer two-bed compartments.

7. Executive Air Conditioned Chair Car (1A)

This Indian train class is found only in Shatabdi Express trains. These are premium superfast trains that only run between a few major cities like Delhi, Kolkata, Jaipur, and Agra. If it’s hard for you to relate, then just imagine the executive class as the Railway version of business class inthe Airlines. You will be blessed with excellent legroom, nice seats, proper food, and luggage space.

8. Air Conditioned Chair Car (CC)

This kind of compartment is found in railways that are mostly designed to cover shorter distances. This section is comparatively more crowded than the executive class and has three seats on one side of the aisle and two on the other side.

Well, these Indian train classes are not so confusing after all. Once you travel or even try to make the booking, you will understand the segregations. Book the required classes that you think will be appropriate for your need. If you are looking for a suggestion, then here’s one. Travel in the second class of the train, if you want to experience unusual things and don’t forget to take a local friend along who can translate the visual activities for you. Here’s a small glimpse for you, you will see women fighting over a seat, men trying to fit into a small space, people carrying goods, and most of all hawkers selling hot snacks. You can always try a few things out of your itinerary list because sometimes you make better memories by doing things out of the ordinary.

Indian railways can help you experience the heart and soul of this subcontinent. Just make sure to select a suitable train class, and you are good to go. Now that you have a complete idea about the Indian train classes, make your own decision to travel in the compartments that will give you a better exposure to the journey of India.

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A guide to indian railways: how to easily explore the country by train.

O ne of the most exciting things you can do in India is to take the train – which is saying a lot, considering the large country offers everything from Bengal tiger safaris to trekking in the Himalayas to jungle-covered tropical islands. Rail lines crisscross the nation, carry millions of travelers every day. They’re an intrinsic part of the cultural flavor of India.

To ride an Indian Railways train is to allow yourself to be swept up in the hurly-burly of everyday life and join the masses in movement. It’s hard to describe the smell of fried snacks on the railway platform, the call of the chai seller moving down the aisle, and the hubbub of excitement as the train begins to roll out of the station without experiencing it for yourself. Indian Railways is essentially a microcosm of life in India, affording the opportunity to see the countryside glide by while you meet and interact with locals.

Indian Railways really is the lifeblood of India. The system is the fourth-largest in the world by route length, and the first by passenger count: approximately 22 million people take the train in India every day, which amounts to eight billion rides per year. Indian Railways is also one of the world’s largest employers. All trains in India are run and operated by the company, save for a few private, high-end tourists trains

The dizzying array of train types, classes, status codes, and routes can make navigating the Indian Railways system seem overwhelming. But with some basic knowledge and a little advanced planning, it’s easy enough to ride the rails with relative ease.

Trail types, classes, and codes
How to book Indian Railways travel
Tips for traveling by train in India
Considerations for female travelers

Recommended routes

Luxury trains in India

Train types, classes, and codes

Photo: Yuliia Ozeran /Shutterstock

All trains in India are not created equal. India has many different names for different types of trains, which could indicate any number of things: the geographic route, the level of comfort, the speed, or what city it leaves from. It can be pretty confusing.

So to make it easier, try and narrow your search to these four:

Vande Bharat Express: Semi-high-speed modern trains that connect major cities in short (under one day) trips
Rajdhani: High-speed trains with air conditioning that connect Delhi with major Indian cities
Shatabdi Express: Day trains with AC and comfort-focused amenities that make one-day trips to medium and large cities
Gatimaan Express: Train that runs from Delhi to Agra and beyond and is sometimes called the Taj Mahal Express.

These are the best passenger trains in India, aside from several expensive luxury trains.

Indian Railways has different classes of service, much like an airline. And you probably don’t want to end up in the most budget seats. Just like there are many train types available, there are also many classes. For comfort on sleeper trains, choose 1AC (first class with air conditioning) or 2AC (second class with air conditioning). On trains with seats, rather than berths, both the executive chair car (EC) and chair car (CC) are comfortable; the EC seats are arranged with two seats on each side of the aisle, while CC seats have three.

To accommodate the millions of people trying to book trains every day, Indian Railways has developed a complex system of status codes. Once you buy your ticket, your status code can change, depending on the type of ticket you bought. You can check your status by inputting your 10-digit PNR number into one of several apps (below).

When booking, look for seats with a code “AVL,” which means available and okay for you to book. Once you book it, your ticket will show that seat as “CNF,” meaning confirmed. Other codes you may see include “RAC,” (reservation against cancellation), which means you can get on the train but will only be assigned a seat/berth if someone cancels; and “WL,” or waitlist. That means you won’t be able to board the train unless your ticket status gets switched to RAC or CNF – which only happens when people cancel.

It is risky to book these tickets and not recommended if you’re new to train travel in India.

How to book with Indian Railways

Photo: Phuong D. Nguyen /Shutterstock

Booking a train in India is not easy. Registering with Indian Railways is difficult for foreigners, as is paying with a foreign card. You can try the 12Go.asia site (a third-party ticket booking site, similar to Expedia) or contact a travel booking company in India. Otherwise, the best way to do it is wait until you arrive in India, then visit the International Tourist Bureau on the first floor of the New Delhi Railway Station. From here, you can book all trains, including those that have a foreign quota (reserved seats just for non-Indians; you’ll need your passport to book).

Tips for train travel in India

india bindia by rail - agra stationy rail - agra station

Photo: Matyas Rehak /Shutterstock

Getting organized in advance to take the train in India will save you a lot of hassles. Fortunately, there are many downloadable apps, such as IRCTC Connect ( Google Play / Apple ) and NTES ( Google Play / Apple ), both of which are official apps. Trainman and ConfirmTkt are also good options. All allow you to track your train and check your seat status, among other features.

Knowing when your train is going to arrive is crucial, as Indian Railways trains can sometimes be hours late. It’s also very helpful to find out exactly where on the platform your coach will be after the train pulls into the station so that you know where to stand.

There are usually quite a few options for eating on the train, but it helps to carry a bag of snacks, if you want something specific (or something fresh, like fruit). You can also use apps like RailYatr or RailRestro to order food to be delivered to your train. The quality is usually better than the food served onboard.

If you are taking an overnight train, it’s a good idea to bring a cable lock and lock your luggage to the frame of the berth. You can slide your luggage under the bottom bunk, as long as it’s not too big – which is a good reason to travel light in India. Carry-on bags and backpacks will usually fit, but larger pieces of checked luggage likely won’t.

Since your bag will be locked under the bottom berth, you’ll probably want items like water, socks, an e-reader, and a sleeping bag liner (if you’re particular about hygiene) in a small bag you can keep at your seat with you. Only the standard sleeping class trains do not include bedding; all other sleeper trains have the basics like sheets and a pillow.

Indian Railways safety for women

woman traveling by train on indian railways

Photo: Val Shevchenko /Shutterstock

Many solo female travelers take the train in India every day, and the vast majority have a good experience with no problems. You’ll find many Indian families traveling by train, most of whom are usually friendly and curious towards foreigners. Most families are also protective of safety on the train and will generally come to your aid if something untoward should happen.

If you’re nervous about riding Indian Railways or not used to traveling alone, it’s probably a good idea to take a train during the daytime only, and ensure you arrive at your destination before nightfall. You can arrange to have a driver meet you: they can literally wait for you on the platform in front of your car.

If you do decide to take an overnight train, 2AC (second class) is probably the best bet. There are four bunks in the cabin, with a curtain between the cabin and the aisle. There are two bunks in the aisle, which also has a curtain. By contrast, in 1AC (first class), there are four bunks and a door that locks. In general, it’s safer to be behind a curtain, rather than a locked door, as the curtains will allow you to call for help more easily on the rare occasion you need it.

Photo: Dmitry Rukhlenko /Shutterstock

If you’re planning a trip to India and want to include a train journey or two, look for Indian Railways routes that connect major cities.

The Delhi Jaisalmer Express: This 18-hour sleeper train takes you from Delhi to Jaisalmer, a desert city famous for the “Jaisalmer Fort.” The views along the route are mostly of bright red and orange desert scenes – truly beautiful.
The glass roofed trains: These are train cars with glass roofs designed to show off the scenery along certain routes. They’re attached to various trains throughout the country and can be booked online like any other seat (though they’re a bit pricier). They’re officially called “Vistadome” trains
Rajdhani Express from Delhi to Mumbai: Connecting two of the most popular cities for tourists in India, the Rajdhani Express sleeper leaves late afternoon from Delhi and arrives in Mumbai around 8:30 AM. Bonus: meals are included in the ticket price.
Kalka-Shimla Toy Train: This roughly six-hour train ride is in northern India and is one of the prettiest routes in the country. It crosses more than 800 bridges and several different cars are available, from the tourist-focused Shivalik Palace Tourist Coach to the more budget-friendly chair cars or twin heritage coach.

Luxury trains are the last word

Luxury train alternative - indian railways

Photo: CRS Photo </a/>/Shutterstock

If you want to splash out, India is home to some of the world’s most luxurious trains. There are several much more luxurious trains available. That includes the Palace on Wheels, owned by Indian Railways and serving India’s “Golden Triangle.” Other luxurious trains include the Deccan Odyssey (running week-long sightseeing trips through Maharashtra), the Golden Chariot , and the most luxurious train of all: the Maharajas’ Express.

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Indian Railways: What the Different Classes Mean

Post author By Merlin Chacko
Post date July 3, 2017
3 Comments on Indian Railways: What the Different Classes Mean

Indian railway is very extensive and the major transport that connects the entire country. In fact, one of the best ways to travel India (after car or bike) is on a train. Travelling in an Indian train can be a little uncomfortable for you on the first day, but slowly, you’ll come to love it (sometimes even more than airlines).

As much exciting as it is to travel through India in a train, Indian railways can be very confusing. From selecting the train of your choice to booking the tickets and finally preparing to have a comfortable journey is all very different from the usual process of Western countries. Here, I decode it all for you. At the end of the article, I also give you some personal tips that’ll definitely help you!

The Different Classes

If you’ve already been to India and tried to book a train ticket, it might have been a nightmare. You may not have fully understood the various classes in the trains and which one would be the best for you. But if you’re someone who is planning to travel to India for the first time, it is essential that you clear all doubts regarding the trains and coaches here because it’s the most affordable and comfortable transportation option in the country.

Before I start with the explanation, you have to understand that some classes may not be available on some trains. So you’ll have to select your train accordingly.

1. AC First Class (AC 1)

Let’s start with the most expensive and comfortable class of the Indian railways. AC1 is most luxurious that you can get on any Indian train. Honestly. If you like the idea of ultra luxurious trains, then Take a Ride on the 5 Most Luxurious Trains in India.

As the name suggests, this entire class is air conditioned. If you’re someone who values privacy more than anything, then this is the best option for you. That’s because they have separate lockable cabins. Each cabin has two or four berths.

Now the thing is that while booking tickets, you don’t get to choose whether you’ll like to be in the two-berth cabin or the four-berth one. Unfortunately, that’s decided by the railway authorities but their criteria most of the time is two for couples and four for families. If you’re single, your fate is in their hands.

Washrooms are available on both ends of a coach (just outside the doors of both the exits). Things like towels and pillows will already be provided to you. Inside the cabins, you can expect all sorts of facilities, even a washbasin! Since you’re in the first class, the service will always be nice. All the cabins are on one side of the aisle while there is plenty of space to walk comfortably outside the cabins.

The price is almost similar to that of airfare because here, first class in a train is like the business class of flights. Also, Tatkal booking (reservations at the last moment) is not allowed for the first class, so you’ll have to decide a little early.

2. AC 2-tier

The name sounds confusing, but I’ll make it simple for you. Some people (like my mum) also call it 2nd AC. Its rates are lower than first AC, and if truth be told, it’s better than that as well.

The only reason I can say that it’s better than first AC is because anything can happen in the latter and no one would know because everyone would have locked their cabins (although there haven’t been many cases of stealing or other danger). But again, it’s everyone’s personal choice.

In AC 2-tier, there are berths on both sides of the aisle. It’ll be a little less spacious but yet very comfortable. There are no cabins here. On one side, there’ll be four berths (two above and two below) and one the other side there’ll be two berths. Both of these sides will be separated by curtains, so there is privacy.

You will not have a washbasin in the coach and only outside it. Other than this, individual reading lamps are available which is a big plus. Sheets, towels and pillows are also provided. Socialising amongst passengers is easier in this class.

As I mentioned earlier, the fare for seats in this class is much less than AC First Class. But one advantage here is that tatkal booking is allowed.

3. AC 3-tier

Two berths one the opposite side and four on this side

It’ll be a bit more crowded because instead of four berths on one side, there’ll be six. On the other side, there’ll be two itself. Besides more people, the other problem here is that on the side where there are six berths now (two below, two on the top and two in the middle of these), the middle berths have to be put down in the morning. They are put up by hooking them onto hinges attached on the top berth. You’ll not fall off, but then you can also not sleep when you want in the afternoon because people are sitting on the lower berth.

Tip: Most of the time, you can ask the passengers who are with you if you could use their upper berths to sleep in the afternoon. They’ll usually allow as most passengers are very helpful. Also, there are no curtains here so no privacy.

There are no reading lamps in AC 3. Other facilities are available just like in the above two classes. Rates are just a little less than 2nd AC. Not a big difference though. Tatkal is available.

Now this one class here is probably in which half of the Indian population travels. Sleeper class is not air conditioned. Its seating arrangements are just like AC 3-tier. Pillows and sheets are not provided.

Toilets are just outside both the exits like it is in all other classes. But the toilets of AC coaches are considerably cleaner than sleeper class. This could be because anyone can get in the sleeper class for selling stuff when the train stops at a station. Also, people without a reservation get on in this class.

To be honest, I’ve travelled in sleeper class about five times (after which we started booking in AC coaches). Sleeper class can make your trip more fun if you don’t mind all the noise, vendors and a lot of passengers. You can keep the windows open unlike in the AC coaches and definitely have a better experience of the surroundings. Also, when the train stops at stations, you can call out vendors from your window (I always do that to buy stuff).

The fare will never exceed beyond Rs. 1000 and this class is present in all the trains of the country.

5. First Class

Don’t confuse this first class with the other one because this one isn’t air conditioned. It’s actually not even built in most trains now. In some older trains though, it’s still present.

It’s just like the AC First Class regarding facilities and service with all the compartments and stuff. The only trouble is that it isn’t air conditioned. If that doesn’t pose a problem for you and you still need privacy at lower rates, go ahead with this class.

Although, you’ll have to check in advance if the train you’re going to be travelling in has this class or not.

6. Second Sitting

Well, this one is like a compartment for local travellers; the ones who are travelling for shorter distances (within the same city or to nearby states). People also stand and travel in these coaches most of the time if they don’t get a seat, so it’s usually very crowded.

The seating arrangement is also very basic. The coaches are separated into two rows with three cushioned seats on each row.

7. AC Chair Car

This is the last class there is, and it’s like Second Sitting but air conditioned.

Now this one can be a little uncomfortable if you plan on travelling to another state altogether because sitting in one place for that long can be pretty annoying. You can tilt your chair back up to an extent, but it’ll still be uncomfortable.

The price for this one is 3x the price of the Second Sitting.

Tips for Travelling by Train

Now that we’re done with the different classes, here are some tips that could come out to be useful.

Always lock your suitcases and keep your handbags or purses with you, especially if you’re travelling in Sleeper Class.
Bring an extra pair of clean sheets with you in case the one you get on the train is dirty. Also, if you’re in Sleeper Class, it can sometimes get cold at night, so it’ll come in handy.
The toilets of the Sleeper Class and sometimes in AC 3-tier can be very unclean. The washbasins could be dirty as well. So always take a small pouch with you to keep your toiletries. In this way, you don’t have to keep your things on the bench tops there. Also, try to use the toilet in the early morning before everyone starts to crowd near it.
It’s safer to buy certain food items from stations than from the vendors who sell it in the coaches. I don’t mean packaged items but freshly cooked food items.
Talk with the fellow passengers. You never know who might be of help to you. Besides, you’ll get to know a lot about the country from them. Also, if they belong to the state that you’re travelling to, then they can recommend places to you.
If you feel like someone is troubling you or you’re suspicious of them, don’t hesitate to contact the police. Their contact numbers can be found on walls of the coaches itself when you enter.
Bring a good book with you as you can get bored if it’s a long trip. Some vendors bring books, and there are many book shops on the station platforms. Different genres are available, mostly bestsellers. Also, keep lots of change with you because packaged snacks and drinks are often brought in the coaches, and they ask for change always.
Meals provided on the trains can be very tasteless and if you go walk a few coaches down you’ll be able to see where they’re cooked – that will be enough to put you off eating them. Most Indians bring their own food.

Now you’re ready to book your tickets!

Tags How To , India , Indian Railways , Safety , Trains

By Merlin Chacko

Currently studying English Literature at Delhi University. Obsessed with Harry Potter and NOT Shakespeare. I believe that nothing nourishes the soul like books and travelling. Constantly amazed by the Indian culture and its history. Personally feel that the old forts and ruined palaces in India are almost magical.

3 replies on “Indian Railways: What the Different Classes Mean”

[…] travel in. This can be very confusing for many people but don’t worry. Check out our article, Indian Railway: What the Different Classes Mean. We’ve explained each class elaborately there so you can choose one that suits your […]

What considerations should foreigners make when deciding whether to check larger luggage on a train in India?

Hey Garrett. I use a padlock and chain to lock my bags under the seats. Then I don’t have to worry so much. And I sleep with my backpack with my valuables next to the wall of my bed (so it can’t be taken at night).

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Top Travel Classes of Indian Railways: All You Need To Know

Indian Railways is a very important part of our country because a large number of people use to travel via train on a daily basis. The Indian Government always introduces new schemes and projects for improvement of our Railway system. Indian Railways is known as the “Backbone” of our country’s economy because it not only generates revenue for our economy but also it is an integral part of our lives. Slowly and gradually our railway system is improving and introducing advanced features, services and facilities for the passengers. Indian Railway coaches are well-designed for all types of people.

Travel Classes of Indian Railways’ Trains

Train coaches are specifically designed for all types of passengers according to their comfort and preferences. Indian railways coaches are classified into various classes. Every class provides services according to the level of class, first class AC coaches will provide top-notch facilities compared to second class. At the time of ticket booking, you will get a library to choose the class in which you want to travel.

You can choose your travel class according to your budget and preferences. Hence, if you’re someone who always gets confused, what are the differences between travel classes in India? Or What kind of services do they use to provide their passengers? Here, in this blog, we will discuss everything that you need to know about travel classes of Indian Railways as a passengers.

AC First Class (1A)

If you want to have the most comfortable and the best experience while travelling via train then the first AC class is just for you. When it comes to travelling via train, nothing can beat the luxury and comfort that first-class coaches offer. The first-class coaches are fully air-conditioned with full space and comfort for the passengers. Apart from that this class provides personalised washbasins and shower facilities for the passengers along with personal sheets, pillows, blankets and towels for each berth.

If you’re planning to travel on a long journey then this coach can be the best for you as it provides all the possible facilities. Their coaches are made with 2- 2-berth or 4-berth sleeper compartments with lockable doors for the privacy and security of the passengers. One of the most interesting things about first-class coaches is that you can easily travel with your pets but for that, there are certain conditions laid by the Railway Authority. The price of the 1AC depends on the train but generally, it costs between 2k to 5k (depending on the train).

AC Second Class (2A)

Second-class AC coaches are also very comfortable as this class offers comfortable berths in air-conditioned coaches with curtains for privacy. This class provides no middle berth on each side of the compartment, there will be only lower and upper berths. Each berth has its own curtains for privacy along with a personal sheet, pillow, blanket and towel. If your budget is not too high then you can choose 2AC as it provides all the comfort in half of the price compared to 1AC. The price of 2AC lies between 1k to 3k (depending on the train).

AC 3-Tier (3A)

Third-AC coaches are very affordable compared to second-class AC and first-class AC coaches. This sleeper-class coach is specially crafted for middle-class passengers. This coach has a total number of 8 berths in a compartment, including side berths. Indian Railways provides separate pillows, sheets and blankets for each 3AC berth. This class is one of the most common and affordable coaches generally preferred by common people. The price of 3AC will never make any hole in your pocket because the fare of the journey lies between somewhere from 500 to 1500 (depending on the train).

Third AC Economy (3E)

Indian Railways has recently introduced a third AC economy class for their passengers. This class has fully air-conditioned compartments having 9 berths (6 berths on one side of the aisle and 3 berths on the other side). If your budget is quite low then you can book this coach for your journey. This is to let you know that the fare of a third AC economy ticket is equal to the fare of an AC 3-tier ticket. Indian Railways introduced this coach as an upgrade of the AC 3-tier class coach with some improvements. Here, some of the major features of the AC 3-tier economy coach are mentioned below:

They improved the design of seats and berths.
The total capacity of the berth has been increased from 72 to 83.
You will find a foldable table for having meals or snacks.
The total number of headroom has been increased.
If you love reading books or novels while travelling via train then this coach can be the best for you as it
provides individual reading lamps for reading.
You will find wider toilet doors and entrance doors specially for Divyangjan in each coach.
They provide private USB charging points for each berth.

Sleeper Class (SL)

If you’re travelling on a daily basis for work or the office then you can travel on sleeper class. This class has a total number of 72-80 berths having 8 berths in each compartment. This class is not good for long journeys due to excess crowd, noise and hygiene. If you travel a short distance on a daily basis then only this class will be appropriate for you. The biggest problem of travelling in a sleeper class coach is finding a clean washroom.

You will hardly get a clean and maintained washroom as passengers use the washrooms like a public toilet. There are usually 2 windows in sleeper class that can be opened/closed manually. Hence, the sleeper class is a non-air-conditioned class with open berths and it can be a budget-friendly option for daily travellers.

AC Chair Car (CC)

This class is specially crafted for short-distance daytime travel. This class can be the best option for you if you’re travelling to a short destination. This is an air-conditioned seater coach with a total number of 5 seats in a row. These types of coaches are mostly found in Shatabdi trains, Duronto trains, Double Decker trains, Garib Rath etc. In this coach, each seat is dedicated to only one passenger and the seats are usually designed like a chair.

Exclusive Class (EC)

These coaches are specifically made for business travellers as they offer all the facilities with comfortable and spacious seating arrangements. The EC (Exclusive Class) compartments are fully air-conditioned having chair-style seating arrangements. Exclusive Class train seats are usually very high and the features and comfort are very similar to the first AC coaches. Hence, next time whenever you plan to travel for business purposes you can easily travel with EC class for an unforgettable travel experience.

Shatabdi and Rajdhani Classes

This is to let you know that Shatabdi trains and Rajdhani trains are one of the most popular trains of Indian Railways. These premium trains usually offer top-notch facilities with ultimate comfort with various classes including AC-2 tier, AC-3 tier etc.

Duronto Class

Duronto trains are also very popular in India. This premium train offers luxurious facilities and premium services with AC 2-tier and AC 3-tier options.

These are some of the most popular travel classes in Indian Railways. Some of the classes offer food on train facility because the price of the food was included in the price of the ticket. Some classes do not provide this facility but you don’t need to worry because RailRecipe is always for you to satisfy your appetite. This is to let you know that RailRecipe is an IRCTC (Indian Railways Catering and Tourism Corporation) well-authorised e-catering company that provides a specific platform where you can easily order your food on train.

You just need to mention your 10-digit PNR number or train number for placing your food order. You can place your food order directly from the website or you can also download the RailRecipe app . For ordering food on train on call you can also call us on our helpline number 8448440386 . Our customer care executive team will surely help you to place your food order on the train.

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Sheewangi Arya is a skilled content writer who has the ability to craft content that is not only informative, but also interesting, engaging, and tailored to the needs and interests of the target audience.

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Travel Classes In Indian Railways: 3E, 3A CC, 2S, SL, UR, 2A, & Many 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 11 Seat Classes in Indian Railway s. 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 General Class (UR)

UR stands for Unreserved General Class. 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 AC (2S)

2S stands for Second-class Seating. The second seating, or 2S, is for cheap 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.

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.

4. AC Chair (CC)

CC stands for AC Chair. 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.

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.

8. 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

11. 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. 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.

7. 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.

9. 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.

10. 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.

FAQ- Railway Classes

Is there a difference in the level of air conditioning provided in different travel classes.

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.

Can I travel in 2S with general ticket?

You can sit anywhere in the general coaches if you have a general ticket

Can I sleep in general train?

You can sleep in your berth only from 10 PM to 6 AM.

What does CC,SL,1A,2A,3A,2S in Indian Trains mean ?

Debalina Deb Roy

What does CC,SL,1A,2A,3A,2S in Indian Trains mean ?

1. What does CC in Train means?

2. what does 1a in train means, 3. what does 2a in train means , 4. what does 3a in train means, 5. what does 2s in train means , 6. what does sl in train means .

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Private Cabins: First AC coaches consist of private, lockable cabins that offer a high degree of privacy to passengers. Each cabin typically accommodates two or four passengers , providing an exclusive and comfortable space for the duration of the journey.
Air Conditioning: First AC coaches are fully air-conditioned, ensuring a controlled and comfortable environment throughout the journey. Passengers can enjoy a pleasant travel experience, especially during the scorching Indian summers.
Berth Arrangement: The berths in First AC are wider and more comfortable than those in lower classes. The cabins are equipped with a combination of berths and seats, allowing passengers the flexibility to convert their seating arrangement into berths during the night.
Bedding and Linen: Passengers in First AC are provided with premium quality bedding, including blankets, sheets, and pillows. The railway staff ensures that the cabins are well-prepared with clean and comfortable linen before the journey begins.
Catering Services: First AC passengers often enjoy complimentary meals served directly in their cabins. The catering services in this class are curated to meet the tastes and preferences of the passengers, offering a dining experience that adds to the overall luxury of the journey.
Reading Lights and Charging Points: Each cabin is equipped with individual reading lights and charging points, allowing passengers to comfortably read or work during the journey and keep their electronic devices powered.
Exclusive Lounge Access: Some premium trains and stations offer exclusive lounges for First AC passengers. These lounges provide a serene environment for passengers to relax before or after their journey, with amenities such as comfortable seating, refreshments, and Wi-Fi.
Attendant Services: First AC coaches are typically staffed with attendants who cater to the needs of passengers, ensuring a high level of service. Passengers can request assistance for various services, adding to the overall convenience and luxury of their travel.

Berth Arrangement: Third AC coaches typically have berths arranged in a combination of six on one side of the aisle and two on the other. The berths are comfortable, and passengers have the flexibility to convert their seating arrangement into berths during the night.
Air Conditioning : One of the distinguishing features of Third AC is that it is fully air-conditioned. This ensures a controlled and comfortable environment throughout the journey, making it particularly appealing during hot and humid weather conditions.
Bedding and Linen: Passengers in Third AC are provided with bedding, including blankets, sheets, and pillows. The railway staff ensures that the berths are well-prepared with clean and comfortable linen before the journey begins.
Charging Points: Each berth in Third AC is typically equipped with individual charging points, allowing passengers to charge their electronic devices during the journey.
Toilets and Washrooms: Third AC coaches have attached toilets and washrooms exclusive to passengers in this class. The facilities are regularly maintained to ensure cleanliness and hygiene.
Luggage Storage: Third AC coaches provide under-seat storage for passengers' luggage, allowing them to securely store their belongings during the journey.
Catering Services: While complimentary meals may not be included as in Third AC, some trains offer optional catering services, allowing passengers to purchase food and beverages during the journey.

Places to visit in Rajasthan

Best places to visit in India by month

Frequenty Asked Questions

1. what is the main difference between sleeper class (sl) and first ac (1a) in indian railways, 2. how are berths arranged in second ac (2a) coaches, 3. what amenities are provided in third ac (3a) coaches, 4. is second seater (2s) suitable for long-distance travel, 5. is second seater (2s) suitable for long-distance travel, 6. how does chair car (cc) differ from second seater (2s), 7. are catering services available in chair car (cc), 8. what is the significance of reserved seating in chair car and third ac, 9. can passengers in sleeper class (sl) purchase meals during the journey.

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Worried about taking the train in India? Don’t be. Here’s our complete guide.

By Sarah Steiner
Updated On April 15, 2024

Have you even really been to India if you haven’t taken an Indian train? Train travel in India is more than just a means of transport. It truly is part of the culture and experience of travel in India.

The India train network spans 63,000 km of rail routes and 6,800 stations so it’s fairly safe to say you can travel between almost any two destinations in India by train.

I’m going to detail an entire travel guide to India trains below. But the first piece of advice I have to share is simply; take the train.

Don’t be afraid of taking trains in India. Don’t be worried they’re crowded or that you might not understand where to get on or off. Taking a train in India is an entire experience.

Where to start?
Booking tickets
Classes of train travel
How much does it cost?

Car and carriage numbering

Facilities on board
Indian train stations

Train travel in India with kids

Questions (and answers) about train travel in India
Download the right apps

Do you need an advance reservation for train travel in India?

Yes, you definitely need a reservation for train travel in India. Trains often get booked out weeks or even months in advance.

It used to be common that some trains had a reserved Foreign Tourist Quota (seats reserved for tourists making last minute reservations to important destinations) but with the advancement of online bookings this can’t be counted on. I recommend making your booking as far in advance as possible.

Howrah Railway Station in Kolkata. How to book train tickets for train travel in India.

Booking tickets for train travel in India

Because trains in India get booked in advance I recommend buying tickets online before you travel.

If you have a contact or friend in India it might be easier to book through them ahead of time. Otherwise there are essentially 3 options for you to book train travel in India:

Go to a railway station and book in person when you arrive
Book online directly from Indian Railways at the IRCTC website www.irctc.co.in
Book online through third party 12GoAsia .

Booking online through ticketing agency 12go.asia is without doubt the easiest and most straightforward option .

This is the option we used to book all our train travel in India. But I will detail both online options below.

Online option 1: Book online directly from Indian Railways IRCTC website

This is not the most straightforward option but once you are registered you’ll have access to all routes, trains, classes and ticket types at a lower cost than booking through a third party. (This is a less reviewed way of booking train travel in India as up until 2016 IRCTC did not accept international credit cards).

However (in theory) it works now from overseas.

First you need to register an account with IRCTC. Go to www.irctc.co.in and click REGISTER top right. Enter the details to create an account.
Choose a username and enter your mobile number with country code (it will now accept international country codes).
Check your emails for the Online Rail Ticket Reservation User Registration Confirmation. Click the link to activate your account and enter your chosen ID and password to log in.
Fill in the destination and boarding point along with the date of desired journey.
Check the list of times and options for different classes of train travel and select your choice. A new window opens for filling the required passenger details.
Make your payment through the preferred payment gateway.
Check your emails for a message of confirmation and your electronic ticket details.

Online option 2: Book through 12GoAsia

This is the quickest and most reliable booking option we have found. Albeit you do need to pay a bit extra for the booking fee. But for sure the ease of service and reliability of this option makes it worth it.

The website is very straightforward. Enter your destination details and desired date of journey and the different timing options and classes will be displayed if available.

Your electronic ticket will be emailed to you.

This is all you need to show at the train station and/or to the guard or attendant on board.

How to book train tickets for train travel in India.

Understanding classes of train travel in India

There are 8 classes of seats and accommodation to purchase for train travel in India. Not all of them are available on every train.

We have tried nearly all classes now and can recommend different options for distances and comfort (and adventure) around India.

These are the train classes listed below in descending order according to price per fare.

First Class (1A)

This is the most expensive class of train travel in India. There are 4-berth cabins and 2-berth coupes available on popular routes. The main difference between this class and 2-Tier AC is that First Class has a lockable cabin door for complete privacy.

First class cabin on the Mumbai Mail from Kolkata to Mumbai train travel in India.

Second AC / 2-Tier AC (2A)

A comfortable class for overnight travel.

2-Tier AC has 4 berths per cabin with bedding provided. The only shortfall on 2A class is that it lacks a lockable door on the cabin (a curtain is provided instead).

Third AC / 3-Tier AC (3A)

Air-conditioned coach cabin with 64 berths per carriage. The bottom berth is folded down during the day (with 3 numbers above each seating space) for seated travel. Bedding is provided.

Third class AC 3 tier train travel in India with kids

Sleeper Class (SL)

The most common class of train travel in India. Sleeper (SL) has regular sleeping coaches with three berths vertically facing each other but without any air conditioning.

This is probably our favourite train travel experience in India. I would recommend Sleeper for an early morning and short distance journey purely for the experience.

Sleeper Class train travel in India with kids. How to book train tickets for train travel in India.

AC Executive chair class (EC)

A seated air-conditioned class with four seats in a row and spacious seating and legroom. AC Executive Chair Class is now only found on the popular Shatabdi Express , Vande Bharat Express & Tejas Express trains.

Seated AC / AC Chair Car (CC)

Air-conditioned coach with five seats in a row.

AC Chair Class from Delhi to Amritsar how to take trains in India travel guide to trains in India.

General / Second Class Seats (2S, II)

Open plan cars with wooden or padded plastic seats. This is the most basic and cheapest class of travel (recommended for short daytime journeys when you’re feeling up for it). Seats are often non-reserved so you will need to join the rush on entering 2S…

How much does it cost to ride trains in India?

Fares vary for train travel in India depending on class and distance (obviously). And ticket prices will also be higher booking through a third party (like 12GoAsia).

Here are example ticket prices for the popular 3-hour(ish) train journey New Delhi to Agra :

First Class (1A): 1510 INR
Extended AC Chair (EC): 1285 INR
2-Tier AC (2a): 945 INR
3-Tier AC (3A): 740 INR
AC Chair Class (CC): 640 INR
Sleeper (SL): 242 INR

The Ranikhet Express at Jaisalmer Railway Station. How to book train tickets for train travel in India.

Navigating Indian train stations

This almost warrants documenting as an entire adventure in itself. Navigating Indian train stations can be intense. But there are also smaller stations and stops where you will be offered help and food and a place to sit (even if you weren’t looking for it).

For us, we started off this trip departing from Kolkata Railway Station (Howrah) which is enormous. But it functions like clockwork with systems that have been improved upon and working for decades. (Albeit that is if you can find your name on the typewriter-printed paper charts pinned to wall to allocate seating!).

Smaller stations (like Jodhpur, Jaisalmer etc) give you a bit of breathing room to understand how an Indian train station functions.

There are ticket booking lines, electronic arrival and departure screens, an enquiry booth, security checks, shops and stalls, bathrooms, waiting rooms and the sound of chai wallahs making their call.

And there is often a waiting room for customers booked in any of the AC classes. This will be signposted but otherwise ask at an enquiry counter (or any security guard will point you in the right direction). It is sometimes called a ‘retiring room’…

Eating breakfast in the AC waiting room at Jodhpur Railway Station traveling by train in India.

This is important. (Learn from our mistakes here). Coaches/carriages on longer distance Indian trains are numbered according to class like this:

AC1 : Car H1, H2, H3 (1, 2 and 3 are the number of coaches of that class on the train)
2A/2-Tier: Car A1, A2, A3 etc.
3A/3-Tier: Car B1, B2, B3 etc.
AC Chair Car: Car C1, C2, C3 etc.
Sleeper/SL: Car S1, S2, S3 etc.

So for example, if you have booked a 3-Tier AC ticket your booking status will show:

B2/25/Lower

Where B2 is the car number and 25 is the seat number (lower berth).

Each carriage/car is labelled on the outside with the according number (eg. B1 or B2) and some stations have electronic boards above the platform to let you know which car is lined up at that spot on the platform.

We underestimated the importance of getting on the correct train car in Jodhpur on our first trip. We saw ‘2-Tier’ and just jumped on. The Ranikhet Express has over 24 carriages and it’s a long way to run with two backpacks on and two kids in tow to find your correct car as the train signal is sounding!

Check your ticket ahead of time and determine your Car Number , Class and Seat .

Waiting room at New Delhi Railway Station.

Travelling in India with kids adds to the adventure. You need to have your wits about you navigating busy train stations (but that’s pretty standard advice for travel with children in general).

There is a discount for purchasing a child ticket on Indian trains, but unless your child is very young (and small in size) I recommend booking a full ticket and entire berth or seat.

Plan ahead and bring snacks and water. There are stops along the way and attendants selling small juices, water and food as you go. But it’s a given rule to always be prepared with snacks for the kids.

Bring toilet paper and wet-wipes or soap to make efforts for hygiene even on Indian trains. Little hands touch all kinds of things and it will give you peace of mind to know you are at least making all attempts to keep things as hygienic as possible.

What about food on long trains?

On long distance trains there will often be the option to purchase the food-included option when buying your ticket online. But don’t panic it you can’t see this option available.

There aren’t restaurant of buffet cars on Indian Railways but on long distance trains there are plenty of train attendants who will come to your cabin or car and ask if you would like to order food.

The attendant may come by with the box of food for breakfast (our experience travelling long distance train Kolkata to Mumbai). And for lunch and dinner the attendant will come by earlier and take your order.

It is not expensive and will likely have a veg/non-veg option to choose from.

For snacks, drinks, water and chai on the popular routes the attendants come through the cars regularly selling different options for a few rupees.

Thali for lunch on board the Mumbai Mail from Kolkata to Mumbai a complete guide to taking this train from Mumbai to Kolkata.

What are the facilities like?

As above, the facilities available on different train lines and in stations are varied depending on which class you are travelling. And which train station you are stopping at.

In our experience, the AC classes (1A, 2AC, 3AC) have two toilets in each carriage. One western style toilet and one squat toilet. There should be water to wash your hands but unless you are in First Class there almost definitely won’t be toilet paper provided. (Plan ahead with that one).

Train stations also have varied toilet facilities, waiting rooms and shops selling everything from wet-wipes to water and colouring-in books for kids.

It really depends on the size of city and station. But if you have any doubts or questions, don’t be afraid to ask someone for help.

What are the toilets like?

I’m not going to lie. We were nervous about this aspect of train travel in India but I can honestly say the toilet experience turned out to be better/less-disappointing than we dared anticipate. (Perhaps we are getting concerningly more seasoned?!).

Train toilet facilities are pretty much as expected. Basic but functional and varying by class and capacity.

Each carriage has 1-2 toilets and in 1A and 2A there is often one western option. There isn’t likely soap and/or toilet paper (be prepared with that). But because tickets are pre-purchased in the AC carriages and seating is assigned there isn’t a problem of over-crowding.

And thankfully(?) because of this and due to the fact that the toilets are so basic they are usually in reasonably sanitary condition.

How to use a squat toilet in India. In case you are wondering what are the toilets like in India? What are the toilets like on the trains in India?

Can you leave the train to buy water and snacks?

This always a worry. In theory the latest IXIGO app should indicate how long a stop will be at a station. But we found it more reliable the old fashioned way and asked the nearest guard (or passenger) if we had time to run and grab snacks.

Otherwise don’t stress yourself about missing the train or being left behind in the middle of rural India somewhere. Each train we have travelled on has friendly chai wallah’s that will sound out their call throughout the train, “ Chai, chai, pani, chai… ”.

Just go with what is on offer and enjoy the adventure!

Cup of chai and a kachori snack sold and served on board for 20Rs each on our train travel in India complete guide.

Recharging mobiles and devices

There are shaver sockets in 1A, 2A and 3A sleeper cars which can be used to recharge mobile phones and devices.

The sockets sometimes do work…

What are the beds and sheets like?

In 1A, 2A and 3A fresh sheets and pillowcases are provided for anything above a medium distance journey. They have been bleached and pressed to perfection and come packaged per passenger in a paper bag.

The beds are basic berths as the pictures depict. It’s hot up on the top bunk in Sleeper Class but in AC the temperature is controlled and it is a comfortable way to travel.

The bed length is standard and long enough (even for us as tall NZ-travellers) to sleep comfortably. And there is ample storage under the bottom bunk for luggage.

Do the trains run on time?

India has a massive railway network and many different types of train (local, express, long-distance) so punctuality can’t always be relied on. Perhaps we were lucky, but in our experience each of the trains we have taken departed right on time.

The IXIGO app is useful for checking the status of your train departure.

How do you know where to get off?

Station nameboards are clearly shown at every station. If you have service on your mobile you can check ahead on Google Maps (I called this the old fashioned way before we braved the app). But the app actually has an alarm that can be set to warn you when your station is coming up.

Otherwise, ask someone in your carriage. People are friendly and happy to help. (The chances are you won’t even have to ask and people will give you a heads up you are nearly at your station).

Jaisalmer Railway Station, India. How to book train tickets for train travel in India.

Useful apps to download for train travel in India

There are many (far too many) different apps for train travel in India including plenty of third party apps. We recommend the IRCTC app or Ixigo; both are available for iPhone and android.

IRCTC Connect

With this app you can check train schedules between destinations and input your PNR to check the status of your booking (and timing of your train). The app has real-time details of whether your train is running on schedule and will tell you which platform you are departing from.

IXIGO Indian Rail App

This is the official Rail info app of Ixigo.com travel planner website. It provides most of the information required to plan a train journey in India allowing you to check the trains for your destination, ticket availability etc. You can book tickets on IRCTC from within this Ixigo app for all your train journeys.

Enjoy the adventure that is train travel in India !

The most important tip for train travel in India is simply to enjoy your Indian train travel journey!

Depending on what sort of experience you are looking for you might find your favourite class of train for travel in India surprises you…

But regardless of destination and class the journey is an adventure. You’ll meet locals, try new snacks and you can relax while the Indian countryside rolls on by.

Enjoy the adventure of train travel in India!

Where we stayed in India

Kochi: Hotel Abad Plaza [good location next to mall with supermarket. Multiple restaurants on site; huge buffet breakfast. Swimming pool. Note this hotel is not in the old city of Kochi ].
Varanasi: Hotel Temple on Ganges [great location; basic rooms and restaurant. Close to Assi Ghat – good location to explore Varanasi from].
Jaisalmer: The Wanderlust Guesthouse [AMAZING guest-house! We loved staying here and can highly recommend. Great rooms; rooftop restaurant overlooking the fort; awesome camel safaris!
New Delhi: Hotel Hari Piorko [good location in the heart of the Main Bazaar, Delhi; close to restaurants and train station. No view from rooms].

Inside our room at Wanderlust Guesthouse in Jaisalmer.

Kolkata: Hotel Golden Palace [close to New Market with very friendly service and a great in-house room service restaurant].
Mumbai: Gulf Hotel [good location in Colaba few mins walk to Gateway of India. Basic rooms (and very old elevator) and very basic breakfast included. Also lots of (questionably so?) mirrors].
Jodhpur: Raj Mandir Boutique Homestay [good location in Blue City, spacious room with small balcony inside Haveli style home. Tiny little doors, lots of unique decor and artefacts].
Jaipur: Jaipur Haveli [incredible old haveli home in heart of Jaipur. Highly recommend; beautiful rooms; great attention to detail and very friendly staff and owners].
Agra: Aman Homestay [very friendly family-run homestay with rooftop views of The Taj Mahal. Great rickshaw driver service and home cooked meals].
Delhi: Smyle Inn [extremely basic hotel in small back alley. Very friendly, helpful staff and simple breakfast included. Just off Main Bazaar].

More about travel planning for India and beyond…

These are the companies we use while traveling fulltime as a family and that we would recommend to anyone planning and booking travel.

Booking.com – The best all-around accommodation booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation and it’s easy to filter and sort into price and availability with all the extras you are looking for personally.
Hostelworld – The largest inventory of hostel accommodation in the world.
Skyscanner – This is by far our favourite flight search engine. They are able to search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites often miss. We book all our flights through Skyscanner.
GetYourGuide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions offered all around the world including everything from walking tours, to street-food tours, cooking classes, desert safari’s and more!
SafetyWing – A global travel insurance that covers people from all over the world while outside their home country. You can buy it short or longterm; and even if you are out of the country.
World Nomads – Travel insurance tailored for longterm travel and nomads (including those who have already left home). Make sure you have travel insurance before riding those trains in India!

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5 thoughts on “Worried about taking the train in India? Don’t be. Here’s our complete guide.”

Very clear and easy to follow advice, thank you

Thanks Jonathan 🙂

CC class in a train stands for AC Chair Car. It is a type of train car that features seats arranged in rows, similar to those found in an airplane. These seats might not lean back, and they might not have their own screens.CC class is usually found in long distance trains and is considered as a more comfortable option compared to other classes like general compartment or sleeper. https://www.letsdiskuss.com/what-is-cc-class-in-a-train

Thank you for your clear information ….from an Indian abroad travelling all around India by train very shortly. Much appreciated

I love train travel. It’s a great feeling to watch that scenery slowly, I will take your suggestions into consideration, I read your article with pleasure .

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Indian railways have 9 types of seat classes, which can be divided into seat carriages and sleeper carriages. And those carriages can be sorted into air-conditioned ones and non-air-conditioned ones. Air-conditioned carriages are cleaner, safer and more comfortable than non-air-conditioned ones.

Air-conditioned Classes on Indian Railways

Air-conditioned class, shortened for AC on tickets and website, is more expensive than non-air-conditioned class, also more comfortable and cleaner. They can be divided into five grades:

1. Air-Conditioned Executive Chair Class (EC)

The air-conditioned executive class is only available on a few types of express trains, such as the Tejas Express, the Gatimaan Express and the Shatabdi Express. It is the most premium and expensive class. The ticket fare is almost as expensive a domestic flight ticket fare.

In the AC executive class, seats are arranged as 2+2 across the carriage, providing enough space and privacy. The whole carriage, including the toilet, is clean. A small foldable table and a screen are attached to the back of every seat. Food and snacks are offered free of charge.

AC executive class is very popular among business travelers. It is a perfect choice for short train journeys that are less than 5 hours.

2. Air-Conditioned First Class (1AC)

The air-conditioned first class consists of 2-berth or 4-berth sleeper compartments, with lockable doors. The compartments are spacious, clean and well-maintained. Each compartment has a washbasin. Toilets are available at the end of each carriage. A pillow, sheet, blanket and towel are provided for each berth.

The air-conditioned first class is the most expensive among all the sleeper classes, and it provides a high level of comfort and privacy. It is cleaner and quieter than non-air-conditioned sleeper classes.

3. Air-Conditioned Two-Tier Class (2AC)

The air-conditioned 2-tier class is common on long-distance trains in India. There are 2 upper berths and 2 lower berths in each compartment, and there are 2 side berths (one lower and one upper) on the other side of the aisle, across each compartment. There are no doors for each compartment, but curtains are available to separate the compartments. A pillow, sheet, blanket and towel are provided for each berth.

The ticket fare of the air-conditioned 2-tier class is almost half of the air-conditioned first class. So it is popular for India’s upper class travelers. And it is a good choice for foreign travelers who like a good level of privacy, while not being able to afford AC first class.

4. Air-Conditioned Three-Tier Class (3AC)

There are 6 berths in each open-plan compartment, 2 lower berths, 2 middle berths and 2 upper berths. There are also side berths (lower berth and upper berth) across the hall on the other side of the compartment. Unlike AC 2-tier class, AC 3-tier class doesn’t have curtains to separate the berths for privacy concern. A pillow, sheet and blanket are provided for each berth.

The middle berth will be folded up during the day, allowing passengers to sit on the lower berth, so the lower berth will be sat on by other passengers.

The air-conditioned 3-tier class is very popular for travelers with a lower budget. It provides a comfortable journey at a reasonable price, just one third of the air-conditioned first class. But this class is not recommended to you if privacy is a concern for you.

Non-Air-Conditioned Classes

1. first class (fc).

First class has the same layout as air-conditioned first class, but without air-conditioning. There are 4 berths in a lockable compartment. Sheets and blankets are offered at extra charge. Nowadays, you can only find first class on a few Indian trains.

2. AC Chair Class (CC)

The air-conditioned seat class is arranged as 3+2 seats across the carriage. It can be found on daytime and short distance trains. It is an affordable and comfortable way for train journeys less than 5 hours.

3. Sleeper Class (SL)

The sleeper class does not have air-conditioning. Otherwise, it is the same as AC 3-tier class. You can bring a sleeping bag because sheets and blankets are not provided. You can also ask for a set of bedding at extra cost. During the day, the middle berth will be folded up to allow passengers to sit on the lower berth.

The sleeper class is suitable for travelers who are on a tight budget, or who want to mingle with local folks. If you want to have a more comfortable train journey, AC 3-tier class is a better option.

4. Second Class (2S)

The second class is one of the cheapest classes on Indian trains. Most second class carriages have 2 rows of wooden benches, for 3 passengers each. A new type of second class has 3+3 seats across the carriage. Seats need to be reserved in advance.

5. Unreserved/General Class (2S)

This is the cheapest class. Seats are not reserved or designated. Most of the 2S carriages don’t have glazing but a few bars to prevent passengers turning in and out of the window. The unreserved/general class is always overcrowded, noisy and smelly. Passengers without seats usually sit or lie on the floor. It gets very stuffy and uncomfortable because there is no air-conditioning.

How to Choose the Seat Type on Indian Railways?

1. Different seat classes have different prices: EC>1A>2A>3A>FC>CC>SL>2S.

2. Air-conditioned class is cleaner, safer and more comfortable than non-air-conditioned class.

3. Non-air-conditioned carriages have open windows and fans on the ceiling. It can be hot during the day and cold at night. The berths of non-air-conditioned class are always covered with dust, so bring tissues or wipes to clean them up before lying down.

4. Air-conditioned sleeper class offers bedding for passengers, while sleeper class (SL) doesn’t provide bedding. You can bring your own sleeping bag, or you can ask the attendant for a set of bedding at extra cost.

5. It is suggested that you book a class that is at least higher than sleeper class (SL). 2S class is not recommended.

6. Side berths are a good choice for couples or if you travel solo.

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A blog about travel, history and photography

How to book Indian trains if you are a tourist

Last Updated on August 26, 2024 by Laura

Did you know that with more than 8,000 stations across the country and about 121,000 km of rail routes the Indian Rail Network is the fourth extensive rail system in the world? It’s not your fault if after opening the Indian Railways page for the first time, you had a terrible headache and preferred to opt for a bumpy car ride on one of the Indian dusty roads. In this guide, I will show you how to book trains in India if you are a tourist. This will help you navigate the complicated Indian railways system. Going step by step, you will book your train tickets like a pro! Let’s start!

Table of Contents

Indian railways step by step

Like everything in India, also the Railways website is messy, overwritten and with scammer bans behind the corner. When it came to plan my trip to India , I was exactly in your position. I wanted to book a train trip from New Delhi to Agra and, after some research, I had in front of me two choices: booking a ride with a private taxi costing no less than £60-80 for two people or learning how to book a, way much cheaper, train ticket from abroad. Once you get how the system works, it is not difficult, but this definitely test your patience.

Why I have to travel by train in India?

Lonely Planet states that ” Travelling on an Indian train is a reason to travel all by itself “. This cannot be truer because travelling by train in India can be considered an essential way of experiencing Indian culture. Millions of Indians travel by train every day. In fact, the railway system covers almost the whole country and despite chaotic, it is more reliable than what it appears from a distorted western perspective. There are two basic misconceptions about travel in India by train. The first is that all Indian looks like the one in the photo below…

I still have friends who are convinced I was actually travelling sat on the roof of an Indian train. They simply can’t believe that I never seen anything like this in India, even in the smallest place I visited. The second misconception is that trains in India are unsafe because of Indian people travelling with you.

Reasons why to travel by train in India

FALSE! Indian trains are generally safe, most of the people travelling with you are trying to go to work/reach their families, and their intention is not to harm tourists in any way. It’s true also that if you are travelling in the lower classes (especially at night), I would not recommend leaving your luggage alone (but I would not leave my luggage alone in any other train in the world). Keeping in mind this, there are definitively more advantages than disadvantages in travelling by train.

It’s cheaper

First, it’s cheaper than going with a taxi. A first class ticket from Delhi to Agra will not cost you more than £30. A reliable pre-paid cab will cost you £70-100. There are other much cheaper cabs to hire locally, but their reliability is not granted. If you are a first time visitor, I would not recommend them.

It’s faster

Second, it’s FASTER! A journey by car that would take 4/5 hours may take 2 travelling by train! This will reduce greatly your travelling time and allows you more hours to spend in sightseeing! Third, it’s way more relaxing than travelling by car. India is chaotic and the continuous horning of every single vehicle on the road it’s much more than a necessity for Indian people, it’s a cultural life-style. If for locals and well-travelled tourist, this is OK.

It’s safer

Most of people visiting for the first time India find it unbearable. Imagine travelling by car for 6/7 hours accompanied by that continuous horning! And believe me, this doesn’t stop even in the motorway. Train travelling can give you a little bit of a rest far from the overwhelming Indian chaos and you will be grateful for that after a long journey. Lastly, it’s SAFER! The Indian road safety report of 2023 states than more than 153,972 people were killed in car accidents.

To be honest, after having seen people driving in the wrong direction in the Indian motorway, seen my driver watching a TV series while driving me and Alessio from Mumbai to Pune. This is not a surprise. Indeed, in my twenty days in India, I’ve been involved in one minor crash in Jaipur and it was totally fault of my driver. Don’t get me wrong, it’s ok to travel by taxi for short distances but if you have to move between distant cities, train travelling is the safest way. Better safe than sorry!

Train classes and type of trains

Train classes in India are much more complex than westerners train ones, which generally distinguish between first and economy class. In fact, there are 8 classes on Indian trains of which price is accorded to the quality of the service you will receive on board and the type of coach/seat you choose. When booking your class, this will appear with the two/three acronyms and numbers e.g. AC1/AC2 etc. To know the meaning of these acronyms, read below!

Train classes on Indian trains

AC Executive chair class (EC) This type of class is not present on every train but you can find it on high speed trains like the Shatabdi Express. Executives and tourists commonly use this. For this reason, booking in advance is very recommended. Food served on board of the train is included in the price and you have the possibility to choose between meat and vegetarian dishes.
AC Chair class (CC) Similar to the AC EC, the AC CC class can be found in high-speed trains and has comfortable seats in a air conditioned coach. However, food is not included.
FC First Class First Class no longer exists in Indian trains, replaced mostly by AC1 coaches. However, if you find the abbreviation FC this means that you will get a first class ticket in a non-air-conditioned coach.
Sleeper Class (SL ) Sleeper Class can be found in trains covering long distances. There is no air conditioning but ventilation is granted by fans and windows open. Mattress are quite rough so it is suggested to bring a sleeper bag.

Air-conditioned trains

Air-conditioned first class (AC1 or 1A) This is usually found in trains covering long distances and used by Indian businessmen. It is considered a comfortable class for travelling and seats are organised in 2 and 4 berths and sleeper section.
Air-conditioned 2-tier (AC2 or 2A) This class is a cheaper version of the AC1. It is still considered a comfortable way of travelling and used mostly by families. You can use berths also as sleeper bunks for longer distances. These are provided with curtains for having a bit of privacy. Two tier indicates the number of bunks for each section of the row.
Air-conditioned 3-tier (AC3 or 3A) Is more crowded than AC2 because each bay has 3 tiers (up, lower and middle). Curtains are not provided to grant you privacy but tickets are cheaper.
2nd class seats (2S) Coaches are here divided in reserved and not reserved sections. These are generally more crowded than other classes is not recommended for longer journeys because seats are not padded and generally made of wood or plastic.

Type of Trains in India

Because there are more than 20 different types of trains in India but it’s likely you wont use 90% of those. Below you will find only the ones you are more likely to book during your journey across India.

Tejas Express It has been introduced just a few years ago. It’s the most similar to our western trains. It’s a semi high speed full AC train featuring braille displays, LED TV for each passenger with phone sockets, WiFi and food services. Tickets are about 30% more expensive than the Shatabati fares and at the moment the train covers only the following routes: Mumbai – Magdaon; Chennai – Madurai; Lucknow – New Delhi; Ahmedabad – Mumbai.
Shatabdi Express is one of the most famous train lines in India for round trips. Tourists use mostly this route (and this is the one I used as well). This is the Bhopal Shatabdi Express (train number 12001/12002) going from New Delhi to Agra in just two hours. The train is quite fast (the second faster in India) and the first class is comfy and safe. Not comparable to our first classes, but I would say a good economy on our trains.
Rajdhani Express are those trains that connect the Indian main capital to the minor state capitals (E.g. Mumbai-New Delhi). They are air conditioned and considered the fastest trains in India.
Duronto Express are a category of non-stop long distance trains connecting India’s major state capitals. They are very fast and stop only for technical checks. A most known one is the 12239/12240 Jaipur Duronto Express.
Suburban rail and Metro connect cites central business districts to their suburbs. You can find these in major cities like New Delhi, Kolkata or Mumbai. They usually stop at every station, and have unreserved seating.

Luxury and Tourist trains

Mountain railways if you are looking for more adventure and a breathtaking scenery, these trains are the most popular ones and considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Among the most popular ones there is the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway r unning between between Siliguri and Darjeeling at the highest elevation of 2,300 mt.
Luxury trains there is a variety of luxury trains in India designed exclusively for tourists. These follow itineraries of 7/10 days and include accommodation, tours, food and sometimes even a on board spa! They are usually quite expensive and price ranges from US$ 4,550 to US$ 6,930 for two people. The most known ones are Palace on Wheels, the Deccan Odissey and the Maharajas’ Express . I haven’t personally tried any of these luxury trains but would love to experience them once!

Finding the right timetable for your trip

Giving the high number of trains, the timetable may look quite confusing. A good system to find your train timetable and your platform at the station is to remember the name, number and route of the train. For example, if you are going to Mumbai, you have to look for the number 12952 route NEW DELHI – MUMBAI CENTRAL and type of train Rajdhani Express. Online, you can check your timetable in these two different websites: Indian Rail, by searching your destination and date. This will show you different trains and times, to check yours you can search it by number or type of train. You will also have a preview of the classes that you can book on a later moment.

Maps of India provides a reliable train time table according to the type of train. If you click on the number of the train, this will show you all the stops the train will make with the expected time of arrival/departure till destination.

Where/when/how do I have to book my tickets?

Before proceeding to book your train tickets, let me explain you what different types of ticket you may find while booking. As for the train classes, also the ticket types are listed per acronyms.

Type of Tickets on Indian Trains

CNF means “confirmed” this means that you made it and your seat has been reserved!
RAC means “reservation against cancellation”. This type of ticket activates when all the reservable seats on the train are fully booked. The system will put you automatically in a Waiting List (WL) and you can still travel with that train but if you don’t get any reservation, you have to search for an unreserved seat. If someone cancels his booking you might be promoted to CNF and get a seat on a specific coach. If the waiting list is very long and you are not accommodated a place your ticket will be refunded.
Tatkal (CK) means “Immediate” these are generally last-minute tickets for emergency departures. These tickets are not refundable.
Tourist Quota Tickets some trains (generally the most popular routes) reserve some tickets to tourists. They are usually sold very fast and it is advisable to book them well in advance. I personally used the tourist quota tickets and booked my train ride about three months in advance.

How to book trains in India. When to book a ticket for a trip

Now that you know how distinguish the type of tickets, it’s time to book! If you follow these steps one by one you can make it! First one-million-dollars problem. When do I have to book my train tickets? During high season (Nov-Mar) tickets on EC and AC1 sell fast. If you want to travel on a reserved seat on one of those coaches, my advice is to book as soon as you know your itinerary. Otherwise you may be disappointed. Generally, you can book tickets up to 120 days in advance.

Where to book train tickets in India

Where do I have to book my tickets? Essentially, there are three ways to book your tickets. Via a travel agent (who will ask you for a commission), in person and online.

In person. If you are on the go and want to buy a ticket directly at the station check www.indianrail.gov.in for a list of International Tourist Bureaux selling tickets to foreign visitors at the station. These are generally based in big cities like Agra, Delhi or Mumbai but there are possibly other offices around India. Be sure to get to the right office and don’t listen to anyone telling you it’s closed (they are scammers! we will talk about this below). At the counter they will ask for your Visa and Passport. Don’t forget to prepare them! Furthermore, you can only pay in cash! Some offices accept also foreign currencies like Sterling or Dollar but do research prior to bring other type of money.
Online booking. You can book your tickets via three different websites. These are Indian Railways , Clear Trip and Make my Trip . I have personally booked my tickets via the Indian Railways website because Make my Trip was asking me an indian telephone number to confirm my booking and at the time I did not have it! In any case, to use Make my Trip you have to register your details with the IRCT (indian railways), and it is much more straightforward to book the tickets with them!

How to book trains in India if you are a tourist. Booking online

If you follow the steps below, booking your online train ticket with IRCT (Indian Railways) will be very easy!

First Step – Registration

Go to the IRCT webpage. This will look like the picture below. Before booking your tickets, you will need to register your details on the “Register” page. Here you will be asked many questions to confirm your identity.

Be patient at this stage of registration. I had some troubles while registering my details and I had to fill the page at least three times but in the end, it did work! Once you completed your registration, you will receive an email with your login details like the one below. This will tell you to login and inform you that for international users there is a registration fee to pay that will confirm your email and mobile number.

Second step – Verify your number and email.

Login with your details via the email you received. The website will ask you now to verify your mobile phone and email. The verification of your mobile phone comes via the OTP (One time password) and the payment of a small fee ( Rs. 100 + GST. / £1,50 circa). You will receive the OTP via sms on the phone and have to insert a 6 digit number in the space suggested on the IRCT page.

Once you have done with the mobile phone and the fee payment, the website will ask you to verify your email with the same method. You will receive an OTP password in your email and you have to insert the six-digit number in the space provided.

Once you insert your OTP on the box you’re done! Congratulation, you are now fully registered on the Indian Railway system and able to book your tickets online! Eureka!

Third step – Book your tickets

Now that you have everything all set up, it’s time to book your journey! First, you have to login into your account. The system is a bit annoying because every time you login it asks you for a OTP or a screen temporary password. Don’t get mad if you can’t login the first time, it’s the system not you!

Choose your tickets

Once you have completed your login, you will see again the initial screen that needs to be filled with your travel request. Search for your destination and date (you can eventually choose your class if you already know it, otherwise you can choose it later). As example for you, I choose a hypothetical New Delhi-Agra trip (which I actually tried by the way!). Once you choose your destination, you will see the screen (pictured below) giving you the following main information: type of class and train you can choose to display on your selection (black box), type of train you can book (red box) and what class is available (yellow box), duration of the journey (blue circle) and type of travel with departure and arrival time (e.g. morning train 6.10-8.10 as shown on grey box).

If you want to check the price of your train, click the blue box on the right and you will see more details about the train selected. Don’t panic when you see what looks like a huge amount of rupees for a ticket. This price converted into your local currency is actually very cheap. For example, 1,000 Rs. are about £11/15$.

If you are happy with the price, class and train for your destination you can proceed to the booking by clicking the box “book now” on the available time and date. This will lead you to the main booking page consisting of three main steps. On the first one, you have to insert your (and all your companions) ID details and choose what type of dish you prefer (if this is included in your ticket). If you are not Indian, you must provide your passport number. On the right of your screen you will continue to see the main details of your train ride.

Complete your reservation

Once you have inserted all your details you will be directed to the second step, which is checking that everything you inserted is correct. At this stage of the booking, you can still amend your information if you made any mistake.

If you are happy with your selection and details, you can proceed to the last step, which is payment! On the payment page, you will find many options that might create confusion if you are a tourist because the payment page is not properly tourist-friendly. Indeed, the Indian Railways accept different methods of payment but the only one YOU can use as a tourist is the one under the category “international cards” this option is hidden under the voice MULTIPLE PAYMENT SERVICE . Ignore all the other options because in the end they accept only Indian debit/credit cards. So, click “multiple payment service” and then INTERNATIONAL CARDS (powered by Atom).

I haven’t tried the other five options in addition to International cards, so I can’t guarantee they work well. Once you will click the Int. card option you will be directed in the actual payment page where you have to insert your credit card details. You can choose to pay in rupees or in your own currency (this option depends on the card you are using) and the process is quick and simple!

Congratulation!!! You’ve made it!! You are officially booked on an Indian train journey! At this point, check your email because you should have received your e-ticket that should look more or less like mine below! Don’t forget to print it out and keep it with you during your journey!

Forth step – At the station, boarding the train

It’s time to depart! Check carefully all the information about your train on the ticket especially about your place/berth/coach. If you are travelling on a long-distance train, your name will be printed out on a list placed out at the train station ticket office (2h before) and on the outside of the train before departure. Here you will find the confirmation of your name and coach (eg. Name- AC1 coach 2 seat/berth etc.).

Actually, I discovered that this system is in use also on short-distance trains. In fact, on the morning of our departure, I found Alessio name and mine on the door of our coach. You must take your ticket and passport with you. A few minutes after departure, an inspector will check that all the details on your passport correspond to his own list (similar to the one published outside the train). Now you can relax and enjoy your journey!

I have to say I was quite satisfied with our train experience in India. The train was clean and in good conditions. We booked on the Executive class, which more or less is like our second class but with a much nicer service! Immediately after boarding we were provided with two bottles of water of 1L each and just ten minutes after leaving we were already been served breakfast! This came in two parts. A first part with tea/coffee, biscuits, marmalade, milk, bread and even cereals! A second part (after about half an hour ride) with some traditional Indian dishes, juice and chapati! What a way to start the morning! Our trip was just a short 2h ride but I was very happy about it!

Issues and troubleshooting while booking.

Recently, the Indian Railways website was renovated with a much more friendly user facade. In fact, it is much simpler to use for a tourist compared to just one year ago. I personally did not have any problems while booking my tickets and verifying my details. However, there might be some issues due to their system that you can face at the time of booking. These are generally not receiving the OTP password to verify your number/email.

Problems are due to their system, so the only solution is continue to try until you get it (concerning your email, you may try to verify different emails and edit later your details from your account). Another error you might face is the “login error”. Despite typing the correct credentials, the system does not recognise them. Once again, persevere! It is their fault not yours, so after two-three attempts you should login successfully! If you have issue during your credit card transaction, this might be your bank that does not approve a foreign transaction. You can verify this by calling their call centre.

How to book trains in India. Bookings via Makemytrip and Cleartrip

Many users prefer to book their tickets throughout Makemytrip and Cleartrip. I personally preferred to book directly with Indian Railways as I don’t like much to proceed with third companies when I have a direct option. Furthermore, even if you want to book with these two companies you MUST register your ID details with Indian Railways anyway (Makemytrip will ask these before booking the tickets) so, to me there is no point in doing all the hard job and switch site when it comes to the easiest part! If you still want to book with these companies, you have first to register and verify an account with IRCT (see Step 1 below), second you have to create a second account with their company and only at the end you can proceed with the booking on their page.

Pro: both websites looks much more tourist-friendly and simple to use after the registration. You can book also other types of transportation, including taxis. Cons: first , you have to register with IRCT anyway so it is much more straightforward to book with them. Second, when I tried to use makemytrip and it did not allow me to book without an Indian phone number, so after a couple of trials I gave up! Furthermore, it looks like they don’t accept foreign credit cards, although I couldn’t verify this personally and things change very quickly. Third, Cleartrip charges additional booking fees you will not find on IRCT. These are usually $0,50 in addition to the ticket price plus a 1.8% credit card fee.

2024 UPDATe: ClearTrip is currently not available for bookings from the UK.

Watch out! Scams at the train stations (and how to avoid them).

India is, unfortunately, famous also for the great number of scams you may encounter while on the road. Stations (especially big ones) are particularly sensitive to frauds and it would be really sad if your well-planned trip, possibly the trip you are dreaming for an entire life, ends up badly because of a scam. We almost got scammed at the New Delhi station and believe me, is not something I wish to anyone. There are various type of scammers at the station. However, the most popular is the fake police man/army man, which is the one I personally encountered.

Before my trip, I read so much about possible scammers, the way they acted and where to find them. I felt smart and well prepared, but reality is another thing. Especially if you travel at early morning/late night when you are not at the top of your faculties and a bit sleepy. This was my experience. Little parenthesis, Indians are obsessed with security. You’ll pass security checks in “airport style” everywhere, even to enter shops at the mall. Stations are, of course, no exception. Closed parenthesis.

The “your train is cancelled” scam

It was around 5.15 in the morning and our train to Agra was at six (it was still very dark outside). We reached the station well in time taking in consideration also that we did not know where to go or what to do precisely. After having spotted the security checks in one corner outside of the main gate, we knew we were on the right entrance.

We approached the security line. When it was our turn to pass the metal detector and scan the baggage, a guy looking like a police officer (who was sitting next to the bag scanner) with an evident badge attached on his jacket, asked for our tickets and passports.

Red flags at the station

It didn’t sound too strange to me as he looked like part of the security team and he was wearing a uniform with a badge. However, I had anyway a red flag alert on in my mind and I gave him just the train tickets (of which I had a copy) trying to take time to “find” the passports. He did not wait too much time after receiving the tickets to state that our train was cancelled that morning and we couldn’t get inside the station because of this reason. Here was the moment I immediately knew he was a scammer!

He did not want to return us our tickets so we started discussing very loudly in front of the security line and I threatened him to call the police in that exact moment. I still don’t remember how, but I was able to take my tickets off his hands and he was still persistently continuing to say that our train was not departing that morning saying “go inside and you’ll see”. We genuinely sent him to hell and continued to the security without problem. Of course, our train was there as expected.

Things that surprised me a lot about this event were: first, the actual security people were watching the scene and did nothing despite knowing exactly what was happening. Second, people (including other French tourists who departed with us from the same hotel) did nothing despite hearing what was happening and possibly (if true) involving them as well. Thanks guys, so nice from you.

How we got out of the scam

Third, no actual police officers were around in or outside the station at that time! So, be extremely careful and take your guard high ALL THE TIME. Never give someone (despite officially looking) your passport or tickets. I had a copy of the tickets for this reason. Don’t trust anyone stating your train is burned, delayed, cancelled or anything else (same thing about hotels! Don’t trust anyone saying your hotel is closed etc.). Moreover, save the police number and your embassy number (just for the very bad cases). We got misled by the guy’s uniform and his position in the security line! In the end, we were lucky. However, I was also sure that our train wasn’t cancelled because I checked on the website before going! Trains are cancelled only in case of technical faults or bad weather conditions (e.g. flooding or heavy fog).

Other types of scams

What happened to us is not the only fraud you might face at the station. Watch out also for the fake ticket office and officer (inside the station) and for taxi drivers bringing you purposely to wrong stations/ fake ticket offices in order to force you going by car (with them or some of their friends) to your destination. If you travel at early morning, I warmly recommend making your hotel arranging a taxi for you and don’t go venturing with the first cab you find! Uber is generally safe in India but if you have trouble booking with them because of the network/ data etc. trust your hotel.

Conclusions

And that’s a wrap! If you have read till here and finished this Indian railways guide step by step, first, THANK YOU! Second, it means that you are very determined in getting these train tickets!! So don’t give up and you’ll manage that! I’ll try to keep this page as updated as possible. If there is any big change, you will find it here!

READ MORE: Discover my guide to Jaipur for your trip to India here!

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1st class for an even more enjoyable journey.

Enjoy greater comfort and more services during your journey by travelling in 1st class.

You also have the option of switching from 2nd to 1st class at any time. The best way to do this is by purchasing a class upgrade for a route or a whole day in the SBB Mobile app.

Did you know? You can get supersaver tickets for 1st class too. That way, you can enjoy first class comfort at a bargain price.

Business and quiet zones.

Work efficiently in the 1st class business zone..

On InterCity trains, you can work undisturbed in the business zone in 1st class. InterCity trains with business zones are marked with BZ in the online timetable and in the SBB Mobile app.

Business zone includes:

Work stations with large tables, power sockets and reading lamps and sometimes induction charging pads for smartphones for cableless charging (Qi).
Boosters for improved mobile phone reception and optimised data transfer.

Travel in peace in the 1st class quiet zone.

ICN: Interior view of the quiet zone. In the centre of the picture there is a four-seat compartment. The quiet zone pictogram is stuck to the lower edge of the window in the middle.

In the quiet zone in 1st class, you can work and read in peace. Or simply sit back and enjoy the journey, as you relax and watch the countryside pass by the window. InterCity trains with quiet zones are marked with RZ in the online timetable and in the SBB Mobile app.

The following activities are prohibited in the quiet zones:

having conversations discussions (even if done quietly).
listening to music, audiobooks, podcasts or the radio (even with headphones).
playing audio or video programs on a notebook are discouraged.
telephone calls.

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Special Rail Coach Dedicated To Mahatma Gandhi Unveiled At Rajghat

The coach, painted in a shade of brown, bears a 'III' marker depicting the third-class railway compartments he used to travel in, has been installed at Gandhi Darshan at the Rajghat.

A life-size sculpture of the Mahatma has been placed on the coach's footsteps.

A "meticulously restored" railway coach from the bygone era, symbolising Mahatma Gandhi's famous train journeys that were instrumental in his mission to unite the nation during the freedom struggle, was unveiled by Union Minister for Culture Gajendra Singh Shekhawat on Wednesday.

A life-size sculpture of the Mahatma showing him stepping down from the coach has been placed on its footsteps.

"Even after more than 75 years after his death, the philosophy and principles espoused by Gandhi are still relevant not only for India but the wider world," Shekhawat told reporters after inaugurating the special coach.

The Culture Ministry said this unique exhibit, donated by the Ministry of Railways, features "a meticulously restored railway coach from the era of Mahatma Gandhi, symbolising his famous train journeys that were instrumental in his mission to unite the nation and advocate for justice and equality".

Gandhi's early travels across the Indian subcontinent in third-class railway compartments were pivotal in shaping his understanding of India and his vision of a united nation.

"These journeys played a crucial role in Gandhi's life, allowing him to connect with people from all walks of life, understand their struggles and evolve his philosophy of truth, non-violence and social justice, realising the power of collective strength and the need to unite the nation in its fight against oppression," the ministry said.

The railways thus became a vital tool in his mission to weave the fabric of a united, inclusive India, it said.

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"The railway coach at Gandhi Darshan is enriched with sculptures depicting Gandhi's travels and interactions with fellow travellers, providing visitors with an immersive experience that brings alive Mahatma Gandhi's rail journeys," the ministry said.

(This story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)

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Indian Railways Classes of Travel on Trains (with Photos)
First Class Air Conditioned, known as 1AC, is found only on the most popular inter-state train routes. The cost is around double that of 2AC and is comparable to that of flying. Compartments have lockable doors, carpet and either two or four beds, stacked vertically in tiers. The beds are wider than other classes.
Travel Classes in Indian Trains
These are Second Seating Class by the Indian Railways. 2S is a Non AC class coach which are the cheapest class to travel by the Indian Railways. This class is common in most daytime Intercity and Janshatabdi trains. 2S can be reserved or unreserved. For reserved 2S category coaches are equipped with chair car seats in 3X3 fashion.
Classes Of Travel On Indian Railways
While Indian Railways offers different types of travel classes on its coaches, with different patterns of seating or berths, depending on the class of travel. ICF Coaches is a conventional railway bogie used on the majority of Indian Railway main line passenger coaches. The design of the bogie was developed by ICF (Integral Coach Factory ...
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Sleeper Class is the most popular of all travel classes in the Indian Railways. It is generally booked up to its capacity in almost every zone and division of the network. It is a non-air-conditioned class with 8-berths in a compartment. There are 6-berths on one side of the aisle and 2-berths on the other side.
Different Types of Travel Classes in Indian Railways
1) 1A - First Class AC. AC Tier-1 is the most expensive class of Indian Railways. The ticket price of 1A coach is equivalent to the fare of an aeroplane. The AC-1 coaches have eight cabins, and the half AC first-class coach has three cabins. The coach has a staff to help passengers. Beds are included with the rent.
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The sleeper class is very basic and the bathroom hygiene can be below par. There are plug points for charging in some trains. However, you get a better view of the countryside, since the windows can be opened. Train journeys in summer can get quite hot, but with the fans and breeze outside, it cools down considerably.
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The railways planned 2 types of bogies for Passengers, The ICF and LHB Coaches. With different classes of reservations as per the customer budget and level of comfort available, Indian Railways segregated 9 classes for travellers. These classes are named as AC First Class, AC Two tier, AC Three Tier, First Class (Without AC), Executive Chair ...
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Three Tier Air Conditioned Class. Two Tier Air Conditioned Class. 5. Two Tier Air Conditioned Class (2AC) The 2AC section of the Indian trains is mostly traveled by the upper-class travelers. Each compartment consists of 4 beds and it's much more comfortable than the other previous sections of the train.
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The Indian rail classes are as follows: 1AC | Air - conditioned first class with a private room, with washbasin and locking doors. These can be 2 or 4 berth. 2AC | Air-conditioned two-tiered beds, 4 people to a berth, with open cabin (closed by a curtain). Our recommendation for overnight trains.
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Duronto Class. Duronto trains are also very popular in India. This premium train offers luxurious facilities and premium services with AC 2-tier and AC 3-tier options. These are some of the most popular travel classes in Indian Railways. Some of the classes offer food on train facility because the price of the food was included in the price of ...
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Sleeper Class is a preferred choice for overnight travel, offering a balance between affordability and reasonable comfort. Passengers choosing Sleeper Class can experience the charm of train travel, enjoy picturesque landscapes, and engage with fellow travelers, making it an integral part of the rich tapestry of Indian railway experiences.
Train Travel in India: How to book tickets and ride trains in India
Understanding classes of train travel in India. There are 8 classes of seats and accommodation to purchase for train travel in India. Not all of them are available on every train. We have tried nearly all classes now and can recommend different options for distances and comfort (and adventure) around India. These are the train classes listed ...
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First class has the same layout as air-conditioned first class, but without air-conditioning. There are 4 berths in a lockable compartment. Sheets and blankets are offered at extra charge. Nowadays, you can only find first class on a few Indian trains. 2. AC Chair Class (CC) The air-conditioned seat class is arranged as 3+2 seats across the ...
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1st class for an even more enjoyable journey
In the quiet zone in 1st class, you can work and read in peace. Or simply sit back and enjoy the journey, as you relax and watch the countryside pass by the window. InterCity trains with quiet zones are marked with RZ in the online timetable and in the SBB Mobile app. The following activities are prohibited in the quiet zones:
Special Rail Coach Dedicated To Mahatma Gandhi Unveiled At Rajghat
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Classes of Travel on Indian Railways Trains Explained

Unreserved General Class (UR)

Second Seating AC (2S)

Sleeper Class (SL)

Three Tier Air Conditioned Class (3A)

Two Tier Air Conditioned Class (2AC)

First Class Air Conditioned (1AC)

Executive Air Conditioned Chair Car (1A)

Air Conditioned Chair Car (CC)

Second Class on Jan Shatabdi (2S)

Indian Railways Travel Tip 1: Choosing Your Berth

Indian Railways Travel Tip 2: Choosing Your Class

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Travel Classes in Indian Trains

First AC (1A)

Executive Anubhuti (EA)

AC Executive Class (EC)

Second AC or AC 2-tier (2A)

First Class (FC)

Third AC or AC 3-tier (3A)

Third AC Economy (3E)

AC Chair Car (CC)

Sleeper (SL)

Second Seating or 2S:

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Travel Classes of Indian Railway

1A - AC First Class

2A - AC Two-Tier

3A - AC Three-Tier

FC - First Class

3E - AC Three-Tier (economy)

EC - Executive Chair Car

CC - AC Chair Car

SL - Sleeper Class

2S - Second Seater

UR/GEN - Unreserved/General

Recent Posts

A List Of Top Travel Classes In Indian Railways

Also Read: List of Frequently Used Indian Railway Abbreviations

Second AC (2AC)

Third AC (3AC)

Third AC Economy (3E)

Sleeper Class (SL)

Second Sitting (2S)

Executive Chair Car (ECC)

Also Read: Top Luxury Trains in India

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