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Nyx
Traveller
2 comments

Posted 16 years ago

Is it safe for a woman to travel on sleeper trains by herself? I will be travelling through eastern and central europe this summer on my own and in some cases sleeper trains are more convenient for my trip. However, when I mentioned it to a friend she thought I was mad to even consider travelling overnight solo. In particular the trains I am thinking of taking run from Belgrade to Zagreb, Split to Ljubljana, Venice to Rome and Rome to Vienna.

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admin
Traveller
203 comments

replied 16 years ago

Hi, I've Interrailed alone several times and found that, when travelling, I was usually with other backpackers. On night trains try to pick a carriage with other backpackers in it and who are close to where you sit. Striking up conversation with others while waiting or on the train will make you, and them, feel safer. You might also feel more comfortable with other women or a mixed group rather than with a bunch of lads.

If you take a couchette, you won't be able to choose who occupy the other bunks but they will probably be backpackers too and talking to them before lights-out will help to break the ice and to assess any risk. Of course, you should also keep your wits about you and your possessions close: before departure, there are people who roam the trains looking for unattended baggage; so be especially careful then.

Remember, it's good to talk to the other backpackers around you: many of whom will be just as apprehensive as you might initially feel.

Have a great trip.

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anonymous
Traveller
2467 comments

replied 16 years ago

I travelled on three different night trains. I found the locks on the compartments to be fine. There is also someone from the train company who is assigned to the compartment. However I would not assume that this person watches over you as they may go to sleep. Also anyone can walk through the night train eg the doors were not locked at either end. I think if you go to your compartment as soon as you get on and lock yourself in you should be fine. If you are crossing a border make sure that when someone knocks on your door asking for passport they are knocking on other peoples doors also.

:arr: general information: [u]https://rail.cc/en/alone-or-group[/u]