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Travelling by night train and using it as a budget-friendly place to sleep is a clever way to save on a hotel stay and gain a full extra day of travel. You get on in the evening, fall asleep to the rhythmic sound of the train and wake up the next morning in the heart of your destination. Discover how to make the most of this efficient and sustainable way of travelling for your next holiday.
The benefits of travelling by night train
Choosing a night train is more than just picking a mode of transport; it is an important part of a smartly planned trip. The biggest advantage is its double function. You combine your journey with your overnight stay, which means you completely avoid the cost of a hotel room. For budget-conscious travellers, such as backpackers, this immediately takes the pressure off the travel budget. On top of that, you arrive early in the morning, giving you a full day to explore your destination instead of losing a large part of the day to travelling.
In addition, travelling by train is a more environmentally friendly alternative to flying, especially over longer distances within Europe. The experience also offers something special: you watch the landscape quietly pass you by, whereas a flight is usually hectic. You enjoy the sunset through the window and wake up to a new view.
‘ The choice you make determines the price and the level of privacy. ’
Which type of accommodation suits you?
Night trains offer different levels of comfort, so there is a suitable option for every type of traveller and budget. The choice you make determines the price and the level of privacy.
Shared couchettes: the budget-friendly choice
The most affordable option is a berth, also known as a couchette, in a shared compartment. These compartments offer space for four to six people.
- For whom: Ideal for solo travellers, backpackers and small groups who want to save money.
- Features: During the day they are seats that you convert into beds at night. There is a small table and space for luggage. The price includes bedding such as a sheet, blanket and pillow.
- Privacy: You share the space with other travellers. Many operators, such as European Sleeper and ÖBB Nightjet, offer women-only compartments for female travellers who prefer not to sleep in a mixed compartment.
Private compartments: more comfort and peace
If you want more privacy, you can book a private compartment. This is a good middle ground between the shared couchettes and the luxury sleeper cars. You can reserve an entire compartment for yourself, your partner or your family, so you do not have to share the space with strangers. The cost is higher than for a single berth, but in return you get peace and personal space.
Sleeper cars: travelling with maximum comfort
For travellers who do not want to compromise on comfort, there are sleeper cars. These compartments are equipped with real beds and usually offer extra facilities such as a private washbasin. The most luxurious versions even have their own shower and toilet. With operators like ÖBB Nightjet, this class also includes a more extensive breakfast and a welcome pack. The price is comparable to a hotel room, but you still benefit from combining your travel time and overnight stay.
Popular routes and operators from the Netherlands
In recent years, the night train has made a strong comeback in the Netherlands. There are now several reliable operators that will take you to popular destinations in Europe.
ÖBB Nightjet to Austria and Switzerland
The Nightjet operated by the Austrian railways (ÖBB) is one of the best-known players. A train runs daily from Amsterdam to Vienna and Innsbruck. On the way, the train also stops in Utrecht and Arnhem. The journey takes about 14 hours. A berth in a shared couchette is available from around €50, while a place in a sleeper car starts at around €80. Breakfast is included with the more luxurious options.
European Sleeper to Germany and the Czech Republic
European Sleeper is a private railway company that operates the connection between Brussels, Amsterdam, Berlin and Prague. The train departs daily and offers several comfort classes. A seat (for the true budget traveller) is available from about €39. A berth in a couchette to Berlin starts at around €79. This connection is perfect for a city break to the German or Czech capital.
How do you book a cheap night train?
As with plane tickets, the rule for night trains is: the earlier you book, the lower the price. Fares are flexible and increase as the departure date approaches. So try to plan your trip well in advance. Being flexible with your travel dates can also help; travelling on a Tuesday or Wednesday is in most cases cheaper than at the weekend. Compare prices directly with operators such as ÖBB Nightjet and European Sleeper, or via booking platforms such as NS International or Trainline. Keep an eye out for seasonal offers, for example for summer routes to the Croatian coast.
‘ The night train is an efficient, sustainable and economical way to travel across Europe. ’
Practical tips for a pleasant journey
Getting a good night’s sleep on the train takes some preparation. The pillows you are given are in most cases small and thin. If a good pillow matters to you, consider bringing your own travel pillow. Also take earplugs and a sleep mask to block out light and noise from fellow passengers or the train itself. On many trains drinks and snacks are available for purchase, but it is handy to bring your own bottle of water and something to eat for the night.
The night train is an efficient, sustainable and economical way to travel across Europe. It combines the need for transport with an overnight stay, saving you both time and money. Whether you are a backpacker looking for the cheapest option or a traveller who values comfort, there is always a night train that matches your needs.
On the Traveler Tips website you will find extensive articles about smart and conscious travel. Discover our guides to the most beautiful train routes in Europe, tips for planning a road trip or advice on the best travel gear. Explore the rest of our website and turn your next holiday into an adventure that is well planned and stays with you for a long time.
Frequently asked questions
A night train ticket is often cheaper than a hotel stay combined with a daytime train ticket, because it combines travelling and sleeping. You save on hotel costs and a full travel day, which makes night trains attractive for budget travellers. The savings can be significant, especially on longer routes. In addition, there are various accommodation options, from budget-friendly berths to private compartments, catering for a wide range of budgets.
Night trains offer a range of sleeping arrangements, including shared compartments (budget-friendly, for 5–6 people), private compartments (more privacy for 3–6 people) and sleeper cars with a private shower and toilet (maximum comfort). Differences in comfort lie in the level of privacy, the facilities available such as private sanitary facilities, and extra services such as a welcome pack and breakfast. Shared compartments are the cheapest, while sleeper cars with private facilities are the most expensive but also the most comfortable option. An important point to note is that pillows on night trains are often smaller.
To travel comfortably and well prepared by night train, it is essential to indicate your preference for a bed (upper, middle or lower) when booking by phone and to consider bringing your own pillow for optimum comfort. Choose a type of accommodation that suits your needs, such as a shared compartment, a private compartment or a sleeper car with its own shower and toilet. Take into account the meals and facilities included with the night train operator you choose, and check whether last-minute tickets are available, although booking in advance is usually recommended.
A night train journey combines travel time with rest time, meaning you sleep at night and wake up at your destination in the morning, saving hotel costs and a travel day. This makes the journey not only unique and comfortable, but also sustainable and budget-friendly. With options ranging from shared compartments to private compartments with their own facilities, you can tailor the travel experience to your preferences while optimising your travel time. It also contributes to an environmentally responsible way of travelling across Europe.
The ÖBB Nightjet offers good value for money with sleeper berths from €80 and couchettes from €50–€55 including a welcome pack and breakfast. European Sleeper links Brussels and Amsterdam with Berlin and Prague, with berths from €69 and budget-class options from €39.99. For very budget-conscious travellers, Hungarian night trains offer sleeper berths from €20, and on the Budapest–Croatian coast route (summer only) seats start at €30. These routes combine travelling and sleeping efficiently, saving hotel costs and a full travel day.
