A sleeper train renaissance is underway in Europe and night services are set to be one of the most popular ways to travel in 2024. New routes are connecting the continent’s buzziest cities with improved comforts like WiFi, coffee and breakfast included in the ticket price. The new night trains are also boosting the no-fly movement by offering a more sustainable alternative with a lower carbon footprint than car journeys and flights.
If you’re looking to try out a sleeper train journey in 2024, travel experts at booking platform Omio have put together a guide to the best routes and top booking tips.
Berlin To Brussels On The European Sleeper Train
The long-awaited Good Night Train run by operator European Sleeper began its maiden voyage in May 2023. The route took snoozing passengers from Berlin to Brussels via Amsterdam. Now, things are getting even more exciting as the company has announced the route will be further expanded in spring 2024. From March 25, the service will not only travel to Berlin but will also make a stopover in the culture-rich city of Dresden before continuing its journey to Prague.
Booking tip from Omio: Passengers can choose from a private compartment, shared compartment or seat. The Sleeper cabin offers maximum comfort and is equipped with a washbasin, seating, table and up to three beds. The compartments can be locked from the inside. All tickets will include free WiFi, towels, toiletries, breakfast, mineral water and a welcome drink. Female travelers can choose a women’s compartment to feel safer and more comfortable.
Berlin To Paris On The ÖBB Nightjet
Finally back in service after a nine-year break, the ÖBB Nightjet from Berlin to Paris returned in December 2023. The train leaves Berlin Central Station on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 20:18 and arrives in Paris Gare de l’Est the following morning at 10:24. The journey time is 14 hours and 6 minutes. The route offers an efficient connection between these major European cities and a comfortable start to the day when you arrive in Paris well-rested the next morning.
In addition to the Berlin-Paris route, Nightjet introduced a new service from Hamburg to Vienna and Innsbruck in December. This 12-hour overnight route will be extended to Bregenz in spring 2024. From fall 2024, the company also plans to run a daily service from Berlin to Paris.
Booking tip: There are three ticket types: seat, couchette and sleeper. If you want more comfort and privacy, choose the sleeper carriage. This ticket even includes a welcome glass of champagne, snacks, slippers, a sleep mask and earplugs. With breakfast also included in the price, it’s almost like a hotel on wheels.
Helsinki To Kemijärvi With VR Finland
A lesser-known but no less exciting route takes you from Helsinki via Tampere directly into the heart of Lapland to Kemijärvi in less than 15 hours. The service runs daily from Monday to Sunday. In the winter months, you journey through a magical snow-dusted landscape and you may even experience the natural spectacle of the Northern Lights glowing outside the window.
Booking tip: Passengers can book sleeper compartments for single or double occupancy on the VR Finland overnight train. On the Helsinki-Kolari route, there are occasionally older sleeping cars with three-bed compartments. For an extra charge, you can select a deluxe compartment on the upper deck for the best view. Traditional dishes such as salmon soup, köttbullar (meatballs) and lapin kulta beer are served late into the night in the train restaurant and bistro on the lower floor of the DuettoPlus carriages. The upper floor offers quiet workstations with swivelling seats and a separate conference compartment with 12 seats.