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Indian Railways travel classes with prices: A complete guide | IN PICS

Indian Railways travel classes with prices: A complete guide | IN PICS

Published : Jan 30, 2025, 07:45 PM IST

Updated : Jan 30, 2025, 07:45 PM IST

Indian Railways is the "backbone" of the country's economy, transporting millions of passengers daily. In order to fulfill various travel needs, Indian Railways offers different classes of travel, from the luxurious first-class compartments to budget-friendly sleeper coaches. Here is a comprehensive guide to the various classes of travel on Indian trains.

2/9 Image Source : Indian Railways

1. AC First Class (1A) - Luxury on wheels: For luxury travel, AC First Class is only available in the 1A class. The coaches are air-conditioned, and there is enough room for spacious compartments with door locks, personal washbasins, and shower facilities. They provide passengers with sheets, pillows, blankets, and towels for easy access. Pets can also be accompanied, subject to certain conditions. The cost is between Rs 2,000 and Rs 5,000, depending on the train and route.

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2. AC Second Class (2A) – Luxury at a discount price: The 2A is one notch below 1A but can still be traveled in comfort. The air-conditioned coaches in this class feature curtained berths for passengers to enjoy a private journey without the middle berths to share space. Bedsheets, blankets, and pillows are provided for passengers. Prices range from Rs 1,000 to Rs 3,000.

4/9 Image Source : Indian Railways

3. AC 3-Tier (3A) – Comfort at an affordable price: AC 3-tier (3A) is suitable for middle-class travelers. It facilitates affordable traveling in the comfort of air-conditioned coaches. In every coach, there are eight berths: three side berths and one middle berth. Bed sheets, pillows, and blankets are distributed to passengers. The fare ranges between Rs 500 and Rs 1,500. It is most sought after for long journeys.

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4. AC 3-Tier Economy (3E) – More berths, same price: Repeatedly added by Indian Railways, AC 3-Tier Economy (3E) is an upgraded version of 3A. The class has nine berths in a single compartment, better designed seats and berths, foldable meal tables at each seat, and USB charging points at every berth. This has the same fare as AC 3 Tier but is cheaper for passengers.

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5. Sleeper Class (SL) – Budget-friendly but 'overcrowded': Sleeper Class, or SL, is the most affordable and widely offered travel option. It usually possesses 72-80 berths per coach and does not have air conditioning, often crowding a number of people. Sleeper class is best for traveling short distances or those whose first priority is the economy level.

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6. AC Chair Car (CC) – Best for short journeys: The AC Chair Car (CC) is ideal for short distances of day. It can be seen on Shatabdi, Duronto, and Garib Rath trains. It contains five seats per row in an entirely air-conditioned coach. Every passenger is accommodated in an individual seat. This can be a convenient choice for people who have to travel for only a few hours.

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7. Exclusive Class (EC) – Business-class experience: Exclusive Class (EC) offers a luxury business-class experience with spacious, air-conditioned seating. This class is commonly found on premium trains like Shatabdi Express, providing a high level of comfort similar to AC First Class but with chair-style seating.

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8. Premium Train Classes—Rajdhani, Shatabdi, and Duronto: Indian Railways operates several premium trains that offer superior services: Rajdhani Express offers AC 2-Tier and AC 3-Tier classes with meals included in the ticket price. Shatabdi Express: Day Train with AC Chair Car (CC) and Exclusive Class (EC). Duronto Express: Non-stop long-distance train offering AC 2-Tier and AC 3-Tier facilities with included catering services.