Top 8 of Europe's most comfortable night trains
If you've never experienced it, you're probably thinking that night train travel is more about saving money than comfort. Granted, French night trains (INTERCITÉS) offer fairly basic comfort: first class simply allows you to travel in a compartment with 4 berths, and benefit from showers in the Austerlitz or Toulouse-Matabiau stations (which is already very appreciable). But did you know that many European night trains not only allow you to save hotel nights, but also to enjoy the same level of comfort on board? That's right, if you want to discover Europe by night train, you don't have to give up your privacy, your hot shower or your breakfast as soon as you get out of bed. And as an added bonus, you can combine all these services with the charm of Europe's landscapes from your window! Zoom in on our selection of Europe's most comfortable night trains.
1. Nightjet: night trains to discover Central and Western Europe
We start with the Nightjet trains of the Austrian Railways (ÖBB), which cover a large part of Europe and offer an excellent level of comfort! And when you compare the prices with those of a night in a hotel, you realize that the service is very affordable. The difference? You can fall asleep in Paris or Hamburg and wake up in Vienna or Florence...
Tolt à bord du Nightjet Paris-Berlin
Comfort, prices and on-board services
On board Nightjet, you'll find three levels of comfort:
- Seating (from €34.90): reclining seat with reading lights and electrical outlets.
- Sleeper compartment (from €49.90): in a compartment for 4 to 6 people, you'll have access to sheets, a blanket, a pillow and a Viennese breakfast (coffee/tea, bread, butter and jam)!
- Sleeping car: in a single, double or triple cabin, you'll have access to :
- Standard version (from €89.90): a private washbasin, a made-up bed with full bedding, a towel and toiletries,
- Deluxe version (from €174.90 for 2 people): private shower and toilet, slippers and earplugs, evening snack and à la carte breakfast with unlimited hot drinks!
© Benjamin Martinie - Le compartiment places assises à bord du train de nuit Paris-Berlin !
If you want to work on the train, all new trains are also equipped with free Wi-Fi and USB/induction sockets. And what about security? All carriages are equipped with video surveillance, and you can call on-board staff via your control screen (which also lets you control the lighting). Additional services are also available: personalized alarm clock, drinks and snacks (available from the staff)...
And for those of you who like to travel by bike: on some routes, you can take your bike on board!
Nightjet lines
The network covers a huge number of European cities, from Austria to France, via Switzerland, Germany, Italy, Belgium, the Netherlands and even Croatia!
The main routes:
- Paris ↔ Vienna
- Munich ↔ Rome
- Zurich ↔ Prague
- Amsterdam ↔ Innsbruck
- Hamburg ↔ Florence
Where to book tickets?
- On the official Nightjet website, to book directly with ÖBB,
- Via third-party platforms such as Trainline,
- Via the official Interrail website if you have a Pass (with additional booking fees).
2. Euronight: night trains to explore Central and Eastern Europe
Operated by several European national companies (ÖBB, DB, MAV, SNCF...), the Euronight train network is also an excellent option for comfortable travel through the emblematic cities of Central and Eastern Europe, from Germany to Croatia, via Hungary and Romania.
Comfort, fares and on-board services
Comfort levels vary according to line and operator. But overall, you'll find three levels of comfort:
- Seat (from €39): reclining seat,
- Sleeper (from €49): 4 to 6-bed compartments with sheets, pillows and blankets.
- Sleeper (from €89): private washbasin for the Standard version, and private shower and toilet for the Deluxe version!
You can also enjoy dinner and breakfast in the car bar, with drinks and snacks available from the staff.
Euronight lines
Euronight routes connect many of Europe's cities (and often include picturesque landscapes such as the Alps or the Danube Valley!), including:
- Munich ↔ Zagreb
- Zurich ↔ Budapest
- Berlin ↔ Malmö
- Vienna ↔ Bucharest
- Prague ↔ Warsaw
- Budapest ↔ Belgrade
Where to book tickets?
- On the official websites of partner railways (ÖBB, MAV, DB, etc.),
- Via third-party platforms such as Trainline or RailEurope,
- Via the official Interrail website if you have a Pass (with additional booking fees),
- At ticket offices in European stations.
3. European Sleeper: night trains to visit the whole of Europe
Like Nightjet, European Sleeper connects several of Europe's major cities, from Brussels to Prague, via Amsterdam and Berlin. And if this promising private start-up has earned its place in the rankings, it's because it offers state-of-the-art comfort at affordable prices!
©Benjamin Martinie - Le confort à bord de la liaison Bruxelles-Pragues en couchette !
Comfort, prices and on-board services
On board a European Sleeper train, you'll find three levels of comfort:
- Seating (from €49): in a 6-seat compartment, with a toilet in the corridor, and the possibility of adding drinks, snacks and breakfast at an additional cost.
- Sleeper (from €79): in standard version (in a 6-seater compartment) or comfort version (in an air-conditioned 5-seater compartment, also available in a “Women Only” 100% women's version), with blanket, sheet and pillow included, washbasin (and corridor toilet), and possibility of adding drinks, snacks and breakfast at extra cost.
- Sleeper car (from €139): the most comfortable option, with a maximum of 3 beds in the compartment (single, double or triple version), bed made up with comforter, pillow and sheets, washbasin (and toilet in the corridor), personalized wake-up service, breakfast and welcome drink included.
And if you want to work on the train, the trains are equipped with free Wi-Fi and electrical outlets.
To get the best fares, you probably know the golden rule: anticipate as much as possible. Ticket sales generally start 180 days before departure!
European Sleeper lines
The company offers routes to Belgium, Germany, the Netherlands, the Czech Republic, Austria and even Italy.
Main routes:
- Brussels ↔ Amsterdam ↔ Berlin ↔ Prague (more infos here)
- Brussels ↔ Venice (more infos here)
- European Sleeper is also planning to expand its network to destinations such as Barcelona, the French Alps and the Nordic countries!
Where to book tickets?
- On the official European Sleeper website,
- On the SNCB International website,
- Via third-party platforms such as Trainline,
- Via the official Interrail website if you have a Pass (with additional booking fees),
- At international ticket offices in Brussels, Amsterdam and Prague.
4. Caledonian Sleeper: night trains to discover the UK
Would you like to follow in the footsteps of MacBeth and Sherlock Holmes' father? Visit Edinburgh Castle and discover the mythical Loch Ness? Then you'll love the Caledonian Sleeper, an iconic night train that allows you to fall asleep in London and wake up in several Scottish cities, after a very comfortable night's sleep!
Bienvenue à bord !
Comfort, prices and on-board services
On board the Caledonian Sleeper, you'll find three levels of comfort:
- Seating (from 50 GBP, about €60): reclining seat in a shared car.
- Classic room (from 190 GBP, about 228 €): compartment with bunk beds, private washbasin, quality bedding and night kit provided (perfect for single travelers or couples!).
- Club Room, en-suite (from 250 GBP, approx. 300 €): compartment with bunk beds, private shower and toilet, breakfast included and access to the Club Car (which offers meals inspired by Scottish cuisine - haggis, cheeseboards... - and a wide selection of drinks).
- Caledonian Double, en-suite (from 360 GBP, approx. €431): double bed with private bathroom (shower and WC), top-of-the-range toiletries, breakfast included, ideal for a premium experience.
For people with reduced mobility (PRM), there are also compartments with double beds or bunk beds and accessible toilets.
Showers are not available in classic rooms, but don't worry, you'll still be able to take advantage of them at the arrival station.
All cabins are also equipped with free Wi-Fi, free sleep kits and services such as individual temperature control and access to in-cabin meals and drinks. And the icing on the cake: on board the dining car, you can discover local dishes!
Caledonian Sleeper lines
From London Euston, you can travel to a number of Scottish cities in a journey time of between 7.30 a.m. and 1 p.m.:
- London ↔ Edinburgh
- London ↔ Glasgow
- London ↔ Inverness
- London ↔ Aberdeen
- London ↔ Fort William
Where to book tickets?
- On the official Caledonian Sleeper website,
- Via third-party platforms such as Trainline,
- Via the official Interrail website if you have a Pass (with additional booking fees),
- At station ticket offices in the UK.
5. Intercity Notte: night trains throughout Italy
Operated by Trenitalia, Intercity Notte trains let you cross Italy in comfort overnight!
© Benjamin Martinie - Le confort à bord d'un Intercity Notte !
Comfort, prices and on-board services
On board, you'll find 4 comfort options:
- Seat (from €29): a spacious seat with footrest, folding table, power socket and courtesy light.
- Comfort berth (from €41): in a 4-seater compartment, with bedding kit, mini travel kit containing personal hygiene products and breakfast included.
- Cabin Deluxe (from €58): an exclusive-use compartment in single, double or triple configuration, with prepared beds, washbasin and mirror, travel kit with toiletries, and breakfast included.
- Cabin Excelsior, available only on Milan/Rome-Syracuse routes (from €122): the ultimate in comfort, with spacious beds, a private bathroom with shower, welcome snacks and drinks, and breakfast included.
To find out more, we've written a complete article on night trains in Italy!
Italian Intercity Notte lines
Numerous connections link Italy's major cities, including:
- Turin - Salerno
- Turin - Lecce
- Milan - Lecce
- Milan - Messina, Syracuse, Palermo (Sicily)
- Rome - Messina, Syracuse, Palermo (Sicily)
- Rome - Trieste
- Rome - Lecce
- Rome - Bolzano, S. Candido
Along the way, some lines also serve the beautiful cities of Bologna, Florence, Venice and Naples. And if you like the unusual, trains crossing the Strait of Messina ride on a ferry!
Where to book tickets?
- Online on the official Trenitalia website or via the Trenitalia app,
- Via third-party platforms such as Trainline (but we don't necessarily recommend this, as it could complicate your dealings with the after-sales service in the event of a problem),
- Directly at an Italian station (at ticket offices or self-service kiosks).
Via the official Interrail website if you have a Pass (with additional booking fees).
6. Arctic Circle Train: the magic of the Stockholm-Narvik night train through Swedish Lapland
Sometimes, comfort isn't so much about on-board services as it is about the magic of the experience. Such is the case with the Arctic Circle Train (described in detail in this article), which takes you from Stockholm to Abisko (Sweden) or its terminus in Narvik (Norway) (which you can easily reach from France via a Paris-Berlin train and then a Berlin-Stockholm night train). Operated by Swedish Railways (SJ), it's renowned for its exceptional scenery, with vast coniferous forests, ponds and snowy expanses!
Le compartiment couchette à bord de l'Arctic Circle Train
Comfort, prices and services on board
Several comfort options are available on board:
- Seat (from €50): fairly basic, but you can still sleep in it (if you can get your nose out of the window to take in the sumptuous scenery!).
- Couchette (from €70): in a compartment for 6 people. Note that there are also first-class compartments for one or two people, in which you can enjoy an individual shower!
- Sleeping car (from €79): a private compartment for 1, 2 or 3 people (unused beds are closed), with a spacious shower in the corridor and all equipment provided (sheets, towel...).
- Private sleeper compartment (from €175): maximum 3 people in 2nd class.
The train is also equipped with a dining car where you'll find a wide choice of drinks and meals!
Arctic Circle Train lines
With over 25 stations served, this overnight train allows you to discover a large part of Sweden, all the way to Narvik in Norway, beyond the Arctic Circle. Services include the Swedish capital Stockholm, Umeå (northern Sweden's largest city), Boden (a strategic rail hub in the north), Abisko (a must for Northern Lights lovers and hikers, near Abisko National Park) and Narvik, the arrival point in Norway, renowned for its spectacular fjord views.
Where to book tickets?
- Via the official SJ website (sj.se),
- Via booking platforms such as Omio,
- Via the official Interrail website if you have a Pass (with additional booking fees).
To find out more, click here.
7. Bonus - The Venice Simplon Orient Express: Europe's most luxurious overnight trains
As a bonus, we finish with one of Europe's most emblematic and luxurious trains! Welcome champagne, gourmet dinner, breakfast served in the cabin, personalized service... to speak of comfort here is an understatement. Like the legendary Orient Express, this train attracts passengers from all horizons for the quality of its service, the charm of its 1920s-1930s carriages and the elegance of its Art Deco style, with its varnished woodwork and floral motifs.
Comfort, price and on-board service
Please note that this is a luxury train. Prices vary according to cabin type, but for a standard cabin, expect to pay the modest sum of €3,500 (and up to €15,000 for the grand suites)... That said, if you're prepared to shell out that kind of money for the experience, here's what you can expect:
- Historic cabin: cabin with bunk beds, sink with hot and cold water, and personalized service,
- Suite: more spacious cabin with double or twin beds, lounge area and private bathroom,
- Grand Suite: ultimate luxury with double bed, private lounge, full bathroom (shower, sink, toilet), unlimited champagne and 24-hour service!
Venice Simplon Orient Express lines
This train crosses the landscapes of Europe, linking such iconic cities as Paris, London, Venice, Verona, Vienna and Istanbul.
Where to book tickets?
- Directly on the website of the operator, Belmond Venice Simplon-Orient-Express
- Via a travel agency or luxury train booking platforms (such as Railtour).
Please note that the train runs from late March to early November only. Places are limited (only 18 compartments), so we recommend booking at least a year in advance.
8. Bonus - La Dolce Vita Orient Express: luxurious night trains to explore Italy
Here too, luxury trains come with a hefty price tag (€3,500 minimum). But we can't talk about comfort without mentioning these night trains - born of a partnership between Trenitalia and Fondazione FS Italiane and Accor and scheduled for spring 2025 - which combine the refinement of the 1960s and 1970s with modern comforts.
Onboard comfort, prices and services
- Deluxe cabin (from €3,500): convertible double bed, elegant decor inspired by Italian design and private bathroom with shower.
- Suite (from €4700): separate lounge, spacious double bed and luxurious bathroom.
- Suite La Dolce Vita: the ultimate experience, with even more space, exclusive finishes and personalized service...
As the journey is an experience in itself, travelers can also enjoy upscale Italian cuisine in the dining car, tastings in the lounge bar (featuring award-winning Italian wines), a convivial space to relax and cultural workshops, all in a sumptuous 1960s decor by Dimorestudio.
Dolce Vita Orient Express itineraries
The project includes 9 itineraries across Italy (covering almost 16,000 kilometers of track in 14 regions and 131 cities), including:
- Adriatic and Mediterranean: Rome - Venice - Portofino
- The heart of Italy: Rome - Palena - Matera
- The wine route: Rome - Montalcino
- The wonders of the Tyrrhenian Sea: Palermo - Maratea - Rome
- Sicily through its myths: Palermo - Agrigento - Taormina
There are also international connections from Rome to Paris, Istanbul and Split!
Where to book tickets?
If price isn't an issue for you, you can book on the official Dolce Vita Orient Express website.
With this selection, you'll be able to combine travel AND comfort, whatever your budget!
And to find out more:
- Take a look at our guide to night train in France and Europe,
- Or check out our 100% night train itineraries, such as this tour of Europe by night train from Brussels, or this romantic tour of Europe by night train from Paris!
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