Looking to travel in luxury and comfort on your next train journey? Booking a coupe or cabin is the answer. This comprehensive guide will teach you how to book coupe in Indian Railway trains seamlessly.
Travelling by train in India is extremely common. But have you considered upgrading your journey experience with a private coupe or cabin? Here’s how you can book one.
What are Coupes and Cabins on Trains?
Coupes and cabins refer to the most premium, luxurious coaches available on selected Indian Railways trains.
Key features:
- Enclosed private compartments with varying berth capacity
- Available in 1A, 2A or First Class categories
- Individual cabins or connected coupes with access door
- Comfortable berths, additional amenities and services
- Extra privacy, exclusivity and enhanced travel experience
Simply put, coupes provide an exclusive travel experience similar to airline business or first class minus the frills of flight.
Coupe Coach Availability on Popular Trains
Many premium category trains offer coupe or cabin coaches:
- Rajdhani/Shatabdi Express: AC 1st Class coupe coaches
- August Kranti Rajdhani: VIP coupes with valet service
- Maharaja Express: Deluxe coupes with 5-star facilities
- Palace on Wheels: Royal coupes with heritage decor
- Vivek Express: Cabins with dining table and sofa
- Tejas Express: Executive cabins with LED TV, WiFi
- Vande Bharat Express: Spacious cabins with airplane styled luxury
And many more premium overnight trains provide AC coupe coaches. Check train-wise availability.
How to Book Coupe or Cabin Tickets on IRCTC
Booking coupes on Indian Railways is simple with these steps:
1. Visit IRCTC Website
Go to www.irctc.co.in or open the IRCTC Rail Connect app. Sign in or create an account if new user.
2. Enter Journey Details
Under ‘Book Your Coach/Train’ enter your journey route, date, class of travel, quota, and preferences.
3. Select Train
Review the list of trains available and select the train of your choice that offers coupe coaches.
4. Choose Coupe Coach
In the seat layout chart, choose the coupe category – VIP, single, twin, HF, etc. as available.
5. Pick Berths
Select the specific numbered coupe and berths based on availability shown on the map.
6. Make Payment
Complete the IRCTC user details and make payment via card or netbanking to book your coupe.
7. Get Confirmation
You will receive a PNR and confirmation message on booking. Your coupe seats are now reserved!
Make sure to complete the booking well in advance to avoid last minute availability issues. Follow the easy steps and book your relaxing coupe journey!
What is the Cost of Coupe Tickets?
The coupe ticket fare is higher than regular AC fares due to additional amenities and services.
- 1A Coupe Fare: Around 1.5 to 2.5 times higher than 1A AC first class
- Executive CC Fare: Up to 3 times more than 2A AC tier
Other charges like catering, luxury tax, service fee may apply extra. Cabin fares also vary by train, season, demand, etc.
For reference, a single Delhi-Mumbai Rajdhani Executive CC fare can be ₹7000-9000 one way. Check live train fares on IRCTC.
Facilities Inside Coupe Coaches
Some lovely amenities you can enjoy inside coupe or cabin coaches:
- Complimentary meals: Hot food, welcome drinks and snacks
- Electrical sockets: For phone charging and laptop use
- Reading lights: Personal lighting for each berth
- LCD screens: With news, entertainment channels
- Toiletries: Branded soap, perfume, dental kit
- Blankets/linen: High quality washed after every use
- Lockable cabin: Ensures complete privacy and security
Many also offer add-on services like personal attendant, WiFi, spa, etc. at extra cost.
Booking Tips to Get Confirmed Coupe
Use these tips to get confirmed coupe bookings easily:
- Advance booking: Book 6-12 months prior for best availability
- Off season travel: Avoid holiday rush for better coupe chances
- Tatkal booking: Book under tatkal quota for quick confirmation
- Agents help: Get assistance from agents for sold-out trains
- Flexi fare: Opt for dynamic flexi pricing for instant confirmation
- Prepone/Postpone: Change journey date if RAC/Waitlisted
- Group booking: Book all seats together for better visibility
Also check for special offers, deals and vouchers on IRCTC for coupe bookings.
FAQs on Coupe or Cabin Bookings
Some frequent queries on booking coupes in Indian Railways:
Which trains have coupe coaches?
Premium trains like Rajdhani, Shatabdi Express, Palace on Wheels, Maharaja Express, Tejas Express and Vande Bharat Express offer coupe seating.
How is a coupe different from AC first class?
Coupes provide exclusive cabin style seating while 1AC is open bay seating. Coupes have more luxury amenities.
How many passengers can book in one coupe?
The berth capacity differs – single coupe has 1 berth, twin has 2 berths, 4-berth coupe has 4 berths. Max 4 in one coupe.
Can I book the entire coupe for my family?
Yes, you can book all seats in a coupe together depending on availability. Ideal for families.
Do coupes have attached bathrooms?
Some special coupes like Hotel style HF cabins have attached bathrooms. Otherwise common bathrooms are shared.
So now you know everything about coupe coaches – from booking process to facilities! Travel like royalty on your next train journey by reserving your private coupe only on IRCTC.