What Are Train Classes in Indian Railways: 1A, 2A, 3A, SL, CC, 2S & 3E

Indian Railways has been the mainstay of transportation in India since a long time. Earlier, trains were meant for transport only while luxury and comfort of travel were backside. Switch to the present, where there are many train classes in Indian Railways.

If you’ve ever booked a train ticket with the Indian Railways, you must have crossed different codes like CC, 3A, SL, 2S, 3E and many more. These codes might seem confusing but they are of immense importance. These different codes represent different train classes in Indian Railways and knowing them can be the difference between an enjoyable train ride and a stressful train journey.

I still remember my first train ride where I blindly booked “SL” without knowing what it meant. Let’s just say, between sweaty fans, an uncle who snored like a generator, and vendors shouting “chai-chai,” it was an experience. That’s when I realized: knowing your train classes in  Indian Railways is as important as knowing your destination.

Different Train Classes in Indian Railways

Indian Railways has something for everyone — from luxury cabins that rival hotels to budget seats where you’ll share snacks and stories with strangers. Let’s break it all down, one by one.

What Is 1A in Train? (First AC)

1A in train stands for First AC, the fanciest coach Indian Railways has. Think of it like flying business class, but on wheels. 

• Coaches have cabins with 2 berths (coupes) or 4 berths (cabins).
• Each cabin has a door you can lock — full privacy, which no other class offers.
• Bedding, clean pillows, reading lamps, ladders, separate table, sometimes a personal dustbin and even an attendant are included.
• Toilets are cleaner, interiors are quieter, and space feels generous.
• Some trains even have a shower for 1A passengers. 
• Suitable for businessmen, couples and people who want to travel with luxury.

A 1A train coach has very limited berths, so getting a ticket isn’t easy. The catch? Prices often go higher than flight fares on the same route. Still, business travelers, government officials, and people who value comfort over cost choose this class.

In short, if you ever wondered “what is 1A in train?” — it’s the class where you can sleep in peace without a single vendor shouting “paani bottle” at midnight.

If you booked your train ticket, you must check the PNR Status before boarding. RailMitra provided one of the smoothest and fastest methods to check your booking status. 

What Is 2A in Train? (Second AC)

Now, let’s come down a notch as we are going to discuss 2A class in Indian Railways. When someone asks “What is 2A in train”, it means Second AC. It’s like the sweet spot between luxury and affordability.

• Berths are arranged in two tiers (upper and lower).
• You get bedding, pillows, and AC cooling.
• Although there are no lockable doors, curtains separate sections, so there’s some privacy.
• Toilets and overall cleanliness are much better than SL or 3A.
• 6 berths in every compartment.

Comparisons people usually make:

• 2A vs 1A → less private, no lockable cabins.
• 2A vs 3A → fewer people per coach, more space, less noise.

A 2A seat in train easily converts into a sleeping berth. Families often prefer this because it’s comfortable without being crazy expensive. 2A class is the best choice in between a super costly 1A and a bit crowded SL or 3AC classes in Indian Railways.

In short 2A is the class where you can stretch, sleep, and still save compared to 1A.

What Is 3A in Train? (Third AC)

Here’s the most popular AC option — 3A in train, or Third AC. If you ask me, this is where Indian Railways really balances comfort with price.

• Berths are arranged in three tiers (upper, middle, lower) and there are two side berths as well.
• 8 berths in every compartment (2 lower, 2 middle, 2 upper and 2 side berths)
• Bedding is provided.
• Coaches are fully AC but crowded — no curtains for privacy.
• Toilets? Okay-ish, depends on how long the train has been running. Still better than SL coach.

A 3A coach in train carries more passengers than 2A, which is why it’s cheaper. Students, families, and budget travelers love it. If you are an extrovert and like engaging conversations, 3A is the perfect coach for you.

If you’ve Googled “what is 3AC in train”, “3A means in train” or “train 3A means” — it basically means affordable AC comfort with the trade-off of less personal space. 2A in train is suitable for Middle class families, budget travellers and students.

Before boarding your train, you should check the train schedule once to be aware of the train timings. You can check them easily on the RailMitra platform.

What Is SL in Train? (Sleeper Class)

When someone asks, “What is SL in train?”, “SL means in train?” or “SL full form in train”, it means the legendary Sleeper Class. If Indian Railways had a backbone, this would be it. 

• Non-AC, with three-tier berths on both sides.
• 8 berths per compartment. (2 lower, 2 middle, 2 upper and 2 side berths).
• Open windows with bars, cushioned seats but no bedding.
• Fans for ventilation (pray they’re working in summer).
• Washrooms are present and remain functional, but the level of cleanliness might deteriorate compared to Air conditioned classes.
• Temperatures are high in summers and chilly in winters. 

Among all the classes in Indian Railways, Sleeper is the most loved class.Although it might not have air-conditioning service, it is highly affordable. The low cost attached to Sl class, gives people from low income groups a chance to travel without getting scared from the hefty price charged by air-conditioned classes in Indian Railways. 

What Is CC in Train? (Chair Car)

If you’re not into sleeping on trains and just want to get from Point A to B in a day sitting, CC in train (Chair Car) is your friend.

• Only chairs are present for sitting and no berths are present to sleep.
• Looks like an airplane cabin — seats arranged in 2×3 format.
• Fully air-conditioned.
• Chairs are cushioned, often reclinable.
• Suitable for shorter journeys
• Mostly found in Shatabdi, Jan Shatabdi, and Intercity trains.

A CC seat in train is perfect for short or medium journeys. You don’t get bedding, since there are no berths.

Wondering “what is CC in train?” — it’s basically a train’s version of a domestic flight experience. Except here, someone will still walk past yelling, “cold drinks, samosa!”

Trains in Indian Railways are often delayed. To check the updated and most accurate arrival/ departure timings of the train, use live train running status service at the RailMitra platform. 

What Is 2S in Train? (Second Sitting)

Now we come to the cheapest reserved class — 2S in train. If someone enquires “what is 2S in train?”, it refers to the Second Sitting Class in Indian Railways. The seats in the class can be reserved as well as unreserved. 

For reserved classes, the seats are similar to a Chair Car. For unreserved 2S classes, seats are like wooden benches you find in the parks.

• Non-AC, simple cushioned or wooden seats.
• Seating-only, no sleeping berths.
• The layout looks like a classroom with rows of benches.

If you’ve searched “2S means in train” or “train 2S means”, it just stands for Second Sitting.

It’s the go-to option for students, workers, and anyone traveling short distances on a tight budget. Not the most comfortable for overnight journeys, though. After 8–10 hours of sitting, you’ll wish you’d spent a bit more on 3A.

In short, 2S coach in train is the bare minimum reserved seat — cheap, simple, practical. This seat is ideal for those who are looking for budget options on short journeys. For long journeys this can get crowded and uncomfortable. 

What Is 3E in Train? (Third AC Economy)

Finally, let’s talk about the new kid on the block: 3E in train, or Third AC Economy.This class is almost similar to 3A classes and has been introduced to decrease the pressure on 3A classes. However, this class is more economical and slightly crowded as compared to 3A class. Seats in this classes are a bit smaller and hence it can feel a little congested here. 

• Same layout as 3A (three tiers).
• Extra berths squeezed in → cheaper fares.
• Bedding included, but less space per passenger.

Many passengers Google “3E meaning in train” or “3E means in train.” Answer: it’s basically 3A’s little cousin — AC comfort at a slightly tighter squeeze.

Students, large families, and budget-conscious travelers prefer this over Sleeper Class because you still get AC at a lower fare.

Pro tip: If you don’t mind a little less elbow room, 3E in train is the best balance between cheap and comfortable.

Difference Between 2A and 3A in Train

This is the comparison most of the train travellers make: 

• Privacy: 2A has curtains, 3A doesn’t.
• Comfort: 2A has more space, 3A is busier.
• Price: 2A is costlier, 3A is budget-friendly.
• Best for: 2A → Families / business. 3A → Students / budget groups.
  

Quick Comparison of Train Classes in Indian Railways

Which Train Class Should You Choose?

• For luxury and privacy → 1A.
• For comfort without going broke → 2A.
• For budget AC → 3A or 3E.
• For short trips → CC or 2S.
• For cheapest overnight option → SL.
  

Conclusion

Understanding the different classes in Indian Railways is the first pre-requisite of any train journey. Different classes are tailor made to fit the different needs of the passengers. If you want comfort and privacy opt for 1A or 2A class, in case you want comfort but okay with people around you choose 3A, 3E or SL class and when affordability is your sole priority pick SL or 2S class.

So, the next time you look for booking a train ticket, use this information about different classes in Indian Railways. This guide will inform you and help you make the right decision for your comfortable train travel. 

FAQs for Classes in Indian Railways

Q1. What is 2S in train booking?
A: 2S in train booking means Second Sitting, the cheapest reserved class. Seats here can be reserved or unreserved.

Q2. What is CC seat in train?
A: CC seat in a train means a Chair Car seat. This class is air-conditioned and used for daytime travel.

Q3. What is SL full form in train?
A: The full form of SL in train is Sleeper class. This is a non air conditioned class where you can sleep.

Q4. Which is better: 2A or 3A in train?
A: 2A is quieter and more private. 3A is cheaper and busier.

Q5. What is 3E in train?
A: 3E in train means Third AC Economy. This is like 3A but with extra berths to make fares lower.

Q6. Which is the cheapest train class in India?
A: 2S (Second Sitting) is the cheapest train class in India, if you want a reserved seat. General (GN) if you don’t mind no seat guarantee.