Imagine falling asleep in the romantic glow of Paris and waking up beneath the spires of Berlin. Or drifting off while crossing the Austrian Alps, only to arrive in sun-drenched Venice. Overnight trains offer a rare kind of travel magic — one that blends efficiency with adventure, and sustainability with comfort.
Train travel is having a major moment — and not just for commuters or day-trippers. Across Europe, overnight trains are making a big comeback as travelers look for sustainable, scenic, and surprisingly affordable ways to explore the continent. With new routes opening, sleeper cars getting upgrades, and prices competing with budget airlines, overnight rail is once again one of the smartest ways to move between cities.
In this guide, we’ll explore why night trains are back, which routes are worth taking, how to book, what to expect onboard, and how to integrate them into your Europe itinerary using Travelupo.com, your travel aggregator for cheap flights, hotels, and train-friendly destinations.
Why Overnight Trains Are Trending Again
Night trains were once fading into the past, but 2024 and 2025 are seeing a strong resurgence. Here’s why:
- Eco-conscious travelers are choosing rail over planes to reduce emissions.
- Flight fatigue: Airports are crowded, flights are often delayed, and hidden fees abound.
- Time efficiency: You sleep while traveling, saving on hotel costs and avoiding lost travel days.
- Romance + nostalgia: Night trains capture that classic European travel charm.
- New investments: Countries like Austria, France, and Sweden are investing in faster, comfier, and safer sleeper trains.
Articles Recommended:
- 7 Two-Country Trips In Europe You Can Do In One Week
- Affordable Mediterranean Getaways for Under €500
10 Best Overnight Train Routes in Europe (2025 Edition)
1. Vienna → Venice (Nightjet)
- Duration: 10h 25m
- Highlights: Travel from Austria’s imperial capital to Italy’s floating city while you sleep. Wake up to Venetian canals with no airport queues.
- On Arrival: Spend the morning wandering through the Rialto Market, grab a cappuccino in Piazza San Marco, and explore hidden alleys and art galleries. Consider a vaporetto ride to Murano or Burano. while you sleep. Wake up to Venetian canals with no airport queues.
2. Paris → Berlin (European Sleeper)
- Duration: ~12h 30m
- Highlights: A brand-new line offering relaxed, retro-modern vibes between two of Europe’s coolest capitals.
- On Arrival: Start with coffee in Mitte, then explore the Berlin Wall Memorial or Museum Island. End your day in the buzzing Kreuzberg neighborhood for food and nightlife. relaxed, retro-modern vibes between two of Europe’s coolest capitals.
3. Rome → Milan → Munich (ÖBB Nightjet)
- Duration: 13h
- Highlights: Glide through Italy’s north before waking up in Bavaria. Great for combining Italy + Germany.
- On Arrival: Visit Munich’s Marienplatz, enjoy a beer garden lunch, and take a detour to Nymphenburg Palace or the English Garden. before waking up in Bavaria. Great for combining Italy + Germany.
Articles Recommended:
- 10 Dreamy European Villages to Visit This Summer (Before Everyone Else Does)
- Last-Minute Summer Getaways: 10 Affordable Destinations You Can Still Book for 2025
4. Stockholm → Hamburg (Snälltåget)
- Duration: 10h 45m
- Highlights: From Swedish serenity to German flair, this scenic route crosses bridges, lakes, and forested terrain.
- On Arrival: Discover the Speicherstadt, stroll along the Elbe, and enjoy lunch at the historic Fischmarkt. Great stop for art, shopping, and beer lovers. to German flair, this scenic route crosses bridges, lakes, and forested terrain.
5. Zurich → Prague (Czech Railways)
- Duration: 10h 30m
- Highlights: A quieter, affordable option for traversing Central Europe in style.
- On Arrival: Explore Prague Castle, cross the Charles Bridge at sunrise, and dine on Czech classics like goulash and dumplings in a riverside pub. for traversing Central Europe in style.
6. Budapest → Split (RegioJet summer train)
- Duration: 14h
- Highlights: Beach in the Balkans? This seasonal night train is your path from Hungary to the Croatian coast.
- On Arrival: Dive into Split’s Diocletian’s Palace, sip espresso on the Riva promenade, or hop on a ferry to nearby islands like Hvar. ? This seasonal night train is your path from Hungary to the Croatian coast.
Articles Recommended:
- Underrated Island Escapes (That Aren’t in the Brochures)
- Where to Travel in September 2025: 10 Perfect Destinations for Shoulder Season Escapes
7. Brussels → Berlin (European Sleeper)
- Duration: 11h
- Highlights: Launched in 2023, this route is gaining popularity for bypassing pricey flights.
- On Arrival: Visit the Reichstag, see the Brandenburg Gate at sunrise, or check out a local food market like Markthalle Neun. , this route is gaining popularity for bypassing pricey flights.
8. London → Penzance (UK Night Riviera)
- Duration: 8h 30m
- Highlights: One of the UK’s last true sleeper trains, it takes you from urban sprawl to Cornish cliffs.
- On Arrival: Visit St. Michael’s Mount, walk coastal trails, or enjoy a Cornish pasty with a view. true sleeper trains, it takes you from urban sprawl to Cornish cliffs.
9. Copenhagen → Berlin (SJ + DB)
- Duration: ~10h
- Highlights: A hybrid route often split between trains, but worth it for connecting Scandinavian cities to mainland Europe.
- On Arrival: Start with a coffee near Alexanderplatz, visit the East Side Gallery, and enjoy craft beer in Friedrichshain. often split between trains, but worth it for connecting Scandinavian cities to mainland Europe.
Articles Recommended:
- Luxury Pop-Up Experiences in European Hotspots – Summer 2025 Guide
- 10 Best Luxury Summer Hotels in the World for 2025
10. Oslo → Trondheim (Vy)
- Duration: 7h 30m
- Highlights: Norway’s fjord-side route, great for glacier views and northern light chasers.
- On Arrival: Tour the Nidaros Cathedral, walk the Old Town Bridge, and enjoy fresh seafood along the harbor. , great for glacier views and northern light chasers.
What to Expect Onboard
Overnight trains usually offer three types of comfort levels:
- Reclining Seats: Cheapest, similar to bus travel. Best for short routes.
- Couchettes: Shared 4–6 bunk compartments with basic bedding. Great budget option.
- Sleepers: Private cabins (solo, double, or family) with real beds, washbasins, and sometimes showers.
Many trains have:
- Lockable cabins
- Reading lights and charging ports
- Wake-up service or breakfast delivery
- Access to a dining car or food cart
Travelupo Tip: Always book early for summer or holiday periods, and check if your ticket includes amenities or if you’ll need to pay for upgrades.
Is It Cheaper Than Flying?
Often, yes! Especially when factoring in:
- No airport transfers or fees
- No hotel night needed
- No luggage charges
Example: A night train from Vienna to Venice with a couchette might cost €49–€89. A budget flight + hotel in Venice could cost €150+ for the same dates.
Bonus: Some night trains offer rail pass discounts (Eurail, Interrail) or special youth pricing.
Articles Recommended:
- 10 Hidden Beach Destinations in Europe You’ve Probably Never Heard Of
- Coolcations: Top Chilly Escapes for Summer 2025
Packing Tips for Night Trains
- Bring earplugs and a sleep mask
- Pack light (cabins are compact)
- Bring water/snacks — not all trains have food service
- Use a small lock for luggage peace of mind
- Have entertainment ready (books, podcasts, etc.)
How to Book Night Trains (the Smart Way)
You can book sleeper trains through:
- National rail sites (like ÖBB, SNCF, SJ)
- Aggregators like Travelupo.com, which compare flights, trains, and hotels in one place
- Rail pass systems (Eurail or Interrail)
🛤 Use Travelupo to compare night train routes, nearby flights, and hotels — all in one search: Start planning
Night Trains and Sustainability
Train travel emits significantly less CO2 per passenger than air travel. Choosing a night train over a short-haul flight:
- Cuts carbon footprint by up to 90%
- Supports slow travel and local tourism
- Promotes greener infrastructure in Europe
If you’re eco-conscious, it’s one of the best choices you can make this summer.
Combine with City Hotels via Travelupo
Each overnight train route connects major city centers — meaning you arrive right in the heart of town. Travelupo helps you:
- Find affordable hotels walking distance from train stations
- Book package deals with flights/trains + accommodation
- Filter by Wi-Fi, breakfast, flexible check-in
Want to do Vienna → Venice? Book a hotel near St. Lucia Station and start your day stress-free.
Final Word: The Return of a Classic
Overnight trains aren’t just back — they’re better. In 2025, they offer comfort, convenience, and connection in ways budget airlines can’t. You see more, spend less, and travel better.
So skip the airport and step aboard Europe’s rails. Let the rhythm of the tracks rock you to sleep and wake you to a new adventure.
👉 Book your overnight train adventure now at Travelupo
