Night trains are experiencing a revival across Europe as governments, train operators, and passengers rediscover this eco-friendly, comfortable, and economical mode of travel. John Walton delves into the latest developments and highlights some of the best options available for your next overnight journey.
The allure of a night train conjures up images of romance and adventure, reminiscent of Agatha Christie’s Orient Express or the epic Trans-Siberian. For many years, however, investment in modernizing night trains waned as attention shifted to high-speed rail and low-cost flights. Fortunately, across Europe, night trains are making a comeback, with old routes being reinstated and new cross-border services emerging, allowing travelers to journey from city center to city center while they sleep.
France is revitalizing its night train services as part of a bailout for rail operator SNCF, with trains resuming service from Paris to Nice and Tarbes by 2022, thus providing more options alongside the TGV high-speed network. Additionally, the Swedish government is investing in new night train routes from Stockholm to Hamburg and from Malmö to Brussels, expected to commence in 2022, allowing travelers to connect seamlessly into existing daytime high-speed rail services and other night train networks.
In the current age of COVID, night train schedules can be unpredictable. Generally, most domestic night trains are operational, though many international services may be altered or suspended. For instance, the Paris-Milan-Verona-Venice Thello night train and some Russian trains traveling through Europe to France are currently on hold. However, most Nightjet trains operated by Austrian Railways, including connections between Germany and Switzerland, are now back in service.
So, where can night trains take you? And which routes should you consider? Let’s explore further.
International Night Train Routes to Consider
With a strategic location in Europe, the Nightjet services operated by Austrian Railways (ÖBB) primarily focus on the Austrian rail network. Key routes originate from major hubs such as Vienna, Salzburg, and Innsbruck, extending to various destinations, including Brussels, Düsseldorf, Hamburg, Berlin, Warsaw, and Budapest. Additionally, connections to other European cities like Rome, Venice, and Zurich make these services even more appealing for travelers.
Furthermore, routes linking Zurich with southwestern Germany lead to Hamburg and Berlin, enabling journeys such as from Brussels to Berlin, followed by an overnight trip to Vienna, and concluding with a final journey to Rome. In addition, Czech Railways operates night trains connecting Prague with Zurich, Humenné, and Budapest, as well as in collaboration with Polish Railways to Krakow and Warsaw.
In normal circumstances, Russian Railways also offers night trains extending as far west as Paris (including transit through Germany, Poland, and Belarus) and to Nice (via Italy, Austria, Czech Republic, Poland, and Belarus), along with services to neighboring countries such as Finland, Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania.
National and Transborder Night Trains
France operates four key Intercité de nuit night trains, primarily serving areas lacking access to the TGV high-speed network: routes from Paris to Briançon, Latour-de-Carol, Rodez, and Toulouse. It is important to note that French night trains do not offer deluxe sleeper options.
Italy boasts a rich assortment of night trains traversing the country from north to south and even extending to Sicily. These services can effectively supplement or, in some instances, replace the Frecciarossa and Frecciargento high-speed train offerings. Meanwhile, the UK has two principal night train routes: one from London heading west to Cornwall, and the other taking passengers north from London to various destinations in Scotland, with convenient intermediate stops.
Spain and Portugal, along with the southwestern region of France, are serviced by the Spanish Renfe’s Trenhotel, which connects Lisbon with Madrid and continues onto Hendaye just across the French border, allowing access to the TGV network.
Sleeping Options Available on Night Trains
Majority of sleeper trains in Europe typically offer at least two categories of compartments that transition from day to night configurations through convertible bunks.
The most cost-effective option is the couchette, featuring either four or six bunks arranged in a private compartment. Passengers are usually responsible for setting up their bedding, as sheets and pillows are provided for self-service. It’s key to highlight that couchettes do not typically segregate by gender, although there might be provisions for women to secure places in women-only compartments.
A more lavish choice is the sleeper configuration, generally accommodating four persons per bunk. These compartments typically include pre-made bedding and extra space, often featuring a sink with a drinking water tap. Additionally, some trains may provide standard seating carriages, which are economical but not favorable for those who require restful sleep.
At the luxury end of the spectrum, some trains provide deluxe sleeper accommodations, featuring one to three bunks, typically equipped with private showers and toilet facilities. For those not in deluxe sleepers, lavatories and washrooms are shared, although most night trains also provide shower facilities to freshen up before disembarking in the morning, with towels usually supplied.
Generally, passengers wishing for additional privacy can reserve an entire compartment, ensuring personal space or physical distancing from fellow travelers, depending on the policies set by the train operator and the specific route.
So sit back, relax, and enjoy the scenery passing by your compartment window.
