Night train safety

I just want to clarify what I said in #1. Theft is an issue for travelers throughout Europe, and that's true on trains, also. Travelers have to be diligent about keeping an eye on their belongings, but I suppose you could say that when traveling anywhere in the world.

My response was predicated on the wild stories, many of them exaggerated or untrue, about gassings and other more dangerous crimes that are often told about certain train lines in this part of the world. I have traveled extensively on trains in this region, and I know many, many others who have, too. I've never heard a first-hand report of any of these wild stories...they're all third-person, friend-of-a-friend retelling, probably untrue but certainly exaggerated.

Be smart, use common sense, and you'll almost surely be fine. Get a sleeping compartment for the peace of mind, and to get a good night's sleep.

Dave

Dave, I agree that some of these old stories seem far-fatched, particularly the ones that blame some mystery gas instead of simple tiredness for not waking up when your stuff went missing.

But labelling them "all third-person, friend-of-a-friend retelling, probably untrue" is being a bit unfair I think. Just because you didn't bump into anyone in person, doesn't mean it never happened. I've met several people (in person, first hand) who've had their large backpacks stolen from that night train and as I understand it, so has bmta.

Up until a couple of years ago, to meet somebody who'd had something stolen from this train it would have been enough for you to be at reception at one of the Krakow hostels about half an hour after the train got in. I'm sure two or three mornings would have been sufficient. It was that bad.

But, as I said, the problem seems to have disappeared since security guards started travelling along with the train.

So OP, if you really think it's the best way to get between those two countries, stories/rumours about theft shouldn't be enough to stop you. Just pay the extra for a space to lie down, keep your valuables close to your body as much for peace of mind as anything else, and don't plan too much for your first day in Krakow, just in case you don't get as much sleep as you might need.

Thank you all for the feedback. I am still going to go with the sleeper overnight train to go from Prague to Krakow.

Now I guess I can move on with my next question:

I have never been on a sleeper train before. Hell...I think the last time I was on a train of any kind was in 1982 when I was a child. So how exactly do they work? Are you free to move around? Is there a car where you can get something to eat or drink? Is there a communal car to sit and have a conversation, or are you confined to your own cabin for 9 hours?
Also, for this particular route...is there a connection where I would have to change trains in the middle of the night, or is this a one way shot? How does the passport check at the border take place?

Sorry for all the questions. I am just trying to research this as much as possible before my trip. Thanks again in advance for the info.

It's a direct service; no need to change trains and I'd say there's more than a 95% chance that you won't be asked to show your passport either (google 'Schengen border controls' for more information about that).

With couchettes, you can move around freely and wander up and down the trains if you like. There will be a restaurant car where you can often get something half decent, and also someone will come by your compartment with tea/coffee/snacks (biscuits, nuts, etc). With a sleeper, sometimes the doors between carriages are locked, (I was told) was to increase the security of the compartment. Although it meant I couldn't go to the restaurant car, I got a free bottle of water and a chocolate pastry thing in the morning, and the journey was 11 pm to 7 am, so I really didn't need anything else.
There's no 'common room' or similar. You can go for a walk up and down the aisle, but that's about it (unless you go to the restaurant car). But the compartments are (generally speaking) pretty comfy, so it's an OK place to settle in (depending on your compartment mates, of course....)
The express trains go straight through, so unless you accidentally buy a ticket for some dodgy local train you won't have to change. And passport control went out the window with Schengen - so no stamps, unfortunately.

#14 is right that, yes, you can get up and walk around in the hallway (and go to the bathroom), however in my experience the walkways between the cars are locked all night. I suppose if an overnight service starts early enough, there might be access to a restaurant car, but in my experience most started late in the night and each car was locked.

Dave

Oh, and www.seat61.com has tons of information, including photos of many compartments and couchettes.

Any time I travelled in a sleeping car the attendant sold sandwiches and beer etc, (they always sell a lot of beer whem I 'm on the train!). As regards security, robberies do happen, but like everything else the stories concerning them get exagerated. My advice is be carefull, but don't get paranoid, keep your passport and money close to you when sleeping (I usually stick mine down my underpants). As #13 says border controls have gone (they might do the odd one), so you probally won't have your slumber disturbed at 02:30 by a some poker faced policeman with no sense of humour! Have a nice trip and don't do anything I wouldn't do!

Edited by: Irishtaxidriver

I use night Prague-Krakow train it is save just you must keep you wallet close. In Krakow you will very early

Edited by: a moderator 16-Feb-2009