Night Trains and Couchettes UK

Sleeper Compartments have washbasins, soap, towels, razor plug, mineral water, and a lockable door. The berths come with pillow, sheets, and a duvet or blanket. Stewards are present in the sleeper cars to assist passengers and take care of all border crossings procedures. Many of the stewards speak the languages of the countries the train will pass through as well as English. Compartments are gender specific unless booked by couples or families. Fares for sleepers require a 1st class ticket or a rail pass plus the sleeper supplement. First class rail pass passengers can book a single, double, or triple sleeper. Single passengers can reserve a double sleeper but they may have to share with another passenger based on availability.

Couchettes are compartments with berths for 4-6 people. Each berth has a pillow, sheets and blankets. Washbasins are not available in the compartments and restrooms are at the end of the car. Berths can be booked individually or in groups. Compartments are non-gender specific and passengers are expected to sleep in their day clothes. Stewards are available only on international routes. Fares for couchettes require a 1st or 2nd class ticket or a rail pass plus the couchette supplement.

Sleeperettes are seats in open coach cars that recline to allow passengers to sleep more comfortably. Seats may have small head pillows attached but no blankets are provided. Fares for sleeperettes require a 1st or 2nd class ticket, or a rail pass and a reservation. Hotel trains combine long distance night travel with the security, privacy and comfort of a hotel stay. All compartments have locking doors and access to dining cars. There are 3 levels of accommodation: Tourist, First Class, and Luxury Class. There are reclining 2nd class sleeperette seats on certain trains. Tourist class accommodations include 4 beds to a compartment. Toilets are found outside the compartment in the car. First class accommodations include compartments with 1 to 2 beds. Toilet and shower facilities are located outside the compartment in the car. Luxury class accommodations include 1 to 2 beds per compartment. They also include a private toilet and shower within the compartment.

There are several night or hotel trains in Europe:

CityNightLine

Covers international routes between Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. Trains have Deluxe, Economy, Couchette and Sleeperette accommodations. Deluxe compartments have 1 - 2 fixed beds, moveable chairs and tables and a full washroom with shower. Economy sleepers have 2 - 4 beds (for families) and 1 washroom in the car. Deluxe and Economy accommodations include breakfast. Couchette and sleeperette passengers may buy breakfast at the bar.

DB Nachtzug

Covers domestic routes in Germany and international routes to Denmark. Accommodations include Comfort, Couchette, and sleeperettes. Comfort cabins have doors with key-card locks and private shower and toilet cabin. On German domestic routes a restaurant and bistro car is available.

Talgo Trains

Services domestic routes in Spain and international routes between Spain and France, Portugal, Italy, and Switzerland.

Classes of accommodation include Luxury, 1st Class, Tourist, and Sleeperette. Dinner and breakfast is included for all passengers in single or double accommodation.

Artesia de Nuit

Covers international routes between France and Italy.

Hotel Train Lusitania

Covers travel between Portugal and Spain. Accommodations include Luxury, 1st class and regular seats. Breakfast is included.