I'm splurging on a 1st class private compartment in the sleeper car of the overnight Munich-Prague train on a weeknight in early Nov. Has anybody done this lately? <BR> <BR>I'm wondering (1) whether I'm right in assuming that at this time of year, there's no need to buy a ticket before I get to Europe but can buy it in Italy a few days before I leave and be reasonably sure it won't be sold out; and (2) whether I'll be awakened for a passport check when we cross the Czech border at 2 a.m. Normally this isn't done anymore, but I've heard that since CZ is not in the European Union, it's still like it was in the bad old days on this train. Anybody know?

Logan, <BR> <BR>I can't speak to the second question, but as for the first, I can't imagine a mid-week Munich-Prague train in November being fully booked even on the morning of departure, much less several days in advance. There's no guarantee, but the odds are against it.

Hi Logan <BR>Having travelled all around Germany and into Prague last month the only train I did not book a month ahead on (Prague to Dresden) was completely sold out when I tried to book 2 days in advance. Murphys law of course... If you can, I would strongly suggest booking ahead for peace of mind. You might be able to book online at www.bahn.de You also might be able to get a better deal for your ticket in the US via a travel agent Vs buying it in Germany. <BR>On part two of your question, not sure about overnight trains, but when I caught a day train we stopped each side of the boarder whilst Czech border police got on and checked our passports. My guess is that they will wake you on the train too. <BR>Happy Travels

We took the Krakow-Prague overnight train last year. At 1AM we had to present passports on both sides of the border.

I can't help you with the booking question, but I can help with the second. And rest assured the boarder patrol will wake you. I took overnight trains from Krakow to Prague and a Prague to Munich last summer, and on both trains the border patrol woke us up. The Polish side did not, the Czech side did. Then on the way to Munich, the Czech side did and the German side did. <BR> <BR>It is a great trip! Have fun!

Logan, <BR>I know it's a little cheaper to wait until you get to Europe to buy your 1st class sleeper--and it's easier to change dates if you need to--and you're PROBABLY safe in waiting, but as the other person said, if peace of mind is important to you, better buy in advance. <BR> <BR>There's no reason for the Czech border people to wake you in a 1st class sleeper when the car conductor takes your passport and ticket at all EU border crossings--but they probably will.

The train will probably be Czech and not as nice as Western Europe trains. You will be awakened for passport checks.Keep your door locked. <BR>You can buy tickets with a credit card from the Deutche Bahn web site - access via Rick Steves Through the Back Door Europe web site, there is no fee & the price is the same as buying there. <BR>Good Luck!

Sleepers across Europe conform to a pattern, and I find those in the Czech republic no different from those in neighbouring lands. They are not the luxury sleepers with private shower that you find on Spanish Hotel trains, Franco-Italian Excelsior coaches, and German Night Line trains, but they are pretty good. <BR> <BR>When the Czech Republic and Poland join the European Union I look forward to an uninterrupted night. But as things are, we stay in bed during checks, and they are brief. <BR> <BR>I have disc a note on getting g the best from sleepers: shall I e-mail you a copy ? <BR> <BR>Ben Haines <BR>

Logan, <BR> <BR>My wife and I did first class sleeper from Munich to Prague in May. <BR> <BR>1. The train car was not quite up to the standard of others that we have been on. <BR>2. We booked in advance and overpaid (we booked in advance because we travelled on a holiday - wasn't necessary and would not do that again) <BR>3. Even in first class you will have a brief interruption of your sleep for a passport check. <BR> <BR>Prague is a super city, have a great time.