Guide
How to Sleep in Coach on an Overnight Train
Riding in coach on a long distance train is a popular way to travel overnight, offering reclining seats and plenty of legroom for budget conscious passengers.
Sleeping in a coach seat on a train is very different from sleeping on an airplane. Long distance Amtrak coach seats recline far back and feature both leg rests and foot rests. You get much more legroom than you would in airline economy. VIA Rail economy seats on the Canadian also recline, making overnight travel accessible across North America. While a sleeper cabin offers a bed, coach travel is an economical choice for a one night trip. Many travelers choose coach for a single night and upgrade to a sleeper for longer journeys. Preparing for the overnight portion of your trip ensures you wake up rested and ready for the next day.
What to Expect from Your Seat
Long distance Amtrak coach seats are designed for overnight travel. They recline far back, allowing you to rest in a comfortable position. Each seat includes leg rests and foot rests to support your lower body. You will find significantly more legroom than in airline economy, giving you space to stretch out. VIA Rail economy seats on the Canadian also recline for overnight comfort. Passengers on the Canadian often have access to a Skyline car on many departures, providing a change of scenery. If you are riding the City of New Orleans from Chicago to New Orleans, the trip takes about 19 to 20 hours end to end. This makes it an ideal route to test out a single night in a reclining coach seat.
Choosing the Best Seat for Sleep
Getting a good night of sleep often depends on where you sit. On Amtrak routes using Superliner equipment, such as the California Zephyr, you can choose between upper and lower level seating. Seats on the upper level of Superliner coaches are quieter because they are away from the doors and foot traffic. The lower level experiences more movement as passengers walk between cars or use the restrooms. Selecting an upper level seat minimizes disruptions during the night. Keep in mind that lights in coach are dimmed at night but not switched off completely.
Essential Gear for Sleeping in Coach
Packing the right accessories will make a big difference in your comfort. Since the lights in coach are dimmed but never fully turned off, an eye mask is essential to block out the remaining light. Train cabins can also be noisy due to the track sounds and other passengers. Earplugs will help you block out these distractions. A travel pillow supports your neck while you sleep in a reclining position. You should also bring a blanket or a large scarf, as the air conditioning on long distance trains can make the coach car chilly overnight. Having these items readily available at your seat ensures you can settle in comfortably when evening arrives.
When to Consider a Sleeper Upgrade
While coach is great for short overnight trips, you might want a sleeper for multi day journeys. Many travelers ride coach for one night and book a sleeper for longer trips. For example, the California Zephyr takes about 51 to 52 hours end to end from Chicago to San Francisco. The Canadian takes about four days and four nights end to end from Toronto to Vancouver. On these extended routes, upgrading provides a flat bed and more privacy. Amtrak offers Superliner Roomettes, Superliner Bedrooms, Family Bedrooms, and Accessible Bedrooms. VIA Rail offers Sleeper Plus berths, cabins for one, cabins for two, and Prestige class. Sleeper passengers also get meals included in the dining car.
Quick tips
- Bring a travel pillow to support your neck in the reclining seat.
- Pack a blanket or large scarf to stay warm under the air conditioning.
- Use an eye mask because the coach lights are dimmed but never fully switched off.
- Wear earplugs to block out the noise of the tracks and other passengers.
- Choose an upper level seat on Superliner trains for a quieter environment away from the doors.
Questions travellers ask
Do Amtrak coach seats recline?
Yes, long distance Amtrak coach seats recline far back to help you sleep. They also feature built in leg rests and foot rests, providing much more legroom than standard airline economy seats.
Are the lights turned off at night in coach?
The lights in coach are dimmed at night, but they are not switched off completely. Passengers should bring an eye mask to block out the remaining light and get a better night of sleep.
Is a sleeper car worth the extra cost?
Many travelers find that riding coach is fine for one night, but they book a sleeper for longer trips. A sleeper provides a real bed, privacy, and included meals in the dining car. This is especially useful on routes like the Canadian, which takes about four days and four nights end to end.