The difference between couchette cars and sleeping cars – explained simply

Close your eyes and wake up at your holiday destination – traveling by night train is practical. When booking, you can choose between a couchette car or a sleeper car.

• The couchette car is cheaper than the sleeper car, but also offers less comfort. This is because a couchette car compartment has seats for four to six people, which can be converted into beds at night. There are two to three beds stacked on top of each other, which means there is less privacy.
• Passengers in couchette cars can not only use the beds for sleeping, but also shared washrooms with toilets.
• Sleeper cars cost a little more than couchette cars, but they are also better equipped. Here you will find real beds in the compartments, which are equipped with bed linen. You can book a single bed, a double bed with two beds one above the other, or compartments with three to four beds.
• Some sleeping car compartments have their own toilet and shower—these are usually found in first class and are referred to as “Deluxe” or “Gran Clase.” However, a private sink is also common in second class.