If you’ve never taken a first-class sleeper train across Europe then you’re missing out.
Even your dream trip can turn into a nightmare if you don’t get quality sleep. Whether you’re pressed for time, pressed for pennies, or pressed to fill your social media with as many amazing Insta Reels as possible, the sleeper train has your back.
From budget-friendly couchettes to first-class sleeper train cabins that are basically hotels on wheels, this is what you should expect when turning in on the train.
Image Credit: Getty Images. Image Location: Venice, Italy.
What to expect on a sleeper train in Europe
What’s the difference between a sleeper train and regular train?
The biggest difference between a sleeper train and regular train is the availability of sleeping amenities. All trains can be sleeping trains if you take enough melatonin, but sleeper trains are specifically outfitted with reclining-seating carriages, couchettes, and sleeper cabins so passengers can be as comfortable as possible.
Are sleeper trains comfortable?
That depends. Most people consider first-class sleeper trains in Europe to be way more comfortable than sleeping on a bus or in the backseat of a car. Many insist that the full sleeper cabin experience is the most comfortable option, though many will tell you that curling up in a reclining seat with an eye mask and slippers is comfortable enough to catch a few winks.
What do you wear on a sleeper train?
We’re not the fashion police; wear your slippers without shame on a European sleeper train. We will, however, tell you the same tips we tell everyone booking their first-class sleeper train experience: dress for comfort and climate control. You want to wear something that is loose enough that you can move around comfortably. While some sleeper cabins are temperature controlled, assume your blanket won’t be enough and consider sleep pants, a long-sleeved shirt, or sleep socks if you tend to get as cold as the other side of the pillow.
Is it hard to sleep on a sleeper train?
Define hard. Is it easy to hit the hay on a first-class sleeper train after you’ve completed your nightly dream routine? Totally. Is it difficult to get comfortable in some couchettes, cabins, and chairs? At times, absolutely. That all depends on your sleep style, preferences, and psychological comfort.
Are there showers on sleeper trains?
Yes, some deluxe sleeper cabins do have bathrooms complete with toilets and showers, giving you hotel-like privacy as you travel at 80 mph across Europe’s moonlit landscape. Make sure you check the amenities of each sleeper train prior to booking or you might end up having to settle for a sink bath.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Pedre. Image Location: Budapest, Hungary.
What happens at the border on sleeper trains?
The good news is that trains moving through Europe’s Schengen countries can roll through borders without stopping. It’s highly unlikely you’ll need to present your passport at border crossings on most trains in Western and Central Europe. When traveling into or between non-Schengen countries, such as Budapest to Bucharest, border control will come aboard, check your passports, and let you return to your slumber with minimal disruption.
What kind of class should I book on a sleeper train?
The best way to choose which class to book on a sleeper train is to commit to your top priority. If you’re one of those “sleep anywhere” people who want to travel on the cheap, recline your basic seat and start your snooze. If you want the full sleeper train experience with all its comfort and convenience, splurge on the sleeper cabins. If you want to save money but also save your spine some unnecessary compression, a couchette is the happy medium.
European sleeper train routes to dream about
Planning the perfect multi-country itinerary isn’t something you should lose sleep over. These dreamy European sleeper train routes let you hit the sack in one iconic city then rise and shine in another.
- Budapest to Berlin: See how two torn capitals were mended together again
- Vienna to Venice: Schnitzel to put you to sleep, cappuccino to wake you up
- Munich to Milan: Shop for Lederhosen then cop the latest Italian fashions
- Paris to Prague: Because life’s too short to choose between two stunning cities
Getting around Europe by train is so easy, you can do it in your sleep. Download the Trainline app and turn your European-vacation dreams into a reality by rail.
Header Image Credit: Getty Images, Joakim Leroy. Image Location: Paris, France.