Night trains in Europe have a rich history and are an integral part of the continent’s transportation system. They provide an efficient, comfortable, and sustainable mode of travel for passengers who wish to explore different destinations without the hassle of airports or the cost of high-speed trains. Night trains connect major cities across Europe, including Paris, Berlin, Amsterdam, Vienna, and Barcelona. They also provide an eco-friendly alternative to air travel. Check out these 10 popular night train routes in Europe for your next European summer adventure!
Advantages of taking a night train
According to a study by the International Energy Agency, trains emit 40 times less CO2 than airplanes per passenger-kilometer. This makes night trains an excellent choice for environmentally conscious travelers who want to reduce their carbon footprint! Recently, there has been a renewed interest in night trains in Europe! Some train companies have started to invest in new routes and updated trains. One of the most significant advantages of night trains is that they save time and money. You can board the train in the evening and wake up the next morning at the destination, ready to explore the city. This eliminates the need for expensive hotel stays. In addition, you can maximize your time by arriving early in the morning. It is also much more comfortable than bus rides – believe me, I took the bus from NYC back to Toronto for almost 12h and couldn’t sleep.
Another benefit of night trains is the comfort and convenience they offer. You can choose between different types of cabins, from economy to first class, depending on your budget and preferences. Most cabins include a comfortable bed, bedding, and a private bathroom. You can also enjoy amenities such as dining cars, lounge areas, and Wi-Fi.
10 of the most popular night train routes:
1. Zurich to Budapest
This night train runs between Switzerland and Hungary, passing through several other countries, including Austria and Slovakia, on its way.
2. Barcelona to Paris
This night train offers a direct connection between Spain and France, with the train departing from Barcelona and arriving in Paris the next morning.
3. Amsterdam to Munich
This night train offers a direct connection between the Netherlands and Germany, with the train departing from Amsterdam and arriving in Munich the next morning.
4. Venice to Vienna
This night train offers a scenic journey through the Austrian and Italian Alps, connecting the Italian city of Venice with the Austrian capital of Vienna.
5. Paris to Vienna
Have dinner in Vienna before you leave at just before 8 p.m. and enjoy breakfast in a Paris bistro just before 10 a.m. the next morning. This train runs three times a week, the NJ 468 connects the two European capitals. German passengers can board the train in Munich or Rosenheim around midnight.
6. Barcelona to Galicia
The Trenhotel 921/922 connects Barcelona with Vigo and A Coruña. The Trenhotel 751/752/851/852, also called Rias Gallegas, connects Madrid, Ferrol and Vigo. Reach one of the wildest and least touristy regions of Spain super comfortably by train.
7. Sofia to Istanbul
The only train connection between Bulgaria and Turkey is the route on which the Sofia-Istanbul Express night train runs. The train runs daily between the Bulgarian capital and the cultural center of Turkey and takes a good 11 hours to cover the 560-kilometer route.
8. Bratislava to Split
During the summer months, between May 3 and October 6, you can reach Split by night train directly from the Slovak capital Bratislava. The train also stops in Vienna and Graz. Departure from Bratislava is at 3:51 p.m., Vienna is reached at 6 p.m. and arrival in Split is at 9 a.m. the next morning.
9. Serbia to Montegro
Arguably one of the most beautiful night train routes in Europe is the journey from the Serbian capital of Belgrade to the Adriatic coastal town of Bar in Montenegro. The route passes over bridges and viaducts, through high mountains and over rugged gorges until the landscape flattens out near the coast. According to plan, the journey takes about 12 hours, but there are frequent delays. Departure from Belgrade is at 9 pm, scheduled arrival in Bar at 9 am.
10. Berlin to Stockholm
Last but not least, you will be able to board the train of Sweden’s national rail company SJ at Berlin’s main station at 6.37pm. The service will then reach Hamburg at 10.01pm and arrive in the Swedish capital at 9.55am, just in time for an 11am Fika, the Swedish everyday tradition of coffee and cakes. Swedish company Snälltåget also runs another train on this route.
These are just a few examples of the many night train routes available in Europe. Other popular routes include trains between Paris and Berlin, Zurich and Rome, and Vienna and Brussels. Your sustainable summer vacation can come!
Need some more inspiration? Check out my 14-days-Interrail trip across Northern France!
Need help with booking your night train or European train adventure? Check out my tips for booking your train trip!
