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(Last Updated On: 30/04/2021)

Have you ever wondered what it feels like to stare, wide-eyed, out large picture windows as the world whirls by? How about being lulled to sleep by the steady rocking of a train as it trundles down a track? Train travel is a very common method of transportation throughout Europe, and perhaps one of the best ways to do so is via a sleeper train. These trains, which typically take off in the late afternoon and travel through the night, offer a very different experience from the standard train trip experience. We’ve gathered together the best sleeper trains in Europe for you. From Italy to France, here are our six top European night trains.

 

Top Sleeper Train 1: Milan To Palermo 

If you’ve ever dreamed of experiencing the Italian countryside, this sleeper train is one of the best ways to do so. Although the train journey takes a whopping twenty hours from start to finish, the train is direct and there are a variety of options for sleeper cabins. Tickets are also available via Thello, which operates tickets to Venice as well.

If you’re looking to save money, you can choose a four-person couchette, which functions as a sort of mini sleeper option. However, if you’re looking to get some serious shut-eye, you can opt to split a three-person cabin with friends – or even strangers, and the ticket will cost under 50 euro. That’s a downright bargain! If you’re looking to have a more deluxe situation, you can also reserve a single sleeper for under eighty euros. While you won’t find any en suite facilities, you will be able to enjoy sleeping in peace for a relatively cheap price.

This trip sees a vast swath of Italy, as it takes you from Milan all the way to the tip of the country’s boot. Along the way, you’ll get sweeping vistas of the coastline and the hills of Tuscany. This is, of course, in addition to the marbled statues of Rome and its history.

Milan to Rome tickets

Florence to Rome tickets

Pisa to Rome tickets

Naples to Rome tickets

 

Sleeper Train to Palermo

 

Top Sleeper Train 2: Zurich To Hamburg 

Our second pick for best sleeper train in Europe is the one running from Zurich, Switzerland to Hamburg, Germany. If you’re looking for a sleeper train service, you’ll want to consider the Nightjet. While there are multiple nonstop options available for this train, you may want to consider going via a route that gives you changes. The countryside is beautiful, and the train meanders through numerous little villages along the way, including the city of Hanover. These towns are well worth a stop on your trip if you have the time. Don’t forget the spectacular views of the Alps you’ll be able to experience either.

Even better, once you’ve made your way to Hamburg you’re a short distance from Berlin. The current German capital is known for its hip nightclubs and its absolute dedication to hipster culture. Enjoy the street art and great coffee while you ponder the graffitied remains of the Berlin Wall.

Zurich To Bern tickets

Geneva To Bern tickets

Interlaken To Bern tickets

Zurich to Hamburg tickets

 

Hamburg sunset

Top Sleeper Train 3: Brussels To Vienna 

The Brussels to Vienna European sleeper train is a popular route connecting Belgium to Austria. Depending on the train that you choose, it runs at a relatively from the afternoon and arrives in the early morning, and it is fourteen hours’ travel time. This is much easier to stomach than, say, the twenty hours required by the night train from Milan to Palermo route.

With such a short amount of time for rail travel, you won’t need to linger overlong at the dining car, though you can certainly enjoy the amenities offered by the different classes.

Once you’re in Vienna you can experience the true coffee culture, as Vienna has well established itself as the center of European coffee.

Brussels to Bruges tickets

Antwerp to Bruges tickets

Brussels to Vienna tickets

Ghent to Bruges tickets

 

Sleeper Train from Brussels to Vienna

 

Top Sleeper Train 4: London To Edinburgh

This famous routing runs six times per week. Also called the Caledonian Sleeper, this sleeper service mixes luxury with cost-effectiveness. You can find deals that include food, drinks, and of course, sleeping cabins.

If you’re looking to visit London during your trip, you can always opt to take the Eurostar from mainland Europe. This is a cost-effective and simple way to make the journey across the channel from France to England. Tickets are also available from other locations, such as Amsterdam.

If you’re looking for a reason to pick this route, remember that Edinburgh is the home of Harry Potter, the famed creation of JK Rowling. You can also find further routing to the highlands, such as Fort William, for that authentic Scottish experience. It works for us!

Amsterdam to London tickets

Paris to London tickets

Berlin to London tickets

Brussels to London tickets

 

 

Honorable Mention 5: Paris To Munich

While this trip technically doesn’t qualify as a sleeper train route, because it doesn’t include a full sleeping berth, it runs several routes daily.

Of course, Paris is the city of lights and one of the most romantic cities in the world, so it should absolutely score a spot on your European vacation. This is true whether it’s your first visit or your hundredth.

Meanwhile, Munich is home to Oktoberfest. This festival happens to be one of my favorites of all time – it’s a riotous event of thousands. With thousands of attendees per year and a plethora of activities from which to choose, Munich is well worth a spot on your list.

Dusseldorf to Munich tickets

Dresden to Munich tickets

Paris to Munich tickets

Bonn to Munich tickets

 

Munich skyline

Honorable Mention 6: Copenhagen To Berlin 

This is another honorable mention due to a nonstandard sleeper train experience, but it’s worth the time simply because you’ll find yourself traversing some of the most beautiful terrains in Europe. Denmark is a unique mix of Scandinavian influence and mainland European culture and is not to be missed. The routing also starts very near Malmo, which is a lovely city to visit and the third largest in Sweden.

While you won’t find full sleeping berths on this train, you will find nighttime routing available daily. These will allow you to leave at night and arrive in the morning refreshed for the day to come. For the best experience with a non-sleeper train, you’ll want to reserve a first-class ticket. These tickets often come with increased perks such as extra baggage, included food, and more private cabin experience.

Frankfurt to Berlin tickets

Copenhagen to Berlin tickets

Hanover to Berlin tickets

Hamburg to Berlin tickets

 

Sleeper Train to Berlin

When traveling throughout Europe by train you’re absolutely spoiled for choice. Whether it’s in Scotland or Spain, Norway, or Sweden, sleeper trains are some of the best services around for arriving the next morning refreshed and ready for your day to come. While you have a plethora of options available to you, such as the train hotel or overnight sleeper trains long Prague, Poland, Lisbon, or even Moscow, do yourself a favor and hit these six top sleeper trains in Europe instead. You won’t be sorry!

 

Travel by night and book your Sleeper Trains with Save A Train!

 

 

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