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Alongside ÖBB’s well-known Nightjet, there are several other good night trains running across Europe. European Sleeper and EuroNight offer comfortable connections to Central Europe, with routes from Brussels to Prague and from Munich to the Carpathians. For travellers who deliberately choose rail holidays and want to sleep en route, these operators open up a wider network of destinations. Discover which routes operate, how they differ from Nightjet and how to book these trains.
European Sleeper connects Western and Central Europe
European Sleeper has been operating as a new night train company since May 2023. The main route runs from Brussels and Antwerp via Amsterdam to Berlin and Prague. You travel overnight and arrive rested at your destination. The company is planning extensions to Barcelona and seasonal services to Venice via the Alps.
The train stops at central stations such as Amsterdam Centraal and Berlin Hauptbahnhof, making it easy to combine your night train journey with city breaks. You can choose between seats, couchettes or sleeping compartments. The couchettes provide flat beds with blankets and pillows for four to six people per compartment. Sleeping compartments offer more privacy and often have a washbasin.
For the best price and availability, book early. Couchettes and sleepers in particular sell out quickly in high season. Travellers report that journeys are generally quiet with sufficient legroom. Light sleepers are advised to bring earplugs. You can find more information about night train travel in Europe in the article on Night trains (Nightjet & European night trains).
‘ Nightjet is essentially an improved version of the EuroNight concept, with more uniform comfort on routes operated by ÖBB. ’
EuroNight as an international night train network
EuroNight is a network of international express night trains with a high level of service. These trains have been running through Central Europe for longer than Nightjet, but without the same branding and marketing campaigns. Nightjet is essentially an improved version of the EuroNight concept, with more uniform comfort on routes operated by ÖBB.
EuroNight trains are operated by various national rail companies, such as SJ from Sweden and PKP from Poland. Routes run across several countries and connect major cities with smaller destinations. On these trains you will find both couchettes and sleeping compartments, similar to other night trains.
The couchettes usually have four or six beds per compartment. You can book an entire compartment privately for a group or family. Sleeping compartments are available for one to three people and often have a washbasin. Deluxe cabins come with their own shower and toilet. Service varies by operator and route, so check in advance what is available on board.
New EuroNight Carpatia to Central Europe
A recent addition to the EuroNight network is the Carpatia line. This night train runs from Munich via Prague and Budapest to Przemyśl on the Polish-Ukrainian border. The route is particularly interesting for travellers who want to explore the Carpathians and Central Europe without spending days on the road.
The Carpatia offers both couchettes and sleeping compartments. Prices vary depending on the type of accommodation and the season. A 2nd class ticket plus supplement gives you access to couchettes for two or three people. For a single cabin you sometimes need a 1st class ticket. Check when booking which ticket class is required for your preferred accommodation.
You can book the EuroNight Carpatia via the websites of the relevant rail operators, such as Deutsche Bahn or České dráhy. Platforms like Trainline also show availability and prices. Be aware that not all booking platforms display every EuroNight route. Sometimes you need to book directly with the national operator.
EuroNight versus Nightjet: differences in price and comfort
Nightjet and EuroNight are similar, but there are differences. Nightjet is an ÖBB brand and focuses on consistent quality and modern rolling stock. EuroNight is a network of multiple operators, which means the service can vary by route. EuroNight trains are sometimes older, but often provide the same basic services.
In terms of price, EuroNight is often cheaper than Nightjet. This is because Nightjet’s marketing and modernisation costs are reflected in ticket prices. For budget-conscious travellers, EuroNight is an attractive alternative. You sleep along the way and save on hotel costs, while paying less than on many Nightjet routes.
The accommodation types are comparable:
- Couchettes with four or six beds, including blankets and pillows
- Sleeping compartments for one to three people with washbasin
- Deluxe cabins with shower and toilet on some routes
- Seats in compartments or open coaches
Travellers report that EuroNight couchettes are often gender-segregated for mixed bookings. The beds are flat and comfortable, but compartments can feel cramped with six people. For more space, choose a four-berth couchette or book the whole compartment for private use.
‘ If you want to sleep, upgrade to a couchette if you can. ’
Other operators with couchettes and sleepers
In addition to European Sleeper and EuroNight, there are more rail companies that offer night trains with sleeping comfort. SJ operates night trains in Scandinavia, with routes from Stockholm to northern Sweden. PKP provides couchettes and sleeping compartments within Poland and to neighbouring countries. These trains are less well known outside their own regions, but offer similar comfort.
Most operators use similar accommodation types. Couchettes are the cheapest option and suitable for backpackers and budget travellers. Sleeping compartments provide more privacy and are ideal for couples or small families. Seats are the budget option, but less suitable for longer nights. If you want to sleep, upgrade to a couchette if possible.
Some trains allow you to take a car with you. This is convenient for travellers combining a road trip with a long overnight journey. Check when booking whether this service is available on your route.
Practical tips for your night train journey
A night train journey requires some preparation. Book early, as couchettes and sleeping compartments sell out quickly. Prices rise as the departure date approaches. Deluxe cabins and private compartments are the first to be fully booked.
Take the following items with you:
- Earplugs and an eye mask for light sleepers
- Slippers for use in the compartment
- Snacks and drinking water, as not all trains have a restaurant car
- A small towel if you want to use washbasins or showers
Most compartments have a washbasin, but no kitchen. You can buy food in advance and bring it on board. Some trains offer breakfast, but this varies by operator. Check when booking what is available on board.
Travellers appreciate the budget couchettes for solo backpackers, but recommend choosing the four-berth option over the six-berth for more space. European Sleeper scores highly for new routes with Alpine views. For long journeys, a deluxe cabin with its own shower is more comfortable, but the price is considerably higher.
Travelling sustainably with night trains
Night trains save daylight hours and reduce your CO2 emissions compared with flying. You sleep on the way and do not need to book a hotel night. That saves both time and money. Combine your night train journey with local rail connections for a sustainable door-to-door trip.
European Sleeper and EuroNight make destinations such as Berlin, Prague, Budapest and Munich accessible without flying. You arrive at central stations and can continue your journey straight away. For conscious travellers who want to combine comfort and sustainability, these night trains are a valuable alternative.
On the Traveler Tips website you will find much more information about rail holidays, routes across Europe and practical preparation for your trip. Explore more articles and plan your next night train journey with reliable tips and up-to-date information.
Frequently asked questions
European Sleeper and EuroNight generally offer three comfort levels: ordinary seats (cheapest but least comfortable for sleeping), couchettes (four- or six-berth bunks with simple but flat beds) and sleeping compartments (for one to three people, more privacy, sometimes with private shower/toilet). If your budget is tight and you are not an extremely light sleeper, a four- or six-berth couchette usually offers the best value for money. If you need peace and quiet, privacy or are travelling with a partner, a (possibly deluxe) sleeping compartment is the best choice. Seats are only really advisable for short nights or if you need the absolute cheapest option.
European Sleeper links Brussels and Antwerp with Amsterdam, Berlin and Prague, with future extensions planned towards Barcelona and seasonal routes to Venice via the Alps and Austria. EuroNight forms a wide network of night trains in Central and Eastern Europe, including between major cities such as Vienna, Budapest, Prague and other international destinations. Through hubs such as Amsterdam, Berlin, Vienna and Budapest there are connections to numerous daytime and night trains deeper into Europe. This makes it possible to combine journeys to, for example, Southern Europe (Italy, Spain) and other major cities beyond the immediate night train route.
Book as early as possible, because for both European Sleeper and EuroNight the general rule is: the earlier you book, the lower the price and the more choice you have in couchettes and sleeping compartments. Check prices directly on the official websites or with major rail companies, and avoid booking at very short notice or around weekends and holidays if you want to travel cheaply. Being flexible with your travel date and day (for example midweek instead of Friday/Sunday) often leads to lower fares. In terms of flexibility there are usually non-flexible, rebookable and (partly) refundable tickets; the cheapest are the least flexible, and you pay a supplement for fully flexible tickets.
European Sleeper stands out as a new, private operator with direct connections from Brussels/Amsterdam to Berlin and Prague, with a strong focus on city breaks and future extensions towards, among others, Barcelona and Venice. EuroNight is a more classic network of international night express trains with a wide range of seats, couchettes and sleeping cars, sometimes also with car transport. Compared with other night trains, European Sleeper and many EuroNight services are particularly attractive thanks to their direct international routes, lying and sleeping comfort, and the ability to cover long distances overnight. Compared with flying or coach travel, they offer more legroom, the option to lie flat, time savings because you travel at night, and a lower climate impact.
