I bunked with 3 strangers in a shared cabin on an overnight train in Europe. I'll never do it again.

My journey began in Austria's Wien Meidling train station.

I arrived about an hour and a half before my 9:35 p.m. train so I'd have plenty of time to find the platform.

The departure screens said my train was going to Zurich. At the information desk, I learned that, unlike Amtrak, the train's cars detach at various stations to go to different locations.

I'd need to board my assigned train car; each has a number.

I went to the platform about 20 minutes before my train's 9:35 p.m. departure.

When the train arrived, I didn't have time to check the car number before boarding. I just went to the closest car and asked an attendant for help.

My room had six bunks and a large window with a curtain. During my leg of the journey, one traveler was already there when I boarded, and two others arrived within an hour.

Two got off around 5 a.m., and the other stayed past my stop.

At 74 square feet, it felt like a tight space — especially with everyone's luggage around. There was space for bags above the beds, but not enough for everyone.

I couldn't imagine six people squeezing in there.

While my cabin was assigned, the beds were first-come, first-served.

Since I've experienced more bumps on higher bunks on Amtrak trains, I chose a bottom bunk.

The train provided bed sheets and a pillow.

Although they weren't as soft and cozy as the sheets on Amtrak trains, they were better than nothing.

Temperature and shared lighting controls were above the curtained door to enter the room.

My fellow passengers and I agreed to turn off the lights once everyone was settled into bed.

There was an outlet and a tiny nightstand on the side of each bunk, as well as night lights above the bed. Without curtains around each bunk, I thought I had no privacy.

I longed for a way to close off my bunk for more personal space.

Other passengers in the room said hello to one another upon arrival, but otherwise, the room was quiet.

Some of us watched our devices, while others went right to sleep.

Before bed, I used one of the two bathrooms for everyone in my sleeper car. I thought it was a typical train bathroom with a toilet and a sink.

According to Nightjet's website, only private sleeper cabins come with a shower.

When I was ready for bed, I watched TV before going to sleep. The bed was stiff and uncomfortable, in my opinion.

I woke up several times during the night to other travelers entering and exiting the room, or due to the bumpiness of the train.

An attendant woke me up with breakfast at 8 a.m., about 20 minutes before my stop in Venice. I got two rolls of bread with butter, jam, and coffee to eat in my bunk.

There was no café car or common area on board for passengers.