European Sleeper Trains Make a Comeback

Traveling across Europe while you sleep is no longer a thing of the past. Over the last few years, a massive revival has swept the continent, bringing back classic overnight train routes and introducing brand-new connections. If you want to wake up in a new country without dealing with airport security lines, here is a look at the best new overnight rail routes and what you need to know to book them.

Why Night Trains Are Returning to Europe

For a long time, cheap budget airlines like Ryanair and EasyJet dominated European travel. Night trains were seen as slow and expensive, and many major operators retired their sleeper cars entirely. However, several factors have caused a massive shift back to overnight rail travel.

First, travelers are becoming more conscious of their carbon footprints. Taking a train instead of a plane drastically reduces greenhouse gas emissions. Second, governments are stepping in to support rail travel. France recently banned short-haul domestic flights where a train alternative of under two and a half hours exists.

Finally, the Austrian national railway, known as ÖBB, took a major risk. In 2016, when the German railway system sold off all its sleeper cars, ÖBB bought them up. They rebranded their service as Nightjet and proved that travelers still wanted to cross borders while they slept. Now, ÖBB is leading the charge with brand-new, modern trains, while private startups are launching routes of their own.

Top New and Revived Overnight Rail Routes

Whether you are planning a summer backpacking trip or a quick weekend getaway, you now have more options than ever. Here are the most exciting new sleeper train routes to consider.

Paris to Berlin (ÖBB Nightjet)

In December 2023, ÖBB Nightjet officially revived the direct overnight connection between Paris and Berlin. This route had been canceled nearly a decade earlier. The train leaves Paris Gare de l’Est in the evening and arrives at Berlin Hauptbahnhof the next morning, taking roughly 14 hours. It currently runs three times a week, making it incredibly easy to connect two of Europe’s most popular capital cities without a layover.

Brussels to Prague (European Sleeper)

European Sleeper is a Belgian-Dutch startup that calls itself the “Good Night Train.” They launched their first route from Brussels to Berlin in mid-2023. In March 2024, they expanded this exact route all the way to Prague. You can board the train in Brussels or Amsterdam in the evening, sleep through Germany, and arrive in the Czech Republic by mid-morning.

Munich to La Spezia (ÖBB Nightjet)

If you are trying to reach the Italian Riviera or the famous coastal villages of Cinque Terre, this route is incredibly convenient. The Nightjet departs Munich, Germany, passes through Austria and northern Italy, and travels down to Genoa and La Spezia. Getting off at La Spezia puts you right at the gateway to Cinque Terre.

Paris to Aurillac (SNCF)

The French national railway, SNCF, is also reviving its domestic overnight routes. In December 2023, they brought back the night train from Paris to Aurillac. This provides a slow, scenic, and practical way to reach the Cantal region in south-central France, bypassing the need to rent a car from a major city.

What to Expect Onboard Modern Sleeper Trains

If you picture a cramped, dusty train car from an old spy movie, you will be surprised by modern sleeper trains. Operators like ÖBB have heavily upgraded their fleets. When booking a ticket, you generally have three classes of service to choose from.

• Standard Seats: This is the cheapest option, often starting around 30 euros. You get a standard train seat. It is budget-friendly but rarely provides a good night of sleep.
• Couchettes: These are shared compartments that sleep four to six people on bunk beds. They usually cost between 50 and 90 euros. You are provided with a sheet, blanket, and pillow. Couchettes are perfect for families or groups of friends traveling together.
• Sleeper Cabins: This is the premium option. Sleeper cabins accommodate one to three people and feature proper beds. Most modern sleeper cabins include a private washbasin, and deluxe cabins include a private toilet and shower. Prices often start around 120 euros and can exceed 200 euros depending on the route.

Additionally, ÖBB introduced a brand-new train design in late 2023 that includes “Mini Cabins.” These are single-person sleeping pods stacked on top of one another. They offer privacy for solo travelers without the high price tag of a full sleeper cabin. They feature wireless charging, reading lights, and a sliding door.

How to Book European Night Trains

Booking night trains requires a bit more planning than buying a standard daytime rail ticket. Because of their surging popularity, sleeper trains sell out very fast.

You should aim to book your tickets as soon as they become available. For European Sleeper, tickets go on sale several months in advance on their official website. For Nightjet routes, tickets generally open up up to 180 days before departure on the ÖBB website. You can also use aggregator sites like Trainline or Omio to compare schedules, but booking directly with the operator usually gets you the best price and customer support.

If you are traveling with a Eurail or Interrail pass, your pass covers the cost of the journey itself. However, you are still required to pay a reservation fee for a bed. A couchette reservation typically costs around 35 euros, while a private sleeper cabin reservation can cost 50 to 100 euros on top of your pass.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are European sleeper trains expensive? They can be, but it depends on when you book and what cabin class you choose. A seat or a shared couchette is very affordable. When you factor in that the train ticket replaces the cost of a hotel room for the night, a 90-euro couchette ticket becomes a very cost-effective way to travel.

Are night trains safe? Yes. Sleeper compartments and couchettes can be locked from the inside. Conductors are present in the train cars throughout the night. If you are a solo female traveler, many operators offer women-only couchette compartments.

Do sleeper trains have showers? Deluxe sleeper cabins have small en-suite showers. If you are staying in a couchette or a standard sleeper cabin, there are shared bathrooms and sometimes shared showers at the end of the train car. It is highly recommended to bring a small travel towel and flip-flops if you plan to use the shared facilities.