We are lucky that we have different transport options to choose to help us travel around the world and in specific countries and cities. Of all the options, train travel is a popular option and, one of my favourite ways to travel. I love how I can walk around, sit and watch the countryside fly by and treat myself to an overnight sleeper to save on accommodation costs.
I must admit, I think train travel is more comfortable than bus travel mainly because you have more options to move around a train. You can take a walk to the restaurant car for instance which you cannot do on a bus. Still, there are things you encounter when travelling by train that are part and parcel of train travel. There is the rocking of the train as it moves and as it stops. There are also regular noises such as the sliding doors opening as people move through the carriages. Add don’t forget the people noises of chatting, snoring, the opening of a packet of chips and crying kids to name a few. And on overnight trips, sometimes you just cannot sleep .
I’ve taken a few overnight train trips on sleeper trains. London to Edinburgh, Paris to Rome and Melbourne to Sydney, twice. To ensure I have an enjoyable trip as possible there are some things I do and items I take on board to help me enjoy the train trip, particularly on long-haul trips and overnight travel. Here are my best tips to help you survive long-haul and overnight train trips.
Why Choose to travel by Sleeper Train?
As with all forms of transport there are pros and cons. And train travel is no exception. Let me list some of the advantages and disadvantages of train travel so you have a good idea on the subject, and to help you decide if overnight train trips is for you.
Advantages of Overnight Train Travel
- Save a night in a hostel or hotel accommodation – this money can go towards a first class seat or a sleeper bed.
- Usually cheaper than flying.
- There are no security checks, liquid restrictions that you can have when travelling by airplane.
- See scenic and not so scenic landscapes. Even if it is town lights at night.
- Seats and beds are quite comfortable.
- Less polluting than flying and other transport options that use petrol or diesel.
- You can make friends with fellow passengers
Disadvantages of Overnight Train Travel
- Sometimes paying extra for a sleeper seat or private room can be more expensive than paying for a nights accommodation and an airfare.
- It takes longer to get places.
- There is a risk of theft.
- Lack of amenities – not many toilets.
- You may not get much sleep from the movement of the train.
Tips To Sleep On A Train
1. Book a Recliner Seat or a Bed in a Sleeper Compartment
Book a bed in a sleeper compartment to get some rest – our beds were turned down for us by staff
Many long haul train journey’s can be overnight which means you will be sleeping during your journey. Travellers like to travel overnight because it means they can get on in one place and get off in a new place in the morning. Budget travellers enjoy doing this so they don’t have to pay for accommodation and can keep on travelling when they get off the train. This is great in theory, however, if you didn’t get enough sleep overnight you may not enjoy the next day.
When purchasing your ticket consider how long your train trip will be and whether you will be travelling overnight. If so, consider booking a specific type of seat, such as a reclining seat – if they have them – or a sleeper for your long haul train trip. Some sleeper compartments can be single occupancy while others will have 2, 4 or more beds in a compartment.
Check out the options before you book as sharing a sleeper compartment can be a squeeze. And don’t forget to request either the upper berth or the lower berth.
You can check out and book your train ticket at:
Rail Europe for train travel throughout Europe
JapanRail for train travel throughout Japan
2. Book A Place In The Middle Of The Carriage
If you did not secure a bed in a sleeper compartment or a recliner seat, the next best thing is to try to get a seat in the middle of the carriage. This is because you will be far enough away from each entrance to not be bothered by the sliding doors opening. Or close to the bathroom which may exude some interesting smells!
3. Dress Comfortably
Layers, layers, layers is your best bet for long-haul and overnight train travel. Clothing made from cotton and eco-friendly fabrics that breathe are best. There is nothing worse that sitting on a hot train itching from inappropriate clothing or freezing because you didn’t pack enough warm clothes. Clothes that are loose and that stretch are ideal for your journey so forget those tight jeans. Same for your feet, forget those hiking shoes. Travelling on overnight trains require one thing: COMFORT.
Don’t be concerned about what you look like. Everyone else will be wearing comfy clothes too. However, you can be comfy yet look stylish too when you travel, just like on a plane.
4. Bring a Blanket or Sleeping Bag
The climate on trains tends to be chily, and if you have a long-haul trip or an overnight trip a blanket may well come in handy. Being comfortable in your clothes is one thing, but being comfortable and warm in your seat or bed is another.
A blanket over you can help your comfort during the trip and is one of my top tips on how to sleep on a train. As well as offering warmth it can also block out the lights if you place it over your face – but ensure you can still breath! If you are travelling with a sleeping bag then you could easily sleep in this rather than take a blanket.
Don’t have either a blanket or sleeping bag, then have easy access to a sweatshirt or jumper for warmth.
5. Bring An Inflatable Neck Pillow, Sleep Mask & Headphones or Ear Plugs
There is nothing worse than waking up with a stiff neck because you haven’t supported your head. Therefore, an inflatable neck pillow is a travelling essential for trains. There are many styles out there. Read my review on neck pillows for travel.
Another travel essential is a sleep mask. These come in handy to block out any light, particularly those flashing lights that occur along the train line as the train passes or from the light of the person next to you who has decided to read a book the whole night. By wearing one you can remove any light distractions for a better night’s rest. Yes, these tiny things that don’t take up too much room in your luggage are a great item to help you survive long or overnight train journeys.
A simple sleep mask will only set you back a few dollars, and can be used time and time again. Check out this sleep mask on Amazon.
Another great device to bring onboard for your overnight train travel is ear plugs to block out noise or noise cancelling ear phones to listen to music.
All these things are great to help you sleep on your overnight train trip or long-haul travel.
6. Go through your nightly routine
Yes, if possible try to keep up your nightly routine. It can be difficult, particularly on a packed train. If possible, do a couple of things like wash your face, clean your teeth and brush your hair. All these things can help you rest. And then in the morning, do your morning routine to help wake you up.
To keep your nightly routine keep your toiletries close at hand. Towards the top of your bag, that way you can quickly grab your toiletry bag.
One thing I do recommend you add to your toiletry bag is wet wipes. Wet wipes are so versatile. When there is no water you can use them to wash and clean your hands. If there is no shower you can use them to freshen up under your arms and other places. And they don’t take up much room.
7. Travel Light
Space on trains is limited so if you can travel light. I know how hard this is when you are travelling with all your belongings! But if you can, travel as light as possible. That leads me to keeping your belongs safe and with you.
8. Keep Your Belongings Safe and With You
You need to keep your bags somewhere while on the train and that will usually be near the door in a luggage area. But if you can have it with you, the better that is. Unfortunately, I have heard stories of items being stolen on trains while you sleep or have gone to the toilet. This is one reason I prefer to book a sleeper bed rather than a seat on an overnight train.
However, always have a small backpack or overnight bag for your journey where you can keep your most important things. Having all your important things in this bag is essential but more essential is to ensure you know where this bag is at all times. I would run out of fingers and toes if I tried to count how many times I used my bag as a pillow! But knowing where your essential stuff is like your passport, wallet, mobile phone, glasses, laptop, etc. are will help you to have a worry-free train journey.
As much as I believe humans are good, it’s best to take your belongings with you when you leave your seat.
You may consider having a lock on the zips of your luggage. They can act as a deterrent. Locks such as these from Amazon.
9. Take Snacks and Water
There is nothing worse than having hunger pains that keep you awake at night. If you can, have a meal before you get onto the train as feeling full will help you relax. Though if you are nervous, it may not. But if hunger does strike, have some snacks that will keep those hunger pains at bay. And a bottle of water will be good also.
Most long-haul trains have a food service carriage where meals, light snacks and drinks can be bought. But these can be expensive. Or there may be a trolley brought through the train by a staff member selling snacks and drinks. In places such as Southeast Asia, food vendors are allowed on trains at certain stations. But if none of these are available, then take some snacks and water.
You can take alcohol onboard the train though most people are wanting to sleep on the train rather than ‘party’. And you wouldn’t want to be kicked off the train for being roudy!
10. Bring Toilet Paper
This tip for overnight train travel may sound ridiculous to you – until it is your turn to use the toilet and the toilet paper has run out! Yep, it does happen. So having your own roll of toilet paper or extra tissues with you can come in very handy. I know my trusty toilet roll has save my life and my pride more than once during my travels.
11. Always carry your essential medicines
Having a pre-existing condition or getting sick while travelling is just the worst. Whether you have a splitting headache, got the flu, have travel sickness or something else, ensure to always have your essential medicines with you and at hand.
12. Take Your Entertainment and Power Bank
If you have trouble sleeping during your overnight train trip you may want some entertainment to pass the time. Aside from listening to music, reading a book, eating, watching something on your phone or laptop there’s not much else to do! Maybe playing cards with other passengers, if they are up to it!
If you are using devices you will want to avoid ending up with a depleted battery. One way to do this is to travel with a small power bank. Read my post on the best power banks for travel. A power bank has saved me many times as they allow me to charge my devices on the go.
One thing. Don’t rely on the WiFi on board. Depending on the country you’re travelling in, WiFi may be patchy on the train. My recent overnight train trip from Melbourne to Sydney saw limited WiFi.
13. Be On Time and Early
Just like when you take a plane, or any transport, don’t be late otherwise you may lose your money on the ticket. And it isn’t fun being stranded at the train station in the middle of the night. Being early allows you the time to check-in, get some snacks and even get a better seat. Yep, in some countries you aren’t assigned a seat or bed, it is first in first served, such as in Asia. However, most allow you to choose a seat or sleeper bed at time of booking.
14. Get Ready to Be Woken Early
And speaking of early, get ready to be woken early. Most overnight trains arrive early in the morning at their destination. To ensure everyone gets off, staff will wake you before the stop. This allows you to gather your things and use the bathroom before you are required to disembark.
Enjoy the Ride
One of the best parts of travelling is enjoying the ride. And I hope you enjoy riding the rails, the overnight rails that is!
I hope you find my tips for helping you to sleep on a long-haul or overnight train journey helpful. If you can add to them, please mention your tips in the comments following.
Added Bonus – Great Train Journeys of the World
While a plane might get you wherever you are going fast, nothing beats the romance of staring out a train window watching the world go by. Here are some great train journeys of the world to consider.
Trans Siberian Railway, Russia
Eurail – well its a pass through Europe
Rocky Mountaineer, Canada
Glacier Express, Switzerland
TranzAlpine, New Zealand
West Highland Line, Glasgow to Mallaig, Scotland
The Ghan, Australia
The Indian Express, Australia
The Flam Railway, Norway
The Arctic Train, Norway
Rovos Rail’s Namibia Safari, South Africa
Belmond Hiram Bingham, Peru
Golden Eagle Danube Express, Central Europe and Transylvania
Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, Colorado, USA
White Pass and Yukon railroad, Canada and USA
Copper Canyon Railway, Mexico
St Kitts scenic railway, St Kitts and Nevis
Reunification Express, Vietnam
Marrakech Express, Morocco
Konkan Railway, India
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