Third AC Class

For long-distance and overnight journeys, 3A in a train is one of the most commonly booked AC classes. It gives you a sleeping berth, air conditioning, and useful onboard facilities without the higher fare of 2A.

This redRail guide covers everything you need to know about a 3A coach in a train, including the berth layout, facilities, Third AC ticket price, booking process, and cancellation rules.

3A means AC 3 Tier in Indian Railways. It is also called Third AC or AC Three Tier. The coach is fully air-conditioned and has three sleeping berths arranged on both sides and two side berths along the aisle. 

You can book 3A coaches on many long-distance Mail, Express, and premium trains. It is a good choice when you want to travel in an AC sleeper coach without paying the higher fare of 2A.

The layout of a 3A coach in a train follows a 3+3+2 berth arrangement. Each section has eight berths in total: six in the main bay and two along the side.

The main bay has:

• Lower Berth (LB): This bottom berth in the main bay is a preferred option for senior citizens, families with children, or anyone who doesn’t want to climb up.

• Middle Berth (MB): The middle berth is attached with a chain and can be opened only at night. It has less headroom and may be inconvenient for longer journeys.

• Upper Berth (UB): The top berth in the main bay is a good option for solo or younger travelers who can climb up and want more privacy.

The side bay has:

• Side Lower (SL): This is the lower berth along the side of the coach, beside the aisle and window. It is a good option if you like sitting by the window during the day.

• Side Upper (SU): The upper berth is located above the side lower, along the coach wall. 

Older ICF 3A coaches usually have 64 berths, while newer LHB coaches feature 72 berths. When you book a 3A ticket, you can ask for a berth type you prefer, such as lower or upper. However, you cannot pick an exact berth from the 3A seat map. Indian Railways allots you the final berth based on availability.

The main difference between 2A and 3A in trains is the berth layout and the amount of space you get. A 3A coach carries more passengers and costs less, while 2A has fewer berths and gives you more space.

A 3A coach in a train gives you the basic facilities needed for an AC overnight journey, including:

• Air conditioning: The whole coach is air-conditioned, which helps make long journeys more comfortable.
• Bedding: You get a bedding package with a pillow, blanket, and bedsheet for sleeping.
• Charging points: Most new 3A coaches in trains have charging points near the berths.
• Reading lights: Some newer LHB 3A coaches also have reading lights.
• Toilets and washbasins: Toilets and washbasins are available at both ends of the coach. Newer Third AC coaches come with eco-friendly bio-vacuum toilets.

Generally, tickets for a 3A coach in trains cost less than 1A and 2A tickets. Third AC train ticket prices depend on the train, route, distance, quota and other charges. Premium trains like Rajdhani and Duronto also have dynamic fares, so the price can change depending on demand. Similarly, seats for 3A in trains can also cost more when booking premium Tatkal tickets.

Here are third AC ticket fares for some popular routes to give you a better idea of costs:

*These fares are only examples and can change based on the travel date, quota, catering, and other charges. Please check the current Third AC ticket price on redRail before booking.

You can book a third AC ticket online through redRail in under 5 minutes by following these steps:

Step 1: Open the redRail app or go to the “Train Tickets” section of the redBus app

Step 2: Enter the names of your boarding and destination stations, and travel date.

Step 3: Select ‘AC Third Tier (3A)’ as your preferred ticket class.

Step 4: Choose a preferred train based on departure/arrival timing, third AC train ticket price, journey duration, etc.

Step 5: Select your boarding station and enter your IRCTC username, passenger details, berth preference, and contact details.

Step 6: Pay for the ticket using UPI, netbanking, or credit/debit card.

Once your 3A coach ticket is booked, it will be sent via SMS and email to your registered contact details.

Third AC ticket cancellation charge depends on how early you cancel and whether your ticket is confirmed, RAC, or waitlisted.

The following rules apply for cancelling a confirmed third AC ticket:

• Cancel more than 48 hours before departure: ₹180 + GST per passenger.

• Cancel 48 to 12 hours before departure: 25% of the fare is deducted, with a minimum charge of ₹180 + GST.

• Cancel 12 to 4 hours before departure: 50% of the fare is deducted, with the same minimum charge.

• Cancel less than 4 hours before departure: You normally do not get a refund if the ticket was not cancelled or a TDR was not filed in time.

• Cancel confirmed Tatkal ticket: No refund is given.

If you don’t have a confirmed third AC ticket, the following rules apply:

• RAC or waitlisted ticket: You can cancel up to 30 minutes before departure. A ₹60 + GST clerkage charge applies per passenger.
• Train cancelled: E-ticket passengers get a full refund automatically. You do not need to file a TDR.