Many trains offer you a choice of seating types. For day trains, your choices have to do with how much leg room and extra perks you have. For night trains, your choice ranges from a reclining, airline-type seat, to a private cabin with a comfy bed. Your journey, your choice.
Day trains
Day trains have two seating arrangements:
- Coach car seating (open with center aisle and two seats on either side)
• 1st class
• 2nd class
- 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 seats or opposite seats, sometimes with a table
- opt for reservation, such as dining car seats or panorama car seats
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.
Please note: If you are crossing a border on a night train, you will probably be asked to hand your Eurail 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
If you book a bed (sleeper or couchette), a sheet, blanket and pillow are provided.
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 berths for men and women, unless it is reserved by a couple or a family.
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| Sleepers for one person, called ‘special’ or ‘single’, are available for holders of a 1st class Eurail pass. |
Double compartments, sometimes called ‘T2/Tourist 2’. For holders of a 1st class Eurail pass, sometimes for 2nd class passes, too. |
Triple compartments, called ‘T3/ Tourist 3’ are available for all Eurail 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.
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| 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. For example, City Nightline trains (Europe’s most popular night trains) offer reclining seats for just €10.
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