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Booking and experiencing night trains in Scandinavia is a smart way to cover long distances, save on a hotel stay and arrive well rested at your destination. It is the ideal way to travel for anyone who wants to combine comfort and efficiency. But how do you reserve the right spot and what can you expect from such a journey? Read on and discover how to plan your train trip through the north in the best possible way.
The benefits: more than just transport
Travelling by night train through Norway, Sweden or Finland is different from a simple journey from A to B. It is an experience in itself. As the landscape passes by, you can enjoy the peace and space that a train offers. You avoid the crowds and waiting times at airports, as the train usually departs from and arrives in the heart of the city. This saves you both valuable time and the cost of a transfer. On top of that, you combine travel and sleep, gaining a full holiday day and not spending money on a hotel room.
‘ This journey is often praised as one of the most beautiful in the world. ’
Which night trains run in Scandinavia?
The night train network in Scandinavia connects the main cities and regions with each other. Although the offer is constantly changing, there are a few fixed routes that are known for their comfort and beautiful surroundings. Below you will find an overview of the most popular connections.
- Sweden: The Swedish railway company SJ offers several night trains. A well-known route is the one from Stockholm to Narvik in the north of Norway. This journey is often praised as one of the most beautiful in the world. You travel through vast forests and along impressive fjords. In winter you even have a chance of seeing the Northern Lights. Another popular international connection is the train from Hamburg to Stockholm, operated by Snälltåget, which runs in the summer months.
- Norway: Within Norway itself there are also night trains, for example on the route from Trondheim to Bodø. This route takes you along the rugged Norwegian coastline. The trains of the Norwegian company Vy are modern and comfortably furnished. This contributes to a pleasant travel experience.
- Finland: In Finland you can take the VR night train from Helsinki to Rovaniemi, the official home of Father Christmas in Lapland. Finnish trains are known for their modern and clean compartments with comfortable beds and useful features such as USB charging points.
How do you book a sleeping place on a night train?
Booking a night train requires some preparation. The routes are popular, so booking early is recommended, especially in high season. Reservations are always compulsory. You usually book your tickets up to three months in advance via the websites of the national railway companies such as SJ (Sweden), Vy (Norway) or VR (Finland).
Choose your level of comfort
When you book your ticket, you can choose between different comfort levels. The options determine both your comfort and the price of your ticket. The most common choices are:
- Seat: This is the most budget-friendly option. You have a seat that can often be reclined slightly more than in a regular train. For a long night this is, however, the least comfortable choice.
- Couchette: A couchette is a shared sleeping compartment, usually for six people. You sleep in a simple bunk bed. There are often separate couchettes available for women. This is a good middle ground between price and comfort.
- Private sleeping compartment: For those who want more privacy and comfort, there is the private sleeping compartment. These compartments are available for one to three people and often have made-up beds, a washbasin and sometimes even a private shower and toilet. This is the most comfortable, but also the most expensive option.
In practice: what can you expect on board?
Modern Scandinavian night trains are well equipped. Most trains have a bistro coach where you can go for a meal, snacks and drinks. It is always sensible to bring some food and drink yourself as well. The availability of Wi-Fi and 4G reception can be unreliable along the way, especially in remote areas. A power bank is therefore a useful item to take with you, although there are often sockets available in the compartments.
A good night’s sleep starts with good preparation. Earplugs and a sleep mask can help you sleep undisturbed. Although the beds in the sleeping compartments and couchettes are provided with bedding, it can be nice to wear comfortable clothing during the night. Luggage can usually be stored under the bottom bunk or in special racks.
Be aware of possible challenges
Although travelling by night train generally runs smoothly, it is good to be prepared for unexpected situations. Delays can occur, especially in the winter months when weather conditions can be extreme. Therefore, plan enough transfer time if your journey consists of several legs. Strikes, although rare, can also affect your travel plans. Make sure you are flexible and, if possible, have an alternative plan, such as a bus connection.
On the Traveler Tips website you will find many more articles and in-depth information about train travel, route planning and the most beautiful destinations in Scandinavia. Discover our practical tips that help you travel more comfortably, more smartly and with more experience. Your next journey starts here.
Frequently asked questions
Book night trains in Scandinavia three months in advance via Snälltåget, SJ, Vy or VR for the best prices. Choose a couchette for a budget-friendly option or a private sleeping compartment for more luxury. Be flexible with travel dates to find lower fares and plan generous transfer times. Take earplugs, a sleep mask and a power bank with you, as Wi-Fi and 4G are not always reliable.
On Scandinavian night trains you can choose from couchettes with bunk beds, private sleeping compartments with your own space and sometimes a shower, or a basic seat. Finnish trains offer modern rolling stock with soft beds, USB ports and luggage racks. Showers and snacks/drinks are often available, but reliable Wi-Fi/4G usually is not. It is recommended to take earplugs, a sleep mask and a power bank for extra comfort.
The night train routes Stockholm–Narvik in Norway and Rovaniemi–Helsinki in Finland offer the best travel experience, praised for their views of fjords, the chance of Northern Lights and modern comfort. When choosing a route you should pay attention to booking early (at least three months), the different sleeping options (couchette, private sleeping compartment), and take possible delays into account. For a more luxurious experience you could consider a night boat such as Kiel–Gothenburg.
Book your night train journey early via Snälltåget, SJ, Vy or VR, ideally three months in advance. Choose a private sleeping compartment for more comfort or a couchette with bunk beds for a more budget-friendly option. For the journey, take earplugs, a sleep mask and a power bank with you, as Wi-Fi and 4G are often unreliable. Plan generous transfer times and be prepared for possible delays.
