Some people love flying. Others romanticize road trips. But me? I’m a train girl, through and through. There’s something quietly magical about watching a country unfold through the window, knowing you’re being carried from one city to the next—no security lines, no turbulence, just rhythm and rails.
A few years ago, I decided to travel across Europe exclusively by train. Paris to Prague, Rome to Vienna, Amsterdam to Berlin—I slept through most of it, often by choice. But here’s the honest truth: overnight trains are only as dreamy as your seat situation. And trust me, I learned that the hard way—shoulder cricks in Salzburg, zero legroom in Zurich, a snoring neighbor in Naples (a real memory).
After enough bleary-eyed arrivals and makeshift travel pillows that did absolutely nothing, I finally figured out the trick. The seat trick that transforms an overnight train ride from “Why did I do this to myself?” to “I slept?! I actually slept!” And no—it’s not just about bringing a neck pillow or booking a couchette.
This is the smarter, more nuanced approach. The one built from experience, trial, and a few humbling train naps gone wrong.
Why Overnight Train Travel Is Worth It
Before we get into the “how,” let’s quickly pause on the “why.” Because while overnight trains can be tricky, they also offer a kind of practical magic you can’t get anywhere else.
- You save money on accommodations by combining transport and lodging.
- You wake up in a new city, already in motion, no airport transfers or early morning alarms.
- You get to experience a slower, more scenic kind of travel—one that invites you to observe, not just arrive.
Night train travel is seeing a resurgence across Europe due to its lower carbon footprint compared to flying. A train journey emits up to 90% less CO₂ than a flight over the same distance.
There’s also a kind of camaraderie among night train passengers—fellow solo travelers, students, families—all trying to figure out how to make it work. And once you do figure it out? You unlock a whole new kind of freedom.
What Doesn’t Work: Common Mistakes First-Time Night Train Riders Make
Before diving into the seat trick, let’s address a few well-meaning strategies that tend to fall flat:
- Booking a regular seat expecting to sleep like you're in a hotel. Train seats aren’t beds, and most aren’t designed for long-haul comfort unless you're in a sleeper car or you hack your way to it (we’ll get there).
- Assuming quiet equals empty. Just because a carriage starts out quiet doesn’t mean it’ll stay that way. People board at midnight. Some ride for just an hour. Noise is inevitable.
- Over-packing your carry-on. When your bag eats into your legroom, you're going to feel every inch of it at 2 a.m.
- Not planning for climate control. Some trains blast heat, others don’t believe in it. Flexibility is key.
These aren’t deal-breakers, but they can derail your comfort fast. Trust me—I once tried sleeping upright for eight hours on a cross-border train to Budapest, curled like a comma, because I didn’t reserve properly. Never again.
So, What’s the Trick? It’s About Strategic Seat Selection
Here’s what no one tells you until you learn it the hard way: your train seat type, placement, and orientation can make or break your overnight journey. And while each train operator is slightly different, the general rule applies widely:
The trick is to reserve a window seat in a compartment-style train car near the end of the coach, facing backward—and if possible, make it one with an empty adjacent seat.
Let’s unpack that.
1. Window Seats Matter More Than You Think
2. Compartment Cars Offer More Control
Trains in Europe typically come in two seating configurations: open-plan coaches (like an airplane) or 6-seat compartments with sliding doors. For overnight rides, compartments win. You can close the door, block out light, and sometimes even recline a little further than in open seating.
Bonus: Some compartments have window shades, personal reading lights, and power outlets. All things you’ll appreciate after dark.
3. Facing Backward = Less Head Bobbing
Here’s where it gets interesting. While most people instinctively choose forward-facing seats, backward-facing ones often reduce the jerky head movement that keeps you half-awake. Your body isn't constantly adjusting to forward motion, which can be surprisingly calming for sleep.
4. The End of the Coach = Quieter Vibes
Cars near the front or center get more foot traffic—boarding, disembarking, announcements. The rear often sees less of that. You’re tucked away, slightly removed from the noise, with fewer interruptions.
The real trick? Combine these elements.
Window seat + compartment car + backward-facing + coach end. That’s your formula for a “Wait, I actually slept?” train ride.
But What If You Can’t Get That Seat?
Of course, real-life booking systems aren’t always that accommodating. Sometimes you're booking last minute. Sometimes all the compartments are full. Here's how to pivot:
- Go for solo seats if available: Some trains have single seats along the window, giving you privacy and more personal space.
- Avoid the middle of open coaches: They’re often near doors or restrooms—areas prone to noise and movement.
- Look for “silent” or “quiet” zones: Some European trains offer designated quiet cars, which can be game-changers for overnight peace.
Remember, even if you can’t get the perfect spot, knowing what to prioritize helps you make the most of what’s available.
Sleep Setup: What to Pack (and What to Leave Behind)
You don’t need to carry half your bedding to sleep well on a train. But a few strategic items go a long way.
Consider packing
- A soft, compressible travel pillow (not the rigid donut ones)
- A lightweight scarf or shawl that doubles as a blanket
- Noise-canceling earplugs or sleep headphones
- An eye mask with a soft band (some cars never fully dim the lights)
- A small fabric tote for valuables you can keep on you
Skip:
- Bulky neck pillows that take up half your bag
- Thick blankets (overheating is real)
- Hard-sided luggage you’ll struggle to stash near your seat
According to Eurail, more than 33,000 kilometers of railway stretch across Europe, connecting 33 countries—making train travel not just romantic but incredibly accessible.
When you pack with comfort (and space) in mind, you're setting yourself up for rest—not frustration.
The Subtle Psychology of Train Sleep
One of the reasons I love night trains is that they force a kind of surrender. Unlike planes, you don’t have seatbelt signs, tray tables, or endless announcements. And unlike cars, you’re not responsible for staying alert. You’re just there—moving.
There’s also something deeply grounding about being cradled by the rhythmic sounds of the tracks. That motion, if you're not fighting it, lulls you. The trick is learning how to let go.
It took me a few tries to understand that train sleep isn’t about perfection. It’s about micro-comforts. The lean of your head against the window. The feel of your scarf pulled close. The rare, rare gift of uninterrupted momentum.
Beyond the Search
1. Bring a clothespin or binder clip Use it to keep your curtain closed, secure a scarf over a bright light, or create a makeshift privacy shade in compartments.
2. Download offline maps and train schedules Wi-Fi can be spotty. Having your route saved makes early morning arrivals easier to navigate when groggy.
3. Keep snacks smart and simple Go for food that doesn’t smell or spill. A few energy bars, trail mix, or a sandwich will save you when the dining car closes.
4. Always, always have water Train air can be dry, especially in older cars. Staying hydrated helps with both sleep quality and morning clarity.
5. Journal or read before sleeping Create a wind-down ritual. The motion can inspire some of your most introspective travel thoughts if you let it.
Final Stop: Finding Comfort Where You Are
There’s something quietly defiant about learning how to sleep well on a train. In a world obsessed with upgrades and luxury, choosing to travel slower—and learning to do it comfortably—feels like a kind of wisdom.
You realize that comfort isn’t always about softness or space. Sometimes, it’s about strategy. Sometimes, it’s about letting go of control. And sometimes, it’s about curling into a window seat in the last coach of a midnight train to Venice, hearing the tracks sing beneath you, knowing you’ve cracked the code.
That seat trick? It’s not just about better rest. It’s about reclaiming joy in the journey—not just the destination.
