Planning a Train Trip? Here's What to Know About 1st AC, 2nd AC, and 3rd AC Classes in Indian Railways
As the heat rises across India, more travelers are opting for air-conditioned train coaches for a more relaxed journey. With several AC options available—First AC, Second AC, and Third AC—understanding the key differences can help you choose the best one based on comfort, privacy, and budget.
1st AC: Luxury on Wheels
First AC (1A) is the most luxurious class offered by Indian Railways. It’s designed for travelers who want maximum privacy and comfort. Coaches have lockable two-berth or four-berth cabins, and seating arrangements are finalized during chart preparation, allowing special preferences like a private coupe for couples.
Facilities include carpeted floors, individual reading lights, clean bedding, call buttons for attendants, and sometimes even private bathrooms with hot water—making it feel almost like a hotel room on the move.
2nd AC: Comfort with a Smart Budget
Second AC (2A) offers a great mix of comfort and affordability. Each compartment has four berths across and two side berths, with no middle berth, providing more space than Third AC. Curtains offer a basic level of privacy, and passengers also get fresh bedding, mobile charging points, and personal reading lamps.
With 46–52 berths per coach, 2nd AC is quieter and more spacious, perfect for overnight trips without spending too much.
3rd AC: Affordable and Air-Conditioned
Third AC (3A) is the most popular AC class, known for being pocket-friendly. Coaches have 64–72 berths in three tiers—upper, middle, and lower. While there are no curtains, passengers still enjoy bedding, charging ports, and reading lights.
Because of its high demand, many trains have added extra 3A coaches, sometimes replacing non-AC sleeper coaches.
New Option: AC 3-Tier Economy
For those looking for even cheaper AC travel, Indian Railways introduced the AC 3-Tier Economy class. These coaches offer slightly less space than regular 3A coaches at a lower ticket price. Bedding may not always be complimentary, depending on the route.
How to Identify Your Coach
Train coaches are marked clearly with codes:
- H1 for First AC
- A1, A2, A3 for Second AC
- B1, B2, B3 for Third AC
You can also check digital displays on platforms or ask station staff to find your coach easily.
Fare Snapshot and Booking Advice
Here’s an approximate fare for a Mumbai–Delhi trip:
- 1st AC: ₹4,000–₹8,000
- 2nd AC: ₹2,200–₹2,600
- 3rd AC: ₹1,100–₹2,100
Booking early is highly recommended, especially during busy seasons. Students, senior citizens, and government employees should also check for available discounts.
