Everything You Need to Know About the Most Popular European Sleeper Trains

Sleeper trains, also known as night trains, in Europe have been carrying passengers across the vast continent for about 150 years. These trains have been the star of countless literary and film classics, from James Bond to Agatha Christie. And for good reason, their allure continues to endure. Sleeper trains in Europe do more than simply save traveller's money on a night's accommodation. Oftentimes, the journey is an adventure in itself. European sleeper trains are hotels on rails and offer a variety of onboard options, from ultra-luxurious (like you'll find on the Venice-Simplon-Orient Express) to the more practical. Nevertheless, they always come with a sense of romance and a bygone era. Many services offer a combination of sleeper compartments with a room for two or four passengers, six-person dormitory-style couchettes as well as economy seat accommodations. Depending on your budget, you have the option to tailor-make and upgrade your onboard experience. Imagine falling asleep and waking up in the heart of your destination refreshed and ready to explore—not some distant airport miles away from your hotel. Sounds lovely, doesn't it? Here's everything you need to know about the most popular sleeper trains in Europe.

Venice-Simplon-Orient Express

The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express is the most storied set of carriages in the world. It promises to take you not just across Europe but to transport you back in time. With its polished wood, sumptuous upholstery and antique fixtures, the train epitomises the glamour and elegance of the Golden Age of travel. This is the train where Agatha Christie's most famed murder took place. The Champagne Bar will take you back in time to the roaring '20s and when you're hungry you can sample local delicacies in the onboard restaurant during a four-course dinner. Breakfast with beautiful views of the Alps, bellini and brunch, afternoon pastries? Yes, please! Elegant cabins feature-rich details including fine fabrics and wood panelling.

Classes of Service

Grand Suites

The VSOE's Grand Suites feature a double or twin configuration, free-flowing champagne, private in-cabin dining, 24-hour butler service, spacious marble en-suites, plush lounging area, bathrobes and slippers, towels, and power outlets.

Cabin Suites

By day, move between two luxurious lounges, unwinding with coffee and delighting in the ever-changing views outside. After dark, a choice of bed configurations ensures the perfect night’s sleep.

Single or Twin Cabins

Take in the romance of a bygone era with a cosy cabin. A plush banquette during the day converts into an inviting berth come evening. Both have soft, luxurious bedding and their own reading light.

The Caledonian Sleeper

Are you interested in being whisked away to the awe-inspiring beauty of the Scottish Highlands? The legendary Caledonian Sleeper will take you there. Leaving Euston Station each night (except Saturdays), the sleeper service runs both ways between Inverness, Aberdeen, Fort William, Glasgow, Edinburgh and London. The journey time between London and Edinburgh is seven hours and 29 minutes. The Caledonian Sleeper leads the way when it comes to phenomenal guest experiences. Whether choosing from a twin room or first-class cabin, you'll have access to the lounge car, which serves craft beer, champagne, and an abundance of whiskies. In first-class, an evening meal is also included, which features Highland-sourced favourites. In the morning, the whisky car transforms into a lively breakfast room.

Highlander Route

Six nights a week, the Caledonian Sleeper departs from Aberdeen, Inverness and Fort William. The Aberdeen service stops at a number of stations, including Dundee, Leuchars, Stonehaven and Montrose. The Inverness service visits Aviemore, Perth, Pitlochry, Gleneagles and Stirling. The Fort William service arrives at Rannoch, Corrour, Crianlarich and Helensburgh Upper. When travelling northbound, the Caledonian Sleeper departs London Euston at night before dividing three separate ways in the early morning to Aberdeen, Inverness and Fort William. Those who are early risers will be treated to gorgeous views of the sunrise coming up over the mountains and lochs before the train arrives at Fort William.

Lowlander Route

Services heading southbound depart from Edinburgh Waverly and Glasgow Central. Onboard the Glasgow Central train, you'll stop at Motherwell before switching onto the Edinburgh train at Carstairs. Before arriving at London Euston in the early morning, the train will cross the border and stop in Carlisle and Watford Junction. When travelling northbound, the Lowlander begins as one train then splits into two at Carstairs. Both trains arrive early in the morning at Glasgow Central and Edinburgh Waverley.

Thello Trains

These international trains provide overnight travel between France and Italy, with city centre to city centre convenience. There are no check-in procedures for Thello trains, however, you should arrive at the station at least 10 minutes prior to the train's departure. This will give you enough time to find your departure platform. When travelling overnight onboard Thello, passengers have the option of choosing from sleeper compartments with cosy berths or couchette cars. Sleeping compartments can sleep one, two or three people, including in-room washbasins, and a complimentary continental breakfast (served in your compartment of the restaurant car). Sleeper compartments are available as men-or-women-only, though you can reserve an entire compartment to suit your travel needs. Couchette cars feature bathrooms at both ends of the car and offer passengers four or six berth compartments. Furthermore, passengers are provided with wake-up service and morning coffee. From the comfort of your bed, you can watch the breath-taking Alps glide by before taking in shimmering Italian lakes at sunrise. In the Thello's dining car, enjoy classic French and Italian dishes.

The Red Arrow

Russia's Red Arrow sleeper train is one of the most famous trains in the country, dating back to Imperial Russia. In fact, it's so famous that it even has its own theme song that plays as the train departs from Moscow, Reinhold Glière’s rousing "Hymn to the Great City." The journey both efficient and convenient, travelling approximately 404 miles over eight hours. This route takes passengers directly from Russia's capital of the city centre of St. Petersburg and is the best way to travel overland while visiting. The Restaurant Car features Russian delicacies such as smoked meats, caviar and crackers, beer, vodka and cognac.

Classes of Carriages

VIP Cabin (for 2)

This is the most luxurious class onboard the Red Arrow. There is only one car designed for a maximum of eight passengers. There are four private sleeper cabins which are twice as big as the ordinary cabin. The ticket price includes a meal, mineral water, a travel vanity kit, bed linens, a towel, and newspapers. The private cabins feature a transforming sofa and an upper bunk bed, air-conditioning, a socket for 220V, sometimes Wi-Fi is available, a private bathroom with a washbasin and shower, as well as a TV.

First Class

First-class cars can carry up to 18 passengers and are made up of 9 compartments, each shared by 2 passengers. Ticket includes a meal, a travel vanity kit, bed-linen set with a towel. The compartments feature two lower beds, air-conditioning, a socket for 220V. There are also two shared bathrooms in the train car. The Restaurant car is in the neighbouring train car.

Second Class

The second class consists of nine separate compartments with four berths (2 lower and 2 upper), a fold-down table and a sliding door. Each shared compartment has a small table, a mirror, lockable doors, a large panoramic window, air-conditioning. The ticket includes a meal, a travel vanity kit, bed-linen set with a towel, and newspapers. There are also two shared bathrooms in the train car. The Restaurant Car is in the neighbouring train car.

Nordland Railway - Trondheim to Bodø

Onboard the Nordland Railway, you'll have the opportunity to see some of the most incredible scenery in all of Norway. Taking you deep into the polar regions, where the northern lights often dance across the sky, this overnight train journey begin is Trondheim and ends in Bodø. The whole journey takes about 10 hours. Enjoy fantastic views and vistas as the train travels through fertile farmland and vast forests in Trøndelag, across the Saltfjellet range, and down to the coast. At Saltfjellet, you'll cross the Arctic Circle and the final steep ascent will take you from the Arctic tundra down toward the Atlantic Ocean. This night train offers comfortable sleeping compartments with two berths featuring high-quality mattresses, quilts and pillows.

ÖBB Nightjet

With so many routes to choose from, ÖBB Nightjet is the best way to travel if you want to rest up before spending your holiday sightseeing. Trains travel daily on all routes, except Vienna-Livorno, which only travel twice a week between April and October. Worth noting is that this sleeper train does not have a restaurant car on board. We recommend having dinner before boarding the train or bringing on some of your favourite foods and a bottle of wine to enjoy in your couchette or sleeper. However, passengers in couchette and sleeper coaches can purchase beverages and snacks from the train crew.

Couchette Coach

Compartments in couchette coaches have either four or six berths and are suitable for families, groups or budget-conscious solo travellers. You are provided with a blanket, pillow and sheet. Mineral water is included in the evening and a light breakfast in the morning. Washing facilities and lavatories are located at the end of the coach.

Sleeper Cabin

The most comfortable way to travel on the ÖBB Nightjet. Available as standard and deluxe compartments. Passengers in the sleeper cabin receive a welcome drink and bag, newspaper service, freshly made bed, towels and toiletries (soap, slippers, and earplugs), wake-up service at a specified time, and an á la carte breakfast with a hot beverage (free refill included). Compartments can be locked and an intercom system provides direct contact with the train crew.

Standard Sleeper Compartments

Choose between a triple (three berths), double (two berths) or a single (one berth) compartment. Each compartment features its own washing facility including toiletries, towels, mirror, power outlet, and slippers. At the end of each coach, there is a washing facility, toilet and shower.

Deluxe Sleeper Compartments

Choose between a triple (three berths), double (two berths) or a single (one berth) compartment. In a deluxe compartment, you'll have your own bathroom and washbasin, shower, toiletries, towel, and fold-out table. Your tickets also gives you access to the ÖBB lounges at no extra cost.

Trenhotel Lusitania

Each night, the Trenhotel Lusitania, which is an international night train, connects Madrid with Lisbon (and vice versa). The train features a mix of comfortable compartments to ensure your nine-hour journey is a pleasant one. Onboard, you'll enjoy all the modern comforts of a hotel and the advantages of daily train service. There is no restaurant car on the train but there is a cafe bar that serves beer/wine, coffee/tea, snacks and a few hot dishes. There is no Wi-Fi available on the train, though you can charge your phone or camera in the power outlets.

Classes of Service

Turista Class Reclining Seats

Designed with your comfort in mind, all seats recline allowing for greater relaxation during your journey.

Turista 4-Berth Sleepers

Even budget-conscious travellers should at least opt for Turista class sleepers if they hope to get a good night’s rest. In 4-berth compartments, passengers receive a comfortable bed with a mattress, sheets, pillow and blanket. There's a washbasin, soap and towels for your use as well as an included bottle of mineral water. The compartment door can be locked from the inside. Your luggage goes on the floor or in a recess above the compartment door. During the day, the berths are folded away and seats are folded out.

Preferente Class 1 & 2 Berth Sleepers

These first-class sleepers are sold as whole compartments and feature one or two berths, convertible seating, washbasin, towels and soap, and a bottle of mineral water. Passengers can securely lock the door from both the inside and outside with a hotel-style key card. Luggage can be stored on the floor or above the compartment door.

Gran Clase 1 & 2 Berth Sleepers

In Gran Clase, or premium first class, passengers can enjoy an upper and lower berth which folds away to reveal comfortable seats for daytime and evening use. There's a compact, en-suite toilet with a shower and washbasin. Toiletries and towels are also provided as well as a bottle of mineral water. Luggage can be stored on the floor or above the compartment door.