Europe is renowned for its excellent rail network, connecting many countries together and making travel both sustainable and simple. Due to great infrastructure and high safety standards, European high-speed trains are an excellent way to travel across the entire continent. For longer routes across Europe, there are numerous sleeper train options, allowing you to travel in comfort and arrive at your destination refreshed in the morning.
So, let’s check out the best overnight trains in Europe.
London to Scotland Sleeper train
The first overnight route in Europe you have to check out is from London to Scotland—known as the Caledonian sleeper train. The route really romanticizes train travel, traveling up along England’s northeast coast before crossing into Scotland and heading right up into the picturesque highlands. You’ll wake up surrounded by views of the breathtaking landscapes that you can enjoy with breakfast on board.
The 16-carriage train offers single or double occupancy classic rooms, starting at (price), club rooms with an en-suite bathroom, or the much-desired double occupancy cabin, complete with an en-suite and a double bed.
The train’s dinner carriage serves up some real Scottish treats, so you can tuck into an evening meal of haggis, tatties 'n neeps, or enjoy a single malt scotch whiskey as you watch the world pass by at over 100mph.
London to Venice Sleeper train
Belmond offers one of Europe’s best overnight trains between London and Venice. Starting from London, the trip includes the Eurostar across the English Channel to Paris, before picking up the Orient Express sleeper train which takes you overnight to Venice. While the ticket price is a little eye-watering, the journey is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
The train offers luxury accommodation and a dedicated cabin steward. You’ll dine on a four-course seasonal dinner menu, with cocktails and live music in the bar for the evening’s entertainment. Following a French breakfast served in your cabin, you’ll enjoy views of the Venetian lakes as they come into view, whilst being served a three-course lunch in the opulent dining car. Once you arrive in Venice, you’ll be transferred to your hotel.
Milan-Palermo Sleeper train
Want to experience Italy’s mountainous North and the stunning beaches of the South? It’s actually possible without taking a flight. The ‘Intercity Notte’ sleeper train starts in Milan and travels to Genoa, from which point it’ll take you straight down the entire length of Italy’s west coast overnight. You’ll wake up to breakfast views of the coast of Calabria before the train is boarded onto a ferry for the short hour crossing to Sicily, where it’s full speed ahead along the north coast to Palermo Centrale.
For this trip, you can choose between one, two, and three-bed sleeper cars, or for those on a budget you can choose a couchette—a bed in a four-berth carriage with other travelers. Finally, the ‘basic’ option offers an upright seat, but as the journey time is over 16 hours it really is worth splashing out a little more to get a good sleep!
London-Penzance Sleeper train
If you’re visiting the UK, you shouldn’t miss the stunning county of Cornwall. Penzance is a small city that sits at the tip of England’s west coast, featuring the UK’s most westerly point, Lands End.
The Night Riviera sleeper train boards late at night from London Paddington, arriving in Penzance in time for breakfast the next morning. While you can book a seat similar to the day route, we’d highly recommend opting for a cabin. The single occupancy cabins include the use of the lounges at Paddington and Penzance stations and include a complimentary breakfast served in your cabin.
The train itself has an onboard lounge serving drinks and light bites and offers cabin service throughout the journey.
Vienna-Rome Sleeper train
The ‘ÖBB nightjet’ is a night train in Europe that connects the Austrian and Italian capital cities over a 14-hour journey. With prices starting as low as 29 euros, you can choose between a seat, a couchette in a 4 to 6-berth carriage, or a private sleeper compartment. The Deluxe option offers a private restroom and complimentary cabin breakfast, for those who want a little more luxury onboard.
These trains unfortunately don’t offer a dining service, so it’s important to eat before you board or bring a picnic dinner for your journey.
Trondheim-Bogø Sleeper train
Another sleeper train in Europe you can’t miss is this Scandinavian cross-country adventure. Starting in the Fjord town of Trondheim in central Norway, the sleeper route will take you south through Norway and into Denmark, arriving on the small island of Bogø in the south of the country. The Norland Line is Norway’s longest train line, passing through picturesque scenery en route. During the summer months, you’ll catch some awesome views due to the long daylight hours, and during the winter you might be lucky enough to see the Northern Lights from onboard!
The route's biggest claim to fame is that it passes through the Arctic Circle, as well as offering views of the fjords, and wildlife such as reindeer along the way.
The train offers comfortable sleeping cabins, with two beds in each compartment which can be shared or booked as a single occupancy. For those on a budget, second-class offers recliner seats.
Venice-Istanbul Sleeper train
The Golden Eagle Danube Express is as grand as it sounds, and it’s one of the best and longest sleeper train routes in Europe. The iconic journey will take you from Italy’s historical canal city all the way to Turkey’s largest city, Istanbul, with many stops along the way. A little grander than the previous journeys we’ve suggested, this all-inclusive Orient Express route is run by Belmond and the experience lasts for twelve days. The journey will stop at many must-see European countries, showing you the very best of Slovenia, Bulgaria, Croatia, Greece, Bulgaria and more, before continuing to Istanbul, Turkey.
The luxury journey includes private en-suite accommodation on board, freshly prepared meals in the dining car, excursions in each destination, gold-standard steward service, and transfers.
Long story short…
These are just some of the many European overnight trains you can take that will whisk you to your destination while you sleep. It just goes to show that some of the best adventures can be experienced over land, waking up and watching the world pass by as you pull into a new and exciting destination!
Our top tip for sleeper trains in Europe: book well ahead of time. Sleeper routes are always popular, so to get your first choice cabin make sure you plan ahead. Bon voyage!
Written by Alex Callahan
