Europe’s new night trains: how Paris–Berlin, Vienna routes and a 100-city network are changing overland travel

Europe’s overnight trains are making a remarkable comeback. After a decline in the 2010s, sleeper trains in Europe have been resurging as a convenient, climate-friendly way to travel between major cities. In 2024–2025 several new and revived night train routes launched, including a Paris–Berlin sleeper and expanded services from Vienna across Europe. More routes are on the horizon for 2026, as rail operators and even startup companies plan to connect dozens of cities with comfortable overnight links. The movement is backed by cooperation between national railways and support from travelers eager for alternatives to flying.

This guide will walk you through Europe’s new night train trend and how to take advantage of it. We’ll cover which routes exist now and what new lines are confirmed for 2025–2026 travel. You’ll learn how the Paris - Berlin and Vienna-led routes fit into a broader revival, including an ambitious plan to link 100 cities by the 2030s.

We’ll also give practical tips on booking night trains, explain what to expect onboard (from sleeper cabins to showers), and compare when taking an overnight train beats flying for time, comfort and even cost. By the end, you’ll have a clear picture of Europe’s night train renaissance and how to plan your own 2025–2026 adventures by rail.

Why night trains are making a comeback

Travelers and governments alike are rediscovering the appeal of night trains. Several factors have driven this comeback:

Sustainability and climate goals: Overnight trains offer a low-emission alternative to short-haul flights. For example, a study found that taking a train between Paris and London produces 97% lower carbon emissions than flying. Environmentally conscious travelers see sleepers as a practical way to reduce their carbon footprint without giving up travel.

Convenience and time-saving: A night train allows you to board in a city center in the evening and wake up the next morning in another country, refreshed and ready to explore. This “hotel on wheels” aspect means you cover distance while sleeping, saving valuable daytime hours and avoiding the cost of a hotel night. It also eliminates the early-morning taxi rides and long security lines that come with 5 a.m. flights.

Comfort and experience: Modern night trains offer private compartments, couchettes (bunk berths), and even deluxe sleepers with beds and a shower. You can stretch out, get up and walk around – a far cry from a cramped economy airplane seat. Rail enthusiasts also enjoy the romance and adventure of overnight rail travel, making the journey part of the trip. The experience of watching scenery roll by at dusk and waking up to a new landscape has a nostalgic allure.

Support from rail operators: Europe’s major rail companies have invested in night trains as part of a broader mobility strategy. Austrian Railways (ÖBB) in particular has led the revival, expanding its Nightjet sleeper network and ordering 33 new state-of-the-art train sets. “With our new Nightjets, we will offer more comfort and privacy in the future,” said ÖBB’s CEO, underscoring their commitment to overnight service. Other national railways – in France, Germany, Switzerland, Sweden, and more – are partnering to launch new routes despite the challenges of cross-border operations.

Policy and public interest: Several European governments have set targets to shift travelers from air to rail for medium-distance trips. France, for instance, is investing nearly €1 billion in new night-train carriages by 2029 to modernize its domestic sleeper network. The EU Commission has also promoted cross-border rail as part of its climate strategy, funding pilot routes and infrastructure improvements. In short, public sentiment and policy are aligning in favor of trains for intercity travel.

The result is that night trains, once thought to be a relic of the past, are again seen as practical, fun, and forward-looking. Now let’s look at the key routes you can ride today.

Key night train routes available now

As of late 2025, Europe has a growing network of night trains. Here are some of the most important routes currently operating (with their status as of December 2025):

Paris–Berlin Nightjet (2024–2025)

This much-anticipated sleeper launched in December 2023, reconnecting the French and German capitals by rail overnight. Operated by ÖBB in cooperation with Deutsche Bahn and SNCF, it ran three times a week, departing Paris Gare de l’Est in the evening and arriving Berlin Hauptbahnhof the next morning.

The route quickly became symbolic of the night train revival. However, due to a French funding cut, the Paris–Berlin Nightjet service was discontinued after 14 December 2025. (Don’t worry – it will be relaunched by another operator in 2026, which we’ll cover in the next section.)

During its run, the Paris–Berlin Nightjet featured sleeping cabins, couchettes, and seats, and even carried portions that split en route to serve Paris–Vienna and Paris–Brussels, making efficient use of the train.

Vienna to Germany and Italy (ÖBB Nightjets)

Austria’s Nightjet network is the backbone of Europe’s overnight trains. Vienna–Hamburg and Innsbruck–Hamburg are among the routes now served by ÖBB’s new-generation Nightjet trains, which debuted in late 2023 with upgraded cabins (all sleeper compartments now have private toilets and showers).

From Vienna, you can also take Nightjets to several Italian cities: for example, the Vienna/Salzburg–Milan service, which was extended in late 2022 to continue beyond Milan all the way to Genoa and La Spezia on the Italian Riviera. This train runs daily, linking Austria and Bavaria to northern Italy overnight.

Other Nightjets connect Munich to Rome (via Salzburg and the Alps) on a nightly basis – a very popular route that ÖBB has pledged to keep running. There are also Vienna–Venice and Vienna–Florence/Rome sleepers, among others.

Despite recent cuts in Paris, ÖBB confirmed it will maintain its Vienna–Brussels Nightjet (via Munich and Cologne) thrice weekly, and the Vienna–Amsterdam sleeper (via Munich and the Rhine valley) going into 2026. In short, Austria to Germany, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Italy are all connected by regular Nightjet services as of 2025.

Brussels–Amsterdam–Berlin–Prague (European Sleeper)

An independent upstart, European Sleeper, launched a route in 2023 that links Western and Central Europe. Branded as the “Good Night Train,” it currently runs three times a week from Brussels (Belgium) through Amsterdam (Netherlands) and Berlin (Germany) to Prague (Czechia).

This sleeper has been a success, carrying over 230,000 passengers on 750+ trains in its first year. It offers couchette cars (with bunk berths) and seating cars; while it doesn’t have a full dining car, attendants provide light snacks and there are stops where you can hop off briefly for station food.

Notably, European Sleeper is a cooperative venture by rail enthusiasts, proving that private operators can fill gaps left by larger rail companies. The Brussels–Berlin segment provides a much-needed overnight link between Belgium, the Netherlands, and Germany.

Tickets can be quite affordable (couchette fares often start around €59–€69) , making it attractive for backpackers and budget travelers. As we’ll see, this company is expanding – including taking over the Paris–Berlin route in 2026.

Stockholm–Berlin (SJ EuroNight/Private)

Scandinavia and Germany are connected by a night train as well. Since 2022, Sweden’s SJ (state railway) has run a Stockholm–Hamburg EuroNight service (EN 345/346), which was later extended to start/end in Berlin three times per week. This train travels via Copenhagen (Denmark) and the Øresund Bridge, with portions crossing on a ferry in earlier years (the routing may vary seasonally). It offers sleeping cars, couchettes, and seats for up to 390 passengers.

Importantly, the Stockholm–Berlin train was under trial funding by the Swedish government, set to end mid-2026 – but a private German operator, RDC Deutschland, stepped in to continue the service beyond mid-2026. Thus, travelers can expect this route to remain available.

The plan is for RDC to keep a similar schedule, though possibly not daily – likely 3–4 nights per week year-round. Additionally, a Swedish private company, Snälltåget, runs a seasonal summer night train on the same route, adding capacity during peak months.

So for 2025, you can still board an evening train in Berlin or Hamburg and wake up in Stockholm (or vice versa), enjoying a breakfast and hot coffee as you roll into the city. This connection is a key link for overland travel between Germany and Sweden, especially as an alternative to short flights.

Paris–Vienna Nightjet (2021–2025)

Another headline-grabbing route was the Paris–Vienna sleeper, relaunched by ÖBB and SNCF in late 2021 after years of absence. It ran three times weekly, connecting the French capital with Austria via Germany overnight. The service was popular – 66,000 passengers used it in 2024 despite limited frequency.

Like the Paris–Berlin train, however, the Paris–Vienna Nightjet was suspended in December 2025 due to the withdrawal of French subsidies. Until its pause, it offered a comfortable ride with couchettes and sleepers (including deluxe compartments with showers on some trains).

The Paris–Vienna was emblematic of how political support can make or break such routes: it was launched with French government funding as a “symbol of the revival of night trains” , only to be cut amid budget pressures. There is hope it might return if funding is restored or a new operator steps in (as European Sleeper did for Paris–Berlin).

For now, travelers between France and Austria still have options by rail (like taking a TGV to Zurich and a Nightjet onward), but the direct Paris–Vienna sleeper remains a case study in the challenges night trains face.

Other routes and networks

Beyond these high-profile lines, Europe has many other night trains running:

Domestic French routes: France’s state-owned Intercités de Nuit run nightly trains such as Paris–Nice, Paris–Toulouse, Paris–Tarbes/Lourdes, and winter ski trains (like Paris–Bourg-Saint-Maurice for the Alps). These use older carriages, but France has committed to replacing them with new stock by 2029.

Italy’s domestic sleepers: Trenitalia’s Intercity Notte network connects cities like Rome, Milan, Venice with the south (Naples, Sicily, etc.). For example, you can take a night train from Rome to Palermo (including the train ferry across the Strait of Messina) or from Milan to Lecce in Puglia. These typically have both couchettes and sleepers, albeit older style.

Central/Eastern Europe: A number of EuroNight trains run under partnerships (often with ÖBB or other railways) – for instance, Zurich–Budapest (via Prague), Prague–Zürich (the “Chopin” EN train), Budapest–Bucharest, and Vienna–Zagreb. The Prague–Poland sleeper (“Chopin”) extends to Krakow and Warsaw. Poland’s PKP also ran trial routes like the Prague–Gdynia “Baltic Express” in summer 2025 and a Warsaw–Prague–Graz EN train. Some of these are seasonal or not daily, but they indicate growing interest in night trains in the East as well.

Iberian Peninsula: Night trains are sparse in Spain/Portugal now (after the Lusitania and Trenhotel services were cut), but Portugal’s Lisbon–Madrid overnight train is expected to restart in the coming years (plans are in discussion as of 2025). In the interim, there is a Lisbon–Hendaye night train (Sud Express) that was suspended in 2020 and not yet reinstated.

Nordic region: In addition to Stockholm-Berlin, Sweden runs domestic night trains (Stockholm–Lapland), and Finland’s VR runs the Helsinki–Lapland Santa Claus Express nightly. New double-decker sleeping cars have been ordered in Finland and will be in service by 2026 to upgrade those routes.

As you can see, the map of European night trains is filling out again. Let’s now look ahead to what new routes and services are coming in 2026 and beyond, as the night train renaissance gains speed.

What is coming in 2026

Several new overnight routes and expansions are confirmed for 2026, making the next couple of years exciting for rail travelers. Here’s what to expect in the near future (all given dates are based on current announcements, as of late 2025):

Paris–Berlin by European Sleeper (March 2026)

When ÖBB’s Nightjet bowed out of the Paris–Berlin route, European Sleeper stepped in to keep this important connection alive. The Dutch-Belgian cooperative will launch a new Paris–Brussels–Berlin sleeper on 26 March 2026, filling the gap left by Nightjet’s cancellation.

This train will run three nights per week initially: departures from Paris on Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday evenings, arriving in Berlin the next morning, and return from Berlin on Mon/Wed/Fri nights. Unlike the Nightjet, which ran via Strasbourg, the European Sleeper will route via Brussels (allowing connections from London/UK via Eurostar).

In fact, it will hook into the existing Brussels–Berlin service, creating a six-times-weekly Brussels–Berlin link when combined. European Sleeper plans to use upgraded 1990s German-built sleeping cars (comparable in comfort to Nightjet’s coaches). Tickets go on sale from 16 December 2025, with couchette berths starting around €59.

Initially there will be no dining car (to keep costs down), though one may be added later. Nonetheless, the train will offer the standard classes: seats, 4-6 berth couchettes, and 1-3 bed sleepers.

By dedicating 12–14 coaches all the way from Paris to Berlin (instead of splitting cars to different destinations), European Sleeper says it can offer higher capacity – about 600-700 beds – and hopes to reach more travelers than the Nightjet did. This is a big development for 2026: it ensures the continuation of an iconic route and shows how entrepreneurial operators can collaborate across borders.

Basel (Switzerland) – Copenhagen/Malmö (Denmark/Sweden) Nightjet/EuroNight (April 2026)

In a new partnership, Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) and private operator RDC Germany are launching a direct night train from Basel to Copenhagen and Malmö starting 15 April 2026.

This EuroNight will run three times a week year-round, linking Switzerland with Denmark/Sweden without changes. Departure from Basel SBB will be in the early evening (around 17:35 on Wed/Fri/Sun), arriving Malmö next morning around 09:35. The southbound from Malmö departs Thurs/Sat/Mon evenings. The train will have around 350 seats in total, across sleeping cars, couchette cars, and regular seats.

Notably, it will include an accessible compartment for wheelchair users and even a bistro car between Basel and Padborg (Germany). Intermediate stops include major German cities like Frankfurt and Hamburg. This service effectively opens a new Alps-to-Scandinavia corridor, a big win for overland travel. It’s backed by the Swiss government with funding through 2030 to support startup costs.

If you’re in Switzerland, you’ll be able to board a train after dinner and wake up in Denmark or southern Sweden – and vice versa – which is unprecedented in recent decades. Ticket sales for this opened in Nov 2025 via SBB’s website. This is part of a broader trend of countries teaming up to restore long international routes.

Prague – Berlin – Copenhagen direct train (May 2026)

In another international collaboration, Czech Railways (ČD), Deutsche Bahn (DB), and Danish State Railways (DSB) will launch a direct train connecting Prague, Berlin, and Copenhagen from 1 May 2026. This will be a daytime service using new ComfortJet high-speed trains, with two daily round-trips planned.

Travel time Prague to Copenhagen will be 11 hours (likely one of those will be an overnight run or late-night arrival) and Berlin to Copenhagen about 7 hours. Significantly, a seasonal night train is also planned on this route to give travelers an overnight option between Germany, Czechia, and Denmark.

Up to now, getting from Berlin to Copenhagen required a transfer in Hamburg – this new direct route will simplify travel and reduce the need for short flights. The European Commission has praised this project as a model for shifting trips from air to rail. On board, these trains promise comfortable adjustable seating, a dining car, and even amenities like a small cinema coach.

While primarily a daytime link, the inclusion of a sleeper service in summer means you could go to sleep in Prague and wake up in Copenhagen (or vice versa). It’s a good example of how infrastructure upgrades (the Berlin–Hamburg line improvements) and bilateral agreements can create new possibilities for night trains.

European Sleeper expansion to Southern Europe

European Sleeper isn’t stopping at Paris–Berlin. The company has big plans for 2026–2027. One route under development is a Brussels/Amsterdam to Milan (or Switzerland) night train, which cofounder Chris Engelsman expects to confirm soon.

This would connect the Low Countries and Germany to the north of Italy – possibly via cities like Cologne, Basel, and Milan. If it starts in late 2026 as hoped, you might have an option to travel from say Brussels to Milan overnight. Following that, European Sleeper is eyeing a Brussels–Barcelona sleeper by 2027.

According to the company, one of these two routes (Milan or Barcelona) is likely to launch first – and given recent reports, the Brussels–Milan is more imminent. The Barcelona line will be more complex (crossing France and Spain’s network), but they’ve stated stops would include Avignon, Montpellier, Girona, etc.. Keep in mind these are ambitions – but European Sleeper has been moving fast and raised investment to fund new rolling stock. So by 2026’s end, don’t be surprised if you see at least one new night train heading south from Brussels.

Nightjet new routes and stock

ÖBB’s Nightjet will continue to modernize its services through 2026. By the end of 2025, the first next-generation Nightjet carriages (with en-suite showers in every sleeper and innovative “mini cabin” pods in couchettes) will be running on routes like Vienna–Hamburg.

Throughout 2026, more of the 33 new seven-car Nightjet sets will roll out, meaning routes like Vienna–Rome/Milan and Munich–Venice will likely get upgraded trains. These new trains increase capacity and privacy (for example, couchette cars will include single-person compartments called “Mini Cabins” for solo travelers wanting privacy on a budget).

In terms of routes, ÖBB, DB and Trenitalia have agreed to introduce direct high-speed rail service between Germany and Italy by late 2026 – specifically Munich to Milan (~6.5h) and Munich to Rome (~8.5h) on Italian Frecciarossa trains. Those will be daytime high-speed links, but they illustrate the strengthening of rail cooperation.

They could also complement night trains: for instance, a traveler might take a night train one direction and a day train back. Additionally, Italy’s Trenitalia and partners ran some trial night trains like the “Espresso Monaco” from Rome to Munich for Oktoberfest and Christmas 2024.

Railway Pro reports that route is likely to become permanent, potentially via a more conventional night train or evening high-speed train by 2026. So keep an eye out for a Rome–Munich overnight option returning as well.

Central Europe seasonal routes returning

Poland’s PKP Intercity has indicated that two seasonal 2025 routes will return in 2026: the Baltic Express (Prague–Gdynia), which runs from Czechia to Poland’s seaside in summer (it was extended due to popularity and may become a permanent summer fixture) ; and the Adriatic Express (Warsaw–Rijeka), from Poland to Croatia’s coast, which ran in mid-2025.

Both saw strong demand, and reports suggest they will be back for the 2026 summer season. These are niche, long-distance services (roughly 20 hours journeys), but they show how night trains are expanding into leisure markets like beach holidays.

2026 will see new international night trains across Europe’s map, plugging some gaps and extending the network. Paris–Berlin continues under new management; Switzerland-Scandinavia and Central Europe-Scandinavia are linked like never before; and private ventures are reaching toward Italy and Spain. All these are stepping stones toward an even grander vision: a seamlessly connected web of overnight trains linking 100+ cities.

The 100-city night train network vision

One of the boldest ideas driving Europe’s night train revival is the goal of a 100-city overnight rail network by the early 2030s. This concept, often mentioned in media, is essentially about scaling up night trains to connect virtually all major European cities in a coordinated system – an alternative “grid” to short-haul flights. What does this entail, and who is behind it?

At the forefront is a startup called Nox Mobility, based in Berlin. In June 2025, Nox announced plans to launch fully private sleeper trains by 2027 that will eventually link over 100 European cities by 2035. Their twist is to offer entirely private cabins for 1-2 people on every train (no shared compartments with strangers, unless you choose), aiming to make night trains more attractive to a broad audience.

Nox’s co-founders, experienced train travelers themselves, have designed new cabin layouts featuring comfortable two-meter beds, panoramic windows, and smart use of space to maximize capacity. They plan three room types (single “loft,” double “loft,” and double “vista”), all with extra-long beds and storage, essentially mini-hotel rooms on rails.

The aim is to run up to 35 routes and connect 100 cities – including big hubs like Paris, Barcelona, Amsterdam, Copenhagen, Warsaw, Budapest, Rome, etc. – by 2035. Importantly, Nox is promising affordable fares comparable to flights: they quote target prices of €79 for a single cabin and €149 for a double.

They believe that by offering privacy and scale, they can fill trains and keep prices low. Tickets “won’t be more than the price of a flight,” claims Nox’s team. Essentially, this is envisioned as a kind of “metro network” across Europe, where you could hop on an overnight train and get to most major destinations by morning, with a decent night’s sleep.

Of course, such an ambitious network is not reality yet – it’s a vision that depends on many factors: manufacturing enough new sleeper train carriages, securing cooperation or slots on various national rail networks, and proving the demand. Building this at scale “only makes sense at scale,” Nox says, acknowledging the need to always have a critical mass of routes running.

But they’ve already got investors and have been showcasing their cabin prototypes. The first Nox trains are scheduled to start rolling out in 2027 on initial routes. If successful, each subsequent year would see more cities connected.

Nox is not alone. The term “100-city network” also aligns with broader European initiatives:

• In 2020, Germany’s Ministry of Transport proposed a “TransEurop Express (TEE) 2.0” network, reviving the old TEE concept for modern times. This included a combination of high-speed day trains and night trains connecting major cities (for example, routes like Paris–Berlin–Warsaw, Amsterdam–Barcelona, and Stockholm–Hamburg–Paris were floated) as part of a pan-European network by 2030. This got political backing at the EU level, though actual implementation has been piecemeal. The new partnerships we’ve discussed (like the Prague–Berlin–Copenhagen train) partly spring from this vision.
• The European Union’s rail action plan (2021) explicitly calls for removing barriers to cross-border train travel and supports trial routes. Through the EU’s Connecting Europe Facility, funding has been allocated to some pilot night trains – the new Zurich–Barcelona overnight (planned by mid-2020s) received EU support, as did the Zurich–Amsterdam night train (launched 2021).
• France’s government, while cutting international night trains in 2025, simultaneously has promised to restore around 10 domestic night train routes by 2030. This indicates that by 2030, you might see a robust network within France (e.g. Paris connecting to many regions overnight), which would naturally tie into international links at the borders.

The 100-city vision by 2035 essentially means if you look at a map of Europe, nearly every large or mid-size city from Portugal to Poland and Norway to Sicily would have an overnight train connection (direct or one-transfer). Cities mentioned include Paris, Barcelona, Amsterdam, Copenhagen, Warsaw, Budapest, Rome, and more.

Achieving this will require unprecedented cooperation: multiple operators coordinating schedules and ticketing, new standardized train equipment, and supportive government policies (for track access fees, etc.). There are challenges – night trains are expensive to run, requiring staff and rolling stock that sits idle in the day. For success “at scale,” costs must come down, perhaps through standardization and economy of scale.

But the fact that startups like Nox and mainstream players like ÖBB/SNCF are all pushing forward suggests that by the early to mid-2030s, Europe could indeed have something close to a contiguous night train network. Imagine going city-hopping at night: one day you explore Vienna, then board a train and wake up in Rome; a few days later, you catch a sleeper to Barcelona; then another overnight to Paris or Berlin. The ambition is to make that a normal, efficient option.

For travelers, the takeaway is that the night train revival is not just a few one-off routes – it’s part of a larger trend to reshape European travel. The goal is to make overland journeys easy and appealing on a continent-wide scale. While 2035 is still a decade out, many pieces of this puzzle are being laid now (as we saw with 2026’s new routes). If you’re planning trips in the late 2020s and 2030s, expect more and more sleeper choices across Europe.

Of course, planes won’t disappear, but night trains are carving out a strong niche. Let’s examine exactly when an overnight train is the better choice than flying, and what considerations come into play.

How to book Europe’s night trains

Booking a night train in Europe isn’t difficult, but it can sometimes be less straightforward than booking a flight. This is because the network is operated by different rail companies, and there’s no single unified ticket system for all routes. Follow these steps and tips to smoothly reserve your sleeper journey:

1. Research your route. First, confirm that a night train actually runs for your city pair (and on which days). A great resource is the Back-on-Track.eu night train database, which lists all current routes and even near-future launches. You can also use the Austrian Railways Nightjet site or the Eurail timetable to search connections – but note that some private services (like European Sleeper) might not appear on all platforms. Check the official websites of the operator if in doubt (e.g. European Sleeper’s site, ÖBB Nightjet site, etc.). Man in Seat 61 (seat61.com) is an excellent guide for planning – it has detailed route info and tips for almost every night train.

2. Choose your accommodation type. Decide if you want a sleeper, couchette, or seat (and how much privacy you need). Key differences:

• A sleeper cabin is the most comfortable option – usually 1, 2, or 3 beds per private compartment. If you book all beds, it’s private to you (solo or your group). Sleepers come with proper beds (with mattress, linens, pillow), a locking door, and often a washbasin. Deluxe sleepers even have an en-suite toilet and shower in the compartment on some trains (for example, the new Nightjet sleepers and some deluxe cabins on EuroNight routes have this). Sleeper tickets typically include a breakfast in the morning. If you’re a light sleeper or want solitude, this is worth it.
• A couchette car has cabins with 4 or 6 bunks. These are simpler padded bunks (usually no private sink; restrooms are at the end of the car). Couchettes are mixed-gender in most cases, though some operators allow women-only couchette compartments upon request. They provide a basic pillow and blanket. Couchettes are great for families or groups – you can book all 4 or 6 berths for your party for privacy. If solo, you’ll likely share with other travelers of any gender (unless you pick a ladies’ compartment). They are considerably cheaper than sleepers – a good middle ground for budget vs comfort.
• A seat is the cheapest, but least comfortable, option. These can be regular train seats (sometimes in a compartment of 6 seats, or an open coach). On a few routes, they might be reclining seats , but don’t expect lie-flat. Lights might remain on or dimmed only partially at night. If you go this route, bring an eye mask and earplugs. For an overnight trip longer than 6–7 hours, a couchette is strongly recommended over a seat for the sake of your rest. Seats are fine for those who can sleep anywhere or if the trip is short-ish (or if you have no other choice). Many trains now have dynamic pricing, so the first seats can be as low as €19–€29 , enticing budget travelers. But even for backpackers, spending a bit more for a couchette can vastly improve the experience.

Consider how much privacy and comfort you need. If you’re uneasy about sharing a cabin, note that many providers allow private compartment booking – you can pay for any empty berths to have it to yourself (some automatically sell “Solo” or “Double” options). Female travelers can also often find women-only compartments on request , giving peace of mind.

3. Know when tickets go on sale. Unlike flights which often sell 10-12 months out, night train bookings usually open much closer to departure. Most night trains open reservations 2 to 4 months in advance. For example, EuroNight routes typically open about 60 days ahead. Many Nightjet routes open around 6 months ahead if timetables are set, but for international ones 2-3 months is common. The reason is that night trains depend on track schedules that are finalized later (since overnight maintenance windows can affect them). If you search too early, you might not see any availability – that doesn’t mean it’s sold out, just not released yet. Mark your calendar for the likely release date: operators often announce via newsletters or social media when they’ll open a new season’s booking. For instance, tickets for European Sleeper’s new Paris–Berlin route (starting Mar 2026) open on 16 Dec 2025. Book as early as possible once sales open, especially for summer or holiday travel. Prices are usually lowest at first and will rise as cheaper berths sell out. Popular routes like Paris–Berlin can sell out for peak dates , so don’t wait if you have a specific date.

However, don’t plan to book a year in advance; it’s usually not possible. Most 2025 summer trains will only be bookable from spring 2025. It can be “tricky to plan around,” as many American travelers used to booking far ahead find. Patience is key – the schedules will come, just later than you might expect.

4. Where to buy tickets. You have a few options:

• Directly from the operator: This is often simplest and sometimes cheaper. For Nightjets, use ÖBB’s website or the Nightjet portal; for European Sleeper, use their official site (which handles Interrail/Eurail reservations too) ; for SJ EuroNight (Stockholm-Berlin), use SJ’s site; for domestic French, use SNCF or Oui.sncf, etc. Almost all these sites have English versions.
• Online travel agencies: Platforms like Trainline or Rail Europe aggregate many train tickets. They can be convenient if you’re piecing together a journey across multiple countries, and they accept international credit cards easily. Trainline covers Nightjet and European Sleeper and most national rails. Rail Europe (and affiliated sites like Eurail) also sell night train tickets and pass reservations. They often charge a small fee but can simplify things. Note that certain private or niche trains might not appear. Also, these platforms sometimes struggle with complex couchette reservations or passholder fares.
• National rail websites: E.g. Deutsche Bahn’s site is very useful – it sells Nightjet tickets (except some routes to Paris since those were SNCF-controlled), and it can book many EuroNight services. DB’s site might not list the private European Sleeper though. The Belgian rail site (B-Europe) sells Nightjet tickets from Brussels to Austria. Czech Railways sells many EN routes via their e-shop. It can be a bit of a puzzle finding which site sells which route, but generally:
  • If a night train runs from or through a country, that country’s rail website likely sells it.
  • Tip: The Austrian ÖBB site is a go-to for many international night trains in Central Europe.
• At stations or via phone: You can always buy tickets in person at major European train stations or by calling the rail operator. However, popular night trains may be full by the day of, so advance booking is advised. If you have a railpass and need a reservation, station ticket counters or phone lines can often book those when online systems cannot.

When booking, you’ll typically be given choices like “Seat / Couchette 6-berth / Sleeper 3-berth / Sleeper 2-berth / Sleeper single” with prices. On some websites, to book a private sleeper, you might need to input the number of travelers equal to the compartment size (e.g. to get a single occupancy 2-bed sleeper, book for 2 people even if alone, to pay both beds). This varies by system. Read the fine print: sometimes a “Single” means a single-bed compartment (ideal for one person), whereas “Double” means two beds (you might have to share if you book just one bed in a 2-bed).

5. Reservations and passes: If you’re using an Interrail/Eurail pass, you still must reserve and pay for a couchette or sleeper on night trains. Passholders usually pay a fixed supplement (anywhere from €10 for a seat to €20-€30 for a couchette and €50+ for a sleeper, depending on route). These quotas can sell out too, so book in advance. Some booking sites (like the European Sleeper site or ÖBB) have options to book with a rail pass – look for “Interrail/Eurail” passenger type. Trainline and RailEurope also can handle this in many cases. Note: If you have a flexi pass, a night train that departs after 7:00 PM counts only as one travel day (the following day) – a nice perk.

6. Understand the ticketing oddities: Cross-border trains can have quirks – for instance, the Paris–Berlin Nightjet (when it ran) could be booked via ÖBB or SNCF, but each had access to certain fare buckets. Occasionally, splitting the booking (buying Paris–Karlsruhe via SNCF and Karlsruhe–Berlin via DB) could save money if through-tickets sold out of cheap fares. These tricks are mostly for advanced users; generally, a through-ticket is easier and not too expensive if booked early. Also, be aware of currency: some sites charge in their local currency (e.g. Swedish krona on SJ.se) – using a credit card with no foreign fee is wise.

7. Book early for peak travel. As mentioned, summer (June–August) and late December are peak. Trains do sell out, especially sleepers and couchettes. The Paris–Berlin train in summer 2024 often had no beds left weeks in advance. So once you know your date, book it. Conversely, mid-week or off-season travel is easier to get short-notice.

8. After booking – check if e-ticket or paper: Most night train bookings now issue e-tickets that you can show on your phone. ÖBB, DB, Trainline, etc., all provide PDF or app tickets. A few routes (especially if booked via certain sites) might still require a physical ticket or reservation coupon (for example, some rail pass reservations). These can usually be printed at a station or delivered, but such cases are rarer now.

By following these guidelines, you should be able to secure your night train journey without too much headache. If you ever feel stuck, consult Seat61’s step-by-step, or ask in online forums – a community of rail fans is always ready to help newcomers figure out the intricacies.

Finally, once you’ve booked your trip, it’s good to know how to prepare for the overnight experience itself. What should you pack? What are the onboard amenities like? We cover that next.

What to expect onboard

Boarding a night train is a bit like checking into a moving hotel. The experience is generally relaxed, but knowing the facilities and etiquette will help you have a smooth journey. Here’s what to expect on Europe’s night trains:

Cabin types and amenities: As discussed, there are typically three accommodation types: seats, couchettes, and sleepers; each in separate cars:

• In sleeper cars, each compartment has proper beds. Most classic sleepers have a washbasin in the compartment, and toilets at the end of the car. The new generation Nightjet sleepers go further, providing a private toilet and shower in every compartment (for 1-2 person rooms).
  
  Not all sleepers have en-suite; some deluxe cabins on older routes do, others just have a sink. You’ll usually find a small fold-down table, a bottle of water, and sometimes toiletry kits or slippers provided. The door can lock securely from the inside (and attendants have a key for outside in case of emergency or if you request service).
  
  Bedding (sheets, blanket, pillow) is included and your bed is typically made up for you (either by staff or prepared for self-service). By day, the beds in a sleeper can often fold away to reveal a bench seat so you can sit comfortably before sleeping.

• In couchette cars, the compartments are more spartan. During daytime/evening, the lower bunks might double as seating benches (or you just sit on the beds). At night, everyone pulls down their bunk (the attendant can show how if needed).
  
  There are ladders for upper bunks. Bedding: you usually get a pillow and a sleeping-sheet or light blanket (not always a full duvet). It’s wise to dress in comfortable clothes or bring a sleep sack if you want extra cleanliness, though the provided linens are generally clean. Couchettes have no sink in the compartment – just shared toilets (and sometimes a simple washroom) at the car ends.
  
  No showers here, except maybe at the station on arrival (some big stations have shower facilities for a fee). Importantly, couchette compartments don’t lock from the outside – but they usually can be latched from inside for privacy when everyone is in. Since they are shared spaces, practice normal courtesy: change in the washroom if you need privacy, keep noise down after people start sleeping, etc.

• If you’re in a seat, you’re either in an open coach or a 6-seat compartment. Lights might stay on (dimmed). Quiet hours are expected, but you might still hear other passengers or station announcements. The coach might not have curtains, so an eye mask is handy.
  
  Some newer trains have “night mode” lighting. Bring something to make yourself comfortable – a travel blanket or jacket as a blanket, and maybe an inflatable neck pillow. Don’t be surprised if other passengers stretch out or sleep on the floor (happens occasionally in less crowded times, though not really allowed).

Security and safety: Generally, night trains in Europe are safe. Train personnel (conductors or sleeper car attendants) are on duty throughout the journey and will walk the corridors periodically. In sleeper and couchette cars, the car attendant often collects your ticket (or Eurail pass) shortly after departure and holds onto it, so you’re not disturbed by ticket checks during the night.

They will also usually handle any border passport checks – if crossing a border at night, you might be asked to hand over your passport to the attendant, who gives it to border police to stamp, then returns it (this procedure varies; within Schengen Area there are typically no border stops at all).

You can generally lock your compartment from the inside. In couchettes, there’s a simple latch or key; in sleepers, a deadbolt. Use it when sleeping to prevent any intrusions. The windows usually have curtains or blinds.

The biggest security issues are petty theft (very rare, but it can happen that someone sneaks into a compartment if left unlocked). Keep your valuables close – e.g. sleep with your bag as a pillow or use small cable locks to secure luggage to the rack. Many compartments have a lockable door and sometimes an additional chain latch.

As a rule, never leave the compartment door open/unlocked if you step out at a stop. But serious incidents are uncommon; millions use these trains safely every year. In fact, being in a cabin with others can feel safer than being alone on a dark street – you have companions and staff nearby. If you ever feel unsafe, you can find the conductor or press the alarm in the compartment.

Luggage storage: Night trains don’t have formal checked baggage – you bring your suitcase into the compartment. There is usually storage under the lower bunk for a medium suitcase and overhead racks or shelves for smaller bags. In 6-berth couchettes it can be tight if everyone has big luggage, so pack as lightly as you can. In seated coaches, you use overhead racks or space at the carriage ends. A helpful tip: bring a small padlock or luggage strap if you’re in a shared space, so you can secure your bag to the rack (deters any opportunistic theft during station stops).

Onboard services (food, etc.): The days of every night train having a dining car are mostly gone. Some routes still have them – for instance, the EuroNight Budapest–Bucharest has a restaurant car, and the Prague–Kosice sleeper has one during part of the route. As a rule of thumb, the farther east or the longer the route, the more likely a dining car or bistro exists.

Many Western Europe night trains have no cafe car, but you can usually buy basic snacks, drinks (water, soda, beer) from the attendant. They often have a menu card in the couchette/sleeper with a few items (like tea for €1, beer for €2, chips, etc.). It’s wise to bring your own snacks and water on board. Bring a bottle of water at least, since staying hydrated is important (the heating can make the air dry). In sleepers, attendants often provide a welcome drink (like a small sparkling wine or juice) and a bottle of water for each passenger.

In the morning, if you’re in a sleeper or sometimes couchette, breakfast is provided. This is usually a simple fare: a croissant or bread roll, butter/jam, maybe yogurt, coffee or tea, and juice. Don’t expect a lavish spread, but it’s a nice start to the day. If you’re in a seat, no breakfast included, but you might be able to buy coffee from the staff or at a station stop.

Electrical outlets and Wi-Fi: Most modernized night train cars have at least one power socket per compartment (often two) or per seat pair. For example, the new Nightjets have outlets (and USB ports) for every berth. Older couchette cars might have only one plug in the whole compartment – so bring a small splitter if you have multiple devices.

If it’s critical, charge your phone a bit before turning in so you have alarm clock power. Wi-Fi is hit-or-miss. A few routes (like within Switzerland/Austria) might have Wi-Fi, but generally, long-distance night trains do not offer Wi-Fi onboard – you’ll rely on mobile data. Cellular coverage will drop in rural areas or while you sleep, obviously.

Climate control: Sleeping cars usually have individual climate knobs or at least something you can adjust. Newer cars are air-conditioned. It can sometimes get chilly at night when the train passes through mountains, or conversely stuffy if the AC malfunctions. Dress in layers or have a light jacket handy. You’ll typically be provided with a blanket or two.

Noise and etiquette: After boarding and initial ticket checks, most people will settle in and prepare for bed. There’s usually an unspoken quiet time after 10 or 11 PM. People might whisper or use headphones – loud conversations or music are frowned upon. Try to minimize phone use (and turn notification sounds off). Shutting the corridor door helps keep things quieter. Earplugs are very useful as you’ll still hear occasional station announcements or track noise. Eye shades help with any stray light.

Station stops will occur during the night; sometimes you’ll wake briefly when the train stops and new passengers might join (especially in couchettes, where intermediate stops can bring new people if beds were free). Keep your ticket or reservation slip handy (if not collected) in case a new conductor boards after a border and needs to see it.

Sleeping arrangements: In shared compartments, you change into sleepwear either in your berth (some are adept at doing this discreetly under the blanket) or go to the lavatory to change. On mixed-gender routes, common courtesy is to not strip down completely in front of strangers – use a restroom or wait till lights are low. Many bring flip-flops or slippers to walk to the toilet at night. And yes, you can use the toilet on a moving train (unlike some airplanes where seatbelt sign might stop you).

Stops and breaks: If the train has a longer stop (say 10-15 minutes) at a station, sometimes smokers step off for a quick cigarette. This is possible but risky if you’re not attentive – trains can depart suddenly. If you do step off, stay near your car door and keep an eye on it. We’ve heard the horror stories of someone hopping off at 3 AM in the middle of nowhere to smoke and then the train leaves without them (with their passport and bag onboard!). So generally, it’s better to avoid leaving the train at night unless absolutely necessary. Use the designated smoking areas on board if available (most night trains are entirely non-smoking now).

Arrival: About 30 minutes to an hour before arrival at your destination, the attendant will knock to wake up passengers (especially in sleepers where breakfast is served). They’ll return your documents if they held them. You can freshen up, fold the beds back if you want to sit, and prepare to disembark. Don’t forget to collect all your belongings – it’s easy to leave a phone under the pillow or a jacket on the hook in the groggy morning state. If you had a great journey, it’s nice (though not required) to tip the sleeper attendant a few euros for their service – they often work hard prepping beds and serving food.

Showers at destination: If you traveled in a regular couchette or seat and want to shower upon arrival, some major stations have facilities. For example, Zurich, Munich, Vienna, Paris (Gare de l’Est or Nord lounges) have public or lounge showers (a small fee or included with first-class tickets). Otherwise, plan your hotel/Airbnb check-in accordingly.

In short, onboard a night train you can expect a cozy, communal atmosphere. You trade some personal space and speed for the unique experience of falling asleep to the rhythm of the tracks and waking up somewhere new. Most travelers find it enjoyable, or at least interesting to try. And with new trains coming, the comfort level is only improving.

The Takeaway

Europe’s night trains are steaming ahead into a new golden age of overnight travel. In 2025 and 2026, we’ll see milestone changes: routes like Paris–Berlin are being reborn under new management, beloved lines from Vienna to Italy and beyond are expanding with new trains, and novel services will connect corners of the continent that haven’t seen sleepers in decades. The groundwork is being laid for a far-reaching network – possibly 100+ cities by the 2030s – that could genuinely change how travelers move around Europe.

For travelers, this revival means more choice and freedom. You can plan an itinerary that hops from city to city while you sleep, perhaps saving time, money, and certainly some carbon emissions along the way. Night trains aren’t just a nostalgic throwback; they’re evolving into a practical solution for modern travel needs – provided you know how to navigate the system. By understanding the routes available, the upcoming launches, and how to book and use these services, you can take full advantage of the trend.

The years 2025–2026 are perfect for getting on board (literally) with night trains. We now have a mix of traditional routes and brand-new ones to try. So whether you fancy watching the sun set over the Alps from a Nightjet, then waking up by the Adriatic Sea, or you’re planning a rail adventure from Stockholm’s archipelago to Berlin’s nightlife, the tracks are ready for you. With a bit of planning and the tips from this guide, you can step onto that sleeper car with confidence – ready to drift off to the gentle rocking of the train, and wake up to a new city and a new story. Happy (night) traveling!

FAQ

Q1. Are night trains safe for solo travelers?
Yes. European night trains are generally very safe. Sleeping compartments lock from the inside, staff are present throughout the journey, and theft is rare if you take basic precautions. Women-only couchettes are available on some routes for added comfort.

Q2. Is the new Paris–Berlin sleeper comfortable?
Yes. The European Sleeper Paris–Berlin service (launching 2026) will use refurbished 1990s sleeping cars similar to Nightjet’s standard cabins. Expect 1–3 bed compartments, decent bedding, proper climate control, and clean facilities. There may not be a dining car at launch, so bring snacks.

Q3. Do the cabins lock?
Yes. Sleeper and couchette cabins lock from the inside. Sleepers usually have a main lock plus a latch; couchettes have a simpler lock. You cannot lock most compartments from the outside when leaving briefly, so take valuables with you.

Q4. Are night trains cheaper than flying?
Sometimes. Night trains can be good value because they combine transport and accommodation. Seats may cost under €30, couchettes mid-range, and private sleepers more expensive. Flying might have lower base fares, but night trains save on hotel costs and offer city-center arrival.

Q5. Do night trains have showers and toilets?
All have toilets. Showers depend on the train and class. Deluxe sleepers on some Nightjet routes have private showers, while standard sleepers and couchettes usually do not. Many travelers shower at their hotel or in station facilities upon arrival.

Q6. Do night trains sell out?
Yes. Popular routes often fill weeks in advance, especially in summer and holiday periods. Sleepers are the first to sell out. Book early if you need a specific date or cabin type.

Q7. Can I take a pet on a night train?
Policies vary. Some operators allow pets if you book an entire compartment and pay a pet fee. Small pets in carriers may travel for free or a small charge. Always check the specific route’s rules before booking.

Q8. Is there Wi-Fi and can I charge my phone?
Most night trains have power outlets or USB ports, so charging is easy. Wi-Fi is uncommon and unreliable. Download entertainment in advance and rely on mobile data if needed.

Q9. Do night trains have food or dining cars?
Some routes offer dining or bistro cars, but many do not, especially refurbished or newly launched services. It’s wise to bring snacks, water, or a light meal.

Q10. Is sleeping on a night train actually comfortable?
Yes. In a sleeper cabin, you get proper bedding, privacy, and a calm atmosphere. Couchettes are more basic but still comfortable for most travelers. The gentle movement of the train helps many people sleep well.

Research Notes

To map out the current and upcoming sleeper train options across Europe, I started with official material from ÖBB, whose Nightjet press releases detail both the new Berlin–Paris and Berlin–Brussels services as well as the updated Nightjet train design. These documents helped clarify what the new trains offer and how they fit into the broader overnight network.

I then reviewed recent reporting from The Guardian, AFAR, and Euronews, which provided wider context on the return of night trains, including service cuts, new launches, and long-term plans like Nox’s proposed 100-city network. Trip By Trip was especially helpful for tracking developments with European Sleeper and the future Paris–Berlin route, along with RDC’s rescue of the Berlin–Stockholm connection.

For practical travel details, I compared guidance from Rail Europe and Euronews on booking and service types. Travel Off Path also contributed timely updates on the Prague–Berlin–Copenhagen line set to begin operations. Together, these sources offered a clear view of what travelers can expect in 2025 and 2026 as Europe’s night train revival continues.