I went on a 23-hour train journey through the UK and Europe. Sleeping in tiny beds next to strangers wasn't ideal, but I still prefer it over flying.

Rachael DaviesJul 25, 2023, 23:57 IST

Before this trip, I'd never traveled between Edinburgh and Berlin by train.Rachael Davies

I took Azuma, Eurostar, and European Sleeper trains from Edinburgh, Scotland, to Berlin, Germany.
Aside from the Eurostar queue at the London station, the 23-hour journey was peaceful and enjoyable.

At least once a year, I fly from my home in Edinburgh to visit my in-laws in Berlin. But all of these plane rides have increased my climate guilt and decreased my bank-account balance.

So, I decided it was time to try traveling the route by rail instead.

I booked tickets for an Azuma train from Edinburgh to London, a Eurostar train from London to Brussels, and a new European Sleeper train from Brussels to Berlin.

A flight to Berlin usually costs about 200 pounds, but for just under £250, I could pass through many different cities in less than 24 hours, all while helping the planet and enjoying the slower pace.

Here's how my train trip went.

Trains in the UK sometimes get a bad rap, but my journey was off to a cheery start on the Azuma train from Edinburgh to London.

The train departed early in the morning, so I didn't have to deal with crowds.Rachael Davies

No matter what, I always travel with a trusty meal deal.

I brought a sandwich, a fruit box, and juice to hold me over on the first train ride.Rachael Davies

My assigned seat wasn't by the window, but I was able to move since the train was so empty.

The route from Edinburgh to London featured gorgeous views.Rachael Davies

Once I arrived at London St Pancras International, I had to wait 90 minutes in a chaotic Eurostar queue.

I barely made it to my next train in time.Rachael Davies

The Eurostar to Brussels was noisier and more crowded than the Azuma train I'd just come from.

Almost every seat on the train was full.Rachael Davies

It doesn't matter how old I am — I'll always be disappointed that I can't see out the Channel Tunnel, also known as the "Chunnel."

My Eurostar traveled from London to Brussels.Rachael Davies

Because I built in time for potential delays, I had 90 minutes to explore Brussels.

I was grateful to stretch my legs after sitting down for hours.Rachael Davies

Exploring Brussel-Zuid/Midi, the city's main train station, was also a treat.

Brussel-Zuid/Midi is located in the heart of the city.Rachael Davies

Next, I boarded the European Sleeper train and settled into my couchette, which I shared with several strangers.

I booked a couchette on the European Sleeper.Rachael Davies

During the journey from Brussels to Berlin, I tried a can of European Sleeper beer.

I sipped on the beer during my train ride from Brussels to Berlin.Rachael Davies

I had to wait for all of my cabinmates to arrive before I could turn the bench into a bed.

Once I was able to get in bed, I slept soundly.Rachael Davies

By the time I arrived in Berlin, I felt well-rested and ready to start my trip.

The train arrived at Berlin Central Station about 23 hours after I left Edinburgh.Rachael Davies

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