Sleep in an Overnight Train

“Sleeping on the top bunk is... an experience. It folds down and there are two tiny stairs to help you climb up. Climbing up in the dark while the train is jerking around is not easy. And once you are up there, you are about 9 inches away from the roof, no windows, and a harness to stop you from getting thrown off to the floor. I had low grade anxiety the first night thinking I would be pitched out as I slept. You get used to it, and gummies certainly helped.”

“On the train, there were small enclosed cabins with two sets of three seats facing each other inside. Right away, I thought the room was cramped and lacked enough legroom for each traveler. My seat had two cushions that could recline, but not far enough to be totally flat. When reclining it all the way, I found that the gap between the seat back and the bottom of the seat made it tough to get comfortable. There were no sheets or pillows provided for guests in the seating carriage either. I spent the entire 12-hour ride trying to fall asleep, and I failed.”

“The constant back and forth shaking of the train is a thing. I am able bodied, and it was tough to walk down the train most days. Bathroom time is tough. Showering is even tougher. My elderly father elected to not go to the dining car a few times because of the trip. It wasn't a huge deal to me, but it could be an issue if you have any physical disabilities.”