Ultimate Guide to Night Trains in Europe for Solo, Female Travellers
As flight cancellations add up and air travel becomes increasingly expensive, night trains are a great alternative for getting around Europe. But are they safe for solo, female travellers and what should you know? before booking
Flight cancellations and delays have unfortunately affected a growing number of people and are throwing the summer plans of many for a loop. With tensions rising across the globe, a good alternative is to spend your holidays nearer to home.
For those in Europe, that means you can make the most of one of the most extensive and well-connected rail networks globally. The EU railway network alone has over 200 000km of railway lines connecting you to all corners of the continent.
Sleeper and night trains especially are a great way to cover larger distances between countries without loosing a whole day. They also save a night of accommodation.
I have been on plenty of sleeper train and buses in Europe, so here is my ultimate guide for my fellow solo, female travellers. What to look out for when booking, my experience, tips and more!
Guide to European Night Trains for Solo, Female Travellers
Is Taking a Night Train in Europe Safe for Solo Female Travellers?
Yes, taking a night train in Europe is generally safe for solo, female travellers. There are a few precautions I would take for peace of mind and to be as safe as possible, but overall I’d say it’s really safe in Europe.
I have taken countless night trains in Germany for example and always felt very safe.
The same goes for night buses, though with Flixbus I’d be really careful where and when the bus leaves, as I have had to take it from some dodgy areas at like midnight before. I’d recommend avoiding that haha!
Safety precautions for solo, female travellers on a night train
Some of the safety precautions I do on any night train:
- Keep valuables hidden and on your body. I keep my crossbody on at all times and ideally under a blanket or jacket on a night train.
- Choose female-only compartments where possible (or single ones). Lock the door!!!!
- If in seats, move if your seat neighbour is making you uncomfortable. If I can choose my seat, I will of course always try and get an empty row (but near a couple or other women), or a seat next to another woman. This makes me feel safest if I fall asleep.
- Secure luggage with a lock
- I don’t put both earplugs in as I need to be quickly awake if something happens.
- Ensure the departure and arrival time isn’t unsafe at the stations you leave from/arrive at
What to Book on a Night Train as a Solo, Female Traveller?
There are a couple of different types of “seats” on sleeper trains.
Couchette:
Usually the cheapest, basic bunk-bed style compartments sleeping 4-6 people. I’d only recommend getting this if the train has female-only compartments, as you are stuck overnight in a tight space with up to 5 strangers.
Sleepers:
More private compartments for 1-3 people usually. They tend to be best value if you are several people, but sometimes you can get good deals on single compartments. This is the best choice for solo, female travellers, but often also the priciest.
Solo cabins:
Some newer trains (like Nightjet) also have mini cabins (or solo pods). They are individual sleep pods, which gives you more safety and privacy at a lower cost.
Seats:
Some of the shorter trains or non-specific sleeper trains only have seats. I’ve honestly slept fine in those too, though I try to upgrade to first class for safety and comfort when possible (sometimes it’s not much more than regular ticket). First class often also has a 2 seat, 1 seat arrangement which is perfect for solo travellers. If they have quiet compartments (like Deutsche Bahn), I would pick a seat there.
Essential Night Train Safety Tips: Securing Your Luggage and Yourself
We have already talked about overall safety, but what should you do once you get on the train?
- Find your cabin or pod and store your luggage securely. Often either under the seats or there’s a shelf over the bunks. Ask for help if required.
- Secure your cabin. Make sure you know where all the locks are, pull curtains closed if available.
- Make your bed and prep for sleep.
- Before going to sleep, maybe when heading to the toilets to brush your teeth, find out where the train attendant can be found.
- Stick to comfortable clothes, but avoid pyjamas in case you have to get up suddenly.
- Keep valuables on you at all times, including if you need the toilet at night (especially in a shared room).
The Best European Night Train Routes for Solo Women in 2026
I have written a full blog post on my favourite sleeper train routes in Europe, which I recommend checking out.
I’d say any night train that has the mini cabins would be my preference for price and privacy, like the Vienna to Rome Nightjet. The Caledonian Sleeper from London to Scotland is also often cited as a highlight and very safe.
Check the Back on Track night train map for all night and sleeper trains information, including popular routes and companies.
Arriving Safely: Navigating European Train Stations in the Early Morning
One of the things people forget when booking night trains is departure and arrival times. Not all stations are super safe around midnight or 5/6am.
I tend to prefer booking slightly longer trains if that means I can leave around 10pm and arrive after 6am. Most stations are pretty busy even at those times, but I’d always to a Google Search on your specific station before booking.
Also check if public transport is running or how else you can get to your accommodation. Have this information ready before even getting on the train!
Stations generally known for safety are Zurich (or most Swiss ones), Berlin (simply because there’s always people), Madrid (lots of security) and Utretcht Centraal. But honestly, there are many more and just do your research before booking 🙂
Taking an overnight train vs bus
I have taken a lot of sleeper trains, but also countless night buses in my travel time and I think both are good options. I would always book a train over a bus if it is feasible money wise as I tend to feel a little safer there.
Flixbus and BlaBla Car both have countless night bus options and they have taken me across Europe many a time with no major problems (barring broken toilets, stinky buses and delays). The reason I prefer trains is that in buses you are reliant safety wise on the driver.
On top of that, in trains I can often choose my seat or move if uncomfortable. If you get a “bad” bus neighbour, you’re stuck for the 12 hours journey.
So yes, I prefer trains but have and will continue to use both across Europe.
If you have any more questions about sleeper trains, please pop them in the comments!
Hi, I’m Bell
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