1A, 2A, 3A, SL, CC and More: Complete Guide To Indian Train Classes

Travelling by train in India is itself a difficult task that required alot of understanding about the classes. With the largest Railway networks in the world that connect millions of passengers every day. If you are going to book a ticket, you must have noticed or heard about the different Indian Train classes, such as  1A, 2A, 3A, SL, CC, 2S, and 3E. Choosing the right class for your train journey literally makes a huge difference, depending on what makes you comfortable, offers privacy, and affordability, so you can choose what is more crucial for you when you plan to travel. 

With the help of this blog, you will get to know the proper understanding of the various classes, which gives you insight into what each class offers. Also mentioned the practical tips and the etrain info that leads to a smooth trip. 

1. First AC (1A) – Luxury on Rails

1a in train, or First Class Air-Conditioned, is considered a top option for the train journey in Indian Railways. It offers the feeling of a hotel room on wheels. Book Food in train is a crucial aspect whenever you plan your journey. 

Features of 1A

• Cabins and Berths: The coach has 2 criteria: the first is divided into 2-berth coupes and 4-berth cabins, each offering privacy and allowing you to lock your door. 
• Privacy: Among all the classes, it’s considered the most private class and perfect for couples, families with small children, and business travellers. Those who want a peaceful journey should choose this class. 
• Bedding and Amenities: Whatever you need during the train journey in this class, you will get, such as a clean pillow, Blankets and sheets. This class offers a personal washroom along with a shower for 1A passengers. 
• Air Conditioning: Best for all the seasons, fully AC. Cool in all the seasons. 
• Toilets: spick and span washroom takes care of hygiene.

Who should choose the 1A train coach?

If privacy and comfort are the most important for you, this class is the appropriate choice for you. As this is the most expensive class, tickets sell out quickly, so better to book your ticket in advance.

Table: 1A Class Features

2. AC 2-Tier (2A) – Comfortable AC Travel

2A, or SecondAC, is the most convenient choice for those who are looking for comfort without spending top-tier prices. 

Features of 2A

• Berths: This coach layout is a 2-tier layout with Upper and lower berths on the aisle side. 
• Privacy:  It has curtains to offer personal space. 
• Bedding: It gives you a pillow, bed sheets, hand towel. 
• Air Conditioning: No doubt it is fully AC.
• Toilets: Toilets are shared but always clean.
  

Who should choose 2A?

This class has chosen by those who have a moderate budget, so they prefer 2A. If we compared it with 3A, it is quiet and relaxing, and best for the overnight journeys. Train food order are available at every class of the journey, and the food delivery app i.e. RailRestro deliver food as per your choice.  

Table: 2A Class Features

3. AC 3-Tier (3A) – Most Popular AC Class

3a in train, or Third AC, this tier is considered a balance between both comfort and affordability. 3a means in train are simple and even affordable, all the features are given:

Features of 3a in train:-

• Berths: A 3-tier layout is a little crowded in comparison to AC 2-Tier and AC 1-Tier. Thistier has upper, middle, and lower berths along with aisle seats. 
• Privacy: If you talk about privacy, it is limited to creating a social environment. 
• Bedding: Offered to every passenger. 
• Air Conditioning: Fully AC.
• Toilets: Shared washroom, not a private one.

Who should choose 3A?

Those who are looking for budget-friendly travel, it is appropriate for students and families. Full air-conditioning often offers comfort in 3A. This is the most booked AC class in India due to its affordability and convenience. 

Whenever you are going to board a train, always check the Live train running status to make your journey smooth and stress-free. 

Table: 3A Class Features

3E, or Third AC Economy, is for passengers who are looking for air-conditioned seating at a lower price than 3A. 3e seat in train offers the same as 3a, but the elbow space is much less than 3a. 

Features of and 3e meaning in train-

• Berths: Almost the same as 3A, but a little compacted to accommodate more passengers. 
• Privacy: A little lower than 3A.
• Bedding: Same as 3A, but the size of the seats little smaller. 
• Air Conditioning: Fully AC compartment.
• Fare: Slightly different than 3A, due to the high number of berths and a little compact seats and arrangement.
  

Who should choose 3E?

Those who are budget-conscious and don’t want to spend more on paying the same 3A fare generally pick 3E.

Table: 3E Class Features

Difference between 3e and 3a-

3A (AC 3-Tier) is the most popular AC class, offering a good balance of comfort and affordability.

Features of 3a in train:-

Fewer berths per coach (more spacious)
Wider seats and better legroom
Thicker mattresses and better sleeping comfort
More luggage space
Available in most trains across India
Slightly costlier than 3E class in train.

Best For: Passengers who want comfortable AC travel for long journeys.

3E (AC 3-Tier Economy) is a newer, budget-friendly AC class designed to make air-conditioned travel more affordable. What is 3e in train?

Features of 3e in Train:- 

More berths per coach (denser layout).
Slightly narrower seats and less legroom.
Thinner mattresses and limited luggage space.
Basic comfort with AC.
Usually found in premium trains (Vande Bharat, Rajdhani-type, select Express trains).
Cheaper than 3A.

Best For: Budget travellers who want AC comfort at a lower price.

5. Sleeper Class (SL) – Affordable Overnight Travel

SL in train, or Sleeper Class, is the common class without AC in Indian Railways. The most affordable, convenient, and most popular for the long distance travelers. 

Features of SL in train

• Berths: Same layout as 3A. 
• Privacy: there is no curtain and no privacy; it is shared with passengers. 
• Bedding: Not offered; either you need to buy it or bring it from home.
• Air Conditioning: No AC, fans, and open windows provide ventilation.
• Toilets: Basic and shared.

Who should choose Sleeper Class?

Students, budget travelers, and those who don’t need AC often choose SL. It’s the most economical overnight travel option.

Before boarding a train, it is the most crucial aspect of a journey to know the Train schedule. This helps the travellers to plan everything accordingly.

Table: Sleeper Class Features

6. AC Chair Car (cc means in train) 

CC means in train, or AC Chair Car, which is the most appropriate choice for daytime journeys. It is fully AC.

Table: AC Chair Car Features

Features of CC-

• Seating: Seats are cushioned, and you can recline in with an arranged layout of 2*3. 
• Privacy: Limited privacy; seats are shared accurately for the day’s travel.
• Bedding: it is not present in the CC or AC Chair car.
• Air Conditioning: Yes, available.

Who should choose CC?

This is accurate for the short- distance and those passengers looking to travel during the daytime. Not appropriate for those who want to sleep. Train food app makes the train journey easier by offering hygienic, fresh, yummy food as per your choice.

7. Second Sitting (2s in train) – Budget Day Travel

2S, or2s in train, is more economical for shorter distances; it is non-AC but has reserved seating classes. It doesn’t offer sleeping berths to the passengers. 2s means in train are given below:-

Features of 2S

• Seating: This is arranged in rows, and it is wooden or padded.
• Privacy: Not present, no partitions as such, not even curtains.
• Bedding: Not present.
• Air Conditioning: Not present, open windows, ventilation, and fans.
• Fare: Ideal for those looking for budget travelers and very low fares.

Who should choose 2S?

Best for daily commuters, and best for short-distance travelers, it is the cheapest reserved seats and mostly picks 2S. 

Table: Second Sitting Features

Quick Comparison of All Classes

Tips for Choosing the Right Indian Train Class

1. Luxury & Privacy: 1A is perfect for business or luxury travel.
2. Balanced Comfort: 2A offers AC and decent space at a moderate price.
3. Affordable AC: 3A or 3E suits budget-conscious AC travelers.
4. Budget Overnight: Sleeper Class is the best choice for low-cost overnight journeys.
5. Day Trips: CC or 2S are ideal for daytime travel without sleeping arrangements

Conclusion-

As we know, Indian Railways offers various classes for every group of people and caters to the requirements of every passenger, from luxury to budget-friendly options. Need to understand the classes 1A, 2A, 3A, 3E, SL, CC, and 2S, to help passengers for taking the decision on which class is appropriate for them. They can take a more informed decision for a convenient, comfortable, affordable, and stress-free journey. 

With the explanation of the classes, such as bedding, privacy, AC, Seating and fare, so whenever you plan your journey, make sure about all these requirements. To plan your journey, it is essential to know which classes offer what.