A beginner's guide to traveling on a sleeper train

Sleeper trains are experiencing a delightful resurgence, and it's no surprise; they offer a greener, more sustainable alternative to flying, along with a fun and often cozy travel experience.

If you're new to sleeper trains, you may have queries about reservations, sleeping arrangements, and meal options. Experienced traveler Monisha Rajesh shares essential insights for your inaugural overnight journey.

What type of seat should I reserve?

No matter where you're traveling, it's essential to understand the various accommodation classes provided by each service to fit your needs and budget. On America’s Amtrak, most passengers choose coach class, which features spacious, reclining seats with ample legroom. However, you should bring a blanket and neck pillow for a more comfortable night. Private roomettes offer two seats facing each other that convert into upper and lower bunks, while bedrooms provide the same number of berths with double the space. Prices can vary significantly based on your travel dates, so it's best to book early to secure the lowest fares.

In Europe, you'll encounter couchettes and sleepers: couchettes are compartments with either six or four bunks that you set up yourself, while sleepers come with pre-made beds, washbasins, and in some cases, private showers and toilets. Most rail operators will display clear images on their websites of what to expect, and again, early booking is recommended to find good rates. Typically, women travelers are assigned to shared compartments, but you can always contact the operator directly to confirm this arrangement.

Which rail pass should I choose?

If you plan to take more than one or two sleeper trains in a short period, it may be worthwhile to consider a rail pass. Amtrak’s 30-day USA Rail pass allows for 10 rides at a cost of $499, while Europe’s Interrail pass provides seven days of travel within a single month for €286. A small fee is required to reserve a berth, but a pass can often be more economical than purchasing individual tickets and permits daytime travel as well.

What should I keep in mind when booking a night train?

Faster trains aren't necessarily the best choice. Pay attention to the arrival time at your destination. Arriving in an unfamiliar city at 6 AM may not be ideal if you have to wait until 3 PM for check-in, so research available luggage storage options or see if your accommodation allows early self-check-in. If neither is feasible, you might prefer a slower night train that reaches your destination at a more suitable time.

What should I expect when crossing borders?

While crossing borders at night may seem thrilling and romantic, it can actually be quite a hassle. Be prepared to be awakened for both passport and customs inspections on either side, and occasionally you may need to disembark for luggage scans. For cross-border journeys, opting for a daytime service is far more pleasant.

What should I include in my packing list for a sleeper train?

Travel light. You’ll likely need to lift your bag into overhead compartments or slide it under the berths, so be mindful of space. Pack a small hotel-sized bottle of shower gel for handwashing—no one wants to deal with a slippery bar of soap—and include a flannel. Avoid bringing water wipes as they harm the environment and often end up discarded on the tracks. It’s wise to carry your own toilet paper and keep it within easy reach at night.

Opt for slip-on shoes to avoid fumbling with laces in the dark or dragging them along the train floor. Wear stretchy leggings or loose yoga pants with tapered ankles to prevent collecting dirt.

Onboard temperatures can vary greatly: don’t assume you’ll be freezing on the Trans-Siberian during winter; the heating is often cranked up, and many passengers are seen in vests and sandals. Start with a vest and layer up to a cozy hooded sweatshirt for when it cools down, and don’t forget to pack thick bed socks.

Bring a silk sleeper sheet. These compact pouches are easy to carry and serve as an extra layer for warmth in winter while keeping you cool in summer. They also help shield you from insect bites.

If you’re a light sleeper or sensitive to late-night conversations and early morning light, consider getting soft silicone earplugs and an eye mask for improved rest. Additionally, preload your e-reader with books and pack a portable charger for your phone.

What are the regulations on board?

There are guidelines to adhere to! If the sign says lights out at 9 PM, follow your fellow passengers' example. Use your reading light, and if you need to make calls or send texts, step into the vestibule to avoid disturbing others. Refrain from using the restroom while the train is stopped at stations, as waste may fall onto the tracks, causing discomfort for those on the platform.

Which is preferable, a lower berth or an upper berth?

During the day, lower berths serve as seats for everyone in the compartment, so don’t sleep in if others are awake—it's inconsiderate, and the berth needs to be stowed. For this reason, booking an upper berth is advantageous, allowing you to nap or read at your leisure and stay there as long as you wish in the morning.

Is food available for purchase on the train?

Verify if there’s a dining car on your train, but always bring snacks just in case the galley is closed. Instant noodles, bananas, biscuits, and cereal bars are great options, with cheese and deli meats fine to consume on the first evening. If you're staying in a hotel the night before, grab some tea bags, coffee, and sugar packets, and carry small denominations of cash for drinks, snacks, and tips for staff.

Use food and drinks as a way to connect. Traveling by train in Asia is especially sociable, with families sharing everything from tightly rolled chapatis with fried potatoes on trains in India to homemade mantou buns and fried fish in China, which they often offer to fellow travelers. Try to reciprocate, even if it’s just sharing some nuts or candies.

What are the top night train routes for beginners?

Here are some of my favorite journeys:

• Mumbai–Howrah Duronto Express: This speedy overnight train has very few stops. Fully air-conditioned with spacious berths, bottle holders, and LED lighting, it offers a clean and comfortable experience. Board in Mumbai and settle in around 10 PM, enjoying a smooth ride with minimal jolts and disturbances. Book tickets through 12Go.

• Sunset Limited from New Orleans to Los Angeles: The oldest named train in the US, the Sunset Limited is Amtrak’s southernmost line, carrying passengers from New Orleans through the bayous of Louisiana and the vast landscapes of Texas, finally passing through New Mexico and Arizona before arriving in LA at dawn. Book tickets with Amtrak.

Ready to organize your sleeper train journey? Get inspired by our guides on various routes, both new and classic:

• Discover the 10 top sleeper train journeys to experience in Europe in 2024

• Yes, you can travel by sleeper train from Los Angeles to San Francisco in 2024!

• Explore 24 of the world's most breathtaking train journeys​​

• Slow Travel: Journeying across the Arctic Circle by train in search of the Northern Lights