5 Essential Tips for Your First Overnight Train in Europe
(What I Wish I Knew Before My 15-Hour Ride)
Overnight train travel in Europe is one of the most affordable, scenic, and efficient ways to hop between countries. Whether you’re a budget backpacker or someone who prefers a little luxury, there’s a sleeper option for every type of traveler.
But if you’ve never taken an overnight train before, there are definitely a few things you’ll want to know ahead of time, many of which I learned the hard way on my recent 15-hour night train from Bucharest, Romania to Budapest, Hungary.
To help you avoid my mistakes, here are the top 5 things I wish I knew before taking my first European overnight train. If you’d prefer this information in a video, click the link below.
1. Know How to Choose the Right Train for Your Route
If you’re new to European rail travel, you might find yourself wondering:
Which overnight train should I take? How much do the tickets cost? And where do I actually book them?
The best resource I’ve found (and the one I used when planning my own trip) is Seat61.com. I have zero affiliation with the site; it’s just genuinely one of the most comprehensive train travel resources online.
Here’s how to use it:
Select your departure city, then scroll to choose your destination.
The page automatically jumps to your exact route.
You’ll see travel times, route options, sleeper types, and photos of the actual trains.
It lists direct links to book your ticket with the appropriate train company.
You’ll also find guidance on the best time to buy and tips for navigating each booking website.
I consulted Seat61 countless times and found it extremely accurate. If you're feeling overwhelmed, start there.
2. Understand the Different Seat & Sleeper Options
Not all overnight trains are the same—and seat configurations can vary widely. Before you book, make sure you understand your choices.
According to Eurail.com, most European night trains offer three main options:
🚪 Sleeper Compartments
Available in 1-bed, 2-bed, or 3-bed rooms.
Booking the only bed in a 1-bed sleeper = essentially a private room (most expensive).
Booking 1 bed in a 3-bed sleeper = more affordable but you may share with strangers.
Most sleeper compartments are gender-specific, which is why I was able to book one bed in a 3-bed women’s compartment.
My compartment included:
three beds
a sink/washbasin
a full-length mirror
The toilet and shower were located at the end of the car.
🛏️ Couchettes
Compartments with 4 or 6 beds.
Typically co-ed, so you may share with both men and women.
A step down in privacy but very popular for budget travelers.
💺 Reclining Seats
Cheapest option
Least comfortable
Best for very short overnight journeys or extremely tight budgets
3. Bring the Right Essentials (Don’t Skip This!)
This is a big one.
Not all overnight trains have dining cars—and I found that out the hard way. My entire 15-hour ride offered zero food options. Absolutely nothing. That meant I had to rely solely on what I brought with me.
Here’s what you must pack:
✔️ Food & Snacks
Assume the train won’t have food. Bring enough to last the entire journey.
✔️ Plenty of Drinking Water
Yes, trains have sinks—but the tap water is like airplane bathroom water: okay for washing hands, not ideal for drinking. I didn’t even feel comfortable brushing my teeth with it. Bring bottled water for drinking and hygiene.
✔️ Body Wipes
Some trains have showers, but they may be… unappealing. Body wipes were a lifesaver when freshening up in the morning.
Also consider bringing:
Portable charger
Earplugs
Eye mask
Light blanket or scarf
4. Expect Multiple Stops Throughout the Night
I made a rookie assumption: that the train would be completely direct with no stops until the final destination.
That was not the case.
My train stopped around 7 times, and each stop meant more passengers could potentially join my compartment. Even though no one ever did (I miraculously had the whole compartment to myself), the uncertainty made it hard to settle in and sleep.
Border control checks may wake you up
Depending on your route, you may cross into another country in the middle of the night. When we crossed the border, officers knocked loudly on the door and checked passports. It startled me awake.
Tip: Look up when you’re expected to cross a border in advance so that you know when you’ll go through border control. Also, keep your passport somewhere easy to access so you’re not fumbling around at 3 AM.
5. Bring Entertainment (and Don’t Forget to Enjoy the Views)
Because cell service and wifi may be inconsistent, be sure to download your entertainment ahead of time:
Books
Shows or movies
Podcasts
Offline playlists
Compartments can be tight, so if you’re sharing with strangers, you’ll likely spend most of the ride in your bunk—which makes having entertainment even more important.
But also…
Take time to look out the window.
Watching the landscape change, from villages to farmland to mountains, is one of the most iconic perks of train travel.
Final Thoughts
Overnight trains in Europe offer a unique mix of adventure, nostalgia, and practicality. With the right expectations and a bit of preparation, they can actually be one of the best parts of your trip.
If you’ve taken a night train before, drop your best tips in the comments below. And if I missed anything, let me know!
