Imagine boarding a night train in Paris, falling asleep, and waking up in a vibrant European city. Overnight trains in Europe offer a unique way to travel. They save you time, help you avoid airport hassles, and eliminate the need for a hotel stay. Additionally, they provide a greener alternative to air travel, reducing your carbon footprint.
In recent years, climate change has prompted many travelers to reconsider short-haul flights, which contribute to carbon emissions and overtourism. As a result, more people are opting for sustainable options. Night sleeper trains have emerged as one of the best solutions. They offer eco-friendly travel while aligning with the growing trend of slow tourism, where the journey becomes as important as the destination.
Curious to learn more? Let’s explore how European night trains are making a strong comeback and why they could be the future of sustainable tourism.
Why night trains are the eco-friendly alternative to air travel
As environmental awareness grows, travelers are looking for ways to reduce their carbon footprint without sacrificing the joy of exploring new places. Night trains provide a perfect solution by offering a greener, more sustainable way to traverse Europe.
Air travel is one of the largest contributors to CO₂ emissions. Planes emit significantly more carbon per passenger than trains. In fact, traveling by night sleeper train can reduce your carbon footprint by up to 90% compared to a short-haul flight! This makes sleeper trains a key player in eco-friendly tourism.
Additionally, many European night trains run on renewable energy sources such as wind and solar power, further minimizing their environmental impact. By choosing a night train, you save time, money, and contribute to a sustainable future.
A journey, not just a destination
In addition to their environmental benefits, night trains offer a unique travel experience. This mode of transport isn’t just about getting from point A to point B. This is where slow tourism comes in.
Instead of rushing through airports and cramming into airplane seats, night trains allow you to unwind and enjoy the journey. You can relax as stunning landscapes unfold outside your window. Whether it’s the canals of Amsterdam, the forests of Sweden, or the vibrant streets of Berlin, the scenery alone makes the trip unforgettable. Night trains provide an opportunity to connect more deeply with the places you visit, making the journey just as important as the destination.
Exploring Europe by train: the InterRail experience
I first heard of the InterRail pass a few years ago. It offers unlimited train travel across Europe, covering 30 countries for a set period of time. With this pass, you can explore wherever you choose within the continent. It’s perfect for those who love adventure and spontaneous travel.
Years passed, and I never had the chance to use the InterRail pass. The main drawback is the price. It can be more expensive than bus or air travel. Buses, while slower and less comfortable, are cheaper. Europe’s low-cost airlines, like RyanAir, EasyJet, and Vueling, can offer cheaper flights than trains, depending on your route and timing. The price difference mainly comes from higher rail infrastructure costs and the competition in the air travel sector. So, I often found myself choosing budget flights over trains.
In 2021, I met Erica, a travel friend passionate about slow travel. She shared her plan to travel from Paris to Turkey by train in 15 days! At first, I was skeptical. But Erica, dedicated to reducing her carbon footprint, knew that train travel would be one of the best eco-friendly options. This brings me to an exciting trend—night trains are making a strong comeback across Europe. They provide a unique and sustainable way to travel, making the journey itself just as rewarding as the destination.
The revival of night trains
Night trains in Europe were once a popular way to travel across the continent. However, budget airlines and cheap flights led to their decline in recent years. Now, with growing environmental awareness and the rise of slow tourism, night trains are making a strong comeback. This revival is no coincidence.
European rail companies have recognized this shift and are investing in the future of night trains. They’re enhancing amenities and optimizing routes for faster, more efficient travel. For example, ÖBB’s Nightjet offers direct routes between major cities like Vienna, Berlin, and Amsterdam, making it a greener and more comfortable choice than flying.
New night train routes across Europe
Thanks to growing interest, several new and revived night train routes are boosting the appeal of overnight travel in Europe:
- Paris to Berlin night train. This iconic route will connect both cities overnight, allowing travelers to wake up refreshed and ready to explore. Note: The direct route will open later this year—stay tuned for updates.
- Vienna to Brussels Nightjet. This new route connects Vienna and Brussels, reducing the need for short flights between the two cities. It’s a perfect example of how night trains are revitalizing European travel while promoting eco-friendly tourism.
- Stockholm to Hamburg EuroNight. The Stockholm–Hamburg EuroNight provides a scenic journey from Scandinavia to Northern Europe. It is ideal for travelers who want to reduce their environmental impact without sacrificing comfort.
These routes highlight the resurgence of night trains as a convenient travel option. But let’s have a look at the popular night train routes already in operation.
From the vineyards of Bordeaux to the mountains of the Black Forest, in Germany
Wine and train lovers have a new way to explore Europe’s top winemaking regions. In December 2022, French rail operator SNCF launched a weekly direct service between Freiburg and Bordeaux. One-way tickets start at 59€, with a travel time of under eight hours.
But these regions offer more than just great wine. The Black Forest showcases stunning scenery, inviting visitors to hike scenic trails and explore medieval towns. Meanwhile, Bordeaux thrives as a lively port city, featuring world-class art institutions and a rich cultural heritage.
Discover Poland from Lithuania by train
Lithuania faced challenges with limited train connections to its neighboring countries. Traveling between major cities in Poland and Lithuania often required complicated routes. To improve this, the Polish and Lithuanian governments collaborated to launch a new train line linking Kraków and Warsaw with Kaunas and Vilnius.
Now, you can take the 12.5-hour journey from Kraków to Vilnius, with tickets starting at around 30€. Rail travel across Northern Europe is now more convenient than ever!
Travel from Oslo to Stockholm in a snap
A railway link between Oslo and Stockholm already existed, but rapid trains resumed regular service last year. Travelers looking for an eco-friendly way to journey between Norway and Sweden’s capitals can now choose from up to three fast trains daily. The best part? The quickest option covers the distance in about five hours, with tickets starting at over 30€!
How night trains benefit travelers
Night trains make a strong comeback in Europe, offering more than just environmental benefits. They provide travelers with cost savings and unmatched convenience. Plus, they offer a unique travel experience that other modes of transport can’t match.
No need for hotels + no hidden baggage fees
One of the biggest perks of night trains is the cost savings. A sleeper train combines travel and accommodation into one. Instead of booking a hotel, you sleep on board and wake up at your next destination, saving both time and money.
Night trains eliminate hotel costs and help you avoid hidden baggage fees often associated with air travel. You can bring more luggage without worrying about extra charges. However, be sure to check with your train company for the latest baggage policies, as these rules may change.
A city-center to city-center travel
Night trains offer incredible convenience compared to flying. Unlike planes, which require long commutes to distant airports, night trains take you directly from city center to city center. Skip the hassle of check-in lines, security, and delays—simply board in the heart of the city and wake up at your destination, ready to explore.
Sleep while traveling, wake up in a new city
Perhaps the most enjoyable benefit of night trains is the travel experience itself. You can relax in your private compartment or comfortable bunk, enjoy a meal in the dining car, and take in scenic views as you drift off to sleep. By the time you wake up, you’ll arrive in a new city, refreshed and ready to start your adventure, all while minimizing stress. The experience enhances your journey, making travel more enjoyable.
Unlocking the future of night trains
Night trains are gaining popularity. However, several challenges remain before they can become the go-to choice. From high prices to complicated booking systems, here’s what needs to change to make sleeper trains more accessible, affordable, and efficient for everyone.
Making night trains more affordable
One of the biggest challenges is cost. While night trains save on hotel stays, some routes—like Paris to Berlin or Amsterdam to Zurich—can still be quite expensive. These high prices make night trains less accessible, especially when compared to budget flights. To attract a larger audience, rail companies need to make night trains more affordable. Offering competitive prices and budget-friendly options will help night trains appeal to more eco-conscious travelers.
Simplifying international travel
Booking tickets for international night train journeys can be a hassle. Different countries often use separate booking systems, which complicates the process. If European rail companies cooperate better, they could simplify this. A unified booking platform would make it easier for travelers to access multi-country train journeys. This change would open up more opportunities to use night trains across Europe.
Note: EU travelers have rights in the event of train delays or cancellations. Regulation 1371/2007 protects passengers traveling within the EU or cross-border. It ensures they receive assistance and potential compensation if delays exceed one hour.
As the climate crisis intensifies, sustainable travel has never been more important. Embrace the spirit of “slow travel” by taking a sleeper train. Picture yourself drifting through diverse landscapes, passing quaint stations, and enjoying the rhythm of fellow travelers. Each mile you travel by train reduces your carbon footprint and supports the fight against global warming. Share your thoughts and join the movement: it’s time to trade the airport rush for the peaceful journey of a night train.