
Whenever you have purchased a train ticket in India, you might have noticed a category in your ticket known as, a train, CC. My initial questioning statement was like this when I started travelling frequently in between Delhi and Jaipur, "What exactly is CC in train? Is it comfortable? Is it worth the price? What is the difference between it and EC ( Executive Chair Car)?
Having covered some miles in Indian Railways and some of its trains such as Vande Bharat, Shatabdi, and Jan Shatabdi, I have acquired a few first hand insights which will guide you to decide whether CC in train is the ideal choice in your next ride.
What is CC in Train?
CC in train abbreviation is Chair Car, an air-conditioned seating coach that is meant to be used in short and medium distance travels (typically between 4-6 hours).
There is no option to lie down like in Sleeper or AC 3-Tier, and a sitting feature in the train is limited to two seats per side and three seats per side in a 2x3 configuration, two seats per side on one side, and three seats per side on the other.
You can imagine CC in train much like the economy cabin of an airplane clean, air-conditioned and just comfortable to sit during the daytime traveling.
My Observation:
It surprised me that the comfort was much higher when I first traveled in a CC in train coach of Shatabdi Express. The seats were wider than the regular bus seat, and the space between the legs was suitable, somebody like me (I am 5.10 ft tall). But after 4 or 5 hours, you may begin to feel like a little more leisure, so CC in train is only good on a day trip and not on a long distance.
Features of CC in Train (Chair Car)
In a CC in train coach you can normally expect the following:
| Feature | Details |
|---|
| Seating Layout | 2 + 3 sitting (5 seats in each row) |
| Air Conditioning | Yes — centralized air conditioning |
| Food Facility | Mostly available in premium trains (Shatabdi / Vande Bharat) |
| Charging Points | One per seat or two shared points |
| Windows | Large glass windows — perfect for sightseeing |
| Luggage Space | Overhead carriers for small bags |
| Washrooms | Clean, hygienic, and well maintained |
| Wi-Fi / Entertainment | Only in premium trains |
Pro Tip:
CC in train has the best price to comfort ratio, which is the best choice when you are travelling less than 6 hours.However, when you are going on a longer or an overnight trip, 3A (AC 3-Tier) is the way to go!
CC in Train vs EC Class — What's the Difference?
One of the most frequent questions that many passengers tend to pose is:
What is the difference between CC in train and EC class?
Here's a simple breakdown below:
| Feature | CC (Chair Car) | EC (Executive Chair Car) |
|---|
| Full Form | Chair Car | Executive Chair Car |
| Seating Layout | 2 + 3 | 2 + 2 |
| Leg Space & Recline | Moderate | Wider and more recline |
| Fare (Approx.) | ₹600–₹1,200 | ₹1,000–₹2,500 |
| Food Service | Included (in Shatabdi / Vande Bharat) | Included, with better quality |
| Ambience | Comfortable | Premium (like business class in flight) |
My Observation:
I even had a trip to Varanasi on the Vande Bharat Express between Delhi and Varanasi one leg in CC in train and the other in EC (to compare). Frankly speaking, EC was more luxurious, quieter and had more leg space. But CC in train had close to 80 percent of that experience at a half the price.
Unless you love luxury or you travel a lot and need to attend a business meeting, CC in train provides you with the best option of value-for-money.
CC in Train -Vande Bharat Experience
Train counterpart of this is the CC in train which is also a major characteristic of the modern trains in India in the form of the Vande Bharat Express trains which are now the pride of the Indian Railways.
The train of these semi high speed trains resembles this at the CC:
- Seating: 2+3 configuration
- Speed: Up to 160 km/h
- Comfort: Pushed up seats (cushioned seats).
- Facilities: LED-lighting, automatic doors, wi-fi and clean bio-toilets.
- Food Catered, as on flights.
In brief, the CC in train of Vande Bharat provides the customers with airline type airline services at a fraction of the costs.
Pro Tip:
CC seat in train reservation must be done in the middle of coach (approximately, between the numbers of seats 30 to 50). The seats are less vibrating and comfortable to ride. One should avoid sitting near the doors so as to get a peaceful ride.
When Should You Choose CC in Train?
CC in train is best suited for:
- Daytime journeys of 4–7 hours
- You have to be fresh and business or office visits.
- Weekend visits (to any of the areas listed in the table below)
- Vande Bharat or Shatabdi Express Corach AC passengers are also comfortable and do not have to pay the EC.
Avoid CC in train if:
- You're traveling overnight
- You must have a bed of bed linens.
- You are carrying the large bags (no storage within the seat)
Traveler Tip:
At one time, when I was in CC in train, I went through Jan Shatabdi Express in summer and I did not bring along a light sweater, and that was one of the mistakes! The AC in train in CC may be very cold, particularly in central trains. To make your travel easier, it is always a good idea to have a light jacket or a shawl.
FAQs About CC in Train
1. What does CC means in train?
CC Train translates to Chair Car, an air-conditioned seating coach that is used to travel during the day.
2. What is the complete parts of CC in train?
The cc full form in train is Chair Car.
3. How is the difference between CC and EC in train?
EC (Executive Chair Car) is more upscale, containing 2+2 layout with higher fare whereas CC in train is a little bit more crowded yet much cheaper.
4. What is the coach of the ministries of Vande Bharat?
The train on CC in Vande Bharat Express has 2 +3 seats, pushback chairs, and airline-style comfort on the CC.
5. What are the number of seats in a CC coach in train?
A CC in train normally has 78-90 seats per coach depending on the model of the coach.
My Final Thoughts
CC in train is currently the most suitable in terms of comfort and affordability when you have to cover short or medium distances using a train. It is hygienic, well-air conditioned, comfortable, and in high-end trains it has decent onboard meals at an affordable price. Recent research has revealed that CC in train will help you enjoy your trip whether you are on business or leisure and will not cause you to stretch your budget. Nevertheless, Executive Chair Car (EC) may be more suited to you in case you need additional space in your legs, less noise in the cabin, and more luxurious treatment.