Sleeper trains are a fantastic way to travel, covering relatively large distances all while you sleep, waking up feeling refreshed as you draw into your destination. We’ve put together our top tips for sleeper trains so you can ace your next trip.
So if you love watching the world go by from the window of a train, or are a curious first-timer interested in the romantic world of long-distance train travel, let’s dive in!
Why travel by train?
Train travel is an enticing option wherever you are in the world, as it offers the opportunity to take in the scenery with views for as long as there is daylight! Once the sun sets, you can settle down for the evening, knowing you’ll wake up at your destination in the morning—perfect!
One of the immediately obvious benefits, and the reason more people than ever are booking railway tickets, is the environmental impact. Taking a train instead of driving or flying can reduce carbon emissions by over 80%. EcoPassenger research suggests that a flight from London to Madrid emits 118kg of emission per passenger, while a train only equates to around 43kg. This fact alone is enough to sway many eco-conscious people into exploring the world by train, especially somewhere as well-connected as Europe.
Train travel can often also be a more freeing way to travel—the opportunity to move around the train, visit the dining carriage and stretch your legs can be much more appealing than the restrictions of a plane. Some trains even offer viewing carriages so you can watch the world go by!
On that note, train travel can be romantic and exciting—offering the opportunity to cosy up with a book or journal while enjoying the ever-changing landscapes out of the window.
Although train travel doesn’t always seem more cost-effective than flying or driving, good deals can be found if you book far enough in advance. Many countries offer rail passes for unlimited travel within a certain time frame, and if you’re traveling in Europe it’s worth looking into the Interrail pass which is valid across many countries.
Benefits of sleeper trains
Train travel has many benefits, with the first being the ability to cover long distances while you sleep. Unless you book a budget seat (top tip - we don’t recommend this option for sleeper trains where possible!) most sleeper trains offer lie-flat beds which far supersede any economy flight option.
Traveling by sleeper train also allows you to stay connected, with many offering free WiFi onboard. Additionally, sleeper trains have a much better safety record than road travel, and allow you to relax throughout the journey rather than dealing with the stress of driving.
This makes traveling by train a pretty low-stress option—without having the navigate airport security or traffic you can truly sit back and enjoy the ride!
Different kinds of sleeper trains
The type of sleeper train varies greatly in each country, but most sleeper trains offer different levels of comfort from seats through to private sleeper cabins. The ‘standard’ experience you can often expect on a sleeper train is a cabin that converts into bunk beds, that will be shared with others unless you upgrade to a private cabin.
Some sleeper trains are just an ‘A to B’ with sleeping options, whereas other trains, such as the highly-esteemed Orient Express (with routes from Paris to Istanbul), offer a whole onboard experience including luxury dining, entertainment and exquisite sleeper cabins.
What to pack
To get the very best experience, here are our top packing tips for sleeper trains:
- An eye mask and earplugs - this combo will offer the best chance of a peaceful night’s sleep!
- Plenty of water, food and snacks - check in advance whether your train offers a catering service. Even if they do, we recommend bringing extra food and plenty of water to stay hydrated throughout the journey.
- Comfortable clothing - both for sleeping in and relaxing on the train.
- Something to help you sleep - if you find sleeping on transport difficult, consider picking up some melatonin to help you sleep, or a herbal alternative such as Valerian root.
- Entertainment - whether it's a book or e-reader, a tablet or your smartphone, make sure everything is well charged and your favorite movies or series are downloaded so you can watch them without interruption!
- Noise canceling headphones - these will serve as a double win, both canceling out background noise and allowing you to enjoy favorite shows or podcasts.
- A fanny pack - these are a great place to store your valuables, and you can sleep wearing it to keep them extra safe!
Sleeper train etiquette
As you’ll often have to share a cabin with strangers as part of your journey, here are our top tips for being respectful on sleeper trains:
- Store your luggage correctly - in a shared cabin, there’s often very little room to move about, so make sure your luggage isn’t in anyone’s way.
- Keep noise to a minimum - a pair of headphones will allow you to watch your favorite show or enjoy a podcast without disturbing your cabin neighbors.
- Don’t turn on the light - if you need to get up in the night, make sure you use your phone light or pack a flashlight so you can see what you’re doing without waking anyone.
- Avoid smelly food - if your train requires you to bring your own food, think about what you pack - is an egg sandwich really necessary?
- Make your bed early in the evening - trains often provide bedding but require you to make your bed. Be prepared with this so you’re not causing a disturbance or trying to do it in the dark!
How to sleep well on a sleeper train?
Knowing how to sleep well on a sleeper train is all down to the planning! Book your train ticket well in advance to get the best prices, cabin and bunk selection.
Consider the best sleeping option for you; a top bunk isn’t suitable for someone with limited mobility or those who don’t like heights, but it will offer less disturbances! A lower bunk is more accessible and easier if you need to get up in the night, but others are more likely to disturb you as they climb up and down into their bunk.
If you’ve got the budget, consider a private cabin for a disturbance-free night’s sleep! Some even have en-suite bathrooms and service to the cabin.
While it could be tempting to save money and book a seat, we’d recommend swerving that option wherever possible. You’ll almost certainly regret it as the seats are often compact and don’t easily recline, leading to a very uncomfortable night!
Long story short...
Now you officially know how to sleep well on a sleeper train, it’s full speed ahead! Sleeper trains are a fantastic way to watch the world go by, get a good night’s sleep, and wake up in an exciting new destination ready to explore.
Bon voyage!
Written by Alex Callahan
