Traveling through Europe by train is the classic Eurotrip experience. The Eurail pass makes it even easier to hop on and off trains without the hassle of buying tickets. You take a train from city center to city center and avoid the inconvenience of taking a taxi or bus from an airport to the city center. But even though train travel is convenient and the Eurail pass can sometimes help you ultimately save money, every budget traveler knows that with being cheap comes a whirlwind of backbreaking (literally) pain and annoyances. Sleeping on a train is one of those ‘budget traveler’ experiences.
First, remember there are different types of overnight train experiences. One way is with real bunk beds. If only, if only…
Photo via Rail Europe
The other way to travel on an overnight train is on a six person couchette, in which upright seats like this recline into half-beds. Keep in mind that across from these three seats is another three seats, basically creating a six person master bed.
Photo via Eurail
The struggles of budget traveling are ultimately well worth the extra days you get to add to your trip, but here’s the steps of what sleeping on a couchette on an overnight train is like.
Waiting on the platform after midnight will have you like…
GIF via Giphy
You’ll be relieved to find a group of empty seats
GIF via Giphy
Then someone will come sit right next to you
GIF via Giphy
Nobody knows how to lay down next to a stranger
GIF via Giphy
You will try to lay down and get comfortable…it won’t work
GIF via Giphy
You manage to curl up in a strange, somewhat comfortable position
GIF via Giphy
You’ll peak out the window at sunrise in a new country
GIF via Giphy
The ticket inspector will barge in and wake you right after dosing off
GIF via Giphy
You arrive at your destination with a burst energy and eagerness
GIF via Giphy
Where will you take an overnight train to?
Feature Image via Tripomatic
