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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, with showers in the Austerlitz or Toulouse-Matabiau stations (which is already very appreciable). But did you know that many night trains not only save you hotel nights, but also give you the same level of comfort on board? Yes, for discover Europe by night train You don't have to give up your privacy, your hot shower or your breakfast at bed's end. And as a bonus, you can combine all these services with the charm of Europe's landscapes from your window! Take a closer look at our selection of Europe's most comfortable night trains.
Article
The ultimate guide to night trains in France and Europe
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 takes you from fall asleep in London only to wake up in several cities in Europe. Scotland after a very comfortable night!
Welcome aboard!
On board the Caledonian Sleeper, you'll find three levels of comfort:
For people with reduced mobility (PMR), there are also compartments with double beds or bunk beds and accessible toilets.
Concerning showers They're not available in the classic room, but don't worry, you can still take advantage of them at the arrival station.
All cabins are also equipped with Free Wi-Fi of free sleep kits and services such as individual temperature control and access to in-cabin meals and beverages. And the icing on the cake: on board the dining car you can discover local dishes!
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The Caledonian Sleeper: travel to Scotland by night train from London
From London Euston, you can travel to a number of Scottish cities in a journey time of between 7.30am and 1pm:
To find out more, we've written a full article on the Caledonian Sleeper:
Then there are the Nightjet trains operated by Austrian Railways (ÖBB), which cover a large part of Europe and offer a wide range of services. excellent level of comfort, especially with their new-generation sleeper and minicab ! And when you compare the prices to 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 on board the Nightjet Paris-Berlin
On board the Nightjets, you'll find three levels of comfort:
© Benjamin Martinie - Seating on board the Paris-Berlin night train!
If you want to work on the train, all new trains are also equipped with Free Wi-Fi and plugs USB/induction. And what about safety? All our cars are equipped with video surveillance, and you can call on-board personnel 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)...For those who like to travel by bike: on certain routes, you have the option of take your bike on board !
But if Nightjet deserve their place in this top list, it's above all for their new generation of night trains, which make travel even more comfortable!
What's new?
A compact capsule with all the comforts you need, ideal if you're travelling solo and want a bit of space. privacy A wide range of accessories: socket, lockers for hand luggage and shoes, folding sliding breakfast table, reading lamp, storage space, coat hooks, mirror...
Mini-cabin - © ÖBB / Harald Eisenberger
Sleeping car : all compartments, with fixed beds and more privacy, but also their own toilet and shower facilities.
4-seater comfort car for families or groups - © ÖBB / Harald Eisenberger
2-seater sleeper - © ÖBB / Harald Eisenberger
Private bathroom in a comfort car - © ÖBB / Harald Eisenberger
Private bathroom in a Comfort Plus sleeper - © ÖBB / Harald Eisenberger
On the seating side, you'll find double bucket seats with fold-down armrests and continuous headrests, plus storage compartments, reading lamps, loaders near the seats.
Seating cars - © ÖBB / Harald Eisenberger
In the multifunctional areas: more room for bikes and ski and snowboard equipment, and space for luggage, baby carriages, skis and snowboards.
And for people with reduced mobility: a PRM sleeper compartment with low-floor access to toilets.
Multifunctional space © ÖBB / Harald Eisenberger
PRM comfort compartment - © ÖBB / Harald Eisenberger
Here's a tip: when you book on nightjet.com, you'll be able to recognize the new generation of trains thanks to the photos and the "comfort" compartment designation. Otherwise, here are the routes on which the new-generation Nightjets are currently operating:
The routes used by the new generation of Nightjets - ©nightjet.com
The network covers a large number of European cities, from the Austria to the France via the Switzerland, l' Germany, l' Italy the Belgium the Netherlands or the Croatia !
The main links :
If you want to discover Sweden and the emblematic regions of Northern Europe, such as Lapland and the Norwegian fjords, we can only recommend the night trains operated by the Swedish company SJ! A very comfortable travel experience, especially in its private compartments in 1st class.
Photo © sj.se - The comfort of the 1st class compartment on an SJ night train
SJ night trains offer several levels of comfort:
First class: 1st class compartments are entirely private. Here you'll find two beds with ready-to-use bedding a private bathroom with shower and WC and an electrical outlet. The breakfast included and served directly in the compartment. Privacy and tranquillity guaranteed!
Second class:
Please note that the majority of SJ night trains do not have WiFi For more information: remember to bring something to work on or play with offline.
Meals: a bistro car is available between Malmö and Stockholm. Otherwise, meals and snacks are available for purchase from staff (breakfast included in first class).
The main routes :
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 - Comfort on board the Brussels-Pragues sleeper service!
On board a European Sleeper train, you'll find three levels of comfort:
And if you want to work on the train, the trains are equipped with Free Wi-Fi and plugs electric.
To get the best fares, you probably know the golden rule: anticipate as much as possible. Ticket sales generally start 180 days before departure!
Article
European Sleeper: Brussels–Milan, Paris–Berlin, and Prague night trains in 2026
The company offers routes to and from Belgium, l' Germany the Netherlands the Czech Republic, l' Austria and even the Italy.
Main links :
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 levels vary according to line and operator. But overall, you'll find three levels of comfort:
You can also enjoy a good dinner and breakfast in the car bar, and take advantage of the drinks and snacks available from the staff.
Euronight routes link many European cities (and often include picturesque landscapes such as the Alps or the Danube Valley!), including :
Operated by Trenitalia, Intercity Notte trains allow you to cross Italy and still travel comfortably through the night!
© Benjamin Martinie - Comfort on board an Intercity Notte!
On board, you'll find 4 comfort options:
Article
Intercity Notte: everything you have to know about night trains in Italy
Numerous connections link Italy's major cities, including :
Along the way, some lines also serve the superb towns of Bologna, Florence, Venice or even Naples. And if you like unusual experiences, the trains crossing the Strait of Messina ride on a ferry!
Comfort is sometimes not so much about on-board services as it is about in the beauty of experience ! Which explains why the Arctic Circle Train (which we cover in detail in this article) in this top. This train takes you to Abisko (Sweden) or its Narvik terminus (Norway) from Stockholm (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 is renowned for its exceptional landscapes, between vast coniferous forests, ponds and snowy expanses!
The sleeper compartment aboard the Arctic Circle Train
Several options are available on board:
The train is also equipped with a dining car where you'll find a wide choice of drinks and meals!
Article
Arctic Circle Train: the magic of the Stockholm-Narvik night train through Swedish Lapland
With more than 25 stations served, this night train allows you to discover a large part of Sweden, as far as Narvik in Norway, beyond the Arctic Circle. In particular, it serves 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 views over the fjords.
To find out more here.
As an added bonus, we end the tour with one of Europe's most emblematic and luxurious trains! We warn you right away, the fare is a bit steep. But after all, we've promised you the most comfortable night trains in Europe...
Welcome champagne, gourmet dinner, in-cabin breakfast, personalized service... to speak of comfort here is an understatement.
Just like the mythical Orient Express This train attracts passengers from all over the world for the quality of its service and the charm of its cars from the 1920s-1930s and the elegance of its Art Deco style between varnished woodwork and floral motifs.
Please note that this is a luxury train. Prices vary according to the type of cabin, but for a standard cabin, count on the modest sum of €3,500 (up to €15,000 for the large suites)... That said, if you're prepared to shell out that kind of money for the experience, here's what you can expect:
This train crosses Europe's landscapes, linking such iconic cities as Paris, London, Venice, Verona, Vienna and Istanbul.
Please note that the train runs from late March to early November only. Seating is limited (only 18 compartments), so book at least one year in advance.
Here too, luxury trains mean luxury prices (€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. Scheduled for spring 2025They combine the refinement of the 1960s and 1970s with modern comfort.
As the journey is an experience in itself, travellers can also enjoy top-of-the-range Italian gastronomy in the dining car of tastings in the lounge bar (with award-winning Italian wines), a convivial space to relax and cultural workshops, all in a sumptuous 1960s decor by Dimorestudio.
The project includes 9 routes across Italy (covering almost 16,000 kilometers of track in 14 regions and 131 towns), including :
There are also international connections from Rome to Paris, Istanbul and Split!
If price isn't an issue for you, you can book on the Dolce Vita Orient Express official 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 the ultimate night train guide in France and Europe,
- Or discover our 100% night train routes like this circuit for discover Europe by night train from Brussels or this romantic tour of Europe by night train from Paris !
Issue du monde de la communication et des médias, Sophie est Responsable éditoriale chez HOURRAIL ! depuis août 2024. Elle est notamment derrière le contenu éditorial du site ainsi que La Locomissive (de l'inspiration voyage bas carbone et des bons plans, un jeudi sur deux, gratuitement dans ta boîte mail !).
Convaincue que les changements d’habitude passent par la transformation de nos imaginaires, elle s’attache à montrer qu’il est possible de voyager autrement, de manière plus consciente, plus lente et plus joyeuse. Son objectif : rendre le slow travel accessible à toutes et tous, à travers des astuces, des décryptages et surtout, de nouveaux récits.
