India’s Sleeper Class – Tried and Tested
If you’ve ever travelled in India—or are planning to—you probably already know how vast and complex the Indian railway system is, with its various travel classes. Instead, I want to share my 10-hour journey in Sleeper Class and offer some insight that might clear your doubts.
Planning the Journey
I booked train tickets for the August trip in July. While I managed to book most of my journey, the Delhi to Khajuraho segment proved difficult. I ended up 4th and 5th on the AC 2 Tier waitlist—not terrible, but not ideal.
Still, I was hopeful I’d get a confirmed seat before leaving. That didn’t happen. Right before my flight to Delhi, the waitlist status was unchanged. Rather than risk missing out on Khajuraho—one of the places I was most excited to visit—I cancelled the ticket and booked Sleeper Class instead, which was the only option available.
Affordable and Efficient
Sleeper Class cost just ₹700 (~10 EUR) for two people, while AC 2 Tier would have cost ₹2,700 (~40 EUR). That’s ₹350 (~5 EUR) per person for a 640 km train ride—a bargain, especially for budget-conscious travellers.
First Impressions: Sleeper Class Reality
Notably, the AC 2/3 Tier is usually recommended for being more comfortable, often filled with well-off families, professionals, and fellow international travellers. One man even said: “Sleeper Class is for the more adventurous travellers who are willing to take the rough with the smooth.”
Life Onboard Sleeper Class
Coach Layout
Sleeper Class has a simple structure:
- On one side of the aisle, Three-tier berths face each other.
- On the opposite side, Two-tier berths run parallel to the windows.
You won’t find air-conditioning, but ceiling fans do the job. Just be careful not to bump your head when getting up.
Safety and Comfort
We took the Delhi-Khajuraho train, which departs at 8:15 PM and arrives at 6:35 AM. It was a 10-hour journey, most of which we spent sleeping.
The upper berth is your safest bet. You can keep your backpack at the foot of your bed and even use it as a pillow. We fastened ours to the metal bar for extra security.
Comparing Sleeper with Other Classes
We found the Executive Chair and AC 2/3 Tier to be more social. People started conversations with us—business people, military personnel, and other tourists.
But in the Unreserved Class, no one spoke to us. Even families passed food around without a glance or a word. That journey was quiet—almost eerily so.
Still, whether you choose a budget or premium option, your safety as a foreigner isn’t a concern.
Ticket Booking Tips
- I booked through redRail, which worked perfectly. I received my refund in 48 hours when I switched to Sleeper Class.
- Booking 1.5 months in advance wasn’t early enough during the high season. If travelling from October to March, book 2-3 months ahead.
My Booking Strategy
I only pre-booked long-distance and must-do routes:
- Delhi → Jaisalmer
- Delhi → Khajuraho
- Khajuraho → Agra
- Return to Amritsar
For shorter routes, we relied on local transportation. We used APSRTC bus booking for regional trips in Telangana, which turned out to be convenient and cost-effective.
Final Thoughts
If you’re taking a day train, try the AC Executive Chair. It’s spacious and includes meals and tea—great value for money. We used this class from Delhi to Amritsar, and the experience was excellent.
If all reserved classes are full, don’t hesitate to try Unreserved Class—know it’s first-come, first-served. For day trains, that’s fine. But for overnight journeys, always go for a reserved berth.
The Verdict on Sleeper Class
Would I recommend it? Absolutely.
Sleeper Class might not have the comforts of AC 2 Tier or Exec Chair, but it offers a genuine, grounded view of India. If I can do it, so can you. You’ll save money, travel far, and collect stories you won’t get in air-conditioned comfort.