Seat and sleeping options
Many trains offer you a choice of seat types. For day trains, your choice of seating depends on the amount of leg-room, and extra facilities. For night trains, your choice ranges from a reclining, airline-type seats, to a private cabin with a comfy bed. Your journey, your choice.
Day trains
Day trains have 2 types of seats:
Coach car seating
Open with center aisle
1st class (2 seats on either side)
2nd class (often a row with 2 seats, and a row with 1 seat)
Compartment car
Separated into cabins which open into a corridor
1st class compartment for up to 6 people
2nd class compartment for up to 8 people
When reserving seats, you may:
choose a window seat.
take an aisle seat.
reserve adjoining or opposite seats, sometimes with a table.
choose a seat in a dining car or a panorama car.
Night trains
Night trains are a convenient way to travel long distances while you sleep. You can save on the cost of hostels or hotels, as the reservation fee for night trains is usually much cheaper. It’s also a unique experience to travel across Europe by night train. If you book a bed (sleeper or couchette), a sheet, blanket and pillow are usually provided.
Please note: If you cross a border on a night train, you will probably be asked to hand your Interrail Pass and passport to the train conductor. This way, the border crossing security checks can happen while you sleep. Rest assured that your documents will be returned to you when you arrive at your destination.
The most common accommodation types on night trains are:
Sleepers
Couchettes
Reclining seats
Sleepers
Sleeper compartments usually include 1, 2 or 3 beds. This is usually the most comfortable way to travel as the beds are of good quality. Often, these compartments have separate beds for men and women, unless it is reserved by a couple or a family.
Sleepers for one person, called ‘special’ or ‘single’, are usually only available for holders of a 1st class Interrail pass.
Double compartments, called ‘T2/Tourist 2’. Available for holders of a 1st class Interrail pass and sometimes for 2nd class passes.
Triple compartments, called ‘T3/ Tourist 3’ are available for all Interrail pass holders.
Couchettes
Couchettes are a standard type of sleeping accommodation. They offer a place to lie down with a pillow, a blanket and a sheet. There are usually compartments with couchettes for 4 or 6 people. Washrooms and toilets are located at the end of each car. Couchettes are available for 1st and 2nd class pass holders.
Couchette for 4 people
Couchette for 6 people
Reclining Seats
In some night trains, airline-type reclining seats are also available, and offer the best value for money.
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