Overnight sleeper train accommodation: couchettes vs. sleepers

Couchette or sleeper? Booking overnight sleeper trains in Europe can be confusing, so we've created this guide to explain the differences in types of accommodation, the way that berths are numbered, and how to book a private or a single-sex compartment.

IN THIS ARTICLE

• Sleepers vs. Couchettes
• Are we in the same compartment?
• Private occupancy of a compartment
• Single-sex compartments

What is the difference between a sleeper and a couchette on a night train?

There are two main types of sleeping accommodation on European night trains: sleepers and couchettes. There is some variation between trains, so for information about a specific service see our Train speicific pages. 

In most cases, the differences can be summarised as follows:

Sleepers	Couchettes
1, 2, or 3-person compartment	4 or 6-person compartment
Bed with linen. Bed is normally made by attendants.	Bed with linen. Travelers make their bed.
Private washbasin	Shared toilet and washbasin facilities
Towels
Shared or private toilet facilities

Sleepers include a bed and usually a private washbasin, towels, and bed linen and can accommodate up to four passengers in single, double, or 3-person compartments. 

Couchettes offer simple overnight accommodation that sleeps up to six people on bunks, with a pillow and blanket provided. Note that since there is generally no sex distinction, travelers should pack appropriate clothing or sleep in their day clothes.

In most cases, passengers will use shared toilet facilities at the end of the carriage. However, some modern sleeper trains (not couchettes) include a private toilet, which will be stated in the description.

The bunks fold down to create seating during the day. 

Are the travelers in the same compartment?

Travellers who book together are placed in the same compartment by default where available, although the numbering convention for night trains can be confusing to new travellers.

On most European night trains berth numbers aren't consecutive for reservations in 2, 3, or 4 berth sleepers; for  , 12 and 16 are an upper and lower berth in the same 2-bed sleeper.

The numbering convention is designed on the basis that six berths are counted in every compartment, even if only two or four of the berths are in use. In 6-berth this makes sense since every bunk is accounted for. For example, all berths from 11 to 16 are in the same compartment. See the seating plans for a typical night train below:

• 6 Berth
• 4 Berth
• 1, 2 & 3 Berth

Private occupancy of a compartment

Depending on availability, travellers who book together are placed in the same compartment by default. So, if there are enough of passengers to fill the compartment, they can be assured of sole occupancy. If they want the whole compartment to themselves, we recommend selecting an appropriate compartment size for their group (e.g. if there are two passengers, they may choose to travel on a double sleeper).

If this isn't possible, or if they have a group slightly smaller than their preferred accommodation (e.g. a family of five in a 6-berth couchette) sole occupancy can be ensured by adding an additional passenger.

The cheapest way to book a private compartment is to add an extra child passenger, using any sensible name. We call this the "phantom child" technique.

Night trains in Spain

Renfe's website states that a discount may be available for customers booking entire compartments, but we have not found evidence that this is possible to book successfully online, nor whether it is cheaper than using the "phantom child" technique. We recommend booking an additional child ticket to secure the whole compartment.

Renfe segregates passengers into single-sex compartments. So, unless the travellers are booked on a compartment with private occupancy, men and women will be assigned berths in different compartments.

Single-sex compartments

Some night trains offer single-sex compartments, most commonly booked by women travelling alone who prefer not to sleep in a mixed compartment. However, compartments are available as men- or women-only, or an entire compartment can be reserve for your group or family clients. If this option is available it can be selected at the same time as you choose the fare type for your clients.