Trains & Pains
Imagine trading airport chaos for a rolling bed that gets you to your next stop while you snooze. Sounds brilliant, but the reality isn’t always so idyllic. Some trains give you privacy, comfort, and a surprisingly smooth ride. Others make you wonder if you accidentally booked a never-ending nightmare on wheels. So, first, let’s take a look at ten sleeper trains that actually make the journey as enjoyable as the destination.
1. Venice Simplon-Orient-Express (Belmond Ltd.)
The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, draped in its iconic dark blue and gold, is a moving showcase of 1920s and 1930s glamor. Step inside its lovingly restored carriages and you’ll find Art Deco elegance at every turn—private cabins, vintage details, and refined dining that transforms the Paris-to-Venice journey into pure theater on rails.
2. Caledonian Sleeper (Scottish Rail Holdings)
While sleeper trains may seem charmingly old-fashioned, the Caledonian Sleeper blends tradition with modern comfort through its state-of-the-art Mk5 coaches. As one of just two remaining UK sleeper services, it connects London Euston with Scotland six nights weekly, whisking passengers north to arrive refreshed.
3. Trans-Siberian Railway (Russian Railways)
Departing from Moscow, the Trans-Siberian Railway sets out on its record-holding journey as the world's longest continuous rail line, carrying passengers through eight time zones toward distant Vladivostok. The seven-day eastward passage offers travelers a range of sleeper accommodations, from basic berths to comfortable compartments.
Sergey Korovkin 84 on Wikimedia
4. Maharajas’ Express (Indian Railway Catering And Tourism Corporation)
True to its regal name, the Maharajas’ Express glides across India like a palace set in motion. Lavish cabins, fine dining that rivals five-star hotels, and curated off-train excursions create a journey fit for royalty—leading travelers to India’s crown jewels, from vibrant cities to the timeless Taj Mahal.
5. Belmond Andean Explorer (Perurail)
Lake Titicaca, the world's highest navigable lake, becomes elegantly accessible aboard South America's Belmond Andean Explorer. This luxury sleeper train winds through Peru's Andes Mountains, allowing travelers to witness the backdrop through windows.
6. The Blue Train (Transnet Freight Rail)
Stretching between Pretoria and Cape Town, the Blue Train pairs South Africa’s scenery with unmatched elegance. Expansive windows frame sweeping vistas, and inside, guests enjoy refined suites and gourmet dining. Its experience has earned its reputation as a five-star hotel rolling through the heart of the country.
Bob Adams from Amanzimtoti, South Africa on Wikimedia
7. The Canadian (Via Rail)
As one of North America's most impressive rail achievements, The Canadian's epic Toronto-to-Vancouver route showcases the best in train design. Plus, its thoughtfully engineered dome cars and cozy sleeper cabins make the extended journey a delight.
8. Night Riviera (Great Western Railway)
Among the last of Britain’s sleeper trains, the Night Riviera keeps a treasured tradition alive on its London-to-Cornwall journey. Each evening, it departs from Paddington with refurbished Mk3 sleeper coaches, delivering passengers to Cornwall just as dawn lights the peninsula’s coast.
9. Night Jet (Austrian Federal Railways)
Night Jet's affordable pricing makes overnight train travel accessible across Europe, with accommodations ranging from basic couchettes to premium sleeper cabins. The extensive network connects major cities, allowing passengers to maximize their travel time by sleeping en route.
10. The Ghan (Journey Beyond)
Over three meticulously orchestrated days, The Ghan charts an extraordinary course from Darwin to Adelaide. The initial departure heralds impeccable cabin appointments and refined dining, followed by sweeping panoramas, before culminating in what ranks among the world's premier railway journeys.
Now, here are ten sleeper trains that might derail your expectations.
1. Indian Railways Sleeper Class (Indian Railway Catering And Tourism Corporation)
Serving as the essential workhorse of Indian Railways, this train moves millions daily along major routes like Delhi-Chennai and Mumbai-Kolkata. As the most crowded class on India’s busiest routes, passengers endure hard berths, noisy open coaches, and little privacy.
2. Moscow To Murmansk Sleeper (Russian Railways)
Stretching nearly 40 hours through Russia’s Arctic north, this journey tests even seasoned travelers. Compartments are cramped and outdated, and heating can be unpredictable in freezing conditions. With limited food options and monotonous scenery, the ride feels punishing.
3. Chinese Hard Sleeper Class (China Railway)
Hard Sleeper Class offers budget-conscious travelers an economical way to traverse China's vast distances, though the cost savings come with notable trade-offs. It provides a bustling atmosphere where passengers congregate around hot water dispensers, preparing instant noodles for their journeys.
4. Cairo–Aswan Sleeper (Egyptian National Railways / Watania Sleeping Trains)
Despite its romantic image, this train’s Nile journey often disappoints. Sleeping berths feel outdated and cramped, while service falls short of modern expectations. Moreover, the set dinner of grilled chicken and rice rarely impresses.
5. Indonesia’s Economy Sleeper Trains (Kereta Api Indonesia (KAI))
For budget-conscious travelers, Indonesia's economy sleeper trains deliver basic bunks and bare-bones air conditioning on routes like Jakarta-Surabaya. In this sleeper train, you'll definitely deal with packed coaches, tight luggage space, and shared squat toilets.
TyewongX (talk · contribs) on Wikimedia
6. Tazara Railway Sleeper (Tanzania-Zambia Railway Authority)
Threading through Tanzania's Selous Game Reserve, the historic Tazara Railway presents an authentic African rail expedition. This 1,800-kilometer Chinese-constructed route from Dar es Salaam to Kapiri Mposhi, dating to the 1970s, challenges passengers with basic sleeping quarters.
7. Lagos–Kano Night Train (Nigerian Railway Corporation)
The Lagos-Kano railway corridor represents a link between Nigeria's commercial hub and its northern regions, yet significant infrastructure deficiencies undermine its operational efficacy. Its systemic equipment failures manifest in non-functional air conditioning and inadequate sleeping facilities.
8. Kolkata–Guwahati Overnight Express (Indian Railways)
This vital overnight rail link bridges a thousand kilometers between Kolkata and Guwahati, serving as a connector between West Bengal and Assam. However, the infrastructure struggles to meet passenger needs, with overcrowded sleeper coaches and minimal cleaning.
9. Shosholoza Meyl Sleeper (Passenger Rail Agency Of South Africa)
Covering 1,400 kilometers through the Karoo desert, this service is long on scenery but short on comfort. Compartments are bare and cramped, toilets are shared and often unclean, and delays are frequent. With no real amenities, the journey quickly feels exhausting.
10. Bangkok–Chiang Mai Overnight (State Railway Of Thailand)
Although the older stock of this 14-hour ride winds through Thailand’s lush jungles and misty peaks, the train itself leaves much to be desired. Mattresses are thin and worn, fans barely cut the heat, and toilets quickly deteriorate during the trip.
