Why the night train is the best way to see Europe again
Fall asleep in one capital, wake up in another. Europe's night trains are back — and better than flying.
By Ada Renner · 2026-05-12
For a few years the night train almost vanished. Now it's having a revival, and it remains the most civilised way to cross a continent.
No airports, no 5am alarms, no carbon guilt — just a bunk, a moving window, and a new city by breakfast.
The case for the sleeper
- You travel and sleep at once — a free night's accommodation.
- City centre to city centre, no transfers.
- The journey becomes part of the trip, not dead time.
Flying gets you there. The night train makes getting there worth remembering.