Did you know that understanding the meaning of a train berth during a long journey can reduce stress and improve your travel experience? However, you must be aware of the types of berths to find the right one for your train travel.
You must know that the train is considered the most affordable and comfortable way to complete a long journey. Therefore, you need to ensure you have the right berth that offers rest and sitting without any problem.
This post will assist you in understanding the meaning of the berth in the train and plan your journey accordingly. It will also help to understand each type of berth for train travel according to individual preference.
Check your Train PNR status to find the seat and berth number to enjoy the journey. You can use RailMitra or RailRestro train app to find the seat and even plan your meals from top restaurants at 450+ stations.
What is a Train Berth?
A berth in a train refers to the space that is provided to a passenger in a reserved coach, which allows them to sleep or sit during the journey. You can find the train berth number printed on the ticket that allows you to enjoy your journey. However, Indian Railways allows you to choose a type of berth according to your preference.
Types of Train Berth In Indian Railways
Indian Railways offers different types of berths to make your train journey comfortable and enjoyable. Each berth comes with its own features, offering a unique travel experience based on your age, comfort, and convenience. Along with choosing the right berth, checking the IRCTC Live Train Status is equally important to plan your journey better, stay updated on delays, and avoid last-minute inconvenience. So let’s explore the different types of berths below and select the one that suits you best for a smooth and memorable train journey.
Upper Berth (UB)
If you like to enjoy privacy, then you will love to enjoy your train travel with an upper berth in a train. It is the topmost berth in Indian Railways with privacy and comfort at the same time. Best for young individuals who prefer a quiet space for sleeping. You can even enjoy food on the train at the upper berth with RailMitra. It allows you to enjoy fresh meals from more than 2000 restaurants at 450+ stations across India.
Features
- More privacy
- Less food traffic
- No disturbance
- No seat-sharing with others
- Better for sleeping
Middle Berth (MB)
In reserved coaches, the middle berth is placed between the upper and lower berths. It is a foldable berth that is used only at night for sleeping purposes, but requires unfolding while sitting at a lower berth. However, you may face certain challenges with the middle berth in the train that may include sitting during the night or sleeping during the day.
Features
- Easier to access
- Good for the short journeys
- More secure
- Offers outside views
- Suitable for adults
Lower berth (LB)
Lower berth in a train, a most preferred option for families, older citizens, and others. It is easy to use as a seat and put your belongings during the whole journey with easy access to underseat luggage. The bottom-most berth offers changing landscape visuals from the window. Check train running status to find the expected time to get your train food order with the RailMitra food app.
Features
- No climbing required
- Easy to access
- Convenient for long journeys
- Best for older citizens or pregnant women
- Safer in comparison to the middle and upper berths
Side Lower Berth (SL)
SL in train is located along the aisle in the train that can be converted to a sitting berth as well as a sleeper berth. Moreover, the side lower berth in the train offers a window just beside the seat to enjoy the outside view while enjoying movies or music. You can enjoy food on the train from more than 2500 restaurants with RailRestro right to your seat.
Features
- Easy Access
- Good for older people
- Better for a short trip
- Less Crowded
Side Middle (SM)
Indian Railways places the Side Middle berth above the side lower berth and below the side upper berth. It does not appear in every coach and appears mainly in economy class on some routes. Passengers use this foldable berth only for sleeping at night.
Features
- Extra sleeping capacity in busy routes
- Useful for short overnight journeys
- Removable during the day to sit at the side of the lower berth
- Cost-effective
- Near aisle
Side Upper Berth (SU)
The Side Upper berth in a train is the top berth near the aisle, positioned over the side lower or side middle berth. Passengers with this berth are allowed to sit on the lower berth during the daytime and enjoy the window views. Stay updated with train running status to know the live location without getting off your berth. However, you can also order food delivery by train with RailMitra.
Features
- More sleeping capacity
- Better privacy
- Good for night sleep
- Less exposed to dirt and dust
- Allow it to keep belonging near you
How to Opt for a Preferred Berth in a Train?
You must ensure to opt for your preferred seat during IRTC train ticket booking. It can help to find your preferred berth on the train if it is available. The following steps can help when booking.
- Book a ticket online or offline
- Look for the “berth preference” option available.
- Select the preferred berth.
- Submit the form and complete the booking process.
You will receive an allotment based on available seats in trains, but the allotment will prioritise special categories, such as older citizens, women, and passengers with disabilities, for lower berths. However, you can find your allotted seat after chart preparation.
Conclusion: Choosing the Right Train Berth
Choosing the right train berth makes long journeys more comfortable and stress-free. Once you understand the train berth meaning and the different berth types, selecting the right option becomes easy. Your age, comfort needs, and journey duration should guide this choice. A small decision like picking the right berth often changes how relaxed and enjoyable your entire train journey feels.
FAQs About Train Berth Meaning and Types
There are six types of berths in trains that include side lower berth (SL), side upper berth (SU), side middle berth (SM), upper berth (UB), lower berth (LB), and middle berth (MB).
You can check the PNR status with RailMitra or RailRestro to find the coach and berth number on the train. It will be provided by Indian Railways once your ticket is confirmed, and the final allotment will be available after the chart preparation.
Yes, while ticket booking on Indian Railways offers berth preference in the train. It helps to inform your preference for Indian Railways, but allotment is based on seat availability.
You should know that berth preference is an option and totally depends on the availability of such berths. There is no guarantee, but the probability is higher when the number of available seats is higher.
Yes, but rare. Berth numbers can change in some circumstances, like cancellation, upgrades or downgrades, or operational reasons. You can check your PNR after final chart preparation to avoid any confusion.
Yes, after mutual understanding and consent, you can change your berth with a co-passenger. However, railway rules include that it can be legal when changes are made in the same class, such as from a sleeper to a sleeper or from an AC3 tier to an AC3 tier.
Hi, I am Manoj Kumar, the voice behind Trip Guru Go. I am a travel researcher, SEO content expert, and founder of this blog. With over 12 years of experience in digital travel research, I simplify complex destinations into real, helpful, and trustworthy guides.
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