Are sleeper trains worth it?

What are the disadvantages of the sleeper train?

Sleeper trains? Darling, they’re a mixed bag, let’s be honest. Think of them as a glamorous, slightly-inebriated tortoise racing a hyperactive hare. The hare (plane) wins, obviously.

Cost: Prepare for sticker shock. Seriously, a decent sleeper cabin can cost more than a cheap flight. This year, expect to pay a premium. My last trip in 2024 from London to Edinburgh felt extortionate!

Space: Expect intimacy. Very close intimacy. Imagine a sardine can, but instead of sardines, it’s you and the faint scent of last night’s questionable curry. Cozy, yes?

Comfort: Oh, the beds. I’ve slept on park benches that felt more luxurious. Those fold-out seats? Torture devices cleverly disguised as furniture. And forget about pillows; bring your own, preferably one shaped like a small cloud.

Amenities: Forget five-star pampering. Think functional, maybe slightly grimy, definitely not luxurious. The bathroom situation alone is a comedic tragedy, trust me. Remember my recent trip on the Caledonian Sleeper? Nightmarish.

Noise: Silence? Ha! A symphony of snoring, children’s cries, and the rhythmic chug-chug-chug that sounds like an angry, caffeinated woodpecker. Ear plugs are your new best friend.

Motion: Seasickness? Try trainsickness. The constant rocking and swaying isn’t exactly conducive to a restful sleep. My poor stomach still remembers that journey.

Views: Forget panoramic vistas. Prepare for glimpses of blurry landscapes, and the occasional cow staring back at you with judgement.

Time: You’re trading speed for… well, a very slow, bumpy ride. Planes are faster, but who needs efficiency when you can have questionable levels of comfort, right?

• High prices: More expensive than many alternatives, especially for longer distances.
• Cramped quarters: Expect minimal personal space.
• Uncomfortable sleeping arrangements: Prepare for a less-than-ideal night’s sleep.
• Limited onboard amenities: Don’t expect luxury.
• Noise pollution: Sleeping soundly might be difficult.
• Motion sickness: The rocking can be disorienting.
• Restricted views: Forget breathtaking scenery.
• Increased travel duration: You’ll reach your destination slower.

Are overnight trains worth it?

Overnight trains: a mixed bag, darling. Think of them as a luxurious slumber party, but with slightly less control over the playlist.

Saving money? Potentially, yes. It’s like getting a hotel room and transport bundled—a steal, if you can sleep through the announcements.

Comfort? Depends on your tolerance for snoring strangers and the mysterious rattling that only overnight trains seem to master. Forget first-class; I’ve had better experiences crammed into a sardine can. Unless you secure a private compartment, you are basically a human Tetris piece.

Time efficiency? Hmm. While you’re sleeping, you’re not sightseeing. It’s a trade-off, my friend, a cosmic negotiation between sleep and adventure. Long distances? The equation shifts. This ain’t a race, unless you’re racing against your own exhaustion.

My verdict? For scenic routes, especially within Europe where they’re often quite lovely, yes! My recent trip on the Rome-Paris night train? Magical! But for short hops? Probably not worth the hassle. Especially if you value your beauty sleep more than my friend Barry. (Barry needs to seriously consider a sleep study).

• Pros:

  • Potential cost savings.
  • Unique travel experience.
  • Scenic views (on certain routes)
  • More legroom than most flights.

• Cons:

  • Sleep disruption (a real thing).
  • Higher prices than budget options (sometimes).
  • Lost sightseeing time.
  • Potential for obnoxious fellow passengers.
  • My friend Barry is often not a good passenger.

Ultimately, consider your priorities. Are you a budget backpacker or a luxury traveler? The answer to that makes all the difference. My suggestion? Research the specific train and route you are considering. A night train to nowhere is just a really long, bumpy nap.

How safe are sleeper trains?

Sleeper trains? Yeah, safe enough. Took one from Chicago to New Orleans once, 2023. No problems. Actually, it was kinda fun. Met a cool lady, she was headed to see her grandkids. We talked about gardening, of all things. My grandma had a huge garden, back in Ohio… tomatoes, zucchinis…the whole shebang. Anyhow, the train thing was fine. Locked the door, slept like a log, Woke up in NOLA.

• Strict rules for trains, they gotta follow ‘em.

• My trip was smooth. No issues at all. Felt safe the whole time.

• Remember seeing the conductor a few times, doing his rounds. Reassuring, you know?

• Bring a lock tho. For your compartment. Just in case.

• Pre-booked a little roomette. Worth it for the privacy. Had my own lil sink too!

• Bottom line: safe. Go for it. Train travel is pretty relaxing actually.

How far in advance can I book Vietnam trains?

Vietnam train tickets: Book 30-60 days out. Sometimes less. Tet? Book immediately. I snagged Hanoi to Da Nang tickets last Tet. Barely. Online is best. Official sites or 12Go Asia, that’s my go-to. Got me from Saigon to Hue no problem.

• 30-60 days is the standard. Think ahead.
• Tet (Lunar New Year): Book the nanosecond they go on sale. Seriously.
• Popular routes: Hanoi-Sapa, Hanoi-Da Nang, Saigon-Nha Trang. Always busy.
• Online booking: Fastest, easiest. Beats standing in line in the Saigon heat. Trust me.

Consider sleeper cabins. More comfortable. Worth the extra dong. Did that Saigon-Hue trip in a soft sleeper. Slept like a baby. Almost. Trains can be bumpy. Life’s a journey, right? Booking early secures your spot. Especially important during peak season. Who wants to be stuck? Not me. Learned that the hard way once. Never again. Sapa during a festival… Didn’t get a train for days. Bus was… an experience.

Do you get a bed on the sleeper train?

Beds? Heck yeah, sleeper trains got beds. Think coffin-sized nap pods, but comfier. Way comfier. Unless you’re, like, Andre the Giant. Then, maybe not so comfy. Options, they got ’em. Seats for the cheapskates. Cabins. Even doubles if you’re feeling…friendly. Some even got their own tiny bathrooms. Like a cruise ship, but on rails. And slower. Much slower. I once took a sleeper train from London to Cornwall – worst wifi ever. Could barely load cat memes. Tragic.

• Berths (beds): Single or double. Like Goldilocks, but with trains.
• Cabins: Private-ish. Good for snoring. Or plotting world domination.
• En suites: Fancy pants bathrooms. No more communal sink shenanigans.

Check out Caledonian Sleeper’s site, or, if you’re feeling West Country vibes, Great Western Railways Night Riviera Sleeper. Book in advance, ’cause these bad boys fill up fast. Especially during Hogwarts season. Just kidding. Unless…?