Night trains in Europe went through a long decline — high-speed rail and cheap flights squeezed them out through the 1990s and 2000s, and by the early 2010s the network had shrunk dramatically. Then something shifted. Demand for low-carbon travel grew, a few operators proved overnight trains could be commercially viable again, and a genuine revival is now under way. Here is where the network stands today, who runs what and which routes are worth taking.
Why the comeback happened
The turning point came when ÖBB — Austrian Federal Railways — bought back a large number of routes from Deutsche Bahn and Trenitalia when those operators withdrew from overnight services. ÖBB invested in new rolling stock and a coherent brand: Nightjet. The model worked. Ridership grew, and other operators began to follow suit.
The broader context is rising interest in lower-emission travel. A night train replaces both a flight and a hotel night — and for many city pairs in Western and Central Europe, it competes well on total journey experience, if not always on headline journey time. Governments in France, Austria, Germany and Sweden have provided funding and political support to accelerate the revival.
The main operators today
ÖBB Nightjet
ÖBB is the largest and best-known overnight rail operator in Europe. Nightjet trains now serve a wide network linking Vienna, Innsbruck, Salzburg, Graz and Bregenz with destinations including Amsterdam, Brussels, Berlin, Hamburg, Munich, Zurich, Rome, Venice, Milan, Paris and beyond. The network continues to expand. For full route details and the accommodation options, see the dedicated Nightjet guide.
SNCF (France)
France has been reviving domestic overnight trains under political pressure to reduce short-haul flights. Routes connecting Paris with the Alps, the Pyrenees and the far south-west (including services to the Spanish border and beyond) have been relaunched or expanded. SNCF overnight services are bookable via SNCF Connect and are a genuine alternative to flying for long domestic journeys across France.
Snälltåget (Sweden/Europe)
Sweden-based Snälltåget operates seasonal night trains linking Stockholm and Malmö with Hamburg and Berlin, and domestic Swedish overnight routes including Stockholm to Åre and Östersund. These are leisure-focused services popular in both summer and ski season. The Stockholm–Hamburg/Berlin corridor is one of the most striking cross-border overnight journeys in northern Europe.
European Sleeper
European Sleeper is a newer operator that launched a Brussels–Amsterdam–Berlin–Prague service, with ambitions to extend further. It represents the private-sector side of the revival and has attracted attention from travellers keen on carbon-conscious journeys across north-central Europe.
Trenitalia and other Italian overnight services
Italy has a historic tradition of long-distance overnight trains connecting the north with Sicily and southern Italy. Trenitalia continues to operate several of these services, though the quality is variable and they are less prominently marketed than Nightjet. For a journey from Milan or Rome heading deep into the Italian south, they remain a practical option.
Caledonian Sleeper (UK)
The Caledonian Sleeper connects London Euston with Edinburgh, Glasgow, Aberdeen, Inverness and the Scottish Highlands. It is one of the great sleeper journeys in Europe by scenery — waking up as the train rolls through Highland glens is an experience that no airport can replicate. Fully refurbished rolling stock now includes private en suite cabins. See the Oslo to Bergen guide for how Scandinavian rail compares for scenic overnight travel.
The best routes to consider
A few night train journeys stand out for a combination of convenience, value and experience:
- Vienna–Hamburg or Vienna–Amsterdam (Nightjet): Links two major cities overnight with a full sleeper option, saving a night's accommodation.
- Vienna–Rome or Vienna–Venice (Nightjet): One of the classic Alpine overnight crossings, arriving in Italy in the early morning.
- Paris–Nice or Paris–Briançon (SNCF overnight): A genuine domestic French alternative to flying, with arrival in the Riviera or the Alps in the morning.
- Stockholm–Hamburg (Snälltåget): The defining cross-border northern European overnight, linking Scandinavia with Germany through Denmark.
- London–Edinburgh or London–Inverness (Caledonian Sleeper): Combines travel and accommodation for one of the UK's great rail journeys.
- Brussels–Prague (European Sleeper): A newer service covering a gap in the overnight map across north-central Europe.
What to know before you book
Night trains are popular and book out well in advance, particularly for private sleeper cabins in summer and over public holidays. Couchettes (shared berths) are more readily available and considerably cheaper. For a detailed look at the different accommodation classes and what to expect on board, see the sleeper train guide.
Night trains are particularly good value when you factor in the accommodation saving, and they connect city centres at sociable hours — you typically board in the evening and arrive the next morning rather than at an ungodly hour. The trade-off is sleep quality: a shared couchette is comfortable enough for most travellers but is not the same as a hotel bed.
Frequently asked questions
Are night trains cheaper than flying?
The fare comparison depends heavily on the route and how far in advance you book. When you add the cost of a hotel night that the train replaces, night trains often come out cheaper than flying plus accommodation combined. On some routes, even the raw fare is competitive — especially on Nightjet services with advance couchette bookings.
How far ahead should I book a night train?
Private sleeper cabins on popular Nightjet routes can sell out two to three months in advance, particularly in summer. Couchette berths are more available but also book up on busy routes. Aim to book as soon as you know your dates, especially for the Vienna–Amsterdam, Vienna–Rome and Vienna–Hamburg corridors.
Is there a night train from the UK to Europe?
Not directly. The Eurostar currently only operates daytime services through the Channel Tunnel. Once in mainland Europe, you can connect to Nightjet and other overnight services. A London evening departure with an overnight connection from Brussels or Paris is possible, though it requires an intermediate stop.
Are night trains covered by rail passes?
Yes, but a reservation for your accommodation class (seat, couchette or sleeper) must be booked and paid for separately. The pass covers the travel; the reservation fee covers your specific berth. Cabin reservations for pass holders are managed through the Interrail and Eurail apps or directly with the operator.
Sources and further reading:
- Night train network and route details: The Man in Seat 61 (comprehensive operator-by-operator coverage).
- ÖBB Nightjet bookings and timetables: ÖBB (oebb.at).
- SNCF overnight services: SNCF Connect.
- Snälltåget: snalltaget.se.
- European Sleeper: europeansleeper.eu.
- Caledonian Sleeper: sleeper.scot.