Planning on taking an overnight train? Here is everything you should know about taking a night train in Europe.
- How to book 1 passenger
- How to book 2 passengers who want to share a compartment
- How to book 2 passengers who don't want to share a compartment
- How to book 3 passengers who want to share a compartment
- How to book 3 passengers that don't all want to share the same compartment.
- How to book 4 passengers who want to share a room/rooms
- How to book 4 passengers who don't want to Share a compartment
- How to book 5 passengers
- Are overnight train accommodations expensive?
- What can I expect when I travel on an overnight train?
- What are the benefits of taking an overnight train?
- What type of accommodation am I able to travel in if I have a railpass?
- What does Gender Specific mean?
- What types of sleeping accommodations are available on overnight trains?
- Can a sleeper reservation date be changed?
1. How to book 1 passenger
Simply enter 1 passenger on the request page. The results page will display 1-3 passenger rooms depending on what is available. When booking a room that has more than one bed, the compartment is shared.
2. How to book 2 passengers who want to share a compartment
You can request 2 passengers in a double compartment. If there are no Double compartments available, you can then book a shared T3 but keep in mind, the third bed will be occupied by another passenger.
3. How to book 2 passengers who don't want to share a compartment
Book 1 passenger at a time, and select the Single compartment. You will need to do this step twice, once for each passenger.
4.How to book 3 passengers who want to share a compartment
The best option for 3 passengers is a T3 if it is available. T3 compartments are not offered on all trains. If a T3 is not available then passengers will be advised to divide their party. You can also book a T4 or T6 based on availability and restrictions.
5. How to book 3 passengers that don't all want to share the same compartment.
There are two options:
Option 1
You can select a Single compartment for 1 of the passengers and select a Double compartment for the 2 remaining passengers.
Option 2
You can select 3 Single compartments, each will need to be requested on the website separately having 1 passenger on each reservation.
6. How to book 4 passengers who want to share a room/rooms
You can request 2 double compartments or a T4 if this type of accommodation is offered on the train you wish to travel on.
7. How to book 4 passengers who don't want to Share a compartment
You will need to first figure out who wants to share, and who does not. Once you have your travel party broken down, request the number of passengers who want to share a room together and request as either a 1, 2 or 3 person room. Request each compartment separately until all passengers have been reserved in a room.
8. How to book 5 passengers
In order to accommodate a group of 5 travelers, you will need to do 2 separate requests.
You have the following options:
- 2 passengers in a double, and the other 3 in a T3 compartment (if offered).
- 4 passengers in a T4 (if offered) and 1 passenger in a single.
- 4 passengers split into 2 double compartments, and 1 passenger in a single.
- Reserve all 5 in a T6 compartment.
Options a, b, and c will need to be requested separately as it has been broken down. Option d can be requested all at once.
9. Are overnight train accommodations expensive?
The prices of accommodations on an overnight train are dependent on a few factors:
- The expense of the ticket
- The type of train you will be traveling on
- The type of compartment you wish to sleep in
Similar to Day trains there are different levels of overnight trains. Typically, during the day, high-speed premier trains are more expensive then local services that travel at a slower speed, and offer fewer services on-board. For night trains longer International journeys are more expensive as they tend to be nicer trains, offering the traveler more services.
You have the option of an "economy" type compartment known as a "couchette". Prices for couchettes are $32 per person. You can expect to be traveling in a compartment with up to 6 people in this type of room. Sleepers, a more private way to travel, vary in price from about $51 in Eastern Europe up to $800 for an international Single Deluxe sleeper.
10. What can I expect when I travel on an overnight train?
Taking an overnight train is like adding a touch of adventure to your trip! Depending on the type of compartment you reserve, you will either be bunking with new found friends, or sharing a private room with your travel companions.
Remember, you are on a train so the amount of space in each overnight compartment is not overwhelming. If you have booked a private sleeper, you will have more room to move around in and store your belongings.
Please note that on some overnight trains you can expect to have your passports collected by railway officials on the train. This is primarily for your security. Your passport will be guarded overnight and then returned to you in the morning.
11. What are the benefits of taking an overnight train?
Many people take advantage of additional time they have in a city, then they board their overnight train. You depart from one city and arrive in your destination the next morning, refreshed and ready to start your day. It also saves you money that you may have spent on a hotel.
12. What type of accommodation am I able to travel in if I have a railpass?
All 1 st class passes are valid for travel in all sleeper accommodations. If you have a 2 nd class pass, you are able to travel in T3 compartments and couchettes. Some T4 compartments are offered in 1 st and 2 nd class. Please be sure to check the details of the fare for the train you wish to travel on to determine what class the T4 is offered in.
13. What does Gender Specific mean?
The term "Gender Specific" means that these compartments will not allow male and female passengers to travel in the same compartment. The exception to this condition is if you and your travel companion(s) intend on using all beds within the compartment.
Trains in which this condition applies are: Elipsos, CNL, Lusitania, Spanish Night trains
14. What types of sleeping accommodations are available on overnight trains?
Sleeping accommodations vary according to the train and route. The most common compartments are Singles, Doubles and Couchettes. Some offer T3, T4, and Deluxe sleepers.
15. Can a sleeper reservation date be changed?
Due to the limited availability on overnight trains, if you must change your sleeper reservation, try to do so immediately. You can visit the local station at least 24 hours prior to the train's departure and see what is available. Be aware that your reservation change may be subject to local service fees and/or upgrade charges.
Reservations are required for sleepers and couchettes on all overnight trains and can be made up to 60 days in advance.
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