What Are Side Berths?
Every Sleeper (SL) and Third AC (3A) coach has two types of berths: main bay berths (lower, middle, upper — six per bay, in groups of 3) and side berths (two per bay on the opposite side of the aisle — side lower and side upper). A standard SL coach has 72 berths total: 64 main + 8 side.
Side berths run along the side of the coach, parallel to the direction of travel, giving them a different feel from the main bay berths.
Side Lower vs Side Upper — At a Glance
| Feature | Side Lower (SL) | Side Upper (SU) |
|---|---|---|
| Daytime use | Used as a seat — others can sit on it | Always a berth — yours alone |
| Window | ✅ Has a window (SL) / frosted film (3A) | ❌ No window |
| Privacy | Less — faces corridor, strangers pass by | More — elevated, fewer people interact |
| Climb ease | ✅ Easy — ground level | ⚠️ Harder — use ladder/handle |
| Berth width | ~60 cm — slightly narrower than main lower | ~60 cm — same as side lower |
| Noise / vibration | More near wheels on some coaches | Slightly less vibration than side lower |
| Luggage | Luggage under berth — accessible | Luggage on rack above side upper |
| Good for | Seniors, window viewers, short journeys | Solo travellers, those who sleep during day |
The Biggest Side Lower Downside — Shared Seating
During daytime, the side lower berth becomes a de facto seat for anyone nearby — your co-passengers, people from other bays passing through, or anyone who needs a place to sit. This can make it uncomfortable for long daytime journeys. Unlike main lower berths (where the convention limits casual sitting to that bay), side lower berths are more exposed to general use.
Side upper has no such issue — it's elevated and always yours.
Which to Choose?
- Choose side lower if: You're a senior citizen, have knee/back issues, travelling overnight mostly, want the window, or are travelling with a companion on side upper (side upper + side lower together is a popular pair).
- Choose side upper if: You're a solo traveller, want uninterrupted sleep any time of day, don't need the window, and can climb up comfortably.
How to Request a Specific Berth Type
During IRCTC booking, select your berth preference from the dropdown: Lower, Middle, Upper, Side Lower, Side Upper, or No Preference. This is a preference, not a guarantee — actual allotment is system-based. Check your ticket for the actual berth assigned before the journey.
Related: All train berth types explained | How to get lower berth