Hard Sleeper Berth Train
The hard sleeper is popular with budget travellers on long overnight journeys, as it costs much less than the soft sleeper. A hard sleeper carriage has open compartments with six berths each. It is sociable and a good way to meet other travellers, but noisier than the soft sleeper.
Hard Sleeper Specifications
| Berths per compartment | 6 (3 on each side) |
| Compartment | open to the corridor, no door |
| Bedding | duvet, sheet and pillow provided |
| Bed | narrower than in soft sleeper, but comfortable, with a mattress |
The Three Tiers Compared
Lower Berth
Pros: easy to get in and out, and enough headroom to sit up. Best for older travellers.
Cons: during the day other passengers sit on it, so you have less privacy.
Best for: older travellers, families, anyone who wants easy access.
Middle Berth
Pros: more privacy than the lower berth and less climbing than the top one.
Cons: you need the ladder, and you can’t sit fully upright.
Best for: most travellers: a good balance.
Upper Berth
Pros: the most privacy, and close to the luggage rack.
Cons: a steep climb, very little headroom, and closest to the lights.
Best for: young, agile travellers who want privacy.
Compartment Amenities
- a hook by each bed for coats and bags
- a small table by the window
- a flask for hot water and a bin
- folding seats and small tables in the corridor by the windows
- a luggage rack above the corridor (fits a medium suitcase)
- a few power sockets in the corridor (bring a power bank)
Berth position tip: berths at the very ends of the carriage are close to the toilets and the hot water boiler, so they are noisier. If you are a light sleeper, ask for a berth in the middle of the carriage.
We answer within 12 hours, Monday to Saturday.