Skip the Plane: Why Everyone's Boarding Sleeper Trains Again

Traveling by train is becoming increasingly popular, especially with the option of sleeper cabins. Board in the evening, and by morning, you'll find yourself in another country. What's driving this surge in popularity, and where can you travel overnight by train? Let's dive into the details.

Sleeper Cabins Are Back in Fashion. Why?

Sleeper cabins were once a staple of train travel, but their popularity declined over the years. Now, they're making a strong comeback, favored by adventurers and travelers seeking convenience and charm. So, why the renewed interest?

A key reason is eco-friendliness—train travel is one of the most sustainable ways to journey while minimizing your environmental impact. Cost is another factor. Train tickets are often significantly cheaper than flights or long-distance bus rides. But the biggest draw is comfort. Board the train in the evening, sleep soundly, and wake up refreshed in your dream destination. With dining cars offering meals and snacks, hunger won’t be an issue, and you’ll have the freedom to move around.

From Central Europe to the Swiss Alps

Few things compare to waking up in the country of your destination. Overnight sleeper trains are especially popular in Europe for cross-border travel. For instance, the Prague-Zurich connection is a classic, according to Rail Europe.

If you’re planning a visit to Zurich, the sleeper train operated by Czech Railways (České drahy) is an excellent option. Departing daily at 18:28, the train offers several ticket choices.

• A basic couchette, shared with up to four people, costs approximately EUR 123.
• Private compartments are also available, accommodating up to four passengers or just yourself.
• For maximum comfort, opt for the Single Deluxe sleeper for EUR 370.

The train reaches Zurich at 9:04 the following morning, making the journey a 14.5-hour adventure.

From Berlin to the City of Love

With Valentine's Day approaching, what better time to visit Paris? As RAILTARGET previously reported, Deutsche Bahn operates overnight services between Berlin and Paris on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays. The train departs Berlin and arrives at Paris’ Gare de l'Est station after 14.5 hours. On its way, it stops at three German stations and one French stop in Strasbourg. Ticket options vary, with standard seats starting at just EUR 40 for budget travelers.

🚄 Rejoindre #Berlin 🇩🇪 depuis #Paris 🇫🇷 en train et en huit heures est désormais possible : la liaison ferroviaire directe à grande vitesse entre les deux capitales s'ouvre ce lundi.

Un pari face à la concurrence du transport aérien ⤵️ pic.twitter.com/dH9YU0vzBn

— FRANCE 24 Français (@France24_fr) December 16, 2024

Explore the Nordic Landscape by Train

Scandinavia’s vast, snow-covered wilderness is a magnet for adventurers. While many explore it by car, overnight trains offer a comfortable alternative.

Starting from Stockholm, travelers can reach Norway’s majestic fjords by taking the night train to Luleå, a journey of about 14 hours. Tickets range from EUR 66 to EUR 280, depending on your choice of comfort.

Overnight Train Travel Beyond Europe

Europe isn’t the only continent embracing overnight train travel. North America’s vast landscapes are also best explored by rail. The Toronto-Vancouver route, serviced by The Canadian train, is a luxurious four-day journey.

Ticket prices range from EUR 320 to EUR 520, depending on the level of comfort. The Texas Eagle, operated by Amtrak, runs from Chicago to Los Angeles three times a week, covering the journey in 65 hours. Tickets start at EUR 300, with premium options reaching EUR 2,000, depending on the type of cabin.

Source: RAILTARGET; international-bahn.de; back-on-track.eu; vy.se