Literary Train Experience
The Ultimate Overnight Train Journey for Reading & Writing
Imagine gliding through the countryside by moonlight, the rhythmic hum of the tracks beneath you, a steaming cup of tea by your side, and a book in your hands. An overnight train journey is not just a mode of travel—it’s an experience. It’s the perfect chance to disconnect, slow down, and immerse yourself in reading and writing. Whether you’re taking a scenic cross-country ride or simply booking a sleeper car for a night of literary solitude, here’s how to make it an unforgettable adventure.
Step 1: Choosing the Right Train Journey
Not all train rides are created equal. Look for routes that offer scenic landscapes, cozy sleeper cabins, and a relaxed atmosphere for uninterrupted creativity.
Iconic Overnight Train Routes:
📍 U.S.: Amtrak’s California Zephyr – Watch the Rocky Mountains and vast plains pass as you lose yourself in a novel.
📍 Canada: The Canadian (VIA Rail) – Read under the Northern Lights and write by the glow of the train's observation car.
📍 Europe: Paris to Venice (Thello Night Train) – Feel like a character in a classic novel as you sip espresso and jot down your thoughts.
📍 Asia: The Hanoi to Sapa Express (Vietnam) – A dreamy ride through misty mountain ranges, perfect for poetry or reflective journaling.
How to Book:
Use Seat 61 for the best sleeper train recommendations.
Compare pricing on Eurail, Amtrak, or local railway websites.
Choose a sleeper cabin or quiet coach for minimal distractions.
Step 2: The Literary Packing List
To make the most of your train journey, pack a small but intentional collection of books, writing tools, and comfort essentials.
Essentials for a Reading & Writing Escape:
✔️ Books (see recommendations below!)
✔️ Notebook or journal for writing reflections
✔️ Tablet/e-reader (if packing light)
✔️ Noise-canceling headphones for immersive soundscapes
✔️ Comfortable clothing & socks for a cozy vibe
✔️ A thermos of tea or coffee for long reading stretches
✔️ A soft blanket or scarf for warmth
Step 3: What to Read on Your Train Journey
The perfect train book should match the mood of slow travel—something immersive, atmospheric, or contemplative.
Books That Match the Journey
Classic Travel & Adventure:
On the Road – Jack Kerouac (wanderlust-fueled introspection)
The Alchemist – Paulo Coelho (a journey of discovery)
The Old Patagonian Express – Paul Theroux (a travelogue about train journeys)
Atmospheric & Literary:
Murder on the Orient Express – Agatha Christie (mystery meets train travel)
The Night Circus – Erin Morgenstern (dreamlike storytelling)
If on a Winter’s Night a Traveler – Italo Calvino (a book about books, fitting for a literary train ride)
Slow & Reflective Reads:
The Little Prince – Antoine de Saint-Exupéry (philosophical wonder)
Big Magic – Elizabeth Gilbert (a book on creative living)
Wintering – Katherine May (a soothing read about rest and renewal)
Short Stories & Poetry (Perfect for Train Windows):
Dubliners – James Joyce 🇮🇪 (short stories filled with nostalgia)
The Portable Dorothy Parker – Dorothy Parker (witty and sharp)
Selected Poems – Mary Oliver (nature-inspired poetry for scenic train rides)
Pro Tip: Download audiobooks for when you want to close your eyes and let the train rock you into the world of storytelling. Try Audible or LibriVox for free public domain audiobooks.
Step 4: What to Write on Your Train Journey
Trains have a unique dreamlike quality—they create space for introspection, storytelling, and creative expression. Here are some prompts and exercises to make the most of your writing time.
Writing Prompts for Your Train Ride:
🔹 “The Passenger’s Story” – Pick a stranger on the train and imagine their backstory. Why are they traveling? Where are they going? What’s in their suitcase?
🔹 “A Letter to the Tracks” – Write a letter to the landscapes outside your window, describing the shifting scenery as if you were speaking to it.
🔹 “Train of Thought” – Free-write whatever comes to mind for 10 minutes without stopping. Let the movement of the train guide your thoughts.
🔹 “A Train Murder Mystery” – Sketch out a short mystery story set on a train (bonus points for twists and suspense).
🔹 “Conversations Overheard” – Write down snippets of conversation you hear and turn them into a short scene or dialogue.
Digital Writers? Try apps like:
Scrivener (great for drafting novels)
Day One (aesthetic journaling app)
Evernote (organize ideas on the go)
Step 5: Nighttime Rituals & Reflecting on the Journey
As the train gently rocks into the night, slow down and soak in the quiet magic of an overnight journey.
How to Wind Down:
Read by dim light or candle-app-style lighting.
Put on soft classical or lo-fi music (try this playlist).
Journal about the emotions of the journey—what’s shifting within you as the train moves forward?
Dreamwriting Exercise:
Before sleeping, write down a question you’ve been contemplating.
Let the train’s movement lull you into dreams, and write your first thoughts when you wake up.
Wrapping Up: The Arrival & Beyond
When you arrive at your destination, take a moment to pause before stepping off the train.
Reflect in Your Journal:
How did the journey affect your creativity?
What books left an impact?
Did the train inspire a new writing project?
Post-Trip Creativity Challenge:
Write a short travel essay about the journey.
Take your train-inspired story or poem and expand it into something new.
Share your experience on social media using #TrainWritingChallenge and inspire others to try it!