Get from one European metropolis to the next in your sleep – without stress when checking in at Airports, baggage checks and cramped seats on the plane. Travelling by night train is currently making a comeback in Europe. After all, night trains allow you to use your travel time efficiently by sleeping comfortably while the train travels the distance to your holiday destination. This way we reach our destination well rested, save ourselves a night in the Hotel and can enjoy the whole day on site.

But travelling by night train is not only comfortable, but also sustainable. According to a Study of the railway network “Back on Track” Night trains are 28 times less CO²Emissions per kilometer than an airplane on a comparable route. If air traffic in Europe were to be shifted to an efficient night train network, three percent of the total CO²-Emissions of the European Union After all, air traffic currently accounts for around 5 percent of CO²emissions in the EU. It is therefore worth taking a closer look at the new old way of travelling.

Night train providers in Europe

There are several operators of night train connections in Europe that serve an extensive route network. We will introduce you to five big players in the Sleep Train sector below:

1. ÖBB Nightjet (Austrian Federal Railways)

The ÖBB Nightjet is one of the best-known night train providers in Europe with a modern fleet. With an extensive network, it connects cities such as Vienna, Berlin, Zurich, Rome, Hamburg, Amsterdam and many more. Top: A small breakfast is included in the sleeping car and private compartments with their own bathroom can be booked. Even towels and toiletries such as slippers and earplugs are provided so that the journey feels like a hotel.

Travel classes:

• Sleeping car: Comfortable compartments with beds for one to three people, some with private bathrooms. Ideal for those who value privacy and convenience.
• Couchette & Mini Cabin: Cheaper alternative with berths for four to six people per compartment.
• Seating car: The most affordable option with seats that recline. Less comfortable but ideal for budget travellers. Groups or families can book a private compartment for more privacy.

Source & Copyright by ÖBB

2. EuroNight

EuroNight trains mainly connect cities in Central and Eastern Europe, such as Prague, Budapest, Vienna, Warsaw and Belgrade. The journeys are carried out in cooperation between Croatian Railway, Czech Railway, Hungarian Railway, Polish Railway, Slovakian Railway as well as Deutsche Bahn, Austrian Federal Railways and Swiss Federal Railways. The network offers an excellent opportunity to explore Eastern Europe. Here too, breakfast is served in the sleeping car.

Travel classes:

• Sleeping car: High-quality compartments for one to three people with their own washbasin and, for an additional charge, toilet and shower.
• Couchette: Compartments for four and six people with free mineral water and toiletries.
• Seating car: Standard seating compartments for six people or open-plan carriages for travelers on a smaller budget.

Source & Copyright by SBB

3. Trenitalia Intercity Night

Italy is a real night train country. Whether from Milan to Palermo or from Turin to Lecce - there are numerous connections that take travelers from the north to the south and vice versa overnight. In cooperation with the ÖBB, cross-border connections to Germany and Austria are also offered. A small breakfast is included in the price of the sleeping and couchette cars.

Travel classes:

• Sleeping car: Comfortable compartments for one to three people, some with private bathroom and shower.
• Couchette: Four and six-bed compartments for groups or families.
• Seating car: The most cost-effective option with adjustable seats.

Source & Copyright by Trenitalia

4. SJ EuroNight (Swedish State Railways)

The Swedish SJ EuroNight trains connect cities in Sweden with Germany, Denmark and Norway. Popular routes include Stockholm–Berlin and Malmö–Hamburg. Travelers in the sleeping car have the option of a private bathroom with shower and toilet. They can also look forward to a small breakfast before arriving at the destination station.

Travel classes:

• Sleeping car: Premium compartments with private bathroom and shower, as well as standard compartments with shared sanitary facilities.
• Couchette: Compartments for up to six people – ideal for families and groups.
• Seating car: Basic option in the compartment for up to six people with adjustable seats.

Source & Copyright by SJ

5. INTERCITÉS de Nuit (French National Railways)

The INTERCITÉS de Nuit, the night trains of the French national railway SNCF, connect important cities and regions such as Paris, Toulouse, Marseille, Nice, Tarbes, and Hendaye. The connections from Paris to the south and southwest are particularly popular France, making it a perfect choice for trips to the Mediterranean or the Pyrenees. In couchette and sleeping cars, travelers receive free Amenity kits and mineral water. Showers are available for first class travelers at some of the destination stations. The train also offers bicycle enthusiasts the opportunity to take their bikes with them.

Travel classes:

• Sleeping car: Compartments with beds for one to four people with the option to book a private compartment.
• Couchette: Cheaper option with berths for four to six people.
• Seating car: The simplest and cheapest option with standard seating.

Source & Copyright by SNCF

Glamour on the tracks

If you are looking for a luxury liner instead of a regular train, the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express is a dream on rails. Nostalgia, first-class service and opulent comfort merge on board to create a unique travel experience. The Orient-Express connects some of the most beautiful cities on the European continent, including London, Paris, Venice, Vienna, Prague and Istanbul.

The train is much more than just a means of transport. The suites and services are like those of a luxury hotel with all amenities. The train's dining cars are also real gems that reflect the Art Deco style of the 1920s. Magnificent dinners are served here, just like you see in old films. A train journey couldn't be more glamorous!

Source & Copyright by Venice Simplon Orient Express

Europe's dream routes by night train

We have curated five night train connections for you that allow you to explore Europe's most beautiful metropolises in a particularly relaxed way:

1. Vienna – Brussels: From the mountains to the capital of Europe

The Nightjet of the Austrian Federal Railways takes travelers from Vienna to Brussels in around 15 hours. While we can explore the famous coffee houses and monumental buildings in the magnificent imperial city, the European capital attracts with an exciting mix of historical and modern architecture and, of course, the headquarters of European politics. Traveling in a private compartment with its own bathroom is particularly comfortable and breakfast on the train ensures the perfect start to the day.

3. Stockholm – Berlin: Hyggelig cosiness meets big city flair

The SJ EuroNight connects Stockholm with Berlin in an overnight journey of around 17 hours. If you book a private compartment in a sleeping car with your own toilet and shower, you will arrive particularly relaxed. A delicious breakfast is also served here to start the day. Travelers can look forward to cozy cafes and the historic old town in the Swedish capital. In vibrant Berlin there are trendy districts and historic sights to discover.

4. Zurich – Prague: Through the Alps to the Golden City

With the Nightjet from Zurich to Prague, travelers experience an impressive night trip through the Alps and picturesque Bohemia. It starts in the tranquil Swiss metropolis on the legendary Lake Zurich. After about 15 hours, you reach the Czech capital, known for its beautiful old town and rich history. The route offers the perfect opportunity to enjoy the breathtaking landscapes of Central Europe from the window until the sun goes down and you make yourself comfortable in your mobile bed.

5. Milan – Palermo: From the fashion metropolis to the island

Travelers can explore Bella Italia with the Trenitalia Intercity Notte. The night train takes us from the cultural, media and fashion metropolis in the north across the country to the capital of Sicily in around 20 hours. Before arriving on the island early in the morning, a small breakfast is served so that we are strengthened for the first tour of exploration. Palermo impresses with its historical buildings, cultural diversity and of course the surrounding beaches.

Conclusion: Travelling by night train – sustainable and comfortable

Whether we want to cross the Alps, traverse the Scandinavian forests or discover the shores of the Mediterranean, night trains offer a unique and environmentally friendly way to travel, where the journey is just as beautiful as the destination. The night train network in Europe offers a wide range of travel options for all types of travelers - from price-conscious adventurers to luxury travelers who do not want to forego the highest level of comfort. Train travelers not only arrive at their vacation destination well-rested and relaxed, but also save on their CO2 budget.