I booked the cheapest accommodation on an overnight train in Europe. I’ll never do it again.

• I spent 12 hours in a regular seat on an overnight train from Berlin, Germany, to Vienna, Austria.
• For less than $50, I got a reclining seat in a seating carriage cabin with five other people.
• I’ve traveled on Amtrak sleeper cars but in private rooms. I didn’t adjust well to the shared space.

In October 2022, I spent 12 hours traveling in a sleeping carriage on an overnight train from Berlin, Germany, to Vienna, Austria.

I had taken overnight trains in the US before, where I’d booked private cabins.

But this was my first time on a sleeper train in Europe — and my first time in an accommodation shared with other guests.

I thought an overnight train would be the best way to travel through Europe and maximize my time exploring during the day. And at $40, it was the cheapest overnight train ride I’ve ever booked. But ultimately, the ride was too cramped and bumpy to sleep, and I arrived in Vienna feeling exhausted.