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AbstractThe definition of a good indoor climate is important to the success of a passenger rail coach, not only because it will decide its energy consumption and thus influence its sustainability but also because good comfort for long journeys is essential. A survey in a coach investigating the thermal and air quality environment was undertaken. The intention is to use the results to optimise the control of the ventilation system to provide an indoor climate that passengers will find comfortable. Field surveys were carried out in long–haul rail sleeper cars in China under real travelling conditions. In this study, seven main parameters were surveyed, including thermal comfort, relative humidity, air quality level, clothing, and environmental preference, etc. Returned questionnaires, 91 in total, reported responses to the environment within the coach. The majority of subjects reported that the air quality in the coach was average or good, and most of them voted the air environment to be acceptable. Most passengers could smell some odour in the coach, but it was not strong. The results of this study show that outdoor air ventilation, temperature, humidity and clothing are major factors that influence passengers’ thermal comfort.