Rajdhani Express First AC Review: Is It Worth the Premium?

A Different Side of Indian Railways

When people think of Indian train journeys, they often imagine crowded sleeper coaches, bustling platforms, and vendors walking through the aisles selling tea and snacks. Rajdhani Express First AC offers a completely different experience.

During my 46-hour journey from Ernakulam to Delhi aboard the Trivandrum–New Delhi Rajdhani Express, I travelled in a First AC coupe. It was my first experience in this class, and I was curious to see whether the premium fare translated into a noticeably better journey.

After nearly two days onboard, here’s my honest review.

Privacy Is the Biggest Advantage

The biggest reason to choose Rajdhani Express First AC is privacy.

Unlike Second AC or Third AC, where berths are arranged in an open layout, First AC consists of enclosed cabins and four-berth coupes connected by a quiet corridor.

Our coupe accommodated four passengers, with two lower and two upper berths. Once inside, it felt much more peaceful than a regular coach. Conversations remained within the cabin, there was very little foot traffic, and the journey felt relaxed throughout.

For families travelling together, this layout is a major advantage. Parents and children can stay together in one private space without constantly interacting with other passengers.

Spacious and Comfortable Interiors

Space is another area where Rajdhani Express First AC stands out.

There was enough room to move around comfortably, keep small bags on the shelves, and sit without feeling cramped. Each berth had its own reading light, charging points for mobile phones and laptops, a mirror, and storage space for personal belongings.

The wooden steps leading to the upper berth also felt sturdier and more comfortable than the metal ladders commonly found in other air-conditioned classes.

These small details make a noticeable difference during a journey lasting almost two days.

Sleeping Comfort

One of my concerns before boarding was whether I would be able to sleep well on a moving train.

Fortunately, sleeping wasn’t an issue.

Passengers are provided with fresh bed linen, pillows, blankets, and bedsheets packed neatly after boarding. The berth itself was comfortable enough for a good night’s sleep, and the quieter environment inside the First AC coach made resting much easier than in open coaches.

The only drawback was the temperature.

Throughout the night, the air-conditioning felt colder than necessary. My fellow traveller also found it uncomfortable at times. While the blanket helped, some passengers may prefer carrying a light sweatshirt or jacket, especially during overnight travel.

Facilities Onboard

The facilities inside Rajdhani Express First AC are simple but practical.

During our journey, the coach included:

• Reading lights for every berth
• Charging points for mobiles and laptops
• Mirror and small luggage shelf
• Comfortable bedding
• Spacious seating during the daytime
• Announcements through the onboard speaker system (although it wasn’t functioning during our trip)

These aren’t luxury features, but together they create a comfortable environment for long-distance travel.

Food and Service

One of the biggest advantages of Rajdhani Express First AC is that all meals are included in the ticket fare. From the early morning bed tea to breakfast, lunch, evening snacks, and dinner, passengers never have to worry about arranging food during the journey.

I found the meals to be fresh, hygienic, and satisfying. The pantry staff served them on time, and the overall quality was good enough for a long-distance train journey.

That said, I also feel there is scope for improvement. Rajdhani Express is one of the flagship services of Indian Railways, and the food should reflect that status. A little more attention to flavour, presentation, and menu variety would make the dining experience even more memorable.

Service Is Good, But Tipping Should Remain Optional

The coach attendants were generally helpful throughout the journey. They distributed bed linen, assisted passengers when required, and remained available during the trip.

However, one aspect of the experience left me slightly uncomfortable.

In India, many passengers voluntarily offer tips to attendants as a gesture of appreciation, and there is absolutely nothing wrong with that. It should always remain a personal choice.

The experience becomes less pleasant when passengers feel that a tip is expected rather than appreciated. Premium service should never create a sense of obligation. A genuine smile and courteous assistance leave a much better impression than waiting for a gratuity at the end of the journey.

Cleanliness: Good, But Still Room to Improve

One of the expectations passengers have when booking Rajdhani Express First AC is a cleaner travel environment than other classes, and to a certain extent, that expectation is met.

Since there is only one First AC coach with fewer passengers, the corridors remain relatively quiet, the entrance area is less crowded, and the toilets are generally cleaner than what you would normally experience in Sleeper Class or even Second AC.

However, I still believe there is considerable room for improvement.

Indian Railways has invested significantly in improving cleanliness over the years, and the difference is certainly noticeable compared to the past. Yet, for a premium class where passengers pay a substantially higher fare, the standards should be even better. Toilets, wash basins, corridors, and entrance areas should be cleaned more frequently throughout the journey to consistently match the expectations associated with First AC travel.

Things That Could Be Better

No review is complete without discussing the drawbacks.

During my journey, a few areas stood out:

• The coach temperature was colder than necessary.
• Mobile network coverage disappeared in several stretches.
• This train did not offer onboard Wi-Fi, although some Rajdhani services have introduced the facility.

None of these affected the journey significantly, but they are worth knowing before you travel.

Who Should Book Rajdhani Express First AC?

Based on my experience, Rajdhani Express First AC is best suited for:

• Families travelling together
• Senior citizens looking for a quieter journey
• Business travellers who value privacy
• Anyone travelling long distances and prioritising comfort over cost

If your journey is only a few hours long, the extra expense may not feel justified. However, on a route lasting nearly two days, the additional comfort becomes much more valuable.

After spending 46 hours onboard, I came away with a positive impression of Rajdhani Express First AC. It isn’t about luxury in the five-star sense; instead, it offers something equally valuable on a long train journey—space, privacy, and comfort. While the coach could benefit from better temperature control and modern connectivity features, the peaceful atmosphere, comfortable sleeping arrangements, and inclusive meals make it a worthwhile choice for travellers covering long distances. If comfort is your priority and your budget allows, I would happily recommend Rajdhani Express First AC for your next cross-country rail adventure.

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