Traveling in India without experiencing the local railway network wouldn't have quite the same flavor as spending time in Indian trains. Whether to reach a city or simply venture into the unknown and let wanderlust guide you. But while the train itself—rolling on rails—is the same as in France, the habits and traditions are vastly different. The carriages are numerous, signage often written in Hindi, and the disparity between classes immense. Here are some tips to avoid missteps while honoring your spirit of discovery!

There are classes for every budget and every preference: for resourceful backpackers, adventurers who value comfort, families who need to look after everyone, and more. Everyone will find their match—at least those who prefer the journey itself over the speed of flying, which is also a widespread way to travel in India. But many believe that the journey matters more than the destination. Worth considering. In any case, here are some tips for choosing the right class for your train journey.

The popular classes

You'll have no trouble, by working with our English-speaking local agency, booking a train ticket for the journey you want to take during your stay. This will save you from many mishaps. All that's left is to decide which carriage you want to travel in, which class appeals to you based on your preferences, and most importantly, your budget.

For those without a lot to spare on train tickets, you can choose between 2nd Class Seats or Sleeper Class. These compartments have no air conditioning and they share one thing: they're always overcrowded. In the first, you'll feel like you're sitting in an aging bus surrounded by families sitting and standing, or sometimes even animals roaming around. You'll often struggle to find a seat for the entire journey.

Sleeper Class is the most budget-friendly option if you're looking for a bunk. Comfort isn't the strong suit of Sleeper Class compartments, and you'll often be woken by mobile vendors or people wanting to lie beside you. Seats aren't numbered, so it's strongly recommended to take the upper bunks—the lower ones are mainly used for lengthy conversations. You may be bothered by heat during the dry season, though the many ceiling fans can ease this discomfort.

Air conditioning: the marker of superior comfort

Airconditioned classes will give you far more comfort and privacy, making them far better suited to those seeking these qualities. Chair Car AC is the enhanced version of 2nd Class Seats. It closely resembles second-class carriages in French trains and offers air conditioning. You'll also enjoy this advantage in all the other compartments that follow.

3AC represents the improved Sleeper Class. You're in compartments with 9 bunks, and you're provided with a pillow and bedding. Since seats are numbered and inspections are more frequent, you won't encounter people trying to claim your bed. If you arrive at night, a conductor will alert you so you don't miss your station.

2AC is the evolution of 3AC. There are 6 bunks per compartment, separated by curtains. You'll hear almost no noise and experience far greater comfort than most other classes. You can imagine this progressive ranking affects ticket prices. This is especially true for the last class presented, 1AC.

This luxury class features compartments with 2 or 4 bunks, each with a private washroom. Rest assured that no disturbance will reach you, though you'll need to pay a premium price.