The last time I slept in the top bunk on a sleeper train was during my first overnight Amtrak ride in 2021, and I didn’t get much rest. I wasn’t used to the bumpy rails, and the upper cot felt shakier than the one below. I felt anxious throughout the night as I drifted in and out of sleep.
Back then, I thought I’d never climb up to a top train bunk again. But that was five years ago, and I’d taken several overnight rides since. So, because I had two nights on the California Zephyr, I decided to give the upper cot another shot. I spent one night in each bunk so I could compare the two.
To my surprise, I ended up preferring the top bunk. I’ve gotten used to the movement of trains. Now, the bumps rock me to sleep. I also appreciated having both a bed and a couch in my room while in the top bunk, as the couch pulled out to serve as the lower bunk.
