The ladies coach is specifically designated for women passengers and is reserved exclusively for their use. The ladies coach is typically identified by signs or markings on the outside of the train, as well as by stickers or other indicators inside the train.

A "ladies compartment" is a specific coach or section of a train reserved exclusively for female passengers and children. These are most common in India, where they serve as a critical safety and comfort measure on the vast railway network. In suburban local trains (like those in Mumbai, Chennai, or Kolkata), entire coaches are painted with distinct colors or logos to indicate they are for women only. On long-distance Mail or Express trains, the "ladies compartment" is often a smaller, unreserved section located at one end of the train, typically within a second-class coach. In 2026, Indian Railways also mandates a six-berth reservation quota for women in Sleeper Class on long-distance routes. Entering these compartments as a male is a punishable offense under the Railways Act, and RPF (Railway Protection Force) personnel frequently patrol these areas to ensure a secure and uncrowded environment for female commuters and travelers.