Five years ago, everyone said night trains were dead. Budget airlines killed them.
Today, they are back—bigger, better, and more popular than ever. Travelers are trading cramped airport security lines for the romance of falling asleep in one country and waking up in another.
But not all night trains are created equal. Who operates them? Which one has the best beds?
Here is your guide to the major players on the tracks in 2025.
OBB Nightjet (The King of the Night)
If you take a night train in Central Europe, it will likely be a Nightjet. Run by the Austrian Railways (ÖBB), they are the gold standard.
- Network: Massive. They connect Vienna, Zurich, Munich, Rome, Venice, Paris, Amsterdam, and Berlin.
- The Vibe: Clean, efficient, modern blue trains.
- New for 2025: They are rolling out brand new trains featuring “Mini Cabins”—tiny, pod-like private capsules for solo travelers at a budget price. This is a game-changer.
- Best Routes:
- Paris ➡️ Vienna
- Munich ➡️ Rome
- Amsterdam ➡️ Zurich
European Sleeper (The New Challenger)
A new, independent cooperative that started running trains to connect the West with the East.
- The Vibe: A bit more vintage/retro feel compared to Nightjet, but with a great community spirit. known as “The Good Night Train.”
- Best Route:
- Brussels ➡️ Berlin ➡️ Prague
- Why choose it: It’s practically the only way to get from London (via Eurostar) to Prague by rail with only one easy change in Brussels.
EuroNight (The Partners)
These are trains operated by other national railways (like Czech, Hungarian, Polish, or Croatian) often in partnership with OBB.
- The Vibe: Varies wildly. Some are modern (like the Zurich-Prague line), others are older, classic communist-era carriages (reliable but not fancy).
- Best Route:
- Budapest ➡️ Split (Croatia) – The famous summer holiday train to the beach.
Understanding the Classes (Don’t Book the Wrong One!)
Every operator generally offers three levels of comfort:
1. Seating Carriage (The Budget Trap)
- What is it? Just a regular seat. Sometimes in a 6-seat compartment.
- Verdict: Avoid. You will not sleep. You will arrive stiff and tired. Only for extreme budget backpackers.
2. Couchette (The Backpacker Choice)
- What is it? A padded bunk in a shared compartment of 4 or 6 people. You get a sheet, blanket, and pillow.
- Verdict: Great value. Good for families or groups. You sleep in your clothes. Toilets are in the corridor.
3. Sleeper Cabin (The Hotel on Wheels)
- What is it? A private (or double) room with proper beds (mattresses).
- Verdict: Maximum comfort. You get a welcome drink, breakfast, and often a private sink or even a private shower and toilet (Deluxe).
How to Book?
Unlike flights, night train tickets open for booking up to 6 months in advance, and the sleeper cabins sell out FAST.
- Where to buy: You can use Trainline or the official Nightjet website.
- Rail Passes: Interrail/Eurail passes are valid on almost all these trains, but you must pay a reservation fee for the bed (approx €20-€30 for a couchette).
Summary
The Nightjet is leading the revolution, but new routes are popping up every year. Whether you choose a private Deluxe cabin or a social Couchette, the experience of breakfast while watching the Alps roll by is unforgettable.
