Discover Europe’s most memorable overnight rail journeys – from classic sleeper trains and couchette adventures to luxury overnight experiences.
Travelling by night train is about far more than simply getting from A to B. Fall asleep in one city and wake up in another, save on a hotel night, and enjoy a style of travel that has largely disappeared from other forms of transport.
Whether you’re crossing the Alps, heading for the Adriatic coast, or travelling between Europe’s great capitals, night trains offer a unique way to experience the continent.
This growing collection of night train experiences is based on real journeys, featuring onboard reviews, accommodation guides and practical insights to help inspire your next overnight rail adventure.
Featured Night Train Experiences
Europe’s overnight rail network is enjoying a revival, with new routes, modern sleeper trains and classic overnight services connecting destinations across the continent.
These featured night train experiences are grouped by travel style and destination, making it easier to discover Europe’s most interesting overnight journeys and find inspiration for your next adventure.
Explore classic sleeper trains, scenic overnight routes and unique rail experiences that transform travel into part of the journey itself.
Classic European Sleepers
Travel between Europe’s great cities while you sleep. From private sleeper compartments to traditional couchettes, these are the iconic overnight trains that have connected Europe for generations.
-
Europe’s Most Convenient Train? Budapest 🇭🇺 to Munich 🇩🇪 and Stuttgart 🇩🇪 by EuroNight Sleeper
Excerpt
The EuroNight ‘Kálmán Imre’ sleeper train offers a time-effective option to travel from Budapest to Stuttgart and Zurich, featuring a choice of accommodation options. Despite encountering hefty delays en-route, the train retained its punctionality and arrived on time. With lower fares compared to other sleeper trains, this is a solid option to travel from eastern…
Austria, Classic Sleepers, European Train Travel, First Time Journeys, Germany, Hungary, Sleeper Trains, Train Travel
11–17 minutes -
Norway’s Innovative Night Train: Oslo 🇳🇴 to Bergen 🇳🇴 with Vy!
Excerpt
A comfortable alternative to the scenic daytime route from Oslo to Bergen – the Vy overnight sleeper train. The train offers an impressive and well considered range of accommodation options from private sleeping cars, accommodation for groups and the innovative PlusNight. Read about my experience and to learn about each accommodation option.
9–14 minutes -
NightJet ‘New Generation’ – Vienna 🇦🇹 to Hamburg 🇩🇪 on the new game-changing sleeper train!
Excerpt
In December 2023, the ÖBB launched a brand new sleeper train for their NightJet brand in response to high demand for flight-free travel. The NightJet New Generation features Siemens-built sleeper trains, featuring a brand-new innovative product, the Mini-Cabin. This is the new future of overnight train travel in Europe!
Austria, Classic Sleepers, European Train Travel, First Time Journeys, Germany, Sleeper Trains, Train Travel
11–16 minutes -
New Route, Oldest Sleeper – ÖBB NightJet from Zürich 🇨🇭 to Amsterdam 🇳🇱
Excerpt
As demand for flight-free travel booms, the NightJet brand, operated by ÖBB, have expanded their destinations and fleet recently. This has included re-launching a sleeping car from 1975, the AB33, providing a unique experience.
6–9 minutes
Coastal & Summer Night Trains
Arrive refreshed at beaches, islands and coastal cities without spending a day travelling.
These seasonal and year-round services are perfect for making the most of your holiday time.
-
Italy’s sleeper train rebrand! Rome 🇮🇹 to the Adriatic coast 🇮🇹 onboard the InterCity Notte
Excerpt
Italy’s InterCity train network is in the midst of a rebrand. See the future of Italy’s InterCity ‘Notte’, or ‘night’, train service on a recent trip from Rome to Bari, on the Adriatic coast in the ‘Relax’ sleeping car and what changes have been implemented.
9–14 minutes -
Holidaying with the Hungarians – Adria InterCity sleeper train from Split 🇭🇷 to Budapest 🇭🇺
Excerpt
The comfortable way to travel between Split, Croatia and Budapest, Hungary is on the popular Adria InterCity train. Find out all about it and what happened when weather disrupted our trip.
7–10 minutes -
Europe’s Only Train-on-a-Ferry route – Mainland Italy 🇮🇹 to Sicily 🇮🇹 overnight
Excerpt
A truly unique travel experience! Milan and Rome to Sicily the relaxing way by train, which crosses the Strait of Messina as part of its journey!
6–9 minutes
Hidden Gem Night Trains
Some of Europe’s most interesting overnight journeys are also its least known.
Discover unusual routes, vintage rolling stock and sleeper trains that offer a glimpse into a different era of rail travel.
-
Retro Istria Express: A Nostalgic Night Train from Budapest 🇭🇺 to Koper 🇸🇮
Excerpt
I boarded the Retro Istria Express, Hungary’s seasonal summer night train to the Adriatic. The 1960s-era carriages lived up to the “Retro” label, with wood panelled sleeping cars, pink curtains, and a sense of nostalgia running throughout. Accommodation ranged from basic seated compartments to four-berth couchettes, and my private sleeping-car compartment. All with great views…
European Train Travel, Hidden Gem Sleepers, Hungary, Scenic Trips, Sleeper Trains, Slovenia, Train Travel
10–15 minutes -
Europe’s Oldest Sleeper Train – travelling back in time from Bucharest 🇷🇴 to Cluj Napoca 🇷🇴
Excerpt
Sleeper trains are a convenient way to travel around Romania. The network may be somewhat dilapidated, but the carriages from 1965 that ply most of its domestic routes, provide a charm that modern trains can’t provide. See what the journey is like on Europe’s oldest sleeper train carriage!
8–12 minutes -
EuroNight Lisinski: Stuttgart 🇩🇪 and Munich 🇩🇪 to Ljubljana 🇸🇮 and Zagreb 🇭🇷 by sleeper train
Excerpt
Named after the Croatian composer, the EuroNight Lisinski provides a time-effective link from Stuttgart to the Croatian capital with Croatian sleeping cars, also stopping in the cities of Munich and Ljubljana. An exciting journey – but what was the experience like?
Austria, European Train Travel, First Time Journeys, Germany, Hidden Gem Sleepers, Sleeper Trains, Slovenia, Train Travel
6–9 minutes -
The Istanbul-Sofia Express 🇹🇷🇧🇬 overnight train – comfortable but exhausting!
Excerpt
This was the final leg of my trip from the UK to Istanbul by train, crossing from Bulgaria into Türkiye by sleeping car. Find out why it turned out to be a tiring trip and a highly memorable experience!
Bulgaria, European Train Travel, Hidden Gem Sleepers, Hidden Gems, Sleeper Trains, Train Travel, World Rail Trips
7–10 minutes
Why Travel by Night Train?
Night trains offer a travel experience unlike any other.
✓ Wake up in a new destination
✓ Save the cost of a hotel night
✓ Maximise your sightseeing time
✓ Enjoy a slower, more memorable way to travel
✓ Experience a unique part of Europe’s railway heritage
✓ Choose from seats, couchettes or private sleepers
For many travellers, the night train becomes the highlight of the trip rather than simply a means of getting there.
Planning Your Own Night Train Adventure?
From understanding sleeper accommodation to booking reservations and choosing the right routes, our planning guides will help you travel with confidence.
Our Free Expert Guide to European Night Trains
Don’t miss our comprehensive guide to European night trains. Whether you’re considering your first overnight rail journey or looking to understand the different accommodation options available, this guide covers everything you need to know before you travel.
Inside, you’ll discover:
- How European night train services operate
- The differences between seats, couchettes and sleeper cabins
- What to expect onboard during an overnight journey
- Tips for choosing the right accommodation for your trip
- Booking advice and practical travel information
The digital guide is available free to all Club Rail-Away subscribers – simply sign up below to receive your copy.
Travel Europe by Train – Smarter and Easier
Access great routes, fare tips and tricks from our FREE insider guides.
Get instant access to:
✓ 3 curated European rail itineraries for your next trip and be inspired
✓ Simple booking and money saving guide and book with confidence
✓ Night train tips and what to expect – optimise your time and experience
Prefer a physical edition of our Expert Guide to European Night Trains? You can also purchase a printed copy from the Club Rail-Away Shop via the link below.
Done for You: ‘Plan My Trip’ Service
If you’d prefer expert help, our Plan My Trip service creates a fully tailored rail itinerary based on your time, interests, and travel style.
We take your ideas and turn them into a clear, structured European rail journey — ready to book and travel.
