Booking Sleeper Cars: Budapest To Prague Travel Guide

Travelling by sleeper train from Budapest to Prague is a popular option for those traversing Eastern Europe. The journey takes around 13 hours, with the train typically departing Budapest at 8 pm and arriving in Prague at 6:30 am. The sleeper train is a safe and comfortable option, with travellers able to choose from sleeper cabins, couchette cabins, or seater cabins. Sleeper cabins are available as singles, doubles, or triples, while couchettes are available in 4 or 6-berth configurations. The sleeper train offers a good night's sleep at a reasonable price, with tickets starting from 39 euros.

Tickets can be purchased online via the Czech Railways or Hungarian Railways websites, or at the train station. Booking usually opens 60 days before departure, with no need to book further in advance. Tickets start from 19 euros if purchased in advance, but full-flex tickets are also available for purchase at the station on the day of travel.

Sleeper train options and pricing

The EuroNight Metropol is a comfortable and efficient overnight train that travels between Prague and Budapest in both directions. The sleeper train offers passengers a good night's sleep at a reasonable price. The train is divided into modern 'Comfortline' type cabins, a couchette car, and a few carriages containing ordinary seats.

Travellers can choose from three ways to travel: a sleeper cabin, a couchette cabin, or a seater cabin. Sleeper and couchette cabins are recommended for a good night's rest.

Sleeper cabins

On board the EuroNight Metropol, there are nine carriages that house standard sleeper cabins, which can be sold as a single, double, or triple. Single cabins are designed for solo travellers, doubles are for two people, and triples are for three people. If you are travelling solo, you will share with members of your own sex. The bathrooms and toilets are located outside the cabins. There are also three carriages with deluxe sleeper cabins that have the same configuration as the standard ones but with an ensuite toilet and shower. The beds in all sleeper cabins are made up for you and can be folded down into seats.

Couchette cabins

Couchette cabins are suitable for those travelling with friends or family. These comfortable bunks come in four or six-berth configurations. Each berth is provided with a sheet, blanket, and pillow. Unlike sleeper cabins, the sexes are not segregated in couchette cabins. For the evening and morning parts of the journey, the couchettes convert to seats so you can eat dinner and breakfast in your cabin. The bathrooms and toilets are located outside the coach.

Seater cabins

The seater cabins are the most affordable option but also the most uncomfortable, so they are only suitable for the young or those on a tight budget.

Pricing

Prices for the EuroNight Metropol sleeper train start from 39 euros, with the journey lasting one night. The overnight train typically departs Prague at 21:56, arriving in Budapest at 8:35.

When booking, you may come across the following ticket options:

• First Minute Europe ticket: This is a discounted ticket that is usually available long before the departure date.
• International ticket: This is a full-price ticket that can be purchased at any time and is more flexible.

In addition to the ticket price, there may be an extra cost for sleeper berths or couchettes, known as a surcharge or reservation fee. The price of the surcharge depends on the type of cabin and the number of people sharing it. For example, a three-person sleeper cabin may cost around 1542 CZK extra.

It is recommended to book directly through the national rail company's website of the country where your journey begins. Resellers often charge much higher prices for the same tickets.

Other options

If you are looking for a more luxurious journey, the sleeper train may not meet your expectations as it is quite basic. In that case, you may consider alternative options such as flying or taking a daytime train.

Daytime trains between Budapest and Prague typically offer cheaper tickets, with prices starting from €19 for a one-way trip. These trains may also save you the cost of accommodation for one night, similar to the sleeper train option.

Another option is to fly between Budapest and Prague, which can be more time-efficient, especially considering the time spent travelling to and from the train stations and the early morning arrival of the sleeper train.

Sleeper train timings

The sleeper train from Budapest to Prague is a popular option for those travelling between the two cities. The journey usually takes around 13 hours, with the train departing Budapest in the evening and arriving in Prague early the next morning. Here are the key timings you need to know:

• Booking in Advance: Sleeper train tickets can usually be booked up to 60 days in advance. It is recommended to book at least a few weeks in advance to get the cheapest fares, but you can often find tickets available even a few days before your trip.
• Departure Time: The sleeper train typically departs from Budapest Nyugati station at around 8 PM. However, it's important to note that Hungarian trains may experience delays, so it's a good idea to check the schedule before your trip.
• Arrival Time: The train arrives in Prague early in the morning, usually around 6:30 AM. This gives you a full day to explore the city, but keep in mind that you may need to wait until the afternoon to check into your hotel.
• Onboard Services: The sleeper train has different cabin options, including sleeper cabins, couchette cabins, and seater cabins. Sleeper and couchette cabins are recommended for a comfortable journey, as the seater cabins are not ideal for sleeping. The train also has a small selection of food and drinks available for purchase, but it's recommended to eat dinner before boarding.
• Alternative Options: If you prefer a daytime journey, there are regular express trains running between Budapest and Prague during the day. These trains are comfortable and air-conditioned, with power sockets, free WiFi, and a restaurant car. The journey takes around 8 hours, depending on the specific train and route.

When planning your trip, it's always a good idea to check the official websites of the train operators, such as Czech Railways (CD) and Hungarian Railways (MAV), for the most up-to-date schedules and booking options.

Sleeper train booking

The sleeper train from Budapest to Prague is a popular route for those travelling through Eastern Europe. The journey takes around 12 hours, with the overnight train leaving Budapest at 8 pm and arriving in Prague at 6:30 am.

Booking Options

Booking in advance is recommended, especially during the summer months or when travelling on a Friday or Sunday. Tickets can be purchased directly from the Czech Railways or Hungarian Railways websites, or from third-party resellers.

Czech Railways Website

The Czech Railways website (www.cd.cz) offers the option to book tickets for the sleeper train in either direction. Booking usually opens 60 days before departure, but it's recommended to book a few weeks in advance to get the cheapest fares.

To book, select the English flag in the top right corner, then enter your journey details. Click on the "Price in the next step" button, and then modify your reservation to select a couchette or sleeper cabin. You can choose between a 2-bed or 3-bed sleeper, or a 4-berth or 6-berth couchette. The website will then provide a ticket with the reservation included, which you can print out or show on your phone.

Hungarian Railways Website

Tickets for the sleeper train can also be booked on the Hungarian Railways website (www.mavcsoport.hu). This site is easier to use and offers the same cheap advance-purchase fares as the Czech Railways site. You can print your ticket or show it on the MAV app on your phone.

Third-Party Resellers

Third-party resellers such as Czech-transport.com, Rail Europe, or Eurail can also be used to book tickets, but they may charge higher fees. Czech-transport.com, for example, charges a €40 delivery fee for paper tickets, which is almost the same as the cost of a discounted ticket.

On the Day

If you choose not to book in advance, you can also purchase tickets at the train station on the day of travel. However, the prices will be higher, and you will need to buy a full-price travel ticket along with a berth supplement for the sleeper or couchette.

Sleeper Cabin Options

The sleeper train offers several options for accommodation:

• Sleeper cabins: These are available as single, double, or triple compartments, with beds that can be folded down into seats. There are also deluxe sleeper cabins available, which include an ensuite toilet and shower.
• Couchette cabins: These are suitable for groups and come in 4 or 6-berth configurations. Each berth is provided with a sheet, blanket, and pillow.
• Seater cabins: This is the most affordable option but not recommended for comfort.

Additional Information

The sleeper train does not have a bar or restaurant, but light snacks and drinks can be ordered from the cabin staff. Passengers in sleeper and couchette cabins receive a boxed continental breakfast included in their fare. There is free Wi-Fi access on the train, but no official dress code.

Sleeper train comfort

The EuroNight Metropol sleeper train is a comfortable and efficient option for travelling between Prague and Budapest. The train offers three types of cabins: sleeper, couchette, and seater. Sleeper cabins are available as single, double, or triple, with bathrooms and toilets located outside the cabins. Deluxe sleeper cabins are also available, offering an ensuite toilet and shower. Couchette cabins are suitable for groups and families, with comfortable bunks in 4 or 6-berth configurations. Seater cabins are the most affordable option but are not recommended for overnight travel as they do not convert into sleeping arrangements.

The sleeper train provides a modest level of comfort, with beds that can be folded down into seats during the day. Passengers in sleeper and couchette cabins receive a boxed continental breakfast included in their fare. While there is no bar or restaurant on board, light snacks and drinks can be ordered from the cabin staff, and passengers are also allowed to bring their own food and drinks. The sleeper train is a safe option for families and solo travellers, with each compartment featuring a security deadlock.

The sleeper train is a popular choice for those travelling through Eastern Europe, offering a well-thought-out and efficient travel experience. It provides free Wi-Fi access, but it is a basic train, so passengers should not expect a luxurious journey. Reservations for the sleeper train are recommended, especially during the high season, and can be made 2 to 6 months in advance.

Sleeper train safety

Travelling by sleeper train is a great way to get from A to B while getting a good night's sleep. However, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure a safe and comfortable journey. Here are some tips for travelling on the sleeper train from Budapest to Prague:

Before Boarding:

• It is recommended to book your tickets in advance, especially during the high season (May to September). Reservations can usually be made 2 to 6 months ahead of time.
• When buying your ticket, always check that you have indicated your gender correctly. You can choose between a 3-bed, 2-bed, or single-bed compartment. If travelling with a partner, a 2-bed compartment will be cheaper than buying out 3 spaces in a 3-bed one.
• If you are travelling solo, you will share a compartment with other travellers of the same sex. If you are concerned about privacy, you can book a single-bed compartment or purchase all 3 beds in a 3-bed compartment.
• If you are purchasing your ticket online, cross-check both the destination and departure city railway company websites, as they may have different quotas for available seats/beds.
• If online tickets are sold out, you will need to go to an international ticket office at a train station to make a reservation.

Boarding and During the Journey:

• When you board the train, each sleeping car will be assigned a steward who can assist with luggage and finding your compartment and bed. They will also collect your ticket and, if necessary, your passport.
• The steward will handle all ticket controls as the train passes through different countries, so you will not be disturbed during the night.
• Your compartment should be locked at all times to prevent robbery and enhance your safety while asleep. Familiarise yourself with the closing mechanism and the way to enter the compartment if you need to leave during the night.
• If travelling with others, agree on the level of heating and lighting before bedtime to ensure a comfortable and respectful environment for all.
• Keep the volume low if using headphones, and avoid loud music or videos that may disturb your fellow travellers.
• If you need to speak to the steward during the journey, first check through the peephole to see who is at the door before opening it.

In the Morning:

• The steward will wake you up at your requested time and return your ticket.
• Depending on your compartment, you may have a shower inside or in the corridor. If you plan to shower, make sure to reserve enough time as there may be a queue.

Overall, the sleeper train from Budapest to Prague is a safe and efficient way to travel between these two cities. By following the above tips, you can ensure a comfortable and enjoyable journey.

Frequently asked questions