The Top 10 Sleeper Train Journeys to Experience in Europe in 2024

A few years back, the rise of budget airlines and high-speed trains seemed to signal the demise of sleeper trains, which were increasingly viewed as outdated.

However, a growing interest in slow travel and concerns about the environmental impact of flying—partially fueled by the Swedish concept of flygskam, or “flight shame”—have rekindled demand for sleeper trains. In an impressive turnaround, operators throughout Europe, including several new entrants, are reintroducing routes, in some cases for the first time in decades, and launching new services, often crossing borders.

Overnight trains offer more than just savings on accommodation; they present an adventure in their own right, reviving the romance of a past era while transporting travelers, families, and business professionals across the continent under the cover of night.

Most services feature a mix of sleeper compartments for two or four passengers, six-person dormitory-style couchettes, and standard seating cars. Some trains, however, are introducing private compartments with showers and modern capsule-style berths, signaling the arrival of a new generation of night trains.

Munich, Germany to La Spezia, Italy

Frequency: daily except Saturday Approximate duration: 11 hours

The Nightjet service from Munich to La Spezia is among the few night routes providing a direct connection between these two points. Passengers can board an early evening train from the expansive Hauptbahnhof station in the Bavarian city, heading south toward Austria and northeast Italy, passing through Genoa—a fantastic stopover option—before reaching the Ligurian coast. If everything runs smoothly—which, to be fair, isn’t guaranteed on night trains, especially those crossing borders and integrating carriages from other services—you might arrive early enough to beat the crowds to the walking trails of Cinque Terre (accessible via a local train from La Spezia). Alternatively, you could take your time in this overlooked city, enjoying a leisurely breakfast while admiring its art-nouveau architecture, best appreciated by wandering the stairways that rise from the waterfront.

Hamburg to Stockholm

Frequency: nightly Approximate duration: 14 hours

Operated by Swedish Railways (SJ), this service is among the rising stars of the new European night travel scene and has seen increased popularity and expansion since its debut.

In the summer of 2023, the SJ Euronight service to and from Stockholm was extended to begin and conclude in Berlin, a change that has now become permanent. Nevertheless, travelers should seize the opportunity to discover the vibrant maritime city of Hamburg. Starting the journey here is especially beneficial for those coming from further south and west. From Hamburg, the night service heads north into Denmark, crossing the Öresund Bridge to Malmö in the early hours.

As the train travels beyond the southern tip of Sweden, passengers enjoy morning views of Nordic forests and lakes that connect them to their surroundings until they arrive at Stockholm Central station, situated in the midst of the intricate waterways and islands that define Sweden’s capital.

The private operator Snälltåget also provides seasonal night services along this route. This train offers a solid alternative if your schedule or availability doesn’t align with the SJ train, or if you’re eager to experience Snälltåget’s highly praised restaurant coach.

Zurich to Zagreb

Frequency: daily Approximate duration: 15 hours

This Euronight service provides a seamless connection between Switzerland’s largest city and the charming Croatian capital, traveling across five countries in roughly 15 hours. It’s particularly rewarding to take this journey in summer, as it showcases one of Europe’s most picturesque routes, meandering through Austria and Slovenia, where scenic railway lines abound. The route also glides through the tiny Alpine principality of Liechtenstein without stopping. You can sample this journey by traveling as far as Ljubljana in Slovenia, but that means missing the beautiful section alongside the Sava River between there and the border.

Berlin to Brussels

Frequency: six nights a week starting December 2023 (with varying operators and routes; see details below) Approximate duration: 11.5 hours

The highly anticipated European Sleeper service linking Brussels and Berlin has become a significant part of the night train landscape, with plans to extend the route to Prague beginning in 2024. This thrice-weekly train stops in Antwerp, Rotterdam, and Amsterdam, reviving a route that was discontinued in 2008. In December, it will be complemented by a Nightjet service operating the same route on three alternate days, taking a different path via Liège and flowing down the Rhine to Mannheim. (This train is part of the established Brussels-to-Vienna Nightjet.) Brussels is easily accessible from London, and since there’s no need to switch stations (unlike in Paris), it’s a perfect launching point for travelers from the UK eager to journey deeper into Europe overnight.

London to Fort William, Scotland

Frequency: daily except Saturday Approximate duration: 1 hours

Great Britain features just two sleeper trains, both of which have recently undergone significant upgrades, reflecting renewed confidence in the nation’s overnight services. The Night Riviera departs from London’s Paddington Station and continues southwest until it reaches Penzance in Cornwall. However, it’s the Caledonian Sleeper that truly captivates the British public. This iconic train departs from Euston Station each evening, and through a series of carriage adjustments, quietly transports sleeping passengers to Edinburgh, Inverness, Aberdeen, Fort William, and various stops in between.

The journey to Fort William is the most breathtaking section, providing a night on the train and a morning immersed in stunning Highland landscapes before arriving at the base of the path leading to Ben Nevis, the highest peak in the country.

Budapest to Bucharest

Frequency: daily Approximate duration: 17 hours

The stunning Keleti terminal in Budapest marks the beginning of this remarkable overnight journey. While three sleeper trains operate on this route, the Ister's schedule is arguably the best: it departs just after 7 PM and arrives at Bucharest’s Gara de Nord by mid-morning, with passport checks occurring around midnight. The leisurely morning on board offers passengers a chance to take in the breathtaking views of the Carpathian Mountains before traversing the plains toward the capital. From Bucharest, travelers can also catch a direct summer sleeper train to Istanbul, embarking on another railway adventure to the edge of Europe.

Trondheim to Bodø

Frequency: daily Approximate duration: 10 hours

Typically, the spectacular sights along any Norwegian train journey would make a night train seem like a missed chance. However, two reasons advocate for the 10-hour Trondheim to Bodø trip. First, during summer, you won’t miss a thing—the sun barely sets. Second, Norwegian trains are quite comfortable, and booking a berth on a night train offers a fantastic value in a country where deals are rare.

Rome to Venice

Frequency: daily Approximate duration: 7 hours

A hidden gem in Europe’s night train network, Italy’s InterCityNotte (ICN) services traverse the country, showcasing several must-see routes. While trains from Rome to Sicily attract attention for the unique ferry that transports carriages across the Strait of Messina, there are compelling reasons to travel in the opposite direction.

Each evening, a sleeper bound for Trieste departs from Roma Termini, meandering through the enchanting regions of Lazio, Umbria, and Tuscany. Passengers may be stirred awake by the sounds of carriages being repositioned at Mestre, followed by a remarkable crossing of the lagoon causeway into Venice. Any lingering sleepiness will quickly vanish in the glow of a Venetian sunrise, with the city largely to yourself and a couple of strong espressos to kickstart your day.

Paris to Latour de Carol

Frequency: nightly (departure times vary) Approximate duration: 12 hours

After discontinuing most of the Intercités trains de nuit in 2016, SNCF (French National Railway Company) has been working to bring back some of the lost services. One of the few to survive is the route from Paris to Latour de Carol, nestled deep in the Pyrenees. This journey features four- and six-berth couchettes, along with a seated carriage, as it winds south through Limoges, Toulouse, and the picturesque foothills of the Pyrenees before reaching the border station of Latour de Carol.

From here, you can take a suburban train to the heart of Barcelona in about three hours, providing a remarkable alternative to the TGV service from Paris to the Catalan city via Montpellier and the scenic French Mediterranean coast. The charming, narrow-gauge Petit Train Jaune also departs from Latour de Carol, offering a breathtaking mountain journey with connections to Perpignan.

Innsbruck to Cologne

Frequency: daily Approximate duration: 11.5 hours

There are countless reasons to board this fantastic Nightjet sleeper service, especially when traveling in this direction. Firstly, Innsbruck boasts a stunning location in the Tyrolean Alps, making it a wonderful spot to explore before your journey, with hiking trails in summer and ski slopes in winter. Secondly – and thrilling for train enthusiasts – Nightjet services feature distinctive double-decker sleeper compartments, offering premium berths on the upper level. Finally, if you can manage an early rise, these trains glide through the Rhine Valley Line in the early morning, showcasing ancient castles and sprawling vineyards as they head north to Cologne.

As if that weren't enough, Cologne’s cathedral, situated right next to the train station, stands as one of Europe’s most iconic landmarks. Watching its twin spires rise in prominence as you approach the city makes for a perfect conclusion to this remarkable journey.

Booking information

With the renewed interest in night trains, booking in advance is crucial. Depending on your route, berths become available for reservation between 30 to 180 days prior to travel; it’s advisable to secure your spot as early as possible. Websites like Seat61, Trainline.com, and various national train operators can assist you with the booking process.