SL In Train

While checking tickets for a long-distance train, you’ll often see Sleeper Class among the cheaper options. Sleeper Class is a non-AC coach where you can travel comfortably, stretch out on your berth, and enjoy the views from the train windows.

But before you book a Sleeper Class on a train, you should know exactly what you’re paying for and how you should prepare ahead. Read this redRail guide to understand all about the Sleeper Class seat layout, facilities, and advantages of travelling in this coach.

 

Sleeper Class (SL) is a non-AC train class on Indian Railways, available on many long-distance trains. It is cheaper than AC sleeper classes and gives you a reserved sleeping berth for a confirmed ticket. The coach offers basic facilities like ceiling fans, windows with shutters and bars, and clean toilets. However, bedding is not included, so you need to bring your own blanket, pillow, and bedsheet.

A railway sleeper coach has the same berth layout as 3A coaches, with every sleeper coach having eight berths within each section: six in the main bay and two along the side. Older ICF Sleeper coaches usually have 72 berths, while standard LHB coaches have 80 berths.

As the name suggests, Sleeper Class lets you sleep during your train journey. Based on this definition, we can generally classify sleeper classes into the following types:

• Sleeper Class: A non-AC sleeper class with three levels of sleeping berths.

• 3E: The cheapest AC sleeper class with additional middle berths and less space than regular 3A coaches.

• 3A: An AC class with three levels of berths in the main bay and two side berths.

• 2A: A more spacious AC class with two main berths and two side berths.

• 1A: The most expensive sleeper class, with private two-berth coupes and four-berth cabins.

So, if you see SL (Sleeper) in train booking, it means regular non-AC Sleeper Class. An AC sleeper train or AC sleeper coach is different because it has air conditioning and additional facilities.

Also, do not confuse Sleeper Class with Second Sitting (2S). Both are non-AC classes, but 2S has seats rather than sleeping berths.

A Sleeper Class train coach focuses on making long journeys more comfortable with sleeper berths. However, to keep ticket prices lowest among all sleeper options, these coaches mainly offer some basic facilities like:

• Fans and windows: There are overhead ceiling fans and openable windows to help with ventilation. 
• Sleeping berths: There are upper, middle, and lower berths plus two side berths to help you stretch out and rest comfortably on the journey. 
• Charging points: Shared charging points (2-3 sockets/bay) are available near the wall panels.
• Lights: Lights are available inside the coach for use at night.
• Toilets and washbasins: There are toilets and washbasins at both ends of the coach.
• Luggage space: Luggage can be stored on the overhead luggage racks or under the lower/side berth.

Here’s how Sleeper Class (SL) compares with other Indian Railways classes:

 

For your upcoming journey, follow these steps to book Sleeper Class train tickets with redRail: 

Step 1: Open the redRail app or go to the Train Tickets section on redBus.

Step 2: Enter your boarding station, destination, and travel date details. Click on ‘Search Trains’.

Step 3: Go to the Ticket Class filter option and select ‘Sleeper Class (SL)’.

Step 4: Compare train timings, journey duration, ticket prices, and berth availability to choose your preferred train.

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

Step 6: Use UPI, net banking, or a debit/credit card to pay.

Once your ticket is booked, you will receive the details on your registered mobile number and email ID.

Booking Sleeper Class train tickets offers several benefits, especially when you want to keep travel costs low. Here’s what makes these coaches so popular among travellers: 

• Affordable tickets: Sleeper Class is the cheapest train class with reserved sleeping berths. 
• Good for overnight journeys: Long journeys are comfortable because you get your own berth to lie down and sleep instead of sitting all night.
• Widely available: Railway sleeper coaches are available on many long-distance Mail and Express trains and have 72 to 80 berths in each coach. This makes them easily available, even when you’re booking last-minute. 
• Enjoy the scenery and fresh air: Windows in SL coaches open, so you can enjoy fresh air while looking at the scenery outside.