The train in India is a bit of representation of the whole country, condensed in only a few square meters. In the land of Gandhi, this means of transport is an integral part of the landscape and is an unmissable part of your journey . To avoid the same misadventures as and to make it easier for you (as you will see, this is not easy), you have written a guide to the different classes that make up wagons of an Indian train.
In the same way that our TGVs are equipped with first and second class, the Indian trains are composed of different wagons which offer services for the least ... different! You will choose your class based on your travel time, your budget, your comfort requirements and ... the availability of tickets!
Chair car: no air conditioning and a lot of people
This class represents the lowest of the Indian trains. Sitting on the seat of a seat for 3 people, you will find yourself with 4 other compatriots (you did not say that the seat was for 3?) And the girl of your neighbor on the lap and the chicken escaped from the village of the previous stop. In short, it is here that you will rub shoulders with authentic India. Do not panic, this class is far from being unlivable, quite the opposite; she is festive, friendly and lively. It is very suitable for a trip of a few hours and day like a New Delhi - Amritsar in the morning for example (provided that your train is not late and that, we do not guarantee anything ...).
Even if you see Indians getting on the road in these cars, you are strongly advised against doing the same thing. Take a ticket at the station, at the risk of fining you on board. No, you are not Indian and you do not (yet) know Hindi well enough to negotiate with the controller. In addition, the price of a ticket in Chair Car costs almost nothing. It would be a shame to have trouble for a few rupees spent. You should also know that even if the train is already full, you can take a ticket that will entitle you to board the train but will not guarantee you a seat. In that case,
Sleeper Class: travel lying down ... in the noise!
The Sleeper Class is probably the most folkloric of all. Lovers of authentic experience, we strongly encourage you to make at least one trip. This is the cheapest category to travel in a berth. In most cases, these cars are available for long night journeys. Here no air conditioning, a lot of people and a permanent animation.
As there is no air conditioning (and by inference no heating either), you are strongly advised to bring with you a down for the cold winter nights. In the summer, fans (a little old) run at full speed over your heads. If you are sensitive to noise, also plan earplugs that will be useful for sleeping because, as a rule, trains mark many stops and the comings and goings last all night. In the early morning (5 hours), the tea vendor (the famous Indian chai) will come to wake you up with his heady melody screaming at all times " chai! chai ". With that you are warned.
Car Chair AC: at home
This category looks like the Chair Car but with air conditioning (hence the "AC"). This is the class closest to our other country trains. Here no over-booking, each one's seat and no need to sit on the neighbor's lap. If you have to travel several hours a day, this is probably the best compromise. This class is much quieter than the previous two and frequented by middle-class Indians. Here, the seller of Chai wants to be more discreet; he walks the aisles to offer you a hot tea but does not sing at all.
3 AC: Sleep calm and (almost) alone
Welcome to the intermediate category which presents more comfort; air conditioning, delimited berths, blanket and pillow clean (the detail is important). In these wagons, the controls are stricter than in the previous ones. Result; you're unlikely to end up with someone with the same reservation as you. Sellers of good Indian dishes prepared locally and chai will meet you discreetly.
It is even likely that a controller will wake you up a few minutes before your stop if it is in the middle of the night. In the same way as Sleeper Class, there are 6 berths per compartment but you will be separated from the corridor by a small curtain. For a long night ride, this category is ideal. It is certainly more expensive than the Sleeper Class, but definitely more comfortable. You can really recover from your day and attack the next in great shape.
2 AC: Even more comfort
Category 2 AC is very similar to the previous one, but of a higher standard. The materials used are more noble (a lot of wood) and the comfort of the berths is clearly superior. The Indians who reserve this category are part of the middle-high class because the price of the ticket can be twice that of a 3 AC. A trip in a wagon 2 AC passes like a lunch in the sun; silent, spacious and clean, the food vendors are even dressed in a uniform (the class).
1 AC (first class): the best of the best!
If you want to have a little fun or simply travel in very good conditions, this class is simply the best. At this point, one can even speak of luxury; compartments composed of only 4 berths and closed by a door (yes a real one), a service of quality, absolute silence and very well-off Indians. This class of travel does not exist in all trains because it is very expensive. For example, count 2600 rupees for a New Delhi - Varanasi first class, against 1100 rupees for the same trip in
3 AC. So like that, you certainly say that a difference of 1500 for a super comfort is not huge. But from experience, believe us with 1500 rupees, you can make a great restaurant! Up to you.
In summary: which class to choose for a train trip?
If you have no problem to put your comfort aside and travel low cost, the Chair Car and the Sleeper Class for a night ride, will contribute to fuel your travel book. You will have many anecdotes to tell and will make absolutely incredible encounter.
For travelers who want a bit of comfort, the Chair Car AC or 3 AC will perfectly meet your travel needs. You will not be disturbed every 5 minutes and can rest during your trips. It will nevertheless provide a little more for the transport budget.
And for those whose budget is not a problem, the 2 AC and First Class will be your relaxing cocoon between two stages of your trip to India. And if you are fans of luxury travel, know that there are amazing trains in India like Maharaja Experss, Palace on Wheels, Deccan Odyssey which include every comfort, worthy of the finest luxury hotels.
You now have all the cards in hand to select your class on a train trip to India. Depending on the way you travel, you will be able to explore India in a completely different way and each trip will have its quota of anecdotes.