Where to Travel by Night Train in Europe? The Best Routes!

Night trains are making a grand comeback in Europe, driven not only by a growing demand for slow tourism and sustainable transport, but also by the desire for escape and adventure. The magical experience offered by these trains is undeniably special - you can watch the sun set, letting yourself be rocked to sleep by the motion of the train. Then wake up on the other side of Europe, with views of wild landscapes or historic cities!

Dreaming of exploring Europe by train? Here's our selection of the 8 best night train journeys in Europe.

1. Paris – Vienna (Nightjet)

With ÖBB’s Nightjets, Vienna has become a true hub for night trains. Among the many routes available, the Paris – Vienna night train is one of the most iconic in Europe. Departing from Paris Gare de l'Est in the early evening, you cross much of Central Europe and arrive the next morning in the Austrian capital. On the agenda: stroll along the Danube, enjoy a Viennese coffee break, and spend an evening at the opera.

This night train offers several departures per week, departing around 7.30pm from Paris and arriving at 10am at Vienna’s central station. It provides three levels of comfort:

• Seated ticket for budget travelers in 6‑person compartments, with shared toilets, bathrooms and paid catering.
• Couchette compartment (4 to 6 people), lockable from the inside, with bedding and breakfast included.
• Private cabin (standard and deluxe) with bedding, toiletries, wake‑up service and à la carte breakfast included.

2. Munich – Rome (new generation Nightjet)

Launched in 2023, the brand-new Nightjets have redefined night train comfort. Perfect for those seeking a cozy overnight journey at a reasonable price, the train offers:

• Sleek, modern cabins (including mini-cabins for solo travelers wanting privacy).
• Smart use of space.
• Private toilets and showers in sleeper cars.

Among our favorites is the route between Germany and Italy. Departing Munich in the evening, you travel through the Alps and Northern Italy to arrive in Rome at sunrise. It’s a magical experience that blends comfort and rail adventure.

3. London – Edinburgh (Caledonian Sleeper)

A journey through the Scottish Highlands aboard the Caledonian Sleeper is more than just a train ride — it's a legendary experience! This iconic train links London to Scotland every night and offers four levels of comfort:

• Seated ticket with reclining seats.
• Bunk-bed cabin with room service.
• Bunk-bed cabin with private bathroom and room service.
• Double bed cabin with private bathroom and room service.

Departing from London, the Caledonian Sleeper offers a unique journey. Upon arrival in Edinburgh, you’re greeted by the lush central lowlands bathed in morning light. Cozy cabins and onboard catering with local specialties ensure your journey is not only comfortable, but memorable.

4. Brussels – Prague (European Sleeper)

The European Sleeper offers a fantastic journey between Belgium and the Czech Republic. Departing Brussels in the evening, you travel through the Netherlands and Germany before waking up in the fairytale setting of Prague. After a restful night onboard, you’re ready to explore the cobbled streets and architectural wonders of the Czech capital.

Cabins are simple but comfortable, with three levels of service:

• Seated ticket in a 6-person compartment for tight budgets.
• Standard or comfort couchette ("women only" option available) with bedding and a washbasin.
• Sleeper car with up to 3 beds, bedding, washbasin, and breakfast included.

5. Milan – Palermo (Intercity Notte)

Looking for an unforgettable train ride? The Milan – Palermo night train offers a unique experience: to cross the Strait of Messina, the train is loaded onto a ferry! Yes, you sail across the sea without leaving your cabin — which is a rare railway gem in Europe.

Waking up in the Sicilian landscape before diving into Palermo's vibrant culture, history and architecture is pure joy. The train offers four levels of comfort:

• Seated ticket.
• 4-person couchette with travel kit and breakfast included.
• Deluxe cabin (1-3 people) with travel kit and breakfast.
• Excelsior cabin with private bathroom and shower.

6. Stockholm – Abisko (Arctic Circle Train)

Craving a trip to the far north? The night train from Stockholm to Abisko (250km north of the Arctic Circle) is one of Europe’s most breathtaking routes, especially in winter. It takes you straight into the heart of aurora borealis country where you can admire snowy forests, frozen lakes and magical Lapland landscapes.

It’s hard to sleep when the views are this mesmerizing, but the train still offers various comfort levels:

• Seated ticket for budget travel.
• 6-person couchette compartment.
• Sleeper car (1-3 people) with shared shower access.
• First-class compartment (1-2 people) with private shower.

7. Bucharest – Istanbul (Bosphorus Express)

Dreaming of a storybook rail adventure? Following in the footsteps of the Orient Express, the Bosphorus Express takes you from Bucharest to Istanbul in one night. You cross Romania and Bulgaria before reaching Turkey — which is a beautiful way to discover the Balkans by train.

Though more rustic than Western European trains, the experience is authentic and immersive. Comfort levels include:

• 4- or 6-bed couchette.
• 3-bed cabin.
• 2-bed cabin.
• Single cabin.

8. Brussels – Venice (European Sleeper)

Another unforgettable journey with European Sleeper: the route from Brussels to Venice takes you through Belgium, Germany, Austria, and Northern Italy. Departing around 6pm, you arrive in Venice by 3pm the next day — leaving plenty of time to enjoy the views. A dining car offers dinner and breakfast with Alpine vistas.

Comfort options include:

• Seated ticket in 6-person compartment.
• Couchette (5 or 6 people): standard or comfort, with washbasin and bedding, including a women-only option.
• Sleeper car (up to 3 beds) with washbasin, bedding, and breakfast.

What if we brought back the golden age of train travel?

Whether you're into romantic journeys, you’re seeking adventure, or you’re looking to reduce the carbon footprint of your travels, the night train offers a unique way to explore Europe with several advantages:

• Optimized travel time: by traveling overnight, you arrive at your destination in the early morning, rested and ready to explore without losing a day to transport. Plus, the train has the advantage of taking you from city center to city center (no extra transfers needed upon arrival)!
• One less hotel night to pay for: the night train also lets you save on one night's accommodation (unless you plan a home swap via HomeExchange, of course)!
• A comfortable journey: depending on your budget and preferences, different levels of comfort are available.
• A more sustainable option: train travel is by far the most eco-friendly mode of transport, especially when compared to flying.

So close your eyes in Paris, London, or Stockholm… and open them in Vienna, Edinburgh, or even Abisko. Ready to hop on board?