The codes on a ticket name the coach type. SL is non-AC Sleeper with 72 berths. 3A is AC 3-tier (64 berths), 3E is the slightly cheaper AC 3 Economy (72–80 berths), 2A is AC 2-tier (46–54 berths with curtains), and 1A is First AC with lockable cabins. For daytime trains, 2S is non-AC seating, CC is AC Chair Car and EC is Executive Chair Car. Fares rise roughly in that order, with 3A around three times Sleeper.
Overnight classes: berths
| Code | Name | Berths per coach | What it is like | Fare vs SL |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SL | Sleeper | 72 | Non-AC, open bays of six berths plus two side berths, windows that open. The backbone of long-distance travel and the class with the most berths and the most cancellations. | 1× |
| 3E | AC 3 Economy | 72–80 | AC 3-tier with an extra side-middle row on some rakes, narrower berths, and no bedding on many trains. Slightly cheaper than 3A. | ~2.4× |
| 3A | AC 3-tier | 64 | Bays of six plus two side berths, air-conditioned, bedding provided. The default choice for most overnight journeys. | ~2.6× |
| 2A | AC 2-tier | 46–54 | Bays of four plus two side berths, curtains for privacy, a reading light per berth, fewer people. Quieter, wider, priced accordingly. | ~3.7× |
| 1A | First AC | 18–24 | Lockable cabins of two or four berths, a wash basin in some, attendant service. Fares approach a flight on many routes. | ~6× |
The fare multiples are approximate and vary by distance band and train type; a Rajdhani’s 3A costs more than a Mail/Express 3A for the same distance because it includes meals and a faster schedule. The exact fare for your train, class and date is what the booking page shows.
Daytime classes: seats
| Code | Name | What it is like |
|---|---|---|
| 2S | Second Sitting | Non-AC reserved seats, 3+3 across. Cheap; fine for a few hours. |
| CC | AC Chair Car | AC reclining seats, 3+2 across. Shatabdi, Jan Shatabdi, Vande Bharat and most intercity trains. |
| EC | Executive Chair Car | AC, 2+2 across, wider seats, more legroom. The first class of daytime travel. |
| EV / VC | Vistadome | Glass-roofed sightseeing coach on scenic routes; rotating seats. |
| GN / UR | General / Unreserved | No reservation, no guaranteed seat. Not bookable online for a berth. |
Berth positions
Within a bay: LB lower, MB middle, UB upper. Across the aisle: SL side lower, SU side upper, and on Garib Rath only, SM side middle. Lower berths double as seats by day, which is why they are contested and why a quota reserves some for seniors, women over 45 and pregnant women. Side lower berths in 3A and 2A are the ones RAC passengers share (see RAC).
Train types that change the classes
- Garib Rath — all AC 3-tier at a fare well below normal 3A; extra side-middle berths; bedding for a small charge. Excellent value where it runs (the Delhi–Gaya Garib Rath, 22410, is a well-known example).
- Rajdhani / Duronto — AC only (3A, 2A, 1A), meals included, high priority on the track and the best punctuality.
- Shatabdi / Vande Bharat — daytime, CC and EC, meals included.
- Humsafar — all 3A, with dynamic fares on some.
- Antyodaya / Jan Sadharan — fully unreserved.
Questions people ask
What is the difference between 3A and 3E?
Both are AC 3-tier. 3E (AC 3 Economy) coaches pack in more berths, each slightly narrower, and are priced a little below 3A. Some 3E coaches do not provide bedding.
Which class is best for an overnight journey with family?
2A if the budget allows — curtains, fewer people, and side berths that are private. 3A is the usual compromise. In Sleeper, ask for lower berths for older family members.
What is Garib Rath?
A cheaper all-AC 3-tier train. Its fares are well below a normal 3A, the coaches carry extra side-middle berths, and bedding is optional.
Rules quoted here are Indian Railways’ published rules as we understand them on the date above. They change; the official channel’s page at the time you book is what governs. YaatriGan is independent and is not affiliated with Indian Railways or IRCTC.