Night Trains in Europe: Save Money & Time with These Overnight Routes
Let’s face it: Why waste daylight hours stuck on a train when you could be sipping espresso in Rome or hiking Swiss Alps?
Night trains are Europe’s best-kept secret—swap hostel beds for cozy bunks, save cash on accommodation, and wake up in a new city.
Ready to turn travel time into adventure time? Here’s your ticket to mastering overnight rail journeys.
1. Vienna to Venice: Alpine Dreams on ÖBB Nightjet
Why You’ll Love It
Glide from Vienna’s imperial grandeur to Venice’s watery magic while you sleep. The ÖBB Nightjet departs Vienna at 8:15 PM, winding through the Austrian Alps and Dolomites. By 7:30 AM, you’re sipping cappuccino in Venice’s Piazza San Marco.
Cost Saver Alert
A couchette (6-berth) starts at €49—cheaper than a hostel and a daytime ticket. Splurge on a sleeper cabin (€99) for privacy and breakfast delivered to your door.
Unique Perk
The dining car serves Austrian wine and schnitzel. Or BYO snacks and watch stars over the Brenner Pass.
Book Here: ÖBB Nightjet
2. Paris to Berlin: Midnight Magic on SNCF & Deutsche Bahn
The Route
Depart Paris Gare de l’Est at 7:12 PM, snooze through French countryside and German forests, and arrive in Berlin by 8:25 AM. Total travel time: 13 hours—but you’ll only be awake for sunset and sunrise.
Budget Hack
A seat ticket costs €39, but upgrade to a couchette (€69) for flat-out comfort. Pro tip: Book early for €49 deals.
Wake-Up Moment
Cross the Elbe River at dawn, with Berlin’s TV Tower glowing pink in the distance.
Don’t Miss
- Free Wi-Fi in Deutsche Bahn’s ICE trains on connecting daytime routes.
Book Here: SNCF
3. Amsterdam to Zurich: Lakes & Mountains via Nightjet
Why It’s Epic
This 12-hour journey (9:34 PM–9:17 AM) swaps Dutch canals for Swiss peaks. Watch Rotterdam’s skyline fade, then wake up to Lake Zurich sparkling outside your window.
Save While You Snooze
A seat costs €49, but a 4-berth couchette (€79) includes bedding and morning coffee. Compare that to €100+ for a Zurich hostel and daytime train.
Insider Tip
Pack a picnic: Swiss supermarkets close early. Or grab bitterballen (Dutch snacks) at Amsterdam Centraal.
Book Here: ÖBB Nightjet
4. Prague to Krakow: Fairytales & History on RegioJet
The Journey
Depart Prague at 10:30 PM, roll through Bohemian forests, and arrive in Krakow by 6:45 AM. For €29, you get a reclining seat; €49 scores a private sleeper.
Why It’s a Steal
Krakow hostels average €15/night, but this train is your bed. Use the savings for a Auschwitz-Birkenau tour (€25) or pierogi feast.
Morning Magic
Watch the Vistula River turn gold as you approach Krakow’s Gothic skyline.
Pro Move
Book a sleeper cabin for plug sockets and free RegioJet coffee.
Book Here: RegioJet
5. Barcelona to Madrid: Spanish Nights on Renfe Trenhotel
Sunset to Sunrise
Leave Barcelona at 10:00 PM, drift past Catalonian vineyards, and arrive in Madrid at 7:30 AM. The Trenhotel’s Gran Clase cabin (€75) includes a shower and breakfast.
Budget Win
Skip the €100 AVE daytime train. Even a Turista seat (€35) beats a bus—hello, legroom and privacy curtains.
Late-Night Vibe
The bar car serves tapas and Rioja until midnight. ¡Olé!
Don’t Miss
- Free entry to Madrid’s Prado Museum 6–8 PM (claim your ticket online).
Book Here: Renfe
6. Stockholm to Copenhagen: Nordic Nights on SJ Euronight
Scandi Chic on Rails
Depart Stockholm at 10:30 PM, cross the Öresund Bridge under moonlight, and wake in Copenhagen at 6:00 AM. A sleeper cabin (€85) includes breakfast—smoked salmon, obviously.
Cost Crunch
Copenhagen hostels start at €30/night. This train? Your transport and bed for €85.
View Alert
The bridge linking Sweden to Denmark glows like a sci-fi portal at night. Have your camera ready.
Book Here: SJ
Pro Tips for Night Train Newbies
1. Pack Like a Spy
- Eye mask, earplugs, and a portable charger (outlets are rare).
- A reusable water bottle (hydration > hangover).
2. Secure Your Stuff
Use a Pacsafe locker or stash valuables under your pillow.
3. Layer Up
Trains toggle between Sahara-hot and Arctic-cool.
4. Breakfast Matters
Book tickets with “incl. breakfast” for fresh croissants and coffee.
FAQs: Your Overnight Odds & Ends
Q: Are night trains safe for solo travelers?
Yes! Choose female-only compartments if available (ÖBB offers this).
Q: Can I shower onboard?
Only in Gran Clase (Renfe) or Deluxe Sleepers (Nightjet). For others, pack wet wipes.
Q: What if I snore?
Embrace it. Everyone’s too tired to care.
Final Verdict: Why Night Trains Beat Flying
Let’s crunch numbers: A flight might take 2 hours, but add airport transfers, check-in, and €30 luggage fees. A night train? You’ll save time, money, and carbon emissions—all while waking up refreshed.
So, next time someone says, “Just fly,” smile and say, “I’d rather dream through the Alps.”
