Can someone please tell me the difference between the
trains in India ie 1st &2nd class.
What type did you travel on or prefer?
Is it worth getting a pass?
Any info will be appreciated
Thanks
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Jules, 1st class carriages you either have a double berth or
4 person, you have your own compartment that locks, the beds
are more comfy (marginally, and there is only one bunk above
you. You have fans on the ceiling and reading lights etc.
but the main advantage is that you can lock yourself in.
Second class, they are not closed carriages, just open to
the 'corridor' when bed time comes you have 3 tiered bunks,
they are narrower and not as comfy as 1st, you still get
fans, the main disadvantage is that you need to keep an eye
on your luggage. But a good advantage is that you will be
able to meet more people and talk to Indians travelling.
Just wondering if this is the kiwi-Jules??? Please send me
a note if this is you babes!
Jenn : )
I travelled everywhere second class and found it fine. It is
a lot cheaper than the 1st class berths and not
too uncomfortable. If you are going a great distance then it
may be worth paying more but it is your call. I spent 18
hours going from Mumbai to Jaipur and it wasn't exactly fun
but I got there in one piece and saved a lot of cash.
If you go 2nd class pack your bag with a soft spot on it and
use it as a pillow, that way you will have a better nights
sleep and your bag won't get knicked. Beware though I
wouldn't worry so much about someone knicking your bag, more
that they will try and knick your bunk. If you see someone
climbing on your bunk get them out, due to my naievity I
spent a very uncomfortable first journey because I was too
scared to sling someone out my bunk.
Happy Travels.
Don't bother getting a pass, it doesn't save a lot of money
unless you travel hundreds of miles every day and you still
have to queue for tickets which in typical Indian style can
take from five minutes to five hours, just be patient!
I love to travel ordinary second class because it is so much
easier to meet people that way. But if you fancy a bit of
comfort I would recommend 2nd class aircon instead of 1st
class. 1st class is not really that different from 2nd class
for the money you pay. 2nd aircon is not much more expensive
than 1st class and you get bedding and food and won't be too
hot or too cold. It is also very clean compared to the 1st
class compartments. Also although you can lock 1st class
compartments it is possible to open them from the outside so
it's not as safe as it sounds.
Number 5 is close - there are talking about the distinction
between 2nd AC and 2nd regular (which is what most
travellers take) and 3rd unreserved is one step down from
that.
The top is 1st class, which I seriously doubt anyone here
has taken, it is extremely expensive, not always available
and you get nearly a whole bogey to yourself. Only
politicians and big wigs take it.
The main distinction you should be concerned with is between
2nd AC and non AC (described above)
Thanks guys for all the info it now makes sense to me now