Two 100% night train itineraries from Brussels
Want to discover Europe without damaging your carbon footprint or your wallet? Why not take this Eurotrip exclusively by night train? You'll be able to get around using a mode of transport that's not only very environmentally friendly, but also very economical, since you'll avoid hotel nights. In fact, you might not even spend a single euro on accommodation! All right, it might be a bit tiring, and given the cities you'll be passing through, it would be a shame to spend just a few hours, but who are we to tell you what to do, after all? Here are our two ultimate night train loops, departing from Brussels.
Our Itinerary n°1: discovering Vienna, Rome, Munich, Krakow and Prague
Watch out, you're in for an eyeful! If you don't already know them, this itinerary takes you through the crème de la crème of Europe's cities, so you may find it hard to choose your favorite.
Stage 1 - Brussels-Vienna
For the first stage, meet at Brussels Midi station to board the 6.32pm ÖBB Nightjet bound for Vienna. It's an unforgettable fifteen-hour journey that will take you through Germany while you sleep, and wake you up in the heart of Europe (the train arrives at Vienna Central Station at 10:13 a.m.).
Afterwards, all you have to do is make the most of your day to discover Austria's superb capital! History, culture, architecture... There's something for everyone. And by the way, check out our guide for all our accommodation and activity recommendations. We've even put together a Top 10 list of places to visit for free!
Wien
If you'd like to get a taste of what it's like on board, Tolt has put together a video about the Paris-Vienna night train. As this route is operated by the same company with the same trains, it will give you a good idea.
Stage 2 - Vienna-Rome
For this second leg, we return to Vienna Central Station to board another ÖBB Nightjet, departing at 7:18pm for the magnificent Italian capital. The journey is fairly long, arriving at 11:05 a.m. at Rome's Tiburtina station. So we'd advise you to take something to keep you busy, even if, honestly, the landscapes bathed in morning light should keep you occupied for quite a while already.
Trevi fountain, Roma
Don't forget to take a look at our guide for good vegetarian restaurants addresses or to find out what to do on a day out in Rome. If you're planning to stay a little longer, we've also found you some responsible accomodation.
Stage 3 - Rome-Munich
Next, we suggest you head back north, towards Bavaria. To do this, go to Roma Tiburtina station to board the 5.25pm ÖBB Nightjet. After a good night's sleep, you'll arrive in the Bavarian capital at 9.22am.
The famous surf spot in the heart of the city!
Stage 4 - Munich-Crakow
For this 4th leg, return to Munich Central Station to board the 18:35 EuroNight train operated by Polish Railways. Mind you, the final destination is not Krakow, so we recommend you go to bed early and set an alarm clock (which may still sting a little...) so you don't miss the 6:18 stop.
Wawel castle
Stage 5 - Krakow-Prague
For this penultimate stage, we return to Krakow Central Station to board a second EuroNight train. This train, nicknamed the Chopin, departs at 10:32 pm and arrives in Prague at 7:48 am. Expect to take in the sights of the Czech capital, including the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Prague Castle, the Old Town's astronomical clock, the superb architecture of the National Museum and the panoramic view from the Petřín Tower.
Praha
Stage 6 - Prague-Brussels
Finally, after all these discoveries, it's already time to head back to Brussels. To do so, return to Prague Central Station to board the 6.04pm European Sleeper train. Sad to be going home? Don't worry, this new route, in addition to being great for meeting new people, winds along the Elbe valley, offering magnificent views. If you need it, you'll find a detailed article and video here.
Our Itinerary 2: Discover 4 European capitals
For this second itinerary, you'll spend 5 nights on the train. You can, of course, choose to go one after the other if you're short of time or want to avoid paying for accommodation, but we recommend that you stay at least one night in each city to have time to discover as much as possible.
Stage 1 - Brussels-Munich
You're going to tell us that we lied to you or that we made a mistake when we mentioned 4 European capitals. Have you forgotten that Munich is the capital of Bavaria? Come on, can we have it this time? 😁
Park in Munich
Departure at 7.07pm for arrival in the Bavarian capital at 5.46am the next day, so you'd better get to bed early!
Stage 2 - Munich-Ljubljana
After a busy day exploring Munich, you're back at the station at 11:54pm for another night train to Ljubljana. You'll have a wonderful time visiting the castle, stopping off at the Dragon Bridge or discovering the alternative Metelkova district.
And if you're looking for a little inspiration, we've listed our seven must-sees for a perfect day out in Slovenia's capital!
Metelkova, asian and festive quarter of Ljubljana
Stage 3 - Ljubljana-Budapest
After dinner, another 10.55pm departure for Budapest, arriving the next day at 8.59am on a retro 80s 80s night train! If you're there on the right dates, don't forget to visit Sziget, Europe's biggest festival. Otherwise, you've got plenty to fill your day by strolling along the banks of the Danube or visiting Budapest's sublime opera house.
The Hungarian Parliament
Stage 4 - Budapest-Prague
After your day in Hungary, another night train at 7.30pm to Prague. The next day, if you miss the railway atmosphere, we recommend lunch at Výtopna, an unusual restaurant in Prague where your drinks are served on little trains that pass under your nose thanks to 700 meters of track!
Stage 5 - Prague-Brussels
After tasting the famous Czech beers, visiting the Museum of Modern Art or discovering Prague's pretty old town, return to Central Station at 6.04pm to catch the last night train back to Brussels.
As you can see, there's plenty to do in less than a week! No more excuses not to discover Europe by train. 🥳
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