There is something so romantic about moving by train—the rhythmic click-clack of wheels on rails, panoramic views from picture windows, and the sensation of the journey that arises from crossing landscapes. Although modern high-speed trains have their benefits, a new trend emerged, so travelers can experience the charm of traditional trains without sacrificing comfort: refurbished railway carriages now provide offbeat accommodations around the globe.
These are 20 incredible train conversions where you can stay overnight, from luxury suites in retired Pullman cars to entire cabooses perched in strange locations.
Pullman Train Car B&B, Indianapolis
This meticulously restored 1920s Pullman sleeper car sits in a picturesque setting at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in downtown Indianapolis. The heavy brass fixtures, mahogany paneling, and vintage upholstery transport guests to the golden age of rail travel while providing modern amenities.
Each compartment features the original fold-down beds and washbasins alongside contemporary comforts, creating a perfect blend of historical authenticity and practical function.
Santos Express, South Africa
Permanently parked overlooking the stunning blue waters of Santos Beach in Mossel Bay, this converted passenger train offers rooms with incomparable ocean views. The five carriages have been transformed into various accommodation options, from budget-friendly dormitories to a luxury suite in the caboose, complete with a private deck.
The train’s restaurant car serves fresh seafood and local wines as waves crash on the shore just 98 feet from your window.
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Kruger Shalati, South Africa
This extraordinary hotel consists of permanently stationed vintage train carriages balanced atop the historic Selati Bridge over the Sabie River in Kruger National Park. Floor-to-ceiling windows and private decks offer uninterrupted views of wildlife drinking from the river below, including elephants and crocodiles.
The original 1950s carriages have been transformed into 24 luxurious rooms featuring local art and custom furniture that pay homage to African design traditions while incorporating contemporary luxury.
The Old Railway Station, England
This former Victorian railway station in Petworth, West Sussex, now offers accommodations in four beautifully restored Pullman carriages dating from the 1920s. Each carriage features polished wood interiors, brass fittings, and period-appropriate decor, including vintage luggage racks and original seating areas.
Breakfast is served in the former waiting room of the station house, where many original architectural features have been preserved, including the ticket office windows.
Controversy Tram Inn, Netherlands
This whimsical accommodation near Amsterdam consists of several colorfully converted trams and train carriages arranged in a small forest clearing. Each unit has been transformed with playful, artistic touches while maintaining many original features like conductor’s compartments and passenger seating.
The East German sleeper train carriage offers the most authentic railway experience, with compact but cleverly designed living spaces that maximize the narrow dimensions of the original car.
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The Featherbed Railroad, California
Set along the shores of Clear Lake, this unique bed and breakfast features nine vintage cabooses, each with its whimsical theme ranging from wine country elegance to Wild West adventure. The exteriors maintain their railroad heritage with authentic paint schemes and hardware, while interiors have been reimagined as cozy themed rooms with modern amenities.
The property’s communal areas include a swimming dock on the lake and gardens filled with fruit trees and native California plants.
The Sidings Hotel, England
Located in the picturesque North Yorkshire countryside, this hotel ingeniously incorporates four refurbished railway carriages alongside a Victorian station building. The carriages maintain their original exteriors but have been completely remodeled inside to create contemporary luxury suites with unexpected spaciousness.
Large picture windows have been added to maximize views of the surrounding countryside, while original features like luggage racks and corridor connections have been preserved where possible.
Northern Rail Traincar Inn, Minnesota
Situated on the shores of Lake Superior’s Two Harbors, this unique property features a collection of authentic Canadian National Railway cars converted into comfortable guest suites. The boxcars and cabooses maintain their industrial exterior appearance, while interiors have been transformed with pine paneling, gas fireplaces, and custom-built furniture.
Each car boasts a different layout, with options ranging from cozy honeymoon suites to family-sized accommodations with multiple sleeping areas.
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Highley Station Visitor Centre, England
Part of the Severn Valley Railway heritage line, this converted mail car offers basic but atmospheric accommodations for railway enthusiasts. The carriage retains many original features, including sorting shelves and postal equipment alongside comfortable sleeping quarters.
Guests have after-hours access to the station museum and exceptional opportunities to photograph steam trains without the daytime crowds.
Train Lodge, Amsterdam
This hostel, created from genuine Australian sleeper cars, offers affordable accommodations within walking distance of Amsterdam’s central station. The compartments maintain their authentic train layout with various configurations, from private two-person sleepers to four-bed couchettes.
The communal dining car serves as both a breakfast room and social hub where travelers share stories and tips against the backdrop of original Australian railway memorabilia.
La Petit Train, France
This charming accommodation in the Dordogne region consists of a lovingly restored SNCF rail car set in a peaceful rural garden. The owners have preserved the carriage’s vintage character while adding a wooden deck that nearly doubles the living space during warm weather.
Inside, clever storage solutions and multipurpose furniture make the compact space feel surprisingly generous, with a fully equipped kitchenette and modern bathroom tucked into the former conductor’s compartment.
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The Red Caboose Motel, Pennsylvania
Located in the heart of Amish Country, this unique property features 38 cabooses representing different railroad lines and color schemes from across America. Each caboose sleeps up to six people with configurations ranging from family-friendly bunk beds to romantic suites with whirlpool tubs.
The property includes a dining car restaurant, petting zoo, and observation tower where guests can watch working Strasburg Rail Road trains pass by throughout the day.
Railholiday, Cornwall
This collection of beautifully restored Great Western Railway carriages offers self-catering accommodations in picturesque Cornish settings. Each carriage has been renovated with meticulous attention to historical accuracy while discreetly incorporating modern conveniences like central heating and fully equipped kitchens.
The Mevy carriage, dating from 1896, features original art nouveau detailing, including stained-glass windows and intricate woodwork that exemplifies Victorian craftsmanship.
Aurora Express, Alaska
Perched on a hillside overlooking Fairbanks, this bed and breakfast consists of authentic Alaska Railroad cars with panoramic views of the mountains and northern lights. Each vehicle has been themed around significant periods in Alaskan history, from gold rush opulence to mid-century statehood celebrations.
The dining car serves breakfast featuring local ingredients while offering views of the Alaska Range and Tanana Valley through its large picture windows.
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Platform 1346, South Carolina
A fully restored 1926 Pullman railcar and caboose create this unique vacation rental in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The Pullman car retains its original layout with a lounge area, dining section, and sleeping compartments now equipped with modern comforts.
The attached caboose has been converted into a modern kitchen and bathroom while maintaining its distinctive cupola, from which guests can enjoy elevated views of the surrounding countryside.
Elqui Domos, Chile
This astronomical hotel in the Elqui Valley features several accommodations, including a converted train car specifically designed for stargazing. The carriage roof has been partially replaced with transparent panels that allow guests to observe the extraordinarily clear Chilean night sky from bed.
The remote location in one of the world’s first International Dark Sky Sanctuaries ensures exceptional viewing of the Milky Way and southern constellations not visible from the Northern Hemisphere.
Sleeperzzz, Scotland
Set in the former Rogart railway station in the Scottish Highlands, this budget-friendly hostel offers accommodations in vintage railway carriages and a converted station building. The carriages maintain many original features while providing warm, comfortable spaces perfect for outdoor enthusiasts exploring the surrounding mountains and coastline.
The station platform serves as a communal space where guests can socialize against the backdrop of breathtaking Highland scenery.
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South Western Hotel, Australia
Located in the isolated outback town of Milparinka, this heritage hotel incorporates an authentic 19th-century railway carriage as part of its accommodation offerings. The carriage provides a glimpse into Australia’s pioneering history while offering shelter from the extreme temperatures of the outback.
The car’s original wooden benches have been repurposed as headboards for comfortable beds, with vintage railway memorabilia decorating the walls and ingenious storage solutions maximizing the limited space.
The Old Station, Germany
This converted train station near Berlin offers accommodations in both the historic station building and several restored Deutsche Bahn carriages. The train cars maintain their mid-century design aesthetic with original seating reupholstered in period-appropriate fabrics and authentic lighting fixtures.
The station’s former ticket hall now serves as a restaurant where guests dine surrounded by railway artifacts and vintage travel posters from Germany’s transportation heyday.
De Vrouwe van Stavoren, Netherlands
This unique hotel in the historic harbor town of Stavoren features accommodations inside genuine wine casks and converted railway carriages from the Dutch National Railway. The train cars maintain their original blue and yellow exterior color scheme, while interiors have been transformed into cozy rooms with nautical-themed decor reflecting the property’s waterfront location.
The former first-class carriage now serves as a comfortable lounge where guests can sample local Frisian specialties while watching boats pass through the adjacent harbor.
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Rails on Tracks
These innovative conversions show how old-fashioned transportation can be reconfigured for application in new ways. The appeal of train car hotels goes beyond novelty—such establishments connect us with the poetics of train travel and also often rescue vintage vehicles from the sands of time.
Whether you seek luxury with a twist or a budget break with historic flair, these refurbished trains offer journeys of the imagination even when they’re standing still. The next time your travel takes you near one of these stationary trains, reserve a night to appreciate the unique charm of falling asleep in a piece of railway history.
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