Our Ranking of Europe’s Best Night Trains

There’s something magical about falling asleep on a train and waking up in a brand-new city. Moonlit landscapes, the gentle rhythm of the tracks, and the charm of slow travel—it’s all part of the adventure. At Discovery Trains, we’re big fans of night trains. So here’s our (completely subjective, yet well-informed) list of the best European night trains – all of which we’ve tested ourselves!

1. Caledonian Sleeper: London – Inverness

Tested by: Laure

The Caledonian Sleeper is a true Scottish experience. It features modern cabins and impeccable service. The journey begins with optimal comfort: cozy beds, quality sheets, and warm hospitality. The highlight? Watching the sun set over the Scottish Highlands from the bar car while enjoying a traditional Scottish dinner. Priority access to the bar car is given to Club Car and Double cabin passengers.

• Comfort: 5/5 – Among the best in Europe, comparable to a 3- or 4-star hotel. Club and Double cabins have private showers and toilets.
• Scenery: 5/5 – Unforgettable arrival in the Highlands at sunrise.
• Breakfast: 3/5 – Good but basic. Best enjoyed in the dining car, otherwise less comfortable.
• Proximity to city center upon arrival: 4/5 – Well-located station in a small town.

The Caledonian Sleeper Lowlander connecting London and Edinburgh Waverley © Discovery Trains

2. Santa Claus Express: Helsinki – Rovaniemi

Tested by: Yulia

The name itself is magical… and the journey lives up to it! Each evening, the Santa Claus Express departs from Helsinki to Rovaniemi, the official hometown of Santa Claus. This modern and ultra-comfortable train runs year-round with cozy sleeping cabins (with private or shared bathrooms), making it the easiest — and most magical — way to reach the Arctic Circle while you sleep.

• Comfort: 5/5 – Modern cabins with showers in both categories, a rarity in Europe.
• Scenery: 4/5 – Taiga views in summer, chance to see the Northern Lights in winter.
• Breakfast: 4/5 – À la carte meals available (not included), ideal for a hot breakfast or dinner.
• Proximity to city center upon arrival: 5/5 – The station is right in the heart of Rovaniemi.

Santa Claus Express © Discovery Trains

3. SJ/Norrlandståget: Stockholm – Narvik

Tested by: Yulia

The Norrlandståget takes you deep into the heart of the Scandinavian north, with breathtaking views of Swedish Lapland. Though the journey is long (18 hours), it’s perfect for nature lovers and adventurers. Expect untouched landscapes, snowy forests, and majestic Norwegian mountains. Among the best European night trains for discovering the wilderness.

• Comfort: 4/5 – Decent but aging cabins. Shared or private showers depending on the category.
• Scenery: 5/5 – Magical journey through Lapland ending at the fjords.
• Breakfast: 1/5 – You can bring your own food and eat in the dining car. Minimal service; nothing included.
• Proximity to city center upon arrival: 4/5 – Narvik station is less than 10 minutes on foot from hotels.

Stockholm Narvik night train © Discovery Trains

4. Intercity Notte: Milan – Lecce

Tested by: Yulia

A comfy ride, especially if you choose a 2- or 4-berth cabin. The train is modern and well-equipped, with pleasantly soft bedding. Breakfast, though light, is served directly to your compartment. If you’re in a double cabin, you even get an Italian espresso in bed! No showers on board, but restrooms are clean and well-maintained. Staff are attentive and discreet. And waking up to the sunny landscapes of Puglia? Pure bliss.

• Comfort: 3/5 – Good bedding and cleanliness.
• Scenery: 4/5 – Lovely views of Puglia at dawn.
• Breakfast: 3/5 – Simple but enjoyable. Italian espresso in double cabin.
• Proximity to city center upon arrival: 4/5 – Lecce is compact, center is under 10 minutes from the station.

5. Nightjet: Vienna – Krakow

Tested by: Tatiana

This overnight route operated by Polish Railways (PKP) offers clean, relatively new 3-berth compartments (women-only available). Small sink and clever storage make it practical, though space is tight for taller travelers. The basic breakfast (juice, coffee, pastry or waffle) is enough to start the day. Be sure to set your alarm, as arrival is early (around 6 AM) and staff won’t wake you up! Arriving at dawn in a quiet Krakow is magical.

• Comfort: 3/5 – Limited space in triple cabins.
• Scenery: 3/5 – Nothing spectacular but charming Krakow arrival.
• Breakfast: 3/5 – Basic but sufficient.
• Proximity to city center upon arrival: 4/5 – Very central train station.

6. Zurich – Ljubljana

Tested by: Laure

This is the perfect way to connect Zurich with Ljubljana, a hidden European gem. The ride is calm and pleasant, with scenic views and a very affordable fare. Ljubljana charms with its relaxed atmosphere, picturesque canals, and rich culture.

• Comfort: 2/5 – Old train cars, minimal comfort (6-berth cabins, even for 4).
• Scenery: 5/5 – Stunning alpine landscapes.
• Breakfast: 0/5 – No service on board.
• Proximity to city center upon arrival: 5/5 – Easily walkable to the center.

7. Nightjet ÖBB: Paris – Vienna

Tested by: Laure and Yulia

This night train offers a smooth ride between Paris and Vienna with spacious cabins, comfy bunks, and reclining seats. Private bathrooms are available in Double cabins. No dining car, but a light breakfast is included and served in your compartment. A great way to sleep soundly and wake up ready to explore Vienna.

• Comfort: 4/5 – Private bathrooms available, high-quality cabins.
• Scenery: 3/5 – Mostly nighttime throughout the journey.
• Breakfast: 3/5 – Simple but decent.
• Proximity to city center upon arrival: 4/5 – Vienna Hauptbahnhof is well connected via public transport.

Nightjet © Discovery Trains

8. Intercity Notte: Rome – Palermo

Tested by: Tatiana

One unique feature of this journey is the ferry crossing over the Strait of Messina — a spectacular experience. While the train is older, it still works fine and offers the special magic of watching the sun rise over Sicily. The ferry crossing takes time but is worth it.

• Comfort: 3/5 – Old but functional.
• Scenery: 5/5 – Sea views and arrival in Sicily; the ferry is a highlight.
• Breakfast: 0/5 – No service, bring your own!
• Proximity to city center upon arrival: 4/5 – Quick access to central Palermo.

Intercity Notte © Discovery Trains

9. Brussels – Prague (European Sleeper)

Tested by: Tatiana

A breath of fresh air for night trains in Europe, this route launched by the European Sleeper cooperative connects two very different capitals in one smooth ride. The cabins are not luxurious but have that retro railway charm. Clean sheets, a warm welcome, and breakfast in bed make it all very pleasant.

• Comfort: 3/5 – Simple but well maintained, with a retro vibe.
• Scenery: 3/5 – Lovely landscapes in the Czech Republic.
• Breakfast: 3/5 – Coffee, bread, juice — served with care.
• Proximity to city center upon arrival: 5/5 – Ultra-convenient central station.

European Sleeper © Discovery Trains

10. Hamburg – Stockholm (Snälltåget)

Tested by: Yulia

With a charming name (Snälltåget means "kind train" in Swedish), this scenic Scandinavian journey crosses the iconic Øresund Bridge between Denmark and Sweden. Simple but clean couchettes, a peaceful atmosphere, and helpful staff make this a serene ride. No dining car, but a snack bar offers the essentials. Stockholm welcomes you with a soft morning light — a beautiful northern arrival. Definitely one of the best European night trains for simplicity and charm.

• Comfort: 3/5 – Basic but clean and quiet.
• Scenery: 5/5 – Øresund Bridge, fjords, forests.
• Breakfast: 1/5 – Only snacks available.
• Proximity to city center upon arrival: 5/5 – Stockholm Central is perfectly located.

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