Bedplaats

Bedplaats is a Dutch term that refers to a sleeping place or bed space allocated to a person within a shared sleeping environment. The concept emphasizes the assignment of a specific bed rather than the room or compartment as a whole. Bedplaatsen can occur in various settings, including transportation, hostels, ships, and shelters.

In rail and passenger transport, bedplaatsen are commonly used to describe beds in sleeper or couchette compartments. Passengers reserve individual beds within a compartment or wagon, and the price and availability are typically handled per bed rather than per cabin. The level of privacy and the amenities provided can vary by service, ranging from basic bunks to more compartmentalized arrangements with curtains or partitions.

Beyond trains, bedplaatsen are also used in hostels, dormitories, and other shared accommodations. In these contexts a bedplaats usually denotes a single bed within a larger room or dormitory. Bedding, linens, and sometimes privacy features are determined by the facility’s standards. The term may also appear in shelters or workers’ housing where multiple beds are provided for residents or temporary workers.

Etymologically, bedplaats is a compound of bed and plaats (place). In English, the closest equivalents are “bed space” or “berth,” depending on the setting. The term is primarily used in Dutch-speaking regions and in sectors such as rail travel and affordable accommodations.