For a meal on the train, start by deciding when you’ll make your coffee and what machine you have available. Beans require equipment for grinding and brewing, while capsules and pods need to match the machine’s exact system. A portion that’s easy to carry won’t make coffee on board by itself; if you can’t rely on a machine, water or a suitable power supply, make your drink before you set off.
If you plan to make your coffee at your destination or somewhere else with a machine, look for the words ‘compatible with Nespresso® Original’ on the box. The word ‘capsule’ on its own won’t tell you whether it’s the right system.
If you’d like to enjoy coffee with your meal without using a machine on board, make it before you leave and choose a container that’s suitable for travelling. SNCF Voyageurs says that not all its trains have power sockets.
A reusable capsule could suit you if you’re happy to fill it before your journey. Malongo says its Caps’me capsules require separate lids and aren’t compatible with Nespresso Vertuo machines.
For coffee to enjoy with a meal on the train, first decide whether you’ll make it before setting off, on board or at your destination. Then check the machine’s system before choosing beans, capsules or pods.
| What to consider | What to check | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Machine compatibility | Check the exact system on your machine and look for it on the packaging. Nespresso® Original, Vertuo, A Modo Mio and pod systems aren’t interchangeable. | I want to use the machine available without buying a box that won’t fit. Around 45% of consumers would make compatibility their top priority. |
| Making coffee during the journey | Check that a machine, water and a suitable power supply will be available before planning to make coffee on board. Otherwise, prepare it before you leave. | I’d rather have a drink ready to go with my meal than rely on the train’s facilities; around 33% of consumers would prioritise this independence. |
| Type of coffee product | If you’re considering a reusable option, check what accessories you’ll need and how to fill it. For decaffeinated coffee, choose a product clearly labelled as decaffeinated and compatible with your machine. | I’m happy to prepare my portions in advance, or I specifically want decaffeinated coffee with this meal. The type of coffee product would be the top priority for around 22% of consumers. |
Compatibility with Nespresso® Original doesn’t mean a capsule will work with Vertuo, A Modo Mio or a pod machine. Malongo, for example, says its reusable Caps’me capsules aren’t compatible with Vertuo.
Make a note of your machine model before buying and compare it with the information on the box.
Choosing the wrong system could leave you with portions that won’t work in the machine you planned to use.
You’ll still need a machine and water to use a capsule, as well as electricity for some machines. SNCF Voyageurs says that not all its trains have power sockets.
Check the facilities on your train and the requirements of your machine. If you can’t rely on being able to make coffee on board, prepare it before you set off.
Malongo’s Caps’me capsules require ground coffee, filling and separate lids. They’re not listed as compatible with Nespresso Vertuo.
Fill the capsule before your journey and make sure you have the right lids.
These brands offer different systems and formats. Their inclusion here doesn’t mean that every product they sell will work with your machine.
Lavazza offers capsules for several systems, including products compatible with Nespresso® Original and its A Modo Mio range.
Malongo offers pods for its 1,2,3 Spresso system, as well as Caps’me reusable capsules designed for other machines.
Joybuy France lists a 30-capsule Carte Noire product as compatible with Nespresso® Original machines.
Carrefour France lists a Carrefour Sélection decaffeinated coffee product that’s marked as compatible with Nespresso® machines.
E.Leclerc lists Plantation capsules that are marked as compatible with Dolce Gusto machines.
These portions are designed for machines listed as compatible with Nespresso, the Lavazza A Modo Mio system or a Senseo machine. Consider them if you can make coffee using the corresponding machine before setting off or at your destination. If you plan to make coffee on board, check the facilities available for your journey first.
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Consider these for individual portions if you have a machine that matches the stated compatibility. Check its exact system before buying, particularly whether it’s Nespresso® Original or Vertuo.
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Choose these if you have access to a Lavazza A Modo Mio machine to make your coffee. Lavazza says this system doesn’t accept capsules designed for Nespresso® Original.
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Worth considering if you’re looking for Lavazza capsules for a Nespresso machine. Before buying, check that the compatibility stated for the product matches your machine’s exact system.
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Consider these if you’re looking for Ristretto portions and have a machine that matches the stated compatibility. Check your machine’s exact system and settings if you want to make a ristretto.
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Consider these pods if your machine uses the Senseo system, rather than Nespresso or A Modo Mio capsules. If the pod material matters to you, check this information on the packaging.
Don’t assume they will: compatibility with Nespresso® Original doesn’t mean a capsule will work with Vertuo. Malongo specifically says its reusable Caps’me capsules aren’t compatible with Vertuo. Always check the compatibility information for your machine model.
No. Lavazza says its A Modo Mio capsules work only with Lavazza machines that use this system. For a Nespresso® Original machine, choose a product explicitly listed as compatible with this format.
No. Don’t assume there’ll be a power socket: SNCF Voyageurs says that not all its trains have them. Check the facilities available for your journey and your machine’s requirements. A power socket won’t replace the machine and water you need to make coffee.
No. Beans require equipment for grinding and a suitable brewing method. If you only have a capsule or pod machine, choose a coffee product designed for its system. If you use beans, you can also make your coffee before boarding the train.