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Overnight Train: Can I upgrade once onboard?

Posted by (Amarillo) on

OK, my boyfriend and I wanted to try Rick's method of purchasing a couchette instead of a double sleeper on an overnight train to save cash. However, if for some reason we don't, uh, mesh with the people sharing our couchette, can we upgrade to a sleeper enroute, if there is one available? Will the upgrade price enroute be so exorbitant that you would recommend just biting the bullet and buying a double sleeper to begin with?

Or, scenario 2:what if we try to just wing it and sleep in an empty compartment? Do we have to buy our sleeper reservation beforehand, or can we just take a chance and if we have no luck, buy it on board?

Posted by
8700 posts

Scenario 1: I doubt if it's possible to upgrade once you're enroute.

Scenario 2: If you're caught, you'll either pay a heavy fine or be thrown off the train.

Posted by
47 posts

Thanks Tim; that is exactly the type of frank advice I need :)

Posted by
4132 posts

I think you could do this if a sleeper is available.

We have upgraded from a second class couchette to a first-class one upon boarding. This may be worthwhile as it cuts the odds of bunking with a snorer by 50% (2nd class couchettes carry 6 people, first class has 4). Unless your SO snores already, that is.

"Upon boarding" as in, we got on the train and negotiated the transaction directly with the conductor. it was clearly their policy to sell more-expensive seats to anyone who wanted it.

I suppose you could wind up with partyers, but my experience in couchettes is that after a short time everyone wants to sleep. The "night train" segment of most trips begin pretty late, and end early the next morning. There's not much time to try to catch some z's.

My advice is to decide what you are most likely to want and reserve it in advance, or you could wind up sleeping is separate compartments or worse.

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