When I told friends I was taking my 4-year-old on an overnight train, the reaction was universal: "Are you crazy?"
But the tickets were cheap, the destination was exciting, and I thought: how bad could it be?
Turns out, it was one of the best travel decisions I've made.
The setup
We booked a soft sleeper β four bunks in a closed compartment. Lower bunks for us, upper bunks for storage and curiosity. The train departed at 8 PM and arrived at 7 AM the next day.
The experience
From the moment we boarded, my son was mesmerized. The narrow corridor, the ladder to the top bunk, the fold-down table, the window that shows the dark world rushing by β everything was an adventure.
He climbed into the top bunk, declared it "my secret base," and spent a happy hour with his picture book and a flashlight. We ate instant noodles from the cute little cups (a special train-only treat). He watched the lights of passing towns flicker through the window.
By 9:30, he was asleep β lulled by the gentle rocking of the train. I stayed up a little longer, watching the dark countryside slide by, feeling oddly peaceful.
He woke up at 6:30, refreshed and excited. "Mama! We're still on the train!"
What made it work
- We brought comfort items: his favorite pillow, a familiar book, his water bottle
- We set expectations ahead of time: "We'll sleep on the train, and when we wake up, we'll be there!"
- We kept the itinerary light the next day β no rushed sightseeing
- We packed snacks, more snacks, and then some more snacks
Would I do it again?
Absolutely. In a world of high-speed trains and cheap flights, the overnight sleeper feels like a forgotten gem. For a young child, it's not just transportation β it's an experience. And for a parent, watching your child discover the simple joy of a moving bedroom is worth every minor inconvenience.
Next time, I might even splurge on the deluxe soft sleeper. We earned it.