Sleeping Out, or in Train Stations

Before you do either of these, think long and hard about spending more money than normal, or catching a train somewhere else. Sleeping in stations used to be quite popular with penniless student travelers, but it is now less so. It is safer than sleeping in a park, especially if someone in a group stays up to keep an eye on things, but a train station at 3.30am does not attract the most lovable characters. You may be asked by security to show a ticket at some stations these days, especially if you look a bit “alternative”. Setting up shop near some business that will stay open all night, or near the security office itself if possible, is a good idea.

Sleeping out - in parks, under bridges, wherever - is taking your personal safety and putting it squarely in the hands of any person who wanders by where you are sleeping at 3am. No thanks. If against all sane advice you choose to do this, leave anything you don’t want stolen in a locker, go in a group (with people you know well), and try and find someplace out of sight.

One option to consider before doing either of these things is sleeping at an airport if there is one within public transport range. Airports are always more isolated than train
stations, and they don’t get the late-night wanderers that train stations attract. However, if you’re at this point it’s probably time to head home.