Top 9 Sleeper Trains Across Europe

Sleeper trains offer a uniquely delightful travel experience, turning the journey from one destination to another into part of the adventure itself. Unlike the usual overnight flights or buses, these trains provide a romantic atmosphere, lulling you to sleep to the soothing sound of wheels on tracks as the sun sets outside your window. With a proper bed that lies fully flat at a 180-degree angle, passengers can avoid the discomfort typically associated with trying to sleep in an upright position. Additionally, sleeper trains allow you the freedom to explore the train without the restrictions of seatbelt signs or tight aisles. The boarding process is also much more relaxed compared to the crowded nature of airports, often dropping you directly at your desired destination rather than a distant airport far from the city center.

As you move to the dining car or enjoy a meal in your own cabin, there’s a chance to interact with fellow travelers or simply unwind with a good book in your berth. Moreover, choosing a sleeper train is an eco-friendly alternative to traditional air travel. Whether you prefer luxury or are on a budget, sleeper services throughout Europe provide a variety of options suitable for all travelers. Most trains come with compartments for small groups and dormitory-style couchettes accommodating more passengers, as well as economy seating. Below are some of the best sleeper trains in Europe.

1. Britannic Explorer, London-Cornwall, Lake District or Wales

Introducing the Britannic Explorer, a recent addition to the railway scene, operated by the exquisite heritage rail company Belmond. This train features two dining cars, a wellness suite, and a stylish observation car with an art deco-inspired bar. Travelers can choose among five different journeys, all beginning from London Victoria, including three-night trips to Cornwall, the Lake District, or Wales, as well as six-night excursions covering both Wales and either Cornwall or the Lake District. Passengers are treated to stunning vistas of the countryside and coastal landscape, along with stops for various off-train experiences, such as gallery visits and meals at esteemed establishments like the two-Michelin-star Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons in the Cotswolds. With 18 elegant suites, exceptional cuisine, and top-notch service, this journey is undoubtedly a lavish one.

2. Venice-Simplon-Orient Express, London-Venice (via Paris)

The Venice-Simplon-Orient-Express is truly the queen of sleeper trains. immortalized in Agatha Christie’s famous novels, it epitomizes the golden age of luxurious travel. Its interior boasts rich wood paneling, elegant drapes, vintage lamps, and art deco mirrors, all complemented by live music in Bar Car 3764. Twin sleeper cabins convert banquettes into beds at night, while cabin suites include loungers for added comfort. Those seeking ultimate luxury can opt for one of the six grand suites featuring marble en-suites and butler service. After traveling with Eurostar from London St Pancras to Paris, board the Orient Express for the overnight journey to Venice. The following day, indulge in a gourmet three-course lunch prepared by renowned chef Jean Imbert, alongside afternoon tea, all served with impeccable hospitality.

3. Caledonian Sleeper, London-Scotland

Not only does the Caledonian Sleeper offer a refined way to travel between London Euston and Scotland, but it also enhances your journey with remarkable views of stately castles and the rugged Highland landscape under the night sky. The service operates multiple routes: the Lowland Sleeper to Edinburgh and Glasgow, and the Highland Sleeper to locations such as Aberdeen, Inverness, and Fort William. There are various accommodation types, including en-suite double cabins, twin bunk rooms, classic rooms with shared bathrooms, and a seated coach. Scott-centric cuisine is served in the Club Car, featuring options from hearty porridge to a full Scottish breakfast. Additionally, room service is available, cabins come with complimentary sleep kits, and there is wi-fi throughout the train, making them modern and comfortable.

4. Night Train to Sicily, Milan-Palermo

This scenic journey allows passengers to experience both a train and a ferry ride. The night train to Sicily sets off from Milan in the evening, traversing southern Italy overnight. Start your day with a small breakfast of coffee and pastries while taking in stunning coastal views along the ‘toe’ of Italy’s foot, before the train sections are loaded onto a ferry that carries it across the Straits of Messina to Sicily, arriving in Palermo late in the afternoon. Options include four-berth compartments with couchettes or one, two, or three-bed sleeping compartments. The entire journey requires nearly 20 hours, featuring a snack service onboard with no formal dining car, so passengers are advised to bring their own food, or take advantage of the ferry café.

5. Night Riviera Sleeper, London-Penzance

Connecting London Paddington with the scenic West Country, the Night Riviera Sleeper transports passengers between the capital and Cornwall’s picturesque beaches and fishing villages. Departures from London occur just before midnight, arriving in Penzance after roughly eight hours, where you can wander to the tidal island of St Michael’s Mount. Trains returning to London leave earlier in the evening and reach Paddington around 5am, but cabin guests can relax on board until 6:45 am. The train features a stylish lounge area with an art deco bar for snacks and drinks. Cabins equipped with washbasins are available as singles or twins and include breakfast and access to first-class lounges with shower facilities. The service is also pet-friendly.

6. OBB Nightjet, Vienna-Rome

This train connects two of Europe’s most romantic cities, embarking from Vienna and arriving in Rome after just under 15 hours. Setting off in the early evening and arriving around 10:05 am, it allows passengers ample time to explore upon arrival. Travelers can book various accommodations, ranging from single to triple sleeper compartments, including standard and Comfortline options, plus four and six-berth couchettes. A Viennese breakfast of a roll and ham or a more extensive à la carte menu is available for those in sleeping compartments, and there is a bistro onboard for snacks.

7. Royal Scotsman, Edinburgh-Highlands

Though constructed merely 40 years ago, the Royal Scotsman has already secured its status as an iconic train, characterized by its lacquered wood and sumptuous textiles that evoke the elegance of a bygone era. This train whisks you from Edinburgh through the captivating landscapes of the Scottish Highlands, offering varied itineraries from short two-night culinary excursions to four-night journeys exploring the world of whisky and longer trips that encircle the Highlands. Opt for an en-suite twin cabin, or indulge in a Grand Suite featuring personal butler service and a complimentary spa treatment. With mahogany-panelled dining cars serving gourmet dishes made with fresh Scottish ingredients, riders can expect stunning scenery, historic castles, and fine whisky.

8. Santa Claus Express, Helsinki-Rovaniemi

This double-decker train travels north for 12 hours from Finland’s capital to the heart of Finnish Lapland. The overnight travel provides an opportunity to witness the midnight sun or the aurora borealis, depending on the season, and to meet Santa Claus at his village in Rovaniemi, where most passengers disembark. Accommodations include cabins for two or three people, as well as connected “2+2” rooms for families. All cabins come with bunk beds, while upper-deck cabins feature en suite facilities. Lower-deck options share amenities but are often preferable for families. Accessible cabins are offered too, and basic tickets are available with seating only, along with a dining car offering snacks and beverages.

9. Balkan Explorer, Venice-Istanbul

Embark on an extraordinary 11-day journey through nine countries, exploring some of the most historic cities in the world, including Ljubljana, Sarajevo, Belgrade, Skopje, and Sofia. The majority of nights involve staying onboard your luxurious accommodation, the Golden Eagle Danube Express, classified as five-star. Passengers can choose between deluxe twin-bed or superior deluxe king-size sleeper cabins, each designed for daytime relaxation and nighttime comfort. The on-board restaurant provides exquisite dining, and evenings are livened up by live piano music in the bar lounge, making this an inspiring journey with a premium price tag.