A night train is one of the nicest ways to cover a long distance while you sleep. But if it’s your first overnight train in Europe and you don’t know what the train provides, what you need to bring or what to expect on board, the trip can start out a bit stressful. In this post I explain what to watch out for on a night train in Europe, what to pack, and how a couchette differs from a sleeper train car.
One thing to know. Every train, every company and every car is different, so read this post as “usually it works like this, but yours might not.” I wrote it based on my Eastern Express trip in Turkey and on night trains in Europe, and most of my examples come from the 15-hour night train I took from Budapest to Bucharest. You can read the details of that trip in Budapest Bucharest Train. I don’t talk about my train rides in India at all, but if you’re curious, have a look at Tips for Train Travel in India.
What to expect on a night train
Let’s set expectations first. Some trains give you bedding, meaning sheets, a pillow and a blanket. Others give you only part of it, or none at all. Some trains have showers and some don’t. On my Budapest to Bucharest train, for example, there was a shower you probably wouldn’t want to step into. So before you buy a ticket, check the website of the company you’re booking with (there are private train companies in Europe too) and see what comes with your compartment.
Couchette vs sleeper car
This is the part people mix up most on night trains. There are two kinds of cars where you can lie down and sleep. Both let you sleep lying flat, but they differ in comfort and privacy.
| Couchette | Sleeper | |
|---|---|---|
| Compartment | Shared, 4 or 6 people | Private, 1, 2 or 3 people |
| Price | Cheaper | More expensive |
| Sink and shower | Usually a shared toilet and sink in the corridor | Depends on the company and car type. Sometimes a sink in the compartment and a shared toilet in the corridor |
| Who you share with | You may share with strangers | Just your own group |
This is how it works on most night trains in Europe. Of course it can change from one operator to another, so check the website of the company you’re booking with.
There’s one more detail. Couchette compartments lock from the inside. Sleeper compartments lock from the inside too, and many can also be locked from the outside. Some operators, like Nightjet, also offer women-only compartments. If you’re traveling alone, this option can help you feel safer.
Get along with the compartment attendant
On night trains, each car usually has an attendant. On my Budapest to Bucharest train this person was a big help. You can ask them about ticket checks, stops and any small thing you need. The attendant on our train didn’t speak English, but we got along well with smiles and by speaking a little louder. Be polite, say hello, smile, and if you have a problem, go to them first.
Safety and sleep
The question people ask most about night trains is “is it safe?” On all the train trips I’ve taken, I’ve never had a problem. (Some of those trips were in India, in pretty tough conditions.) Still, a few simple steps make any trip easier.
- Lock the compartment door before you go to sleep. Ask the attendant how the lock works.
- Keep your passport, phone, cards and wallet with you while you sleep. Have them in a small bag within reach.
- If you’re traveling alone in a compartment shared with strangers, don’t let go of the bag that holds valuables like a laptop.
- Check your stop and arrival time with the attendant during the night, and set an alarm.
- Keep your luggage on the bunk or in the space assigned to you, where you can see it.
What to pack for a night train
A few things in your bag will make a night train easier. The list below is my own checklist. You can make it shorter or longer depending on how long the trip is and what the train provides.
- Sheet and pillowcase. If you’re picky about this, bring your own. Some trains give you bedding, but if you worry about how clean it is, you can bring your own sheet and pillowcase.
- Blanket. If you get cold easily, bring a light blanket or a shawl.
- Toiletries. I’d bring a toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, a towel and wet wipes. Trains often hand out a small kit, but not every train gives you everything.
- A light top. The temperature in the compartment won’t always be what you want.
- Travel pillow. If you can’t sleep on any other pillow, think about bringing one.
- Power bank. Trains usually have outlets, but they may not be enough to charge everything at once.
- A small reading light. Handy if you want to read at night. Not every train has a reading lamp.
- Slippers. Take a pair for walking to the toilet and the shower.
- Medication and earplugs. Bring your own medication, and earplugs if you can’t sleep in noisy places.
Food and drinks
With a good company you may get a food service, but unfortunately not every train has good food. Usually they serve simple things like toast or a pastry. So be ready to bring your own.
- Bring snacks, water, tea bags and instant coffee. On some trains you can get hot water from a kitchen or the dining car. If you have a thermos or a mug, your own drinks will come in handy.
- If you have dietary needs (vegan, vegetarian, allergies), bring your own food. The dining car on my Budapest to Bucharest train had tea, coffee and simple snacks, but if you get on expecting dinner, you’ll be disappointed. I’d bring sandwiches, fruit, snacks and a thermos of coffee.
Entertainment and internet
On night trains, the internet can drop out in some areas. So get ready ahead of time. Download the shows and movies you want to watch. If you have books, e-books or podcasts, download them before you go. Download an offline map of the place you’re arriving at.
If you’re wondering about internet options abroad, take a look at Unlimited Internet Plans for Travelers.
Where to buy your ticket
There are third-party sites that sell tickets, but I bought mine from the official railway websites of each country. I bought the Budapest to Bucharest ticket on the Romanian State Railways website and didn’t pay a middleman fee. For other routes in Europe, see the tips in Train Travel in Europe.
Frequently asked questions
Is a night train safe?
All of my train trips have been calm and safe. Still, lock your door, keep your valuables with you and stay in touch with the attendant. If you’re traveling alone, look into the women-only compartments that some operators offer.
What’s the difference between a couchette and a sleeper car?
A couchette has a shared compartment for 4 or 6 people. A sleeper has a private compartment for 1, 2 or 3 people. A sleeper costs more and gives you more privacy. You’ll find the details in the table above.
Is there a shower on a night train?
Some trains have one and some don’t. My Budapest to Bucharest train had one. Check the equipment on the website of the operator you’re booking with.
Do night trains give you sheets and pillows?
Some trains give you bedding, some give you only part of it, and some give you none. If you’re picky, bring your own sheet and pillowcase.
Is there internet on a night train?
Not always. The connection can drop in some areas. Download your shows, movies and maps ahead of time.
Conclusion
You don’t need a big plan to take a night train, but a few things make it easier. Check whether you’re booking a couchette or a sleeper, lock the door, keep your valuables with you, be friendly with the attendant, bring enough food and drinks, and download what you want to watch. After that, all that’s left is to enjoy the ride.
Where was your first night train, and is there something you didn’t bring but wish you had? Tell me in the comments. If this post helped, send it to a friend who’s planning a train trip. For more train rides, routes and travel notes, follow me on Instagram at @melkeontheroad.
