Overnight Train Travel made easier with Sleeper Carriages

 

The first overnight train travel I undertook was from London to Edinburgh. I thought it would be a good idea to get on the train at 10pm, settle into my bed and wake up the next morning in another city, in another country. And apart from waking a few times due to train movement, I enjoyed the train ride. I was woken early in the morning by the attendant with my breakfast – that was something I wasn’t expecting. But it made the trip more special. I’ve taken a few overnight train trips now, there was Melbourne to Sydney, Paris to Berlin, Auckland to Wellington and a few other night trains over the years. If you are are considering taking an overnight train, here are some pros and cons to consider before booking your overnight train journey.

 

Pros of Overnight Train Travel

 

As with every sort of travel option to help you travel the world there are pros and cons. Let’s start with the advantages of overnight train travel.

 

Save on Accommodation Costs

 

The first pro of traveling overnight in a sleeper train is you are making a saving on accommodation. Instead of two costs – the train fare and hotel accommodation for the night – roll both into one cost and you instantly are saving!

 

Let’s you Keep Traveling

 

As the overnight train trip is your accommodation for the night, you can get off the train in the morning at a new destination. A new city in a new country perhaps! Hopefully you will have got some rest on the train, and when you get off you will be ready and raring to go for your day of sightseeing or whatever you have planned.

 

Train Travel is more Environmentally-friendly

 

Most trains nowadays are electric and more sustainable than car and air travel that rely on fossil fuels for them to drive and fly. In our current world where most of us are concerned about climate change the friendlier to the environment our travel is, where less emissions are released into the atmosphere, the better for the planet. Trains have a lower carbon footprint and that is a really good thing.

 

Overnight Train Travel Can Be Loads of Fun

 

I was surprised at first how many people travel on overnight trains. For my first overnight train trip I was expecting the train to be empty – how wrong I was. There were all sorts of people traveling. Families that were visiting family in other cities, solo backpackers traveling around and couples of all ages going places. Depending on the people in the carriage, you can meet loads of other people in similar situations to you. And this can make the trip lots of fun.

 

Train travel is a Comfortable Way of Traveling

 

I find traveling by train in general is a more comfortable way of traveling. Seats can be comfortable and I like that you can get up and go for a walk whenever you want. As long as you come prepared for your overnight train journey you can survive long-haul and overnight train travel.

 

Avoid Airport Hassles

 

Even though I love catching planes, after all, they can be way quicker than trains, travelling by train helps to avoid airport hassles. What I mean by this is, cancelled flights, baggage restrictions, long security lines to make your flight. Train travel in general provides a hassle-free (usually) and more relaxed experience. There is no luggage limit and you don’t have the long security lines to get onto your train.

 

It’s Usually Faster than Traveling by Bus

 

Train travel is not as fast as traveling by plane, but it is faster than traveling by bus. And more comfortable. 

 

See Scenic Routes and Cities at Night

 

I love sitting in a train and staring fixated out of the window watching the countryside and picturesque towns as the train passes by. When you travel at night, even though it is dark, you can still see the countryside and towns. Instead of seeing a town in the daylight, you will see it with all its lights on – magical!

 

Visit and See Bonus Places

 

Travelling by train will see the train stop at different places along its route. You may have never considered stopping here previously, until your train does. As most train stations are in the centre of town, you can have a small layover and discover the town, before getting back on the train. I discovered this when I was Eurailing and I needed to change trains to get to the French Riviera. I stopped somewhere in France for a few hours and I discovered the best patisserie!

 

You Have Time to Work, Relax or Sleep

 

When you travel by train, you can literally do whatever you want to do, within reason that is. You could work on your laptop or phone. Relax by watching the world go by from your window seat. Or sleep. What a great way to travel!

 

Facilities Onboard

 

Long distance trains have facilities onboard like bathrooms, sleeping areas or cabins and a meal carriage where you can get different foods ranging from snacks to fine dining.

 

The Cons of Overnight Train Travel

 

4-birth sleeper cabin

 

Before you choose to travel overnight by train or not, you will want to consider the cons to overnight train travel. So here are some disadvantages of traveling by train overnight.

 

Overnight Train Travel Can Cost More

 

Yes, overnight train travel can cost more than travel through the day. This is mainly because overnight trains are designed to carry people overnight and so have sleeping areas. This could be a whole carriage of bunk beds. And thus, just to lay down, you will need to pay extra for the privilege.

 

Sleeping Quarters on Trains can be Tight

 

The overnight train sleeping compartments can be quite small and tight. When I travelled on sleeper trains from London to Edinburgh the compartment was at a stretch 1.5 metres (just under 5 Foot) wide x 2.5 metres (about 8 Foot) long. There were two beds, bunk beds, one above the other. There was a little window and a small door leading to a toilet and hand basin. I was lucky, the train was pretty empty that night and they moved the other person I was to share the cabin with to another one. Sharing this space with someone I did not know might have been very uncomfortable indeed.

 

Chairs and Beds aren’t always Comfortable

 

Beds and chairs on overnight trains are designed as much as possible to provide comfort. But everyone is different and one size doesn’t fit all.

 

TIP: To help with comfort if travelling overnight on a train in a seat, take a neck pillow, blanket, snacks and a bottle of water. A pack of cards is helpful if you want to play games with other passengers.

 

Limited Facilities onboard the Train 

 

Trains have limited facilities onboard so if you are looking to have a shower or a good meal, think again. Most trains have toilets and hand basins, but not many have showers. Plus as the facilities are shared, they may be cramped and not very clean. Trains may also have a meal carriage serving limited foods and drinks. 

 

TIP: Take your own snacks when travelling overnight by train.

Trains are Not Quiet

 

Even though you may be in the sleeping area of a train, trains are not always quiet. Apart from the usual train noises, you will encounter people unable to sleep. They unfortunately may have a light on to read or may be on their phone. Card games could be played. People could be walking around or they may just be having conversations. And you can hear everything. That’s when noise cancelling headphones come in! 

 

Trains Move

 

There is also the movement of the train to deal with – they swaying. On my trip from Melbourne to Sydney, the train seemed to go around a lot of bends. I was laying with my head towards the outside of the carriage. As the train cornered I often felt like I was upside down. This would wake me up.

 

The Views Can be Limited

 

Because it is so dark outside overnight, you may not see the scenery as you might during the daylight hours. If seeing the scenery matters, I would suggest traveling by day.

Extended Travel Time

 

In most cases, trains will almost always take longer than flights. Airplanes obviously travel at higher speeds, covering long distances quickly, while train journeys often involve multiple stops. While overnight train travel has its advantages, those seeking a faster option may find flying more suitable.

 

There is The Risk of Theft

 

Unfortunately, there is always some risk that your belongings will be stolen while you are sleeping, not watching or while you go to the toilet or to buy a coffee. Therefore, practicing caution by knowing where your luggage is at all times will help. Also secure your luggage with a padlock so no-one can open it. And also keep your valuables on you or very close by.

 

Unexpected Delays

 

Trains can be delayed for a variety of reasons. There may be obstacles on the tracks. Signal failure. Snow. Or the train could simply be running late or worse, cancelled due to lack of a train driver or other things. Delays can throw any best laid plans into chaos. If you are worried about this, make sure to buy travel insurance.

 

FAQs about Overnight Train Travel?

 

What is sleeper car?

A sleeper car is a carriage of a train where there is a dedicated car or cars for its passengers to sleep in at night. George Pullman was the American innovator of the sleeper car. In fact, Pullman is the term used for railroad sleeping cars built and operated by the Pullman Company from 1867 to 1968.

 

Is overnight train travel safe?

Yes overnight train travel is safe. Every person who gets on the train, besides the staff on the train, has a ticket. I cannot vouch for everyone’s personality and motives of train travel, but my expectations are, train travel is safe because you are with other passengers doing what you are doing. It would be unfortunate if anyone got on the train to cause distress to other passengers.

 

Do sleeper trains have toilets?

Yes. Some rooms may have en-suite facilities but if not, there would be a shared toilet available.

 

Do sleeper trains have showers?

Some trains offer a range of hotel-like amenities where a shower is available, but most don’t. 

 

Do you share a room on a sleeper train?

Rooms or cabins can be reserved for solo occupancy however, there will be an extra cost. Most people share.

 

Do you get a blanket on a sleeper train?

Not all the time. Though if you have booked a sleeper you will most likely get a proper freshly-made bed with sheets and blankets. However, if you haven’t booked a sleeper bed, but a chair for your overnight travel, I would suggest you take your own blanket on-board.

 

What is a couchette vs sleeper?

Sleepers and couchettes are different. Sleepers include a bed and usually a private washbasin, towels and bed linen and can accommodate a varying number of passengers. They can be single, double or 3 or 4 person compartments. A couchettes on the other hand are simple overnight accommodation that can sleeps up to six people in bunks.

 

Are You Ready To Travel by Train Overnight?

 

Overnight train travel is a very convenient and scenic way to travel. It is important to consider the pros and cons of overnight train travel before taking the plunge and buying your train ticket. I hope this post has helped you decide. I personally choose train travel over flying when I have the time.

Many countries have sleeper cars trains with sleeping compartments. There are sleeper trains in the UK with one of the most popular routes being sleeper trains to Edinburgh from London. Europe is a popular area for sleeper trains too as it has an extensive train system helping you to travel around Europe by train. Plus there are sleeper trains in India and Amtrak sleeper trains in the USA. And I’m looking forward to experiencing sleeper trains in Vietnam and revisiting my favourite overnight train trip so far that in sleeper trains to Scotland again. Have you traveled by overnight train? I’d love to hear in the comments.

 

Some epic overnight train journeys in the world

 

The Reunification Express – Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam – 1,726km (1072 miles) takes about 30 hours
The Zephyr – Chicago to San Francisco, USA – 2400 miles 3900km – (2434 miles) takes about 52 hours
Tazara Railway – Kapiri Mposhi to Dar es Salaam, Zambia and Tanzania – 1860km (1155 miles) – takes about 44 hours
Caledonian Sleeper – London to Edinburgh – takes about 6 hours
The Orient Express – London to Venice – 2,740 km (1,700 miles) – takes about 2 days
Indian Pacific – Sydney to Perth, Australia – 4352kms (2704 miles) – takes just over 3 days

 

Also Read

The Ultimate Guide to Eurail and InterRail Pass
5 Reasons to Travel Europe by Train
9 Tips to Survive Long-haul and Overnight Train Trips
Tips for Travelling Japan with a Japan Rail Pass