…what they’re like, what to expect and how they work. So to answer a few of the most common queries we get about this subject, we made a handy vlog! Check out Catherine’s guide.
Some of our trips include night trains as standard, but they can always be removed or sometimes especially added in – just use the custom trip builder to get in touch with us!
Keep on reading for a detailed Europe Night Trains guide!
European night trains, also known as sleeper trains, are specially designed railway services that operate overnight between major cities across the continent. Unlike standard day trains, these services feature sleeping accommodations ranging from basic reclining seats to luxurious private cabins with en-suite bathrooms.
They typically depart in the evening (usually after 7 PM) and arrive at your destination the following morning, allowing you to cover long distances while you sleep.
In short: board the train in one city as the sun sets, settle into your sleeping berth, and wake up refreshed in an entirely different destination, sometimes even in a different country.
One of the most important decisions when booking Europe night trains is choosing your accommodation type. Here’s a detailed breakdown of what’s available:
The most budget-friendly option on European night trains is a standard seat in a regular train carriage. While this is the cheapest way to travel overnight, sitting upright all night can be uncomfortable and doesn’t provide proper sleep, making it difficult to enjoy your destination the next day, this is why we always offer shared couchettes as the basic option for all travellers. However, if you’d like to go for seats, get in touch and we can discuss your options.
Some trains offer airline-style reclining seats, which provide slightly more comfort, but this option is best suited for shorter journeys or very budget-conscious travellers.
Couchettes offer simple overnight accommodation with bunks in compartments that sleep four to six people, provided with a pillow and blanket. Think of them as the train equivalent of a hostel dorm.
Insider Tip: The top bunk offers more privacy and luggage space but can be hotter and slightly shorter, while the bottom bunk is easier to access but closest to door traffic.
Sleepers provide the most comfortable way to travel, featuring comfortable berths, washbasins, towels, and toiletries. These can accommodate one to four passengers and offer genuine privacy. What you will get depends on the train provider but you can get an idea below.
For travellers seeking maximum comfort, deluxe sleeper compartments on select Europe night trains feature private showers and toilets right within the cabin. This premium option transforms your journey into a truly luxurious experience. These usually sell out well in advance so they may not always be available for your journey.
Night trains allow you to travel while you sleep, so you won’t lose a day of exploration time to transportation, and you’ll arrive at your destination ready to explore. Instead of spending precious daylight hours in transit, you can wake up refreshed in a new city and start sightseeing immediately.
Your train ticket serves double duty as both transport and accommodation, eliminating the cost of a hotel night. When you factor in accommodation savings, Europe night trains often prove more economical than flying, especially when considering the hidden costs of getting to and from airports.
Train travel produces just 0.4% of the EU’s transportation-related greenhouse gas emissions, compared to 85% from cars and planes. Rail travel emits approximately 14 grams of CO2 per kilometer per passenger, compared to 285 grams for airplanes. Choosing Europe night trains is one of the most environmentally responsible ways to explore the continent.
Unlike airports, train stations are typically located in or near city centres, allowing you to arrive right in the heart of your destination without lengthy transfers. There’s no security screening, no baggage weight limits, and no need to arrive hours early.
There’s something inherently romantic about falling asleep as one city fades behind you and waking to a new skyline at dawn. The gentle rocking of the train, the rhythmic sound of wheels on tracks, and the opportunity to meet fellow travellers create memories that last long after your journey ends.
Unlike air travel with its strict baggage restrictions, night trains allow you to bring as much luggage as you can carry aboard without weight limits or extra fees. Simply store your bags in your compartment—there’s space under beds, on racks, and above the door.
The constant motion and noise from the train can make it difficult for some people to sleep well, especially light sleepers who aren’t used to sleeping in moving vehicles. The quality of rest depends heavily on your accommodation choice, with seated options offering virtually no proper sleep and private cabins providing the best rest.
Solution: Bring earplugs and an eye mask, and consider upgrading to a private sleeper if you’re a light sleeper.
Most Europe night trains arrive early in the morning, often before standard hotel check-in times, which can mean waiting several hours if you haven’t made advance arrangements. This can be particularly challenging after an uncomfortable night’s journey.
Solution: Many hotels offer early check-in for a fee and they often allow you to store your bags before check-in, you can also store your luggage at the station and explore the city while you wait.
While the network is expanding, Europe night trains don’t serve every city pair, and some routes operate only on certain days or even seasonally. Planning your itinerary around night train schedules requires more advance research.
Solution: We will always check if a night train works for your route and dates and make changes appropriately. If you want to experience a night train, let us know and we can incorporate it into your journey with some changes, so talk to us and we’ll do our best to help you.
Unless you book an entire compartment, you’ll be sharing your sleeping space with strangers. In couchettes that accommodate up to six people, you may encounter issues like snoring, different sleep schedules, or incompatible travel companions.
Solution: Book private compartments if privacy is important, or embrace the communal experience as part of the adventure. Many solo travellers find the social aspect enjoyable.
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