After decades of decline, European night trains are making a genuine comeback. A mix of expanded ÖBB Nightjet routes, the new cross-border European Sleeper service and renewed investment by national operators means you can once again fall asleep in one city and wake up in another across much of the continent. Here is what is running, how to book and what to expect.
Why night trains are returning
The quiet death of many overnight services in the 2000s and 2010s was driven by cheap flights and the economics of running a train through the night for low passenger counts. The revival reflects a changed travel culture — rising interest in lower-carbon travel, the appeal of saving a night's accommodation and EU-level political support for international rail. Several governments and operators have invested in new rolling stock and route expansions since around 2020, and the momentum has continued since.
ÖBB Nightjet: the backbone of the network
Austria's national rail operator ÖBB runs the largest night train network in Europe under the Nightjet brand. From Vienna, Innsbruck, Salzburg and other Austrian cities, Nightjet trains reach Amsterdam, Brussels, Paris, Hamburg, Berlin, Rome, Venice, Munich and a growing number of other destinations. Several new routes and new rolling stock (the "Nightjet New Generation" trains with modern private cabins) have been introduced in recent years.
Nightjet services offer three levels of comfort:
- Seat carriage — reclining seats, the lowest fare tier, suitable for shorter overnight hops.
- Couchette carriage — fold-down berths in a shared compartment, typically 4 or 6 berths. Clean, practical and popular. Linen is included on most routes.
- Sleeper cabin — private or semi-private compartments with real beds, sometimes with their own wash basin. The most expensive option, equivalent to a basic hotel room.
Seat reservations are compulsory on all Nightjet trains. A Eurail or Interrail pass covers the base fare but you must add a mandatory reservation fee. See how to book European trains for the booking process.
European Sleeper: the new cross-border operator
European Sleeper is a private operator that began running night train services across borders in Europe from 2023. Its initial route connects Brussels and Amsterdam with Prague via Berlin, filling a gap left when traditional operators dropped those connections. The service uses a mix of rolling stock and aims for expansion to further destinations.
European Sleeper tickets are booked directly through the operator's own website. As a newer and smaller operator, schedules and route details should be verified before booking — services are being developed and refined over time. The mission aligns with passenger demand for environmentally conscious long-distance travel that makes border-crossing easy.
Other operators and routes worth knowing
Beyond Nightjet and European Sleeper, several national operators run overnight services:
- SNCF (French national rail) has gradually reintroduced some domestic French night trains after a long pause, including routes to the south of France.
- Trenitalia operates the Intercity Notte network within Italy, linking cities including Rome, Milan, Palermo and Syracuse.
- DB (Deutsche Bahn) has partnered on some routes and is increasing its overnight offer through agreements with ÖBB.
- Snälltåget (Sweden) operates seasonal overnight trains within Scandinavia.
- Renfe runs overnight trains within Spain, including services to and from Barcelona.
For a comprehensive map of current European night trains and their operators, The Man in Seat 61 is the most detailed independent resource available online.
What to expect on board
Night train etiquette is generally relaxed. Compartments are shared with other travellers (unless you book a private cabin), lights go out around 10 pm by unspoken agreement, and staff wake passengers roughly 30 minutes before the destination. Meals vary by service — some Nightjets include a basic breakfast in the cabin or couchette fare; others have a minibar or nothing at all. Check your specific train before boarding.
Sleeping on a moving train takes some adjustment. The rhythm of the track is soporific for many people; others find it disruptive. Ear plugs and an eye mask help in couchette compartments.
Border crossings: on some international routes, passport checks occur during the night. On many EU–EU routes with Schengen membership, this does not happen. On routes crossing into or out of the UK (via the Eurostar connection) or non-Schengen countries, carry your passport to bed.
How to book a night train
Booking depends on the route. For Nightjet services, book through ÖBB's website or the relevant national operator. For European Sleeper, book directly. For routes within a single country, use that country's national rail booking site. Multi-leg journeys crossing borders can also be assembled on third-party booking platforms, though availability of night train berths on these platforms is sometimes limited. See also our broader guide to night trains in Europe for route maps and practical planning.
Cost and value
Night train fares are higher than a daytime seat on the same route, but they replace a hotel night. A couchette berth from Vienna to Brussels or Paris typically costs considerably less than a city-centre hotel in either city, and you arrive ready to go. Sleeper cabins cost more and are closer to hotel pricing. Early booking is rewarded — like most European rail, capacity fills faster for popular dates and advance fares are the lowest available.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a reservation for a Nightjet train?
Yes. Reservations are compulsory on all Nightjet services. If you hold a Eurail or Interrail pass, you still need to pay a reservation fee on top of the pass. Book as early as possible, as couchette and sleeper berths sell out on popular routes.
What is the difference between a couchette and a sleeper cabin?
A couchette is a shared compartment where seats fold down into berths — typically 4 or 6 people share the space. A sleeper cabin is a smaller, more private compartment with proper beds, often with a wash basin, and sometimes bookable for sole use. Sleeper cabins cost significantly more but offer much greater privacy.
Can I bring luggage on a night train?
Yes, and most night trains have more generous luggage allowances than airlines. Large bags can usually go in the luggage area at the end of the carriage; smaller bags are kept in the compartment. There are no formal weight limits on most European night trains.
Are night trains a realistic alternative to flying?
For many city pairs in central Europe — Vienna to Brussels, Amsterdam to Berlin, Paris to Barcelona (daytime high-speed, not overnight), Munich to Rome — night trains are genuinely competitive on door-to-door time when you include airport transfers. The carbon savings are substantial. They work best for journeys of 6 to 16 hours; anything shorter is easy in a day and anything longer becomes uncomfortable even in a berth.
Sources and further reading:
- ÖBB Nightjet routes and booking: ÖBB official website.
- European Sleeper service details: European Sleeper official website.
- Comprehensive European night train guide: The Man in Seat 61.
- Rail pass rules: Interrail and Eurail official sites.
- Route maps and context: European Commission rail policy documentation.