Booking a journey on a night train is a unique way to experience the beauty of the night sky, reconnect with a sense of peace, sleep, or just relax and read a magazine. Taking an overnight or “sleeper” train can be an exciting way to travel, and if you time your journey just right, you might be able to see the moon and some starry skies on your journey.
Tip 1: Save money taking a night train
There are quite a few benefits when it comes to travelling overnight. When weighed against flying the same route, night trains are a lot cheaper than airline travel and a lot eco-friendlier, use less fuel, and cause lower levels of air pollution. Admittedly, night trains can be a bit slower than express versions along the same route, but they have the added benefit of relaxation and a much quieter trip. You may also be able to take advantage of lower ticket prices by booking early and outside of peak times.
Tip 2: Book night trains on your rail service app
There are trains from Cardiff to Tenby which depart from Cardiff Central in the early evening and arrive in Tenby at around 2:00 am – an overnight trip of around five and a half hours. You can also take an overnight trip from London to Penzance on the Great Western service, and then travel on to Wales in a rental car. There are sleeper trains from Cardiff to Vienna with connecting trains in Paris, Brussels, Germany, and Zurich.
There are two main long-distance overnight trains in the UK: the Caledonian Sleeper and Night Riviera trains. The Caledonian sleeper travels from London to Edinburgh, throughout Scotland, and from Scotland to London’s Euston Station. The Night Riveria sleeper train travels from London Paddington to Penzance, Cornwall every day. You can book tickets on these sleeper trains using a rail service app. Check out the best overnight train journeys according to Forbes, including pictures of the Caledonian Sleeper and some other great sleeper train options.
Tip 3: Booking affordable trains
Tickets for sleeper trains in Wales go on sale about six months before departure. This allows plenty of time to book and arrange your overnight trip. Being flexible about your travel dates means you can take advantage of special out-of-season night train fares across the country, so it’s a great idea to book as early as possible. Sleeper cabins tend to be slightly more expensive, so if comfort is not an issue and your journey is short, you can opt for more affordable seating like a “couchette’.
Tip 4: Couchette vs. sleeper
Sleeper trains have regular seating or you can opt for a sleeper carriage, called a “couchette”. A couchette offers normal seating during the day but can be converted into a bunk bed for overnight trips. Sleeper carriages have proper beds and areas to wash your hands and face and are more luxurious than the couchette.
Tip 5: What to pack for a night train trip
To make your night journey more comfortable, it’s a good idea to pack a few essential items:
- Eye mask
- Travel pillow
- Water
- Snack
- Books or music
- Your phone and e-ticket
Tip 6: How to book a sleeper train
You can buy a ticket for a night train or overnight sleeper coach on your rail services app and get it sent directly to your mobile phone. You can access and use your ticket straight away and settle in for your journey on the magnificent starlit tracks through the sleepy suburbs of Wales and on to your destination. Choose a window seat to get the best views!
Tip 7: Want to know more?
There are some great while travelling around Wales, and you may want to take a look at the different kinds of transportation options in Wales including trains, taxis, cars, bikes, and buses.
If you’re travelling long-distance for business, these three tips will make your overnight journey that much easier. Happy travels through the land best known for its breath-taking scenery, charming language, and the striking Mount Snowdon!
