Night trains are experiencing a global revival, with a 150% increase in passengers compared to 2020. This resurgence isn’t just nostalgia; it’s a conscious response to mass tourism and the climate emergency. The new services combine the romantic experience of sleeping on rails with cutting-edge technology, offering a real alternative to the short-haul flights that once dominated Europe.
Why is the Night Train the Smartest Choice?
Radical Climate Efficiency
- CO₂ emissions: 90% less than an equivalent flight
- Carbon footprint: 12 kg CO₂ Paris-Venice vs. 120 kg by plane
- Energy efficiency: 1 liter of fuel per 100 km-passenger
Time Recovery
- 8 hours of travel = 8 hours of productive sleep
- 0 hours lost in airports or security checkpoints
- Arrival in the city center, not distant suburbs
The New Generation of Night Trains
Leading European Services by 2025
ÖBB Nightjet (Austria):
- Routes: 26 destinations in 13 countries
- Innovation: Individual capsule cars with private bathrooms
- Sustainability: 100% renewable energy from 2023
European Sleeper (Cooperative):
- Brussels-Berlin-Prague route: 3 times a week
- Model: Citizen investment + EU funds
- Experience: Restaurant cars with local products
Elipsos (Spain-France):
- Renaissance: Barcelona-Zurich, Madrid-Lisbon
- Accessible luxury: Suites with showers for €120-€180
- Technology: Active suspension for uninterrupted sleep
Benefits Beyond Sustainability
Enriched Travel Experience
- Wake up to new landscapes: Swiss Alps at dawn
- Traveling community: Social lounges for conversation
- Connection with the land: Witness the gradual transformation of the landscape
Health and Wellbeing
- Circadian rhythms: Traveling at night respects your sleep-wake cycle
- Reduced stress: No rush for check-in or baggage claim fees
- Personal space: Bunk beds vs. crowded airplane seats
How to Plan Your First Overnight Train Trip
Choice of Route and Class
- For singles: Single cabins with shared bathroom (€60-€100)
- Couples: Double bunks with sink (€120-€180)
- Families: 4-6 bed compartments (€200-€300)
Smart Booking
- Book 2-3 months in advance for better prices
- Low season: October-April, 40% cheaper
- Interrail passes: Include bunk supplements
The Future: Night Trains 2.0
New Routes 2026-2030
- Barcelona-Stockholm: 36 hours through 7 countries
- Lisbon-Moscow: Transcontinental journey
- Spanish Coast: Algeciras-Barcelona overnight train
Technological Innovations
- Quiet carriages: State-of-the-art sound insulation
- Ecological showers: Water recirculation system
- Solar energy: Roof-mounted panels for auxiliary power
Collective Impact of Modal Shift
European Figures 2025
- 15 million annual passengers on overnight trains
- 1.2 million short-haul flights avoided
- 450,000 fewer tons of CO₂ in the atmosphere
Impact on the City
- Reduced airport congestion: Less congestion at regional hubs
- Revitalized city centers: Stations as destinations
- Distributed tourism: Travelers in secondary cities
Traveler Testimonials
Carlos, 42 years old (Madrid-Lisbon):
“I left Madrid at 10:30 p.m., read a book with a glass of wine, and woke up in Lisbon refreshed and ready for my meeting. On a plane, I would have arrived tired and stressed.”
Ana, 29 (Berlin-Budapest):
“I met a Swiss couple in the dining car who invited me to visit their farm. Those kinds of human connections don’t happen on a plane.”
Tips for Making the Most of Your Trip
Essential Luggage
- Comfortable shoes for moving around on the train
- Light toiletries (towel, toothbrush)
- Earplugs and eye mask
- Tablet with downloaded content
Recommended Rituals
- Early dinner before boarding
- A stroll along the train after waking up
- Breakfast while enjoying the scenery
“The night train transforms the journey into the destination. It’s not about arriving quickly, but about arriving comfortably.” — Laura Méndez, travel writer
