Intercités de Nuit

What travel categories are available on the Intercités de nuit?

On the Intercités de nuit, there are 2nd class seats, 2nd class couchettes and 1st class couchettes. There is no classic sleeping car with a private bathroom, private WC or real sleeping cabin.

Is there a sleeping car on the Intercités de nuit?

No. The French Intercités de nuit do not have a classic sleeping car. You can choose between a seat and a couchette. The most comfortable category is the 1st class couchette with four berths per compartment.

What is the difference between 1st class and 2nd class couchettes?

The 2nd class couchette has six berths per compartment: two lower, two middle and two upper. The 1st class couchette has only four berths: two lower and two upper. This makes 1st class quieter and more spacious, but it is still a couchette and not a sleeping car.

Is the seat on the Intercités de nuit recommended for a whole night?

Only to a limited extent. The seat is the cheapest category and usable for short overnight sections. For a full night, a couchette is much more pleasant because you can lie down and have more peace.

What does the 2nd class seat offer?

The 2nd class seat is a reserved seat on the night train. SNCF mentions window seats individually or as a duo, footrest, adjustable headrest and personal reading light. However, it remains a seat without a berth or bed.

What is included in the couchette?

In the couchette, you get a berth with pillow, duvet, travel kit and bottle of water. Toilets and washrooms are located on the train. There is no private bathroom or private shower in the compartment.

Does the Intercités de nuit couchette have a shower?

No, there is no private shower in the couchette compartment. Toilets and washrooms are located on the train. For travellers in a 1st class couchette, the station shower service on arrival at Paris-Austerlitz or Toulouse-Matabiau can be useful.

Is there a private WC in the compartment?

No. Neither the 1st class nor the 2nd class couchette has a private WC in the compartment. The toilets are located on the train and are shared.

Can I book a private compartment?

Yes, SNCF offers private areas depending on availability. This is especially interesting for families, groups or travellers who want more peace and privacy. Availability depends on the connection, travel date and category.

Are there women-only compartments on the Intercités de nuit?

Yes. In the couchette car, reserved women-only areas are available depending on availability. This free service can be selected during booking. The areas are intended for women or women with children under 12.

Is the Intercités de nuit suitable for families?

Yes, especially in the couchette. Families travel more comfortably if they can travel together in one compartment or in a suitable private area. For long distances, the couchette is clearly more suitable than the seat.

Is there food and drink on the Intercités de nuit?

Yes, SNCF offers onboard catering and the option to pre-order dinner or breakfast online. In addition, sweet and savoury snacks as well as cold and hot drinks are available for purchase in the service coach. However, you should not expect a classic dining car.

Is breakfast included on the Intercités de nuit?

You should not expect breakfast to be automatically included in every category. SNCF does offer the option to pre-order breakfast online. In addition, drinks and snacks are available for purchase on board.

Is there Wi-Fi on the Intercités de nuit?

SNCF mentions freely accessible Wi-Fi. Still, you should not firmly rely on a continuously stable connection. Download tickets, maps, music, films and important documents before the journey.

Are there power sockets on the Intercités de nuit?

Yes, SNCF mentions power sockets on the Intercités de nuit. Depending on the coach, these may be individual or shared. A power bank is still useful, especially for long overnight journeys.

Can I take my bicycle on the Intercités de nuit?

Yes, bicycle transport is possible on certain connections. However, a non-folded and non-dismantled bicycle requires a reserved bicycle space for a fee. Places are limited and must be booked together with the train ticket.

Can I travel with a dog or pet on the Intercités de nuit?

That depends on the category booked. Pets are possible in the seated coach if the paid service is booked together with the ticket. In regular couchette compartments, pets are not allowed. In private areas, pets may be allowed.

Which stations are important for Intercités de nuit?

Many Intercités de nuit start or end at Paris-Austerlitz. Other important destinations include Toulouse-Matabiau, Lourdes, Latour-de-Carol, Briançon, Nice, Marseille, Cerbère and other towns in southern France, the Pyrenees or the Alps.

What is the best category on the Intercités de nuit?

The best category is the 1st class couchette. Only four people travel per compartment instead of six as in 2nd class. You have more space, more quiet and can lie down during the journey. However, there is no real sleeping car with a private bathroom.

Can I take my car or motorcycle on the Intercités de nuit?

No. Intercités de nuit are not car trains and do not transport cars or motorcycles. If you need a vehicle at your destination, check rental cars, car sharing, local buses, regional trains or further connections.