Indian Railways travel classes ranked from premium to budget:
1A — AC First Class ★★★★★
- Private 2-berth or 4-berth lockable cabins
- Bedding, pillow, premium meals included
- Most expensive; only on premium trains (Rajdhani, Shatabdi, premium expresses)
2A — AC 2-Tier ★★★★
- 4-berth bay (LB, UB) + 2 side berths (SL, SU) — curtains for privacy
- Bedding included
- Wider berths than 3A
3A — AC 3-Tier ★★★
- 6-berth bay (LB, MB, UB) + 2 side (SL, SU)
- Bedding included
- Most popular AC class — best value
SL — Sleeper Class ★★
- Same 6+2 layout as 3A but no AC, just fan + open windows
- No bedding (carry your own)
- Cheapest reserved class
3E — AC 3-Tier Economy (only Garib Rath)
- Like 3A but with extra side-middle berth (3 instead of 2)
- Cheaper, slightly more crowded
CC — Chair Car (day trains)
- Reclining AC chairs, 5-across
EC — Executive Chair Car (Shatabdi, Vande Bharat)
- 4-across recliner, premium meals