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The night train is back and more relevant than ever. With a growing number of new night train routes in Europe, it is becoming increasingly easy to travel sustainably and relaxed to your destination. You save a night in a hotel and wake up refreshed in the heart of the city. Discover which connections will make your next journey even easier.
The rise of the night train
Travelling by night train is a conscious choice for comfort and experience. Instead of airport stress, you board in the evening and start your day straight away the next morning. It is an efficient way of travelling that fits perfectly with the wish to live more sustainably and get more out of your holiday. Railway companies across Europe are investing in new connections and modern rolling stock, increasing comfort and reliability.
‘ This connection makes a train journey to Italy a lot more comfortable and quicker. ’
European Sleeper: new connections to the south and east
The cooperative railway company European Sleeper is steadily expanding its network. In addition to the existing route to Prague, a number of interesting new destinations are planned for the coming years, making travel across Europe even more accessible.
From Paris via Brussels to Berlin
From March 2026 a new night train will connect Paris and Brussels with the German capital Berlin. This route runs three times a week and offers a direct connection between these major European cities. The train stops in Brussels on the way, providing a good connection for travellers from the Netherlands. Later in the year, the timetable will be expanded with an additional stop in Hamburg, bringing the north of Germany within easy reach as well.
Direct to Italy: Amsterdam–Milan
A long-awaited route is the connection from Amsterdam to Milan. From June 2026 you can board and travel via Switzerland directly to the heart of northern Italy. The train runs three times a week and stops, among other places, in Zurich. From Milan you then have excellent onward connections on the Italian rail network, to cities such as Venice, Florence or Rome. This connection makes a train journey to Italy a lot more comfortable and quicker.
Future plans: onwards to Barcelona
European Sleeper is also working on an ambitious plan for a night train from Amsterdam and Brussels to Barcelona. The start date is mid-2026. This shows that the network continues to grow. This route would create a direct, sustainable connection between the Benelux and the popular Spanish coastal city.
Other notable new routes in Europe
It is not only European Sleeper that is investing in night trains. Other operators are also seeing demand from travellers increase and are introducing new or improved connections.
ComfortJet: modern travel from Copenhagen to Prague
Although technically a day train, the new ComfortJet deserves a mention. This train, a collaboration between the German, Danish and Czech railways, connects Copenhagen with Prague via Hamburg and Berlin. The train runs daily and covers the distance in about eleven hours. With modern carriages, Wi-Fi and special family areas, this is a comfortable alternative to a short flight.
EuroNight: deeper into Eastern Europe
The EuroNight network connects Western and Eastern Europe. An important route is the train to Przemyśl in Poland, close to the Ukrainian border. This connection offers a reliable option for travellers who want to go further east and shows the role of rail in linking the whole continent.
Tips for planning your night train journey
A journey by night train calls for good preparation. With these practical tips you will get the most out of your trip:
- Book in good time: sleeping compartments are especially popular and sell out quickly. Tickets are usually available a few months before departure via the websites of operators such as European Sleeper or via NS International.
- Choose your comfort level: you can choose from different classes. A seat is the most economical option. A couchette offers a bunk in a shared compartment. For the most privacy and comfort, choose a sleeping compartment, often with its own washbasin.
- Use an Interrail Pass: if you are making a longer tour, an Interrail Pass can be cost-effective. You then only pay a reservation supplement for the night train, which gives you flexibility.
- Plan your arrival: you often arrive early in the morning. Check whether you can already drop off your luggage at your accommodation so you can start exploring the city straight away.
- Travel light: space on a train is more limited than in a hotel room. Take a compact suitcase or travel bag that you can easily store.
Planning a train journey through Europe is becoming ever easier and more attractive. The new routes create opportunities for unique holidays where the journey itself is already part of the experience. On the Traveler Tips website you will find even more inspiration and practical guides for planning your ideal train journey, from the most beautiful routes to tips for finding the best tickets. Discover the possibilities and start planning your next trip.
Frequently asked questions
From mid-2026 Europe is introducing five new night train routes that connect popular destinations such as Barcelona, Milan, Copenhagen and Berlin. These connections, offered by operators such as European Sleeper and ÖBB Nightjet, provide a comfortable and sustainable alternative to flying, with options ranging from seats to luxury sleeping compartments. Travellers can expect, among others, the routes Amsterdam/Brussels–Barcelona and Paris–Berlin, promising an experience-rich journey without airport stress. The trains reduce CO2 emissions and save hotel nights, ideal for conscious travellers.
The new night trains offer comfort options such as seats, compartments and luxury classes. Facilities may include Wi-Fi, bike storage and child-friendly facilities, as on the ComfortJet on the Prague–Copenhagen route. The Nightjet carriages to Basel/Zurich have renovated four-berth compartments, which indicates different levels of privacy and comfort between seats and compartments. Specific price differences and detailed information on privacy per class are not specified in the information provided.
To smartly integrate a night train journey, plan using Interrail Passes to flexibly combine routes and use day trains for extensions. Book early for sleeping compartments and consider luxury options for extra comfort, such as Wi-Fi and bike storage. Travel light to avoid luggage issues and download apps for real-time updates on your travel schedule. Finally, save hotel nights and avoid airport stress by choosing routes that arrive at your destination early in the morning.
For the new night train routes, journey times vary and not all exact arrival times have been specified yet, but the launch of the routes is between March and June 2026. The Prague–Copenhagen route has a journey time of around 11 hours. Trains are expected to arrive early in the morning, which gives you the opportunity to make immediate use of your day with visits to sights such as the Duomo in Milan or Nyhavn in Copenhagen. It is best to book tickets for sleeping compartments early, as soon as sales start in 2025, for an optimal travel experience.
Book early for sleeping compartments and travel light. Bring snacks and earplugs for a comfortable journey, especially in a compartment. Download apps for real-time updates to avoid surprises.
