Miya Pearson
Sleeper trains have long been a source of fascination and intrigue, with their depictions in books, songs, and movies romanticizing the idea of overnight travel. While budget airlines have drawn customers away from sleeper trains, there is a recent resurgence in interest, possibly due to environmental concerns or the desire for unique travel experiences. Today, we will delve into the world of sleeper trains, exploring the age and history of these enchanting rail cars. From the well-known routes of Amtrak in the United States to the enchanting journeys of the Trans-Siberian Express and the Orient Express, we will uncover the allure of sleeper trains and the factors contributing to their varying ages and conditions.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Countries with sleeper trains | France, Italy, Poland, UK, Canada, US, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Netherlands, Belgium, Slovakia, Croatia, Slovenia, Hungary, Czech Republic, Kazakhstan, Russia, Ukraine, Romania |
| Sleeper train operators | ÖBB's Nightjet, European Sleeper, PKP Intercity, CFR Călători, Caledonian Sleeper, Via Rail, Amtrak, Ferrovie dello Stato |
| Sleeper train routes | Paris to Nice, Amsterdam to Barcelona, London to Scotland, London to Cornwall, Virginia to Florida, Chicago to New York City, Chicago to Los Angeles, New York City to Miami, New York City to Boston, Chicago to the Pacific Northwest, Moscow to outlying cities, Kazakhstan domestic routes, Russia domestic routes, Ukraine domestic routes, Bucharest to Arad, Poland domestic routes, international routes from Poland |
| Sleeper train speed | ÖBB's Nightjet services have a maximum speed of 230 km/h |
| Sleeper train accommodations | Deluxe compartments with private bathrooms and showers, first-class family rooms, standard first and second class seated cars, couchette cars, single, double, triple, quadruple bedrooms, accessible bedrooms, berths |
| Sleeper train amenities | Complimentary meals, lounge access, priority boarding, bedding, pillows, towels, linens, earplugs, toiletries, call system for train attendant |
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What You'll Learn
Sleeper trains in Europe
There are two types of sleeping berths in European overnight trains: sleepers and couchettes. A sleeper is a more luxurious option, providing a private and comfortable space with proper beds, fresh linen, a washbasin, towels, and toiletries. Some sleepers even offer deluxe rooms with private showers and toilets. On the other hand, couchettes are more basic and economical, with bench-configuration seating during the day and triple-level bunk beds at night.
Several train operators in Europe offer sleeper services, including EuroNight (EN), Nightjet (ÖBB), Caledonian Sleeper, City Night Line, and European Sleeper. Nightjet services are available in Germany, Austria, Italy, Switzerland, France, the Netherlands, and Belgium, and their partners provide connections to Eastern European countries. The Caledonian Sleeper operates between London and various destinations in Scotland, offering breathtaking views and unique cultural experiences.
The Russian Railways Tolstoy service is another notable option, connecting Helsinki in Finland to Moscow in Russia, with various sleeping options, including second-class four-berth sleepers and deluxe business-class sleepers with en-suite bathrooms. For those seeking a more basic sleeping car experience, the European couchette cars offer compartments for four to six people.
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Sleeper trains in the US
Sleeper trains are a great way to travel long distances overnight, allowing passengers to rest comfortably and arrive at their destinations ready to start their day. In the US, all regularly scheduled sleeping car services are operated by Amtrak, which offers sleeping cars on most of its overnight trains.
The Amtrak Sleeping Car fleet consists of two types of cars: Superliner and Viewliner. The Superliner features two levels of private rooms per car, while the Viewliner has a single level of accommodations. The type of car depends on the route selected. Amtrak sleeper cars offer a comfortable and private way to travel across the country, with roomettes, bedrooms, and restrooms. They also provide accessible bedrooms for customers travelling with disabilities.
There are several Amtrak routes that offer sleeper cars, including:
- The California Zephyr, which travels between Northern California and Chicago via the Colorado Rocky Mountains and Sierra Nevada. This two-level train has sleeping accommodations on both levels, including family bedrooms on the lower level.
- The Cardinal, which travels between New York City and Chicago via West Virginia’s New River Gorge.
- The Coast Starlight, a scenic West Coast route with Los Angeles and Seattle as the end-of-the-line stations. This route offers views of the Pacific Ocean and Cascade Mountains. Sleeping accommodations are on two levels, with the option to book a family bedroom.
- The Crescent, which travels between New Orleans and New York City through Atlanta.
- The Empire Builder, which travels between Chicago and the Pacific Northwest with stops near Glacier National Park.
- The Lake Shore Limited, which travels between the Midwest and the East Coast near the Great Lakes, with Chicago, New York City, and Boston as the end-of-the-line stations.
In addition to these routes, Amtrak offers other scenic options, such as the Southwest Chief, Silver Meteor, and Sunset Limited, which provide services between various cities and include sleeping accommodations.
Travelling on a sleeper train requires some planning. It is recommended to book early to secure a cabin, as sleeper train availability is limited. Breakfasts may be provided, but it is advised to bring provisions for the journey. Sleeper trains offer a unique and comfortable travel experience, allowing passengers to enjoy the journey as much as the destination.
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Sleeper trains in the UK
Sleeper trains have been operating in the UK since the 1850s, providing a unique and comfortable way to travel, particularly between Scotland and England. The Caledonian Sleeper, which has been running under this name since 1996, offers a Sleeper Seat, Classic Room, Club Room, and Caledonian Double options. The Sleeper Seat is the most economical option, featuring reclining seats in a 2 + 1 arrangement, similar to first-class seats on a standard British train. However, passengers do not have access to the Club Car, a lounge, and dining car. For a more private and comfortable experience, the Classic Sleeper Room offers a lie-flat bed. The Club Room and Caledonian Double provide additional amenities and space.
The Caledonian Sleeper journey from London Euston to Fort William was named the best sleeper train journey in the world by Lonely Planet in 2016. The route includes stops at Crewe, Preston, Aberdeen, Inverness, and intermediate stations. The Caledonian Sleeper also offers services between London Euston and Glasgow Central or Edinburgh, with boarding available from 11 pm and departure at 11:40 pm. The train includes a lounge car, dining options, and accessible rooms with dedicated wheelchair space.
Another notable sleeper train service in the UK is the Great Western Railway's Night Riviera Sleeper, which operates between London and Devon or Cornwall. This service allows passengers to board earlier and offers access to guest lounges, shower facilities, and breakfast. Additionally, pets are allowed on board for an additional charge.
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Sleeper trains in Canada
Canada has three sleeper trains, all operated by Via Rail and offering a unique blend of comfort, luxury, and opportunities to immerse yourself in Canada's stunning landscapes. The first is 'The Canadian', which travels between Vancouver and Toronto. The second is 'The Ocean', which travels between Montreal and Halifax. The third is a sleeper train between Winnipeg and Churchill, Manitoba.
'The Canadian' is equipped with special panoramic viewing cars to provide you with the best view of the scenery day or night. Onboard, the main level of service is Sleeper Plus Class, which has different sleeper options. Passengers can upgrade to Prestige Class for a higher level of luxury. Sleeper Plus passengers have access to the Skyline Car, whose upper domed area is perfect for wildlife viewing or soaking in the vastness of the Canadian wilderness. The Prestige Sleeper cabin is 50% larger than the cabin for two in Sleeper Plus class. It features an extra-large window and has its own private washroom with a shower. The luxurious Prestige Cabins feature elegant contemporary décor, with modern amenities including a television. The cost of travelling between Toronto and Vancouver in a Sleeper Plus cabin is around CAD $2500.00 per person in the winter months and $4500.00 per person in the summer months. For a Prestige Cabin, it will cost around CAD $5500.00 per person in the winter months and CAD $7500.00 per person in the summer months.
'The Ocean' travels through Quebec and the seascapes of the Canadian Maritime Province of Nova Scotia before reaching Halifax. The sleeper cabins have a private toilet and a window with blinds. Shower facilities are available at the end of the car. Meals are included, featuring regional Canadian cuisine served in the dining car, where you can enjoy scenic views as you dine.
The sleeper train between Winnipeg and Churchill, Manitoba, offers a choice of sleeper options, including berths (lower or upper), a cabin for one, or a cabin for two. Typically, these include bunk-style beds and a comfortable armchair that converts to a bed in the evenings.
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Sleeper trains in the Soviet Union
In the Soviet Union, overnight sleeper trains were the most common and accessible mode of long-distance travel. Sleeper trains were ideal for trips between the capital, Moscow, and many outlying cities, departing in the late evening and arriving at their destinations the next morning. The most popular train in Russia is the Red Arrow, which has been in service since 1931, with a second sleeper train, the Red Arrow 2, introduced in 1978. The Red Arrow runs between Moscow and Saint Petersburg, and features a restaurant car, VIP carriages, and first and second-class carriages. The interior of the compartment cars is mainly made of wood, and the VIP cars have additional features such as a low noise level, air conditioning, and a flip-top sleeping berth.
In larger Soviet Union successor states like Kazakhstan, Russia, and Ukraine, night trains remain a preferred method of railway travel. This is partly due to insufficient investments in railway infrastructure, which limit the speed and availability of faster daytime trains. Sleeper trains in these countries offer a range of accommodations, including third-class tickets starting at below 10 Euros in Ukraine, to more expensive options in richer ex-Soviet nations.
One example of a Soviet-era sleeper train is the Prietenia train, which operates between Bucharest, Romania, and Chisinau, Moldova. The journey takes around 14 hours, and the train features Soviet-era carriages, heavy wooden doors, and a nostalgic feel. The train is also noted for its "antique scent" and cozy atmosphere.
Sleeper trains were also used for long-distance trips within the Soviet Union, such as along the Trans-Siberian Railway, or direct trains from Moscow or Saint Petersburg to the capital. These trains provided the only reasonable solution for railway trips lasting several days.
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Frequently asked questions
The age of sleeper train cars varies depending on the country and route. In the United States, Amtrak offers modern private-room sleeping cars on most of its overnight trains. In Canada, Via Rail operates a mix of relatively new cars and refurbished mid-century ones. In Europe, ÖBB's Nightjet services offer modern sleeping cars in Germany, Austria, Italy, Switzerland, France, the Netherlands, and Belgium. On the other hand, night trains in Poland, Romania, and some former Soviet Union countries like Russia, Ukraine, and Kazakhstan may have older rolling stock due to insufficient investments in railway infrastructure.
Sleeper train cars can be categorized into different types based on their layout and accommodations. In Europe, there are two main types of sleeping berths: sleepers and couchettes. Sleepers offer more comfort and privacy, with compact bedrooms, proper beds, washbasins, and sometimes private showers and toilets. Couchettes are more basic, with bunk beds in shared compartments. In the US, Amtrak's sleeping cars include Superliners, which have two levels of private rooms, and Viewliners, which have a single level of accommodations.
Sleeper train cars typically include various amenities to make the journey comfortable and convenient. Most sleeper cars provide beds, linens, towels, and a washbasin, and some may even have private bathrooms and showers. On certain routes, like the Nightjet trains in Europe, a light breakfast is included in the fare. Sleeper cars may also offer complimentary lounge access, priority boarding, and meals onboard for first-class customers. Additionally, some sleeper trains have family bedrooms, accessible bedrooms, and attendants to assist passengers.
