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Question

Seat reservation on Night Riviera Sleeper

  • April 10, 2026
  • 3 replies
  • 16 views

Hi fellow travelers,

 

I am seeking your advise on a sleeper train situation. I want to travel from Penzance to London on 21/08/2026 and catch a Eurostar to Paris on the morning after. 

 

Now, my problem is that you apparently cannot reserve a seat for the Night Riviera Sleeper from Penzance to London because it's "a counted place booking" which means that I "will be able to sit in any available seat while on board", according to the Great Western Railway Support.

 

To make extra sure, I called them and asked and they were able to issue me a reservation that only says "Counted Place". When I asked, the lady on the phone confirmed, that I could be early at the station to catch a seat.

I am quite anxious that I will arrive at the station and the train will be full and I would have no accommodation for the night and a Eurostar to catch in the morning. Especially because I am travelling in peak season.

 

Is there anybody with experience on that particular train who could advise me the best way to ensure myself a seat?

 

Best regards and thank you in advance.

3 replies

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  • Railmaster
  • April 10, 2026

You can get a reservation for such a counted place on the TPE website.

As always, instructions on Seat61.


ralderton
Railmaster
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  • Railmaster
  • April 10, 2026

This sleeper is an absolute pain to book, unfortunately. You will get different answers from GWR customer support depending on who answers the phone.

I have managed to make reservations at the station, but it took a lot of perseverance and a willing agent to do it.

I’ve got no idea about how busy the seated cars will be, although boarding at Penzance will be the best place to do it.

I would call back or visit a station ticket office if you want to be absolutely sure of a specific seat.


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  • Full steam ahead
  • April 10, 2026

If counted place reservations are offered then there are no seat specific reservations available, get one of these if you want but otherwise don’t panic.

While the sleeper cabins are very popular and often sold out the seats are rarely full, often it’s pretty quiet.

Be warned, the seats are not very comfortable, especially for trying to sleep.