If you can’t sleep in any sitting position, seats are not really recommended for long overnight trips. They may be an option, however, if you travel only on a shorter route and in case you share a whole compartment with a group of friends or family.
Operators offer a wide range of seat accommodations, from open-space wagons with airplane-like seats in one direction, group of four seats with table, recliner seats and comfortable leather chairs. Seat compartments for six or four travelers are available on some trains. In some cases these seats may also be transformed into berth position which can accommodate up to 3 persons for sleeping. But as long as you don’t book the entire compartment, you must allow other people to accommodate up to the number of available seats.
Be aware that in seatcars there is no way to lock your luggage and belongings when sleeping. Lights do not turn off in open-space wagons (but may be dimmed in some cases), while they usually can be switched off in compartments. You may be disturbed by other passengers boarding or getting off during the night as well as by loudspeaker announcements and frequent ticket controls. Some operators provide pillows, ear plugs and eye-bends for overnight trains in seat cars. Power sockets may be available but are not standard. Some operators offer Wifi or entertainment portals for seat accommodation. Drinks and snacks may be available for purchase on some trains.
For details about available services and standards please select your train and click on the name of the travel solution.
Couchette
SJ couchette
SNCF couchette 4-bed
SNCF couchette 6-bed
HZ couchette
Regiojet couchette
MAV couchette
Snälltåget couchette
PKP couchette
Trenitalia couchette
OEBB couchette
CFR couchette
VY couchette
RDC couchette
The entry level for sleeping on night trains.
With 2 or 3 bunk beds on each side of the compartment 4 to 6 travelers can be accommodated. The compartments are mixed gender and you will share them with other fellow travelers. Some operators offer couchette compartments reserved for ladies and an option to book the entire compartment regardless of the minimum number of travelers. On some trains you can choose the position of your bed.
Berth will be transformed into seats by day by folding up the middle bed. Each traveler will get a fresh sheet, a pillow and a blanket but must provide himself for preparing the bed. Compartments may be locked from inside and there is enough space to store each passenger’s luggage.
Light can be turned off by night. Each bed usually has a small extra light for reading. Power sockets may be available but are not standard.
A toilet on each end of the wagon as well as two washing rooms are available, but no shower.
Still water is usually provided and snacks may be available from the train staff. Some operators include morning breakfast with couchette service.
Couchettes offer an acceptable sleeping option for young people, families and anyone who is happy with simple facilities.
For details about available services and standards please select your train and click on the name of the travel solution.
Cabin
Private accommodation for a reasonable price
A completely individual bed capsule with direct access from the corridor, private and lockable storage box for your luggage, individual light, climate control, power outlet, USB mobile charger and spaces where to place your personal objects. In the morning you can eat your breakfast in sitting position on a foldable table. 4 cabins share a common window. Each two cabins are divided by a sliding door which can be opened for two persons traveling together.
The cabin gives you full privacy like in a private compartment. When traveling alone, you can undress, relax and sleep without any disturbance from other fellow travelers. The room is spacious enough for a sitting position and you can enjoy watching the landscape passing by the window. Washing room and WC are in common at the end of the wagon.
Cabins will be available as Mini Suites on OeBB Nightjets starting from 2022.
Sleepingcars
Caledonian Sleeper classic
Caledonian Sleeper club
Great Western Railway sleepingcar
HZ sleepingcar
MAV sleepingcar
OEBB sleepingcar
SJ sleepingcar
Trenitalia sleepingcar
VR classic
VR sleepingcar
VY sleepingcar
ZSSK sleepingcar
The hotel on rails.
Sleeping cars have been the standard of comfortable long distance travel since railways exist. As soon as you will board the train, you will feel the cosy and quiet atmosphere of overnight travel. Wagons provide smooth and silent travel conditions for a relaxing sleep.
The classic sleeper compartment has 2 or 3 bunk beds, a small table and a sink. The upper beds can be reached on a ladder. You can choose the position of your bed during booking. Beds are more comfortable and larger than in couchettes and they are prepared for the night by the train staff. During the day beds are transformed into sofa. Compartments are separated by gender as long as you don’t book a private compartment. Single booking is available. Compartment doors can be locked with a keycard. Pets are allowed on most sleeping cars as long as you book the whole compartment. Some compartments may be connected by internal doors in order to accommodate larger parties.
Sleeping cars have a toilet on each end of the car and most of them have a shower for common use.
The compartment usually has a small table, a sink, a mirror, hangers for your cloth and a power socket. A bag with toiletry (soap, toothbrush and toothpaste, towel, slippers) will be provided for each passenger as well as a bottle of still water. Breakfast in the morning is usually included in ticket price and will be served into your compartment. Snacks and drinks are available from train staff.
Sleeping cars are a high standard and comfortable travel solution for those who want to save time by sleeping while traveling. You will arrive relaxed at your destination in the morning and be ready for work, leisure or holiday.
For details about available services and standards please select your train and click on the name of the travel solution.
Deluxe/Excelsior/Suite
SJ sleeping car with bathroom
Caldeonian Sleeper suite
Trenitalia excelsior
VY sleeping car with bathroom
RDC (NEX) sleeping car with bathroom
RDC (NEX) sleeping car with bathroom
RZD premium class suite
Travel like a king or a queen.
Some operators offer a superior sleeping car class with extra large space, comfortable beds, private en-suite bathroom and an overall onboard service. Double bed compartments are available on some trains. Highest standard bedding, fully equipped toiletry bags, room service, drinks and snacks around the clock and meals to compartment may be part of the exclusive service provided.
If you are looking for a special travel experience, this kind of accommodation will give you the best overland night travel solution available.
For details about available services and standards please select your train and click on the name of the travel solution.
