Sleeping Their Way Across a Continent: The Return of Europe’s Night Trains

For much of the late twentieth century, the overnight train seemed destined for the history books in Europe. Budget airlines offered cheap, fast connections between major cities, and high-speed rail took over many daytime routes. Rail operators closed sleeper services one by one, citing high costs and falling demand.

In recent years, that trend has reversed. New and revived night trains now link cities such as Vienna, Berlin, Paris, Brussels, Amsterdam, Zurich and Prague. Travelers are once again boarding in the evening, sleeping in a bunk and waking up in another country.

Why Night Trains Are Coming Back

Several forces have combined to revive interest in overnight rail. The most frequently cited is climate concern. Rail travel generally produces far lower emissions per passenger than short-haul flights, and a growing number of travelers want to reduce their environmental footprint without giving up international trips.

Convenience is another factor. A night train departs from a city-center station and arrives in another city center, avoiding airport transfers and security lines. Because the journey happens during sleep, it can effectively save both travel time and the cost of a hotel night.

Policy support has also played a role. Several European governments and the European Union have expressed interest in expanding cross-border rail, and some national operators have invested in new rolling stock designed specifically for overnight travel.

The first time I took the sleeper, I realized I had gained a whole day. I left after dinner and was in a meeting by nine the next morning.

A management consultant who commutes regularly between two European capitals

What the Experience Is Like

Modern night trains typically offer several classes of accommodation, allowing travelers to choose between price and privacy:

• Seats, the cheapest option, similar to a regular day train.
• Couchettes, shared compartments with four or six fold-down bunks and basic bedding.
• Sleeper cabins, private or semi-private rooms with proper beds, often including a washbasin.
• Premium cabins on some newer trains, with en-suite showers and toilets.

Some operators have introduced compact "mini cabins" for solo travelers who want privacy without paying for a full sleeper compartment. Breakfast is often included in higher classes, and many trains now offer improved accessibility features.

The Economics Remain Difficult

Despite strong demand on some routes, running night trains is not easy. A sleeper carriage holds far fewer passengers than a day coach, which limits revenue. Trains make only one trip per night, so expensive rolling stock sits idle during the day. Cross-border services must also navigate different signaling systems, track access charges and operating rules in each country they pass through.

Track access fees, charged by infrastructure managers for using the rails, can be a significant expense. Some advocates argue that these charges should be lowered for night services to reflect their environmental benefits. Others point out that tickets are often already priced higher than budget flights, which can deter price-sensitive travelers.

Reliability is another concern. Overnight trains sometimes share tracks with freight services and maintenance work, which typically takes place at night. Delays can ripple through tight schedules, and occasional cancellations have frustrated passengers.

Tips for First-Time Travelers

For those considering their first overnight rail journey, a little planning goes a long way:

1. Book early, especially for private cabins, which can sell out weeks in advance on popular routes.
2. Pack a small overnight bag with essentials, since storage space in compartments is limited.
3. Bring earplugs and an eye mask to help with sleep in shared spaces.
4. Check the arrival time carefully; some trains arrive very early in the morning.
5. Keep valuables close, and use any lockable storage provided.

The Road Ahead

Night trains are unlikely to replace air travel across Europe entirely. Long distances, cost and limited capacity mean flights will remain the default for many trips. But for journeys of roughly 800 to 1,500 kilometers, overnight rail has found a meaningful niche.

Whether that niche continues to grow will depend on investment in new carriages, cooperation between national rail systems and pricing that makes the sleeper a realistic choice for more travelers. For now, the gentle rhythm of a train rolling through the night has returned to the continent, and many passengers are glad to have it back.