Choosing the Perfect Class for Your Indian Rail Journey – A Comprehensive Guide

Most visitors opt for Second or 2 AC when travelling overnight. This class is popular among Indian middle-class families, providing comfort and affordability at the same time. If 2 AC  is sold out, 3 AC  is another alternative, offering similar amenities with two extra bunks per bay.

1AC is twice as expensive as 2AC and is available only on premium trains. Therefore, it is a common choice for commuters, seeking both luxury and comfort at the same time.Some adventurous backpackers opt for the Sleeper Class (SL), the most basic option and the class where the majority travels. Sleeper Class is often, with no air conditioning or bedding (bring your own!). It’s not recommended for beginners unless on a very tight budget. The windows are open, providing a lot of local color and an authentic experience.

When booking Indian rail tickets on redBus, it’s helpful to know which class suits your travel needs best. For daytime journeys, the AC Chair Car (CC) offers a comfortable and affordable option. If you’re willing to spend a bit more for extra comfort, the AC Executive Chair Class (EC) is an excellent choice. If neither CC nor EC is available, you can opt for AC 1-tier, AC 2-tier, or AC 3-tier classes, where the berths can be converted to seating.

For shorter trips or even longer journeys, such as from New Delhi to Amritsar, Reserved 2nd Class Seating (2S) without air conditioning can be an option. On better trains, these seats have padded cushions instead of wooden ones, and windows that open to provide a better view of the passing landscapes. However, it’s best to avoid 2nd Class Unreserved (GN) as it lacks the comfort and assurance of reserved seating.

Using redBus, you can easily navigate through the various train classes and make informed decisions based on your comfort and budget preferences. The platform simplifies the rail ticket booking process, ensuring you have a smooth and pleasant travel experience on India’s extensive railway network.

Types of Trains

Local or Passenger Trains: These are the slowest and stop at each station. They are not meant for long-distance trips but for local travel.

Mail & Express Trains: There is little difference between Express and Mail trains. Sometimes, you’ll see an express or mail train described as Superfast, meaning it has a more rapid schedule and higher speed but does not necessarily have better facilities.

India also has several premier train brands indicating higher speeds and better-quality carriages with more on-board amenities, such as refreshments included in the fare.

Rajdhani Express Trains: Rajdhani, (Hindi term for capital city), links Delhi to regional capitals like Mumbai, Kolkata, and more. Rajdhani Express trains use German-designed Linke Hofmann Busch (LHB) coaches. These trains offer AC 1, AC 2, and AC 3 classes. They are a more time-efficient overnight travel option compared to flying.

Shatabdi Express Trains:These fast, air-conditioned trains run at speeds up to 140 km/hr (87 mph). They cover routes like Delhi-Agra and Delhi-Jaipur, with fares including refreshments. Shatabdi in Hindi means century, as these express trains were introduced to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Jawaharlal Nehru. They include LHB coaches and are comparable to European trains.

Tejas Express Trains: Similar to Shatabdi Expresses, these trains run on routes like Delhi-Lucknow and Delhi to Karmali (Goa). They offer AC Executive Chair Class and AC Chair Car Class, with speeds up to 130 km/hr (80 mph).

Vande Bharat Express Trains: India’s most advanced trains, these new streamlined 16-car units feature AC Executive Chair Class and 14 AC Chair Class cars, capable of reaching speeds of 160 km/hr (130 km/hr operational). Available on routes like Delhi to Varanasi and Howrah to New Jalpaiguri, the fare includes refreshments, similar to Shatabdi express.

Duronto Express Trains: These non-stop trains between major cities are faster than Rajdhani and feature AC 1, AC 2, and AC 3 sleepers. They offer routes like Mumbai-Kolkata and Delhi-Lucknow. However, the carriages might not be as luxurious as Rajdhani Expresses, and some Duronto Expresses also carry non-AC cars.

Tips for Choosing the Right Train

Tip #1: Look for the highest-quality trains with the fastest journey times. For long-distance or overnight journeys, choose a Rajdhani or Duronto. For daytime journeys, opt for Shatabdi or Tejas Express. These trains generally have higher-quality rolling stock.

Tip #2: Avoid taking short trips on long-distance trains. For quick trips, such as Agra to Delhi, choose a train that starts just a few minutes south of Agra. Trains that have travelled long distances are more likely to be delayed, so it’s best to avoid them for shorter journeys.

Tip #3: For daytime trips, choose a train with EC or CC seating. They are sometimes more comfortable than general seat mode or a sleeper train.

Conclusion

Choosing the perfect class for your Indian rail journey can significantly enhance your travel experience. For overnight trips, most visitors prefer AC 2, a class favored by Indian middle-class families for its balance of comfort and affordability. If AC 2 is unavailable, AC 3 is a good alternative, offering similar amenities with a few extra bunks. AC 1, being the most luxurious and expensive option, is typically chosen by officer class. For adventurous travellers on a tight budget, the Sleeper Class (SL) offers a more authentic, albeit basic, experience.

Daytime travellers can opt for the AC Chair Car for comfort or splurge on the AC Executive Chair Class for an even more enjoyable ride. If these options are not available, travelling in AC 1, AC 2, or AC 3 with folded berths during the day is also a good choice. For short journeys, Reserved 2nd Class Seating (2S) without air-conditioning is suitable, offering padded cushions and open windows on better trains. However, it’s best to avoid 2nd Class Unreserved (GN) due to its lack of comfort and reserved seating.

By understanding the various classes and types of trains—such as Rajdhani, Shatabdi, Tejas, Vande Bharat, and Duronto Expresses—and checking your PNR status, you can make informed choices to ensure a comfortable and memorable journey across India’s extensive railway network. Prioritize the best-quality trains with the fastest journey times, avoid short trips on long-distance trains, and choose the most comfortable seating options for daytime travel to make the most of your Indian rail adventure.