Romantic Europe by night train: the ultimate 8-city itinerary

Stage 1: Paris → Amsterdam (Eurostar)

📍 It all starts in Paris. A last coffee on a terrace, a romantic stroll along the quays of the Seine to get into the swing of things... Then off to Gare du Nord to board a Eurostar to Amsterdam!

In around 3 hours 20 minutes, you'll go from Parisian boulevards to Dutch canals. On arrival, take time to stroll along the water, explore the narrow streets and enjoy dinner for two before heading to the station for the first night train.

Stage 2: Amsterdam → Prague (European Sleeper)

🚆 At 10:34pm, you board the European Sleeper. One of the great pleasures of the night train in Europe: falling asleep in one city and waking up in another.

📍 Early in the morning, Prague comes into view. Medieval spires, cobbled alleyways, Charles Bridge, Gothic and Baroque ambience... You've got all day to lose yourself in the old town and soak up its romantic atmosphere.

Stage 3: Prague → Vienna (ÖBB Nightjet)

🚆 Off to the station for an ÖBB Nightjet to the Austrian capital.

📍 The next morning, Vienna welcomes you with its imperial elegance. Historic center, majestic facades, a break in a Viennese café... Here, everything invites you to slow down and savor the moment.

Stage 4: Vienna → Venice (ÖBB Nightjet)

🚆 After dinner, we head for Vienna Central Station at 9:39pm for another night on board.

📍 Arrival in Venice at 8:34am: a magical awakening on the lagoon. Palaces, narrow streets, romantic bridges, gondola rides at sunset... The Serenissima is a real movie set.

Stage 5: Venice → Rome (InterCity Notte)

🚆 In the evening, you board an InterCity Notte (ICN 770) bound for Rome.

📍 At dawn, the eternal city is yours to discover. Colosseum, bustling piazzas, mythical fountains... Rome is to be discovered as much as it is to be experienced. The atmosphere is vibrant, intense and passionate.

Stage 6: Rome → Munich (ÖBB Nightjet)

🚆 At 6.10pm, new ÖBB Nightjet (NJ 294) to Munich.

📍 After a night on board, you arrive in the Bavarian capital at 9:22 am. Historic center, grand squares, elegant architecture: the stopover is shorter, but it allows you to vary the atmosphere before the home stretch.

Stage 7: Munich → Brussels (ÖBB Nightjet)

🚆 At 10.45pm, you board the penultimate night train to Brussels (Nightjet NJ 40468).

📍 Arrive around 10am in Bruxelles-Midi for a final Belgian stroll before catching a Eurostar back to Paris.

Stage 8: Brussels → Paris (Eurostar)

📍 Last leg by Eurostar back to France.

In just one week, you'll have traveled through eight of Europe's iconic cities, taking in a succession of night trains and romantic atmospheres.

Practical tips and recos

• Of course you can, if you have the budget and the time We recommend that you spend at least two or three days in each city to really get to know the destination before moving on to the next stage. But for those on a tight budget or schedule, this itinerary still allows you to explore Europe by overnight train in just one week, while saving several nights' hotel accommodation.
• Early booking (especially bunks/sleepers): rates and availability vary greatly depending on the date!
• Remember to check just before you leave Even night trains are sometimes affected by construction work (as the operators themselves remind us on the timetable/planning side).

Why do we love this rail loop?

• 5 night trains (European Sleeper, Nightjet ÖBB, InterCity Notte)
• 8 emblematic cities
• A truly fluid itinerary
• Optimized overnights to maximize time on site

Paris - Amsterdam

The step from Paris to Amsterdam lasts 3h30. You'll travel in a Eurostar.

Amsterdam - Prague

The step from Amsterdam to Prague lasts 13h00. You'll travel in a European Sleeper.

Prague - Vienna

The step from Prague to Vienna lasts 6h30. You'll travel in a Nightjet operated by ÖBB.

Vienna - Venezia

The step from Vienna to Venezia lasts 10h50. You'll travel in a Nightjet operated by ÖBB.

You can find tickets from 28 euros.

Venezia - Rome

The step from Venezia to Rome lasts 8h35. You'll travel in a long distance train.

You can find tickets from 50 euros.

Rome - Munich

The step from Rome to Munich lasts 13h05. You'll travel in a Nightjet operated by ÖBB.

On board, you'll have access to: Wi-Fi, Drinks and snacks, Shower.

Munich - Brussels

The step from Munich to Brussels lasts 11h10. You'll travel in a Nightjet operated by ÖBB.

Brussels - Paris

The step from Brussels to Paris lasts 1h30. You'll travel in a Eurostar.