Best Night Trains Routes in Europe

The Caledonian Sleeper offers a unique overnight journey that captures the essence of Scotland's enchanting landscapes and vibrant cities. Connecting over 40 destinations across the country, from bustling urban centers to the serene beauty of the Highlands, this night train service promises an adventure like no other. Whether you're drawn to sandy beaches, rolling hills, or majestic lochs, the Caledonian Sleeper is your gateway to exploring Scotland's diverse attractions in comfort and style. The service prides itself on bringing the best of Scottish hospitality to travelers, offering cozy accommodations and the opportunity to enjoy local cuisine and drinks in the Club Car.

The Train connects key Scottish cities like Edinburgh, Glasgow, Inverness, Aberdeen, and Fort William with London, offering a relaxed and friendly atmosphere for both leisure and business travelers. Its unique allure lies in the combination of convenience, comfort, and the chance to wake up to some of the UK’s most stunning landscapes.

The Night Riviera Sleeper stands as a splendid embodiment of elegance and luxury in the realm of European night trains, offering a direct overnight journey from London to the westernmost tip of Cornwall. This service, operated by Great Western Railway (GWR), effectively bridges London Paddington with Penzance, introducing passengers to the breathtaking landscapes of Cornwall, characterized by beautiful beaches, towering cliffs, and cascading waterfalls. The roughly eight-hour journey unfolds across the serene backdrop of the English countryside, promising an overnight travel experience where comfort meets convenience.

Aboard the Night Riviera Sleeper, travelers are treated to a variety of accommodation options catering to both solo and duo travelers, with mandatory reservations ensuring a well-planned trip. The journey isn't just about reaching the destination; it's imbued with a sense of grandeur and attention to detail, from the welcoming lounges at Penzance station to the inclusive amenities provided for every passenger. With its strategic operation excluding Saturdays, the Night Riviera Sleeper maintains a consistent schedule, becoming an integral part of the Cornwall-London transit, and enriching the night train landscape in Europe.

The ÖBB Nightjet presents an exceptional way to travel through Europe, connecting more than 25 major cities with its network of night trains. It stands out for offering a comfortable, eco-friendly, and congestion-free journey into the Alpine regions of Tyrol and beyond. Passengers can enjoy the privacy of their own compartments, traveling with family or friends, and experiencing the unique service that the Nightjet provides. With routes like Vienna - Salzburg - Paris, the Nightjet ensures travelers reach their destinations refreshed and ready to explore, directly in the city centers. This service is ideal for both city trips and vacation travels, eliminating the stress of long car journeys.

Introduced by Austrian ÖBB-Personenverkehr in December 2016, and expanding rapidly since, ÖBB Nightjet has revitalized night train travel across Europe. It incorporates not just the traditional routes formerly known as EuroNight, but also a portion of the City Night Line routes previously operated by DB Fernverkehr. Offering sleeper, couchette, and seated accommodations, Nightjet caters to various comfort preferences, with the option to transport cars or motorcycles on certain connections. The friendly train staff ensures safety and service throughout the night, contributing to an enjoyable travel experience. In addition, the service connects several countries, including Germany, Italy, Switzerland, and the Netherlands, illustrating its significant role in European rail travel.

The InterCityNotte offers an excellent way for travelers to cover long distances across Italy, from metropolitan hubs like Milan and Rome to the picturesque regions of Sicily and Apulia. The trains, notable for their journey across the Strait of Messina to Sicily via ferry, boast a comprehensive network that reaches every corner of Italy. Accommodations on board are modern, comfortable, and provide great value, allowing passengers to save on hotel costs and make the most of their daytime travels. It's a preferred choice for those looking to experience Italy's vast cultural and geographical diversity overnight.

InterCityNotte connects major Italian cities such as Milan, Turin, Rome, and Naples, offering routes to Sicily where the train uniquely crosses with a ferry. With mandatory reservations and limited seats and sleepers available for pass holders, early booking is advised to secure a spot on these popular routes. These night trains feature various accommodation types, including comfortable sleeping cars with one to three beds per compartment, modern couchettes with four bunks, and second-class seating with six seats per compartment. Some trains even offer deluxe compartments with ensuite facilities, ensuring a restful night's journey across Italy.

Snälltåget, a distinguished player in the European night train network, stands out for its unique routes and services that stretch across Sweden and into Germany. With its commercial operations, Snälltåget operates without state or regional subsidies, showcasing the viability and popularity of its routes among passengers. The service connects cities like Malmö and Stockholm within Sweden, extends to the Jämtland mountains, and crosses international borders to link with Copenhagen and Berlin.

Snälltåget's commitment to enhancing the night train experience is evident through its seasonal services to Berlin, capitalizing on the summer demand and reviving a connection once dropped by SJ. The company has also ventured into connecting Swedish ski destinations, offering travelers an eco-friendly option to reach the slopes.

The Nightjet, offering a bridge between the City of Love, Paris, and the City of Techno, Berlin, encapsulates the essence of European night travel. Commencing from December 11, 2023, the Nightjet service will operate thrice weekly, providing travelers an unparalleled opportunity to embark on a nocturnal voyage across the iconic cities.

Berlin, known for its vibrant culture, historical landmarks, and bustling boulevards, is seamlessly connected to Paris through the Nightjet. This service redefines overnight travel by blending comfort with convenience, allowing passengers to wake up refreshed and ready to explore their destination. With options ranging from seating to sleeping cars, the Nightjet caters to a variety of travel preferences, ensuring a memorable and comfortable journey across the heart of Europe. This night train route stands out as a testament to the enduring appeal of rail travel, offering a sustainable and enjoyable alternative to air travel.

Embark on Norway's longest train journey, an adventure that spans 729 kilometers from Trondheim to Bodø, crossing the Arctic Circle and offering unparalleled views of fjords, mountains, and valleys. The Nordland Railway, known for its contrasting landscapes, takes travelers through the lush countryside of Trøndelag, over rugged mountain terrains, and into the scenic beauty of northern Norway. With 293 bridges and 154 tunnels, this journey is a testament to the marvels of engineering and the breathtaking natural beauty of Norway.

Travelers have the unique opportunity to witness the midnight sun in summer or the northern lights in winter, making every journey on the Nordland Railway a unique experience regardless of the season. Highlights of the trip include crossing the Arctic Circle, where travelers can see the distinct change in vegetation and possibly spot wildlife like reindeer. Historical sites related to World War II and the diverse climatic zones add to the richness of the journey, promising an unforgettable experience for nature lovers, history enthusiasts, and adventurers alike.

Embark on a magical journey aboard The Santa Claus Express, Finland's celebrated double-decker night train that traverses the breathtaking landscapes from Helsinki and Turku all the way to the snow-covered expanses of Lapland. This enchanting train journey is your direct conduit to the Arctic Circle, transporting you to Rovaniemi—the official hometown of Santa Claus—and further north to Kemijärvi and Kolari.

The Santa Claus Express offers an unparalleled opportunity to experience the contrasting beauty of Finnish Lapland. The journey, taking less than fifteen hours, introduces passengers to a world where daytime can stretch endlessly or night can envelop the landscape for weeks. Notably, a visit to Santa Park in Rovaniemi is a must for an unforgettable encounter with Santa Claus and his reindeer. Whether you opt for a seat or a private sleeper cabin, this journey promises the comfort, convenience, and the chance to witness the magical aurora borealis or enjoy the phenomenon of the midnight sun, depending on the season of your travel.