Night trains in Europe: the routes worth booking this year
Which sleeper trains are comfortable enough to replace a flight, what a cabin really costs and how to book the good routes before they sell out.
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A sleeper train replaces a flight, a hotel night and the airport transfers in one ticket. Whether it is a good deal depends entirely on the route and the rolling stock, so here is how the ones we have taken compare.
The routes we would book again
Route | Operator | Duration | Cabin from | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Vienna to Venice | ÖBB Nightjet | 11 h | €99 couchette | New carriages, arrives at 8 a.m., ideal |
Paris to Vienna | ÖBB Nightjet | 14 h | €89 couchette | Three nights a week, book early |
Stockholm to Hamburg | SJ EuroNight | 12 h | €120 couchette | Comfortable, often cheaper than flying with bags |
Amsterdam to Zurich | ÖBB Nightjet | 12 h | €99 couchette | Fine; take the single sleeper if you can |
Lisbon to Madrid | n/a | Not running; take the day train via Badajoz or fly |
Couchette, sleeper or seat
A seat is a bad night's sleep for a small saving. A couchette is a bunk in a four or six-berth compartment with a blanket and a pillow; fine for one night if you sleep easily. A sleeper has a mattress, a basin and breakfast and is where the price starts to rival a hotel. Book the whole compartment if there are two or three of you; it is often barely more than two separate berths.
Nobody regrets paying for the sleeper. Plenty of people regret the seat.
How to book
Tickets open 180 days out on ÖBB and about 90 days on most other operators. The cheapest fares go first; a Friday couchette in summer sells out weeks ahead. Aggregators search several operators at once, which helps when the journey crosses two countries.
Luggage and bikes
There is no weight limit and no check-in. Bikes need a reservation and are only carried on some trains, so check before you plan a cycling trip around one.
Are night trains safe?
Yes. Compartments lock from the inside and the attendant holds your passport only where border checks require it.
Can I bring food?
Yes, and you should. Dining cars are rare and the trolley is basic.
What happens if the train is late?
Delays of an hour or two are common on long routes. Leave a buffer before any onward flight or connection.
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Trip planners
A small team based in Europe, travelling on ordinary holiday allowances and writing down what we would do differently next time. Replace this bio with your own in Admin → Authors.
