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The direct night train from Amsterdam to Barcelona is a comfortable and sustainable way to travel to the Catalan coast. You’ll need to be patient a little longer. This long-awaited connection by European Sleeper is scheduled for 2026 and offers a smart alternative to flying. Discover what to expect, how to prepare, and which alternatives are already available.
When does the night train start running and what is the route?
The launch of the night train connection is planned for the second half of 2026. European Sleeper, the rail company behind this route, is working on a timetable. Travellers board in Amsterdam late in the evening. After a comfortable night they arrive early the next morning in the centre of Barcelona. The total journey time will be between 15 and 18 hours.
The planned route runs from Amsterdam via Brussels and Lille heading south. After crossing the French border, the train stops in cities such as Avignon, Montpellier and Narbonne before entering Spain. The last stops before arriving in Barcelona are Girona and Figueres. This route makes the train not only interesting for a city break to Barcelona, but also for a holiday in the region of Catalonia or on the Costa Brava.
How and when do you book a ticket?
Tickets will be available as soon as the final start date and timetable are announced in 2025. Sales will start two to three months before the first journey. Booking early is sensible to be sure of a seat and to benefit from the best prices. Fares depend on the chosen comfort level, ranging from a simple seat to a private sleeping compartment with its own washbasin or even a shower.
Sign up for the European Sleeper newsletter to stay up to date. That way you’ll be the first to hear when ticket sales begin. Prices are comparable to the cost of a flight plus a hotel night. This makes the train a competitive option for the conscious traveller.
‘ Travelling by night train offers clear advantages: you save a hotel night and gain a full day of holiday. ’
Practical tips for your night train journey
Travelling by night train offers clear advantages: you save a hotel night and gain a full day of holiday. Good preparation ensures your trip runs smoothly. Keep the following in mind:
- Luggage: Although luggage rules on the train are more relaxed than on a plane, it’s still wise to travel light. You can usually take two pieces of luggage and one piece of hand luggage. A smaller suitcase or travel bag is easier to store in your compartment.
- Comfort: For a good night’s sleep, earplugs and an eye mask are recommended, especially if you book a shared compartment. Also take a power bank for your electronics, although most compartments are equipped with plug sockets.
- Food and drink: There is a bar or restaurant carriage on the train, but you may also bring your own food and drink. A reusable water bottle is a sustainable choice.
What to do after arriving in Barcelona?
The train arrives early in the morning in the city centre, at Barcelona Sants station. This gives you a head start on other travellers. As you probably won’t be able to check in to your hotel or apartment yet, it’s useful to store your luggage temporarily. There are lockers available at the station, and there are also external luggage depots throughout the city.
Start your day gently with a Spanish breakfast in one of the many cafés around the station. Enjoy a ‘café con leche’ with a ‘bocadillo’ or a sweet ‘ensaïmada’. You can then immediately start exploring the city. For example, visit the Sagrada Família early in the morning, so you beat the biggest crowds. Or walk down the Ramblas towards the sea.
Alternative routes in the meantime
Can’t wait until 2026? There are already good options for travelling to Barcelona by train, although you will need to change trains. A fast and comfortable option is the daytime train via Paris. First you travel with Eurostar from Amsterdam or Rotterdam to Paris (Gare du Nord). From there you take the metro to Gare de Lyon station, where you transfer to the TGV to Barcelona. This journey takes around 11 hours in total and offers beautiful views of the French and Spanish countryside.
On the Traveler Tips website you’ll find more detailed guides about travelling through Europe by train. These include routes, timetables and tips for booking affordable tickets. Discover how to reach the most beautiful destinations and plan your trip smartly from start to finish.
Frequently asked questions
The planned night train from Amsterdam to Barcelona operated by European Sleeper is expected to start in the second half of 2026 and will take around 15–18 hours. There is not yet a direct alternative, but at the moment you can take a daytime train via Paris: Eurostar from Amsterdam to Paris (3 hours) and then the TGV to Barcelona (6.5 hours), giving a total journey of about 11 hours. There are also plans for night trains to Milan from 2026/2027.
The night train from Amsterdam to Barcelona will offer sleeping cars with beds and showers, and meals will be available. There will also be family compartments and solo options, alongside seats. Expected prices are between €100 and €300 per person, comparable to flights plus a hotel night, depending on the level of comfort chosen.
The night train from Amsterdam to Barcelona operated by European Sleeper is expected to start in the second half of 2026. Sign up for newsletters from European Sleeper (europeansleeper.eu) to hear first about ticket sales, as booking early guarantees the best prices and availability. Expected fares are between €100 and €300 per person, depending on class. The best time to book for the lowest prices is as soon as tickets go on sale, which is expected to be in 2025.
Travelling by night train to Barcelona offers a sustainable alternative, with a significant CO₂ reduction compared with flying, and it saves hotel costs. In terms of travel experience, it reduces flight-related stress, offers comfortable sleeping cars and allows you to arrive in the morning rested and directly in the city centre, with views of the Mediterranean along the way. Travellers praise the quiet nights and attentive service of European Sleeper. Book early for the best prices and availability.
Prepare for your journey by taking earplugs, an eye mask and a power bank. Download offline maps of Barcelona and prioritise travelling light, with a maximum of 2 pieces of hand luggage plus 1 checked bag. Consider taking out cancellation insurance due to possible schedule changes, and sign up for newsletters from European Sleeper for early access to ticket sales.