Is it safe to take a train overnight?

Where do you sleep on an overnight train?

Ugh, the NYC to Miami train...what a trip. I slept on the top bunk. Big mistake. It was March 2024.

Seriously, the whole thing felt like a washing machine.

The seats below seemed alright during the day. But that bunk? Every jolt was amplified. Felt like I was gonna be thrown off!

I remember thinking, "This is it! This is how I die!" Dramatic, I know, but that's how it felt bouncing up there, near Trenton.

• Location: Top bunk, sleeping car
• Timing: March 2024, overnight train
• Route: NYC to Miami
• Feelings: Claustrophobic, terrified, sleep deprived

The dude below me was snoring like a chainsaw too. Just made it worse, honestly. Should've brought earplugs. Next time, if there is a next time, I’m sticking with a proper hotel, and flying. No more train adventures. I'm pretty sure I bruised a rib.

Is there any rule for sleeping in train?

Train sleep? Rules exist.

• Middle berth users can lower their berth from 22:00 (10 PM) to 06:00 (6 AM). This is the established Indian Railways rule. My brother got yelled at.
• Lower berth occupants? You deal with it. Assert dominance. I did.
• During daytime hours, middle berths must be raised for the convenience of all passengers. Simple courtesy, lacking it leads to friction.
• Exceptions? Sure, medical cases. Needs must. Show proof.
• Night owls? Too bad. Or just adapt. Headphones work wonders.
• Senior citizens? They often get priority. Respect the elders.

Additional Data:

• Side lower berths often become communal seating areas. Prepare for company.
• Listen to the ticket collector. Arguing is futile, trust me.
• Blankets are sometimes provided, sometimes not. Bring your own.
• The temperature fluctuates wildly. Layering is key.
• Announcements blare at all hours. White noise helps.
• Earplugs are your friend. Seriously, buy some.
• Beware of pickpockets. Secure your belongings.
• Train journeys are not for the faint of heart. Endure. Or fly.
• And never ever forget your phone charger. Never. I learned my lesson.
• Food is overpriced. Pack snacks.
• Toilets are… an experience. Lower your expectations.
• Consider a travel pillow. Your neck will thank you.
• My aunt once lost her suitcase. Label everything.
• And don't forget to enjoy the scenery, when you can see it.

What is the difference between second sitting and sleeper?

Okay, so picture this: It's July 2024, sweltering hot in Bangalore. I needed to get to Chennai for a friend's wedding. I booked a ticket, a 2S – second sitting. Big mistake. Seriously, a HUGE mistake.

The train was packed, I mean packed. People everywhere. Standing room only, pretty much. Forget about sitting, let alone sleeping. It was stifling. The air was thick with the smell of sweat and chai. I felt claustrophobic, trapped like a sardine. My back ached after hours.

Sleeper class? That's a completely different story. My sister took the sleeper on the same route a month earlier. She had a proper berth, space to stretch out. You get a little privacy, some semblance of personal space. The 2S was a nightmare by comparison. It’s like night and day.

The price difference reflects this, for sure. Sleeper was, maybe, 50% more expensive. Worth every penny, though, based on what I experienced. I'd pay double next time, I swear it. That 2S coach… the memories still make me shudder. Avoid it if you can.

I’ll never forget that. My phone was almost dead from lack of power outlet and the lack of charging points. I arrived in Chennai exhausted and grumpy. It was an awful, awful journey.

Things that made the 2S experience so bad:

• Overcrowding: Absolutely unbearable.
• Lack of space: Impossible to sit comfortably, let alone relax.
• Poor ventilation: Suffocatingly hot and stuffy.
• Hygiene: Not great, let's just say that.
• No privacy: Zero personal space.

Honestly, I would rather walk than take a 2S again. It’s not even comparable to a sleeper coach. Just book a sleeper. You’ll thank me later.

Can I sleep on side lower berth in day time?

Sleep on the side lower berth during the day? Technically, you're a daytime berth-hopping ninja.

Indian Railways says 6 AM to 10 PM. That's your window, my friend.

Think of it as musical chairs, but with naps and questionable legroom.

• Lower berth dwellers get their thrones.
• Upper berth dwellers can visit, like exiled royalty.
• Consider it a daytime democracy, a shared space.

Sharing isn’t always caring, though. My aunt Mildred hoards her crossword puzzles, even on the train.

Important: Don't hog the whole thing! Sharing is caring.

Disclaimer: I am not responsible for grumpy co-passengers.

Legality: Legal, based on the passenger charter. Go get that nap, champ!

Practicality: Be considerate and mindful of other passengers.

More Fun Stuff:

• Think of the middle berth people, poor blighters! They're stuck until bedtime.
• Side lower berth hoggers? The worst, worse than airplane armrest battles.
• Did you know? Train naps are scientifically proven to cure… boredom, mainly.
• Unless someone's rocking an operatic snore. Then, good luck to us all.
• Remember the 6am-10pm rule, or else!
• I love trains!