Emma stood on the platform, watching the night train slowly approach. She had always dreamed of traveling across Europe by train. Tonight, her dream was finally becoming reality. The train arrived from Vienna and would continue to Paris. Emma checked her ticket one more time to confirm her sleeping compartment number. She was in car number seven, compartment twelve. A conductor in a dark blue uniform helped passengers board the train. Emma found her compartment and slid the door open. Inside, there was a small bed with clean white sheets and a fluffy pillow. A small window showed the platform and the people saying goodbye to their loved ones. Emma placed her suitcase on the rack above the bed. She felt excited and a little nervous at the same time. This was her first time traveling alone. A whistle blew, and the train started to move. Emma watched as the station slowly disappeared behind her. The lights of the city grew smaller and smaller. Soon, they were traveling through the dark countryside. Emma decided to explore the train before going to sleep. She walked down the narrow corridor, passing other compartments. The train swayed gently from side to side as it moved along the tracks. She found the dining car at the end of her carriage. The dining car was warm and cozy, with small tables covered in white tablecloths. A few passengers were sitting at the tables, drinking coffee and talking quietly. Emma ordered a cup of hot chocolate and sat by the window. She watched the moon shining over the sleeping villages below. An elderly man with kind eyes sat down across from her. 'Is this your first night train journey?' he asked with a warm smile. 'Yes, I am traveling to Paris to visit my grandmother,' Emma replied. The man nodded thoughtfully. 'I have taken this train hundreds of times over the years,' he said. 'There is something magical about traveling through the night while the world sleeps.' Emma smiled and agreed. The man told her stories about his travels across Europe. He had visited almost every country and had many wonderful memories. After an hour, Emma thanked him for the lovely conversation and returned to her compartment. The bed looked very inviting after such a long day. She changed into her pajamas and climbed under the warm blanket. The rhythmic sound of the train on the tracks was very soothing. Emma fell asleep quickly, dreaming of Paris and her grandmother. In the middle of the night, she woke up briefly when the train stopped at a station. She heard voices outside and saw new passengers boarding. The station sign read Munich, which meant they had crossed into Germany. Emma smiled sleepily and soon drifted back to sleep. When she woke up again, the morning light was streaming through the window. The train was now passing through beautiful green countryside. Rolling hills stretched as far as the eye could see. Emma got dressed and went to the dining car for breakfast. She ordered fresh croissants, orange juice, and coffee. The food was delicious, and Emma enjoyed watching the landscape while she ate. The conductor came by to check tickets and announced they would arrive in Paris in two hours. Emma felt a mixture of excitement and sadness. She was excited to see her grandmother but sad that her journey was almost over. She returned to her compartment to pack her belongings. The train began to slow down as they approached the outskirts of Paris. Emma could see apartment buildings and busy streets through the window. The Eiffel Tower appeared in the distance, and Emma's heart skipped a beat. She had seen it in so many photographs, but seeing it in person was breathtaking. The train pulled into Gare de l'Est station. Emma grabbed her suitcase and stepped onto the platform. The station was enormous, with high glass ceilings and crowds of people everywhere. Emma looked around, searching for her grandmother's familiar face. Suddenly, she heard someone calling her name. 'Emma! Over here!' her grandmother shouted, waving enthusiastically. Emma ran towards her grandmother and hugged her tightly. 'I am so happy you are here,' her grandmother said, her eyes filled with joy. 'The night train journey was wonderful, Grandma,' Emma replied with a smile. 'I cannot wait to tell you all about it.' Her grandmother took her hand, and together they walked out of the station. The streets of Paris were already busy with morning traffic. The smell of fresh bread came from a nearby bakery. 'Shall we stop for breakfast?' her grandmother asked. 'I already ate on the train, but I would love to try a French pastry,' Emma said. They entered the bakery, and Emma chose a beautiful chocolate éclair. As she took her first bite, she knew this trip had been a perfect adventure. The night train had brought her safely to Paris, and many more adventures were waiting.
English Story (B1)The Night Train
This B1 English story is designed for intermediates learning English. It includes simple vocabulary and short sentences to help you improve your reading and listening skills. Click any word to see translations and hear pronunciation.
About this story
Emma takes her first solo journey on a night train from Vienna to Paris to visit her grandmother. During the overnight trip, she explores the dining car, meets a friendly elderly traveler who shares stories of his European adventures, and watches the beautiful landscapes pass by. After a peaceful night's sleep, she arrives at Gare de l'Est where her grandmother warmly welcomes her, and they share a French pastry at a nearby bakery.
Translations in English
Linked wordUnderlined wordOther words
Comprehension Questions
4 questions
1
Where did the night train come from, and where was it going?
2
What did Emma order in the dining car?
3
What did Emma see on the station sign when she briefly woke up during the night?
4
What was the first thing Emma did when she arrived at Gare de l'Est station in Paris?
Vocabulary
40 words from this story
