Train Coach Layout Guide

The most common long-distance class — non-AC, open bays with curtains between compartments but not around individual berths.

• 8 berths per bay: 6 in the main bay (2 columns × 3 tiers) + 2 side berths.
• No AC, ceiling fans, windows open.
• No bedding provided — carry your own or book paid bedding where available.

Same berth arrangement as Sleeper, but air-conditioned with curtains for privacy and free bedding included.

• 72 berths in a full coach (9 bays × 8 berths).
• Free bedding: blanket, pillow, 2 sheets, towel.
• Curtains around each bay for privacy, not individual berths.

A denser, budget-friendly version of 3A — an extra middle side berth fits more passengers per coach, at a slightly lower fare.

• 9 berths per bay (81-83 per coach) — the side column gets a third, middle berth.
• Roughly 8-10% cheaper fare than standard 3A.
• Narrower berths and tighter aisle than 3A — see our full 3A vs 3E comparison.

Only two tiers instead of three — more space per berth, curtains for every bay, and a quieter cabin overall.

• 6 berths per bay: 4 in the main bay (2 columns × 2 tiers) + 2 side berths.
• Free bedding included, curtains around every bay.
• Roughly half the passenger density of 3A for the same coach length.

The only class with fully enclosed, lockable compartments — a Cabin (4 berths) or Coupe (2 berths), not an open bay at all.

• A full coach typically has around 4 cabins (4 berths each) plus 1-2 coupes (2 berths each) — roughly 18-24 passengers total.
• Sliding door locks from inside — see our 1A vs 2A comparison for whether it's worth the fare jump.
• Dedicated coach attendant and included meals on most routes.

Airline-style seated class for daytime travel — no berths at all, just reclining seats in a 3+2 row layout.

• 3 seats on one side of the aisle, 2 on the other — like a typical domestic flight cabin.
• Used on Shatabdi, Vande Bharat, Double Decker and other daytime services.
• No sleeping arrangement — built for journeys generally under 8 hours.

The most basic reserved seating class — non-AC bench seating, typically 3+3 across, for shorter daytime journeys.

• No AC, no reclining — simple bench-style seating.
• The cheapest reserved class on Indian Railways.
• Common on Passenger and some Mail/Express day trains over short-to-medium distances.