Night trains in Europe have seen a real revival in recent years — you fall asleep in one city and wake up in another, save a hotel night, and travel centre to centre instead of flying. This guide covers the main routes, the types of berths, what they cost and how to book.
Why a night train is worth it
The main appeal of a night train is saving time and money at once: you travel overnight, so your day stays free and you skip one hotel night. On top of that, railway stations sit in the city centre, with no airport trek and no security screening.
It's also far greener than flying. If you're planning a multi-city European trip, a night train pairs well with a Europe rail pass.
Main operators and routes
Routes are refreshed every season — ÖBB Nightjet keeps opening new lines. For more on destination cities, see our city guides, e.g. Vienna and Prague.
- ÖBB Nightjet — the Austrian network, the largest; Vienna-Berlin, Vienna-Rome, Zurich-Hamburg, Paris-Vienna
- European Sleeper — the Brussels-Berlin-Prague route
- National operators between cities — Snälltåget (Sweden), RegioJet (Czechia-Slovakia)
- Intercités de Nuit — France's domestic night trains from Paris to the south
Berth types: seat, couchette or sleeper
A night train has three main classes. A seat is the cheapest but the least comfortable for an overnight trip. A couchette is a fold-out bunk in a 4-6 berth compartment shared with strangers. A sleeper is a private cabin with bed(s) and often its own washbasin.
For a solo traveller a couchette is the budget sweet spot; for a couple or family, a private sleeper cabin is more comfortable and private.
In a couchette you'll share with strangers — keep valuables close to your body and secure your bag under the pillow or beneath the bunk.
Prices and booking
Fares vary widely by class and how early you book. A seat often starts around $35, a couchette roughly $50-95, and a private sleeper cabin from about $120 upward. Booking early (2-3 months ahead) cuts the price significantly — just like flights.
Book on the operator's site (e.g. nightjet.com) or the national railway app. The pricing logic is similar to airfare — the same price prediction principles help.
Night-train tickets often go on sale 3 months ahead and sell out fast in peak season — book as early as you can.
How to reach the European rail network
From Georgia you'll first fly into a European hub — Vienna, Budapest or Warsaw are great starting points for night trains. Find a cheap flight date with the Travel365 price calendar.
Once there, the Europe public transport guide helps you get around the city. Plan your budget ahead — rail travel is often a great part of budget travel from Georgia.
A night-train route may cross several Schengen countries — make sure your Schengen visa and day allowance are in order.
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