Gina Johnson
Sleeper trains are a convenient and comfortable way to travel long distances. SNCF, France's national railway company, offers sleeper trains that travel to various regions in France. These trains, known as Intercités, provide a low-cost and comfortable journey with options for private compartments and various classes of service. So, are these SNCF sleeper trains still in use?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Company | SNCF |
| Location | France |
| Route | Hautes-Alpes, Pyrenees, Occitanie region |
| Classes | First, Second |
| Number of bunks in First Class compartments | 4 |
| Number of bunks in Second Class compartments | 6 |
| Starting price for seated places | €19 |
| Starting price for bunks | €29 |
| Starting price for a private compartment | €40 |
| Additional services | Personalised wake-up call, breakfast (only in first class), bike transportation |
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What You'll Learn
Sleeper train routes
Sleeper trains are a comfortable and practical way to travel long distances, especially if you want to save on hotel costs. They usually offer three classes of service, with the sleeper compartments being the more luxurious option. Sleeper cabins usually come with a sink, towels, and toiletries, and some even have their own showers and toilets. Here are some popular sleeper train routes:
The Caledonian Sleeper
The Caledonian Sleeper train offers routes between London Euston and several destinations in Scotland, including Aberdeen, Inverness, Fort William, Glasgow, and Edinburgh. The train stops at intermediate stations along the way, such as Crewe, Preston, Carlisle, Carstairs, and Motherwell. You can find more detailed timetable information on the Caledonian Sleeper website.
French Overnight Trains: Intercités de Nuit
Formerly branded as Lunéa, French domestic overnight trains are now called Intercités de Nuit. These trains offer routes from Paris to various destinations in the south of France, including Nice, Cannes, Antibes, Toulouse, Perpignan, Latour de Carol, and Cerbère on the Spanish border. There are also connections to Barcelona. Intercités de Nuit trains offer both first and second-class couchettes with 4 or 6 berths, respectively. Prices start from as little as €29 for a bed.
Other European Routes
In addition to the routes mentioned above, there are several other popular sleeper train routes in Europe. For example, you can fall asleep in Paris and wake up in Milan, or depart from Madrid and arrive in Lisbon. Sleeper trains in Europe typically offer different types of accommodations, such as couchettes with bunk beds or sleeper compartments with private ensuites. Reservations are required on all night trains in Europe, and you can book your tickets through websites like Trainline or Railbookers.
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Classes and compartments
SNCF sleeper trains offer both first and second class "sleepers", as well as couchettes and sit-up-all-night seats. The first class is also referred to as Mini C and is promoted as a "first-class sleeper with 4 beds". The couchettes have four or six berths, while sleepers generally have two or three berths. A three-berth compartment has three bunks, one above the other, a washbasin, and space to hang your clothes. A four-berth couchette has four bunks, two on each side, no washbasin, and no space for hanging clothes.
The same sleeper compartment can be sold as a single, double, or triple. Historically, singles required a first-class ticket plus a single sleeper supplement, doubles required a first-class ticket plus a double sleeper supplement, and triples only required a second-class ticket plus a tourist sleeper supplement. On domestic sleepers in Italy and Spain, a first-class ticket or pass is still required for a double. A triple, also known as a Tourist or T3, only requires a second-class ticket or rail pass.
You can book a 2-berth sleeper, which will have the berth numbers of the bottom and top bunks, with the middle bunk number unused. If you need two compartments, you can ask for a pair of compartments with a connecting door.
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$13.99
Ticket purchasing
Sleeper trains are a great way to travel long distances in comfort, covering expansive distances overnight while you rest. They are also a great way to save money as you do not need to book separate accommodation for the night.
When it comes to purchasing tickets for sleeper trains, there are a few options. You can buy tickets online, at main rail stations, through rail-appointed travel agents, or by phone. If you already have a ticket for your journey, you may be able to pay a supplementary fee to use a sleeping berth. It is also worth checking if any Railcard discounts are available, although these may not apply to all accommodations.
It is recommended to book early as sleeper trains can sell out well in advance, especially during peak seasons. You should also check that routes exist between your desired cities, as not all routes run every day.
When booking, you will need to enter your personal details, including your name, surname, and date of birth. These details will be shown on your ticket, so ensure you have matching ID when travelling.
You can book tickets through Trainline and RailEurope, which sell tickets for most railways. You can also go directly to the operator's website and book through them. Some websites to refer to include the sleeper train section of the Man in Seat 61, which provides exhaustive details on international routes, and the Caledonian Sleeper website, which provides timetable information.
If you are travelling with a dog, you may need to contact customer service to make the necessary arrangements.
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Onboard services
Sleeper trains are designed with passenger comfort and convenience in mind, offering a relaxing and unique travel experience. Onboard services can vary depending on the train operator, route, and class of service, but here is an overview of what you can typically expect when travelling on a sleeper train:
Compartments and Cabins:
Sleeper trains offer private or shared compartments with comfortable beds, fresh linen, pillows, and blankets. Some compartments have additional amenities like private toilets, washbasins, towels, and toiletries. The number of berths in each cabin can vary, with options for one, two, three, or four-berth carriages. If you're looking for more privacy, you can also reserve an entire compartment for yourself or your travel group.
Dining and Meals:
Many sleeper trains feature restaurant cars or dining cars where passengers can enjoy full meals or snacks. On some trains, you can pre-order meals from a selection of quality local products, and breakfast may be included with your ticket, especially if you're travelling first class. Sleeper attendants are usually available to assist with purchasing snacks and drinks, and they can also help with special requests or requirements.
Lounge Areas:
Sleeper trains often have lounge cars where passengers can relax and socialise before turning in for the night. These areas provide a comfortable space to unwind and enjoy the journey. Some operators also offer access to guest lounges at certain stations, where you can freshen up and wait between connections.
Entertainment and Amenities:
While sleeper trains typically focus on providing a restful and comfortable journey, some operators offer additional entertainment options. For example, the Belmond Royal Scotsman is known for its luxurious "cruise train" experience, with various entertainment options and scenic routes. Onboard staff, including train attendants, are usually available to assist passengers and ensure their safety throughout the journey.
Luggage Storage:
Sleeper compartments or cabins typically provide ample luggage storage options. You can usually store your bags under your bed, in the overhead racks above the window or door, or in designated luggage compartments within the train. This allows for easy access to your belongings during the journey.
Flexibility and Convenience:
Sleeper trains offer flexibility and convenience for travellers. Depending on the operator, you may be able to board the train at its starting point well before departure, giving you time to settle in. At your destination, you can also disembark at a reasonable hour, even if the train arrives early in the morning. Sleeper trains also save you the hassle of checking into hotels, as you can travel and rest simultaneously.
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Alternatives to SNCF trains
If you are looking for alternatives to SNCF trains, there are several options available. Here are some suggestions:
Bus Services
In countries like Germany, Switzerland, and France, bus services often complement train networks. In Germany and Switzerland, if your destination is not directly accessible by train, there will typically be a bus connection to the nearest train station, and these bus schedules are integrated into train network software. In France, regional and local bus services can be found on the website of the département. For example, to travel from Geneva to Annecy, you can search for "Geneve Annecy bus horaires" to find the relevant bus company. Similarly, in Switzerland, buses are included in the sbb.ch website, offering integrated travel options.
Other Train Services
Depending on your destination, there may be other train services available as an alternative to SNCF. For example, if you are travelling within the UK or Europe, TrainPal is a popular app-based alternative to SNCF Connect for booking train tickets. Other similar apps include Loco2, which allows you to book tickets for Europe's major railways without booking fees, and Wanderu, which helps you find and book train travel across Europe.
Flight Services
If you are open to flying, you can consider alternative flight services to your destination. For example, in the case of travelling from CDG airport to Retournac, one suggestion is to consider flying to Lyon Saint-Exupéry airport, which has its own TGV station with direct access to trains.
Intermodal Booking Applications
If you are looking for a more comprehensive solution, intermodal booking applications can help you find various travel options, including trains, buses, and carpooling. Kombo, for instance, is developing the first intermodal booking application that offers a wide range of transportation options.
These alternatives provide flexible options for travellers who may be facing challenges with SNCF train availability or who are looking for different modes of transportation to suit their specific needs.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, sleeper trains are still in use in Europe.
A couchette is the cheaper option, with 4-6 bunk beds per compartment, whereas a sleeper compartment is usually more comfortable and may even come with an en-suite bathroom.
Sleeper cabins usually come with freshly made beds, a sink, towels, and toiletries. Some deluxe sleeper cabins even have their own shower and toilet. Sleeper trains may also include a designated sleeper attendant, meals, and drinks.
SNCF sleeper trains operate in France, with routes to Hautes-Alpes, the Pyrenees, and the Occitanie region.
SNCF sleeper trains start from €29 for a first-class compartment with four bunks and €19 for a second-class compartment with six bunks.
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