After three shorter train rides of just a few hours each, it was finally time for one of the highlights of my overland journey from Germany to Singapore — my first night train.
This one would take me across borders, through the night, from Budapest to Romania, on a 14-hour trip that I’d been looking forward to for weeks.
Romania has so many beautiful destinations that it felt like a shame to rush straight to Bucharest. Instead, I decided to stop in Sinaia, a picturesque mountain town nestled in the Carpathian Mountains, about 1–2 hours north of the capital.
3 Quick Facts About The Night Train from Budapest to Bucharest
- Book early for good cabins: If you prefer privacy, single-bed compartments on international night trains often sell out weeks in advance.
- Night trains can differ a lot in comfort. Sleeper cars usually have real beds, sheets, and sometimes private bathrooms, while couchettes offer shared bunks with basic bedding.
- Border crossings at night: Even though within the EU, expect a knock on your compartment door for passport control during the night when crossing into Romania – they usually just have a quick look and move on.
Budapest-Keleti Railway Station
Before boarding, I discovered a hidden gem right inside the Budapest-Keleti railway station — the Premium Lounge.
Many travelers don’t realize that with an international sleeper train ticket, you can access this lounge for free. It’s a great place to relax before a long journey, with comfortable seating, complimentary drinks and snacks, Wi-Fi, and clean bathrooms — a real bonus, especially if you had to check out of your hotel early and waiting the whole day until you train ride starts.
My train towards Bucharest departed at 7:10 p.m. sharp. I arrived in Sinaia at 10:00 a.m. the next day, after a smooth and surprisingly fast night ride.
If you continue all the way to Bucharest, expect about 1–2 hours more travel time. Don’t forget: there’s a one-hour time difference between Hungary and Romania.
The Sleeper Compartment
I was originally hoping to book a single-bed cabin — it would have made filming and taking photos easier for my YouTube channel and blog. But those were already sold out, so I went for the two-bed sleeper compartment, and honestly, I was impressed.
The cabin was spacious, quiet, and much better equipped than I expected. It had its own private bathroom with a toilet (and toilet paper!), sink, and even a shower. There were also small thoughtful touches:
- Two bottles of water
- A toiletry kit with toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, shoe towel, and hand towel
The bed itself was wide and comfortable — much better than most night trains I’ve taken before on other trips. I slept surprisingly well and woke up feeling refreshed.
Here’s a quick overview of the available options on this route:
Sleeper Cars:
- 1-bed compartment (sold out quickly!)
- 2-bed compartment
- 3-bed compartment
Couchettes:
- 4-berth couchette (2nd class)
- 6-berth couchette (2nd class)
💡 Tip: Couchettes are a good budget option with shared bunks, while sleeper cars are perfect if you prefer more comfort, privacy, and sometimes your own washroom.
Exploring the Train and the Grumpy Snack Bar Guy
I like to walk around the train – this is what makes it so much nicer compared to bus rides. I explored the other carriages to see how the couchettes compartments look like.
And I heard there is some kind of snack bar on board. I reached a carriage with normal seats
The People on Board
One of the best parts of slow travel is meeting people along the way.
I shared my compartment with a friendly gentleman from Japan, a passionate train enthusiast traveling all the way from Scandinavia to Istanbul. We spent part of the evening chatting about travel routes and scenic rail journeys.
The next morning, he even brought me a sandwich for breakfast — such a kind gesture that made the trip even more memorable.
Our neighbor was a traveler from France, who had managed to secure a single cabin months in advance. His advice: if you know your travel dates early, book the sleeper tickets well ahead of time, especially during peak travel months.
Arrival in Sinaia Romania
As the train rolled into Romania, I woke up to a stunning sunrise over the mountains. Watching the light hit the misty valleys through the train window was one of those quiet, unforgettable travel moments.
After 14 hours that passed almost too quickly, I arrived in Sinaia — rested, happy, and ready to explore this charming Carpathian mountain town.
The night train had been everything I’d hoped for: relaxing, comfortable, and a true adventure in itself.
Berlin to Singapore Overland
📍 From Budapest to Sinaia
🚅 Transportation: Night Train
💻 Booked via: MAV Hungarian Railway
🛣️ Distance travelled since Berlin: 1,303 km