Couchettes?

Question

I was thinking about booking a train from Paris to Rome for my family of 6. Are the couchette compartments safe? Will we be automatically put in the same compartment? Is there a safe place for our luggage?

Answer 1

Yes they are safe.  Just don't expect a lot of room or to be able to sit up in your couchette.  If you book together they usually place you together, but with 6 people they might have to separate you if there is not an entire compartment free, will depend on how booked the train is, so just try and book early so that you can all remain together.  You can put your bags under the bottom bunk, and at the top bunk there is usually a space at the head of the bunk for luggage also.

Answer 2

I take the night train from Bologna or Verona to Paris sometimes and have never had any problem even though I haven't had a compartment by myself. You should lock the door at night though. You should not assume that you'll automatically be in the same compartment, but if you book early enough and specifically ask, there shouldn't be a problem. There is a "Smart" price available for 35 euro for a berth for the night trains between Paris and Rome. There are a limited number of tickets for any given train though; the normal price should be around 110 euro per person. The Smart price tickets sell out fast, especially in the summer. http://www.trenitalia.com/en/promozioni_...

There is some overhead space for luggage and some space under the lower berth. I generally don't carry much since I just go for the weekend, but I've seen others cram a lot of stuff into a compartment.