I booked the cheapest accommodation on an overnight train in Europe. I’ll never do it again.

But this was my first time on a sleeper train in Europe — and my first time in an accommodation shared with other guests.

I thought an overnight train would be the best way to travel through Europe and maximize my time exploring during the day. And at $40, it was the cheapest overnight train ride I’ve ever booked. But ultimately, the ride was too cramped and bumpy to sleep, and I arrived in Vienna feeling exhausted.