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Condé Nast Traveler
a day ago
- Condé Nast Traveler
These 7 Sleeper Trains Are the Best Way to Travel Europe
When it comes to railway adventures, there are few things more exciting than falling asleep in one city and waking in the next, nudging up the blind to see what lies outside. Whether that reveals the golden haze of dawn or a moonlit night still holding on, the moment is one that's always filled with magic. For the last three years I've been journeying around Europe documenting the resurgence in sleeper trains, watching passengers drift back to the romance of the railways, eschewing budget flights and bullet trains for cosy couchettes and a slower mode of travel. For scenery, comfort, and camaraderie, these are the seven best night trains that Europe has to offer. The Good Night Train: Brussels, Belgium to Berlin, Germany Crowdfunded, and launched by a Belgian-Dutch collective named European Sleeper, The Good Night Train made its inaugural run from Brussels to Berlin in May 2023 and has since extended its route to Dresden and Prague, with a winter service to Venice. Set up by two night-train enthusiasts, European Sleeper offers a no-frills service whose hodgepodge of carriages date back to the 1950s—but no one on board is bothered, and raucous groups uncork wine and spread out slabs of pâté and cheese in what feels like a house party on wheels. With a mixture of sleeper and couchette compartments, the train departs Brussels three times a week, clattering out of the Belgian capital at 7.20 p.m. and pulling passengers through Flanders' golden meadows and waterways that turn blush in the setting sun. Stopping at Amsterdam, where canals glimmer through the darkness, the train then runs smoothly through the night, with barely a jolt or jerk, giving passengers a chance to sleep deeply before a dawn arrival in Berlin. Lacquered walls, velvet furnishings, and Art Deco design in the head-turning suites onboard The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express Ludovic Balay/Belmond The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, a Belmond train: Paris, France to Portofino, Italy With its iconic blue carriages and gold trimming, Belmond's legendary train is a familiar sight to lovers of luxury travel, but this route is a well-kept secret, and the most scenic of them all. Running only once a year in summer, the VSOE departs Paris Austerlitz at 3 p.m., taking passengers to the pastel-colored town of Portofino. To the pop of a bottle of Ruinart champagne served with Petrossian caviar and blinis, the train thumps and clacks south of the French capital, picking up pace through villages and vineyards, warm air billowing through the wind-down windows. Over a black-tie dinner, guests are serenaded before moving piano-side for an all-night singalong, the bar only closing when the last passenger has left. Wisely, Belmond ensures that the train stables at midnight at Avignon, granting passengers five hours of undisturbed sleep in damask bedding until the train departs at dawn. Nudge up the blind and bite into warm croissants as you watch the sun rise over the Mediterranean, paddle boarders on the waters, and purple bougainvillea blooming by the tracks. The rest of the journey is nothing but sparkling ocean, beaches and palms, ending with two nights at the newly renovated Hotel Splendido in Portofino, overlooking the bay. For dinners on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, black tie is not a requirement but tends to be the norm. Karolina Marco/Belmond Menus onboard are designed by Paris-based culinary star Jean Imbert, who was appointed the train's chef in 2022. BOBY/Belmond Santa Claus Express: Helsinki to Rovaniemi, Finland A regular passenger train that runs year-round, the Santa Claus Express is Finland's flagship service carrying riders from Helsinki into Rovaniemi, on the edge of the Arctic Circle. Best ridden in winter, this green and white double-decker beast departs just before 7.30 p.m. and takes 12 hours to wind north through forests of fir sagging under the weight of snow. Filled with young families and tourists keen to meet the big man at Santa Claus Village, the train features some of Europe's most comfortable compartments with wide berths, underfloor heating, and toilets that fold down into showers. Pro tip: Hop on, dump bags, and dash to the tinsel-covered dining car for smoked reindeer stew and steaming bowls of meatballs and mash before it fills up with drinkers who won't shift until dawn. From the windows passengers can watch as nativity scenes twinkle through the woods, foxes dart through empty car parks, and Finland's freshwater lakes gleam like pools of black ink.
Local Germany
16-06-2025
- Business
- Local Germany
New German night train provider plans to connect '100 European cities'
A new startup has announced plans to set-up overnight rail connections between numerous central European cities, with passengers riding in private cabins and for a price comparable to a plane ticket. Nox, a Berlin-based startup with ambitions for revitalising night train travel has said it will launch its first services by 2027. The company suggests it will ultimately serve more than 100 cities on 35 routes including Stockholm, Copenhagen, Amsterdam, Paris, Rome and Barcelona within a decade. Setting themselves apart for competitors on the market today, Nox plans to build up a new fleet of trains with one- and two-person sleeper compartments. "Today people have to share their cabins with strangers, beds are tight, and it's often more expensive than air travel," Thibault Constant, Co-Founder of Nox said. "We want to change that and make night trains an essential part of European travel." Graphic provided by Nox Mobility. According to a press release by the company, all of the passenger cabins in Nox's trains will have two metre long beds, separate seats with tables, and enough space to stand up and store your luggage. Nox also said it plans to offer double beds and beds with panoramic windows. READ ALSO: The destinations you can reach by direct night train from Berlin The destinations you can reach by direct night train from Munich A challenging enterprise A number of private rail companies have tried to take advantage of increasing demand for night train connections in Germany and Europe, but so far none have seen wild success. Advertisement A Paris-based startup launched in 2021 with a similar mission failed to get enough investor backing to take-off. Similarly, a Dutch company recently had to push back its plans after a being rejected for an initial loan. Another night rail enterprise, European Sleeper, has managed to start operating night trains linking Brussels, Amsterdam, Berlin and Prague since last year. But the company has faced challenges trying to expand its connections on offer. However, interest in revitalising night train travel has picked up around Europe in recent years with Germany's Deutsche Bahn and France's SCNF also making some efforts to expand night-time services. At the EU level as well, lawmakers in Brussels have taken on the task of bringing various countries' standards into alignment, and to reduce hurdles for would-be international rail operators.
Yahoo
11-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
New 'affordable' night train service to link European cities in 2027
Europe's long-haul sleeper train revival is set for a further boost with the planned roll-out of overnight services connecting over 20 destinations across the continent from a new service launching in 2027. Berlin-based start-up Nox announced in June it would provide rooms onboard for one or two people for "the price of a flight" in an effort, the company claims, to offer an alternative to short-haul air travel. "Today people have to share their cabins with strangers, beds are tight, and it's often more expensive than air travel. We want to change that and make night trains an essential part of European travel," said Nox co-founder Thibault Constant. According to Nox, "affordable fares" will be on offer on 35 routes connecting cities including Amsterdam, Barcelona, Berlin, Copenhagen, Milan, Paris, Rome and Warsaw. The trains are to have three classes of rooms with 2-metre long beds, seats, tables and room enough to stand up and store luggage. The announcement comes in the wake of an expansion of trans-European train travel and overnight connections, with the legacy operators such as Austria's ÖBB joining new providers such as European Sleeper in providing services. A group of Finnish businessmen have pitched a high-speed rail link to cut the journey time from Oslo to Stockholm from five hours to 90 minutes. However, not all rail projects are proceeding smoothly, with French environmentalists trying to stop a proposed high-speed route connecting the rugby-playing hubs of Bordeaux and Toulouse.
Times
18-05-2025
- Times
My first sleeper train? Like trying to nap on the Central Line
It was the second time he yanked on the door handle, at 3am, somewhere in western Armenia, that pushed me over the edge. I still hadn't slept and we only had four hours to go before the sleeper train arrived in Yerevan, the capital. A drunk man occupied the cabin next door, but every time he came back from the loo he mistook our room for his. The first time I was terrified. The second time I was seething. (Luckily the door was locked, so I didn't have to fight him off wearing only a T-shirt and pants.) Romance and glamour were notably absent on the 8.20pm from Tbilisi in Georgia, my first ever overnight train. Orient-Express levels of comfort and service were never expected; our tickets cost £37 each rather than thousands, after all. But with all the recent hype around new night trains across Europe — from European Sleeper's Brussels-Berlin route to SJ Night's Stockholm-Hamburg service — I had anticipated at least some hard-to-put-your-finger-on magic. Jovial company, maybe? Beautiful scenery, perhaps? Sadly, the reality, on a Monday night in early April, was quiet (there were two dozen passengers, tops), too dark to see anything (the sun had set before we left) and prosaic (making your own bed on holiday? Not a vibe). And what I definitely didn't expect was to feel quite so awful in the morning. • What it's like on board the new night train from Brussels to Venice There were some aspects of the journey that pleasantly surprised me. The pillows may have been a questionable shade of yellow, but the sheets, delivered to our door just after the train departed? Crisp, spotless. Our modern, second-class, Russian-designed cabin was roomy and we loved unpacking our possessions and making it feel (a bit) like home. Of course, it helped that the other two berths in our cabin hadn't been booked. It was toasty in our nest too; just the antidote to the soggy Caucasian spring. • The world's most luxurious train journeys But fundamentally, I discovered, this mode of travel is not for me. Travellers can be divided into two camps: those who can sleep basically anywhere and those who can only do so in a bed. A proper bed, that is. I'm among the latter and I found that, although the pulldown mattress may have been functional, there was no way I was going to sleep while the carriage wobbled and jolted so persistently (this was particularly bad on the Armenian side of the border). It felt like trying to nap on the Central Line. In such a stressful environment, my fellow travellers came across all the more irritating. We had Drunk Idiot on one side, of course. On the other, a couple played tinny pop from their phones until 1am. And at the border, when everyone had to disembark, we were delayed by an obnoxious trio who refused to pay an existing fine — unclear what for — to the Georgian police. One of them, perhaps harshly, wasn't allowed back on board. • I'm a train expert — these are Europe's best interrail trips for any age When we trundled into Yerevan at 6.55am, we found the city deserted. Why? Because it was 6.55am. No cafés were open and our Airbnb host wouldn't let us in until 3pm, so there we were on the streets, dragging our bags around the city having had just an hour of sleep. Next time we resolved to choose a train that would get in later, allowing for at least an attempt at a lie-in. Or maybe to just find another way to reach our destination. As it happened, we had intended to take the sleeper back to Georgia a week later. Er … no, thanks. Instead we booked a four-hour coach during the day that was quicker, cheaper and followed a spectacular route through the mountains. I put on a podcast and snoozed through the entire journey. Are you a fan of sleeper trains? Share your views in the comments
Metro
29-04-2025
- Business
- Metro
This new train journey links three of Morocco's most beautiful cities
A new golden age of train travel has dawned, and it's safe to say we are now in the thick of the rail renaissance. For the first time in a century, trains are the It-girl of transport, and over the past few months, a slew of ambitious projects have been announced. These a £99 European Sleeper service from Brussels to Venice, and a new train that will directly link the Spanish and Portuguese capitals of Madrid and Lisbon. Morocco is the latest country to join the slow (and sustainable) travel club. The North African jewel is launching an extended rail line linking three of its most spectacular cities for the first time in history. The Al Boraq line, which currently runs between Kenitra and Tangier, will add stops in Morocco's capital, Rabat, plus the tourist hotspots of Casablanca and Marrakech. Fuel your wanderlust with our curated newsletter of travel deals, guides and inspiration. Sign up here. Currently, Al Boraq is Africa's only operating high-speed railway system. The planned 430km extension will make it the longest on the continent, too. Aside from making Morocco more accessible, the updated route – set to cost close to £4 billion – is expected to drastically cut travel times. For example, the journey from Tangier to Rabat will take one hour. From Tangier to Casablanca it will be one hour and forty minutes, while Tangier to Marrakech will take two hours and forty minutes. Those travelling to Rabat from Casablanca's Mohammed V International airport and vice versa will reach their destination in just 35 minutes. The construction connecting Kenitra and Marrakech was officially launched earlier this month by King Mohammed VI, who welcomed a new era of ultra-modern rail infrastructure across the country. He said in a statement: 'This project demonstrates Morocco's firm determination to continue developing the national rail network,' and noted that this transformation will serve as 'the backbone of a sustainable and inclusive transport system.' While news of the project is exciting, locals and visitors alike will have to wait a few years until they can travel on the new lines. Currently, completion is expected to be operational before the 2030 FIFA World Cup. Rabat, a city of about one million, has been Morocco's coastal capital since 1912. Despite its status, it's a less intense experience than Marrakech and a calmer introduction to the country as a whole. Defined by Islamic and colonial heritage and laid-back pace, Rabat is the best of both worlds for every type of traveller. @elisolidum A Week in Rabat, Morocco 🇲🇦 it feels weird to call a capital city underrated, but that's totally how I feel about Rabat. finding time to slow down, visiting bookshops and cafes, grocery shopping at local markets, catching sunsets on the beach, and finding a little sense of home in the chaos of Morocco. It's been a month of fast-paced travel all over the country, and taking a week to settle down in Rabat has been much needed 👌🏽 #travel #morocco #tiktoktravel #travelblogger #fyp ♬ September – Sparky Deathcap Founded in the 12th century, every stone is steeped in history. The Kasbah des Oudayas neighbourhood provides obvious Andalusian influence, with whitewashed buildings and dominant blue doors. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, the charming medieval fortress district has become a hotspot for artists and creatives from all over the globe. Hassan Tower – considered the symbol of Rabat – is one of the most famous sites in the city. Marvel at its Moorish architecture while soaking up the sun. Summer in Rabat – and Morocco in general – can reach 40°C, so it's worth visiting in the shoulder seasons when temperatures aren't as strong. If you're into a mix of modern and historical, Casablanca is for you. The city is widely known as Morocco's chief port, as well as being one of the largest artificial ports in Africa. Whether you visit the Hassan II Mosque, an elaborate oceanfront mosque, or head to the Arab League Park, famed for its lush gardens and palm trees, Casablanca offers a unique Moroccan experience. Just over a 90-minute drive from Casablanca is El Jadida, a chaotic but authentic Moroccan port city that's yet to be invaded by tourists. Nicknamed the 'Hamptons of Morocco', the medina of this UNESCO-listed old town is said to be the most European-looking in Morocco. No visit is complete without a walk along the city walls, which capture panoramic views of the ocean. Metro's Alice Giddings spent a week at Mazagan Beach & Golf Resort, a luxurious hotel on the Atlantic coast just outside the city walls that boasts 7km of private beach and lavish suites dotted around a swimming pool. Read her full report here. Nowhere does it get more quintessentially Moroccoan than in Marrakech, with its bustling bazaars, street food tours, and a melting pot of culture. For history, head to the Saadian Tombs and El Badi Palace. For a taste of daily life, it's all about Jemaa el-Fna square, a UNESCO World Heritage Site bursting with music, traditional storytelling and food vendors. For culture, check out the Ben Youssef Madrasa to admire centuries-old Islamic architecture. @kelseyinlondon 🇲🇦 How to spend a perfect day in Marrakech ⬇️ MORNING 9am 🏫 Ben Youssef Madrasa 10am ☕️ Bacha Coffee 11am 🛍 Go shopping in Souk Semmarine AFTERNOON 1pm 🍽 Lunch at Le Jardin (order the chicken pastilla!) 3pm 🌵Jardin Majorelle EVENING 6pm 🍹 Drinks & dinner at DarDar Rooftop More Marrakech Recommendations ⬇️ 📍THINGS TO DO Le Jardin Majorelle, Moroccan Cooking Class (Amal Women's Training Center), Ben Youssef Madrasa, Le Jardin Secret, go shopping in the souks, Saadian Tombs, Koutoubia Mosque, Bahia Palace, Jemaa el-Fnaa, YSL Museum, Stay overnight in a Agafay desert camp (I recommend Be Agafay & Scarabeo Camp), sunrise hot air balloon ride, spa say / hammam, El Badi Palace, Day trip to Ouzoud Waterfalls, desert quad bike tour, Maison de la Photographie 🍽 RESTAURANTS Le Jardin, Dar Dar Rooftop, La Trattoria, L'Mida, Bacha Coffee, Les Jardins Du Lotus, El Fenn Rooftop, Nomad, Le Salama, La Table at Royal Mansour, Comptoir Darna, Cafe Des Epices 🏨 STAY Riad Botanica, Riad Sakkan, Riad Be, Riad L' Atelier, Riad Yasmine, Roya Mansour, Riad 42, El Fenn, Riad Jardin Secret, Amanjena, La Sultana #marrakech #marrakechmedina #marrakech🇲🇦 #visitmarrakech #riadmarrakech #instamarrakech #marrakesh #morocco #moroccotravel #moroccotrip #visitmorocco #morocco🇲🇦 #travelmorocco #exploremorocco #instamorocco #uktravelblogger #travelblogger #travelguide #traveltips #travelblog #marrakechrestaurant #marrakechfood 24 hours in Marrakech | Things to do in Marrakech | Marrakech Itinerary | 1 day in Marrakech | Marrakech Restaurants | Marrakech Cafes | Marrakech Bars | Hotels in Marrakech | Marrakech food spots | Marrakech travel tips | Marrakech hidden gems | Marrakech activities | Marrakesh Itinerary ♬ original sound – Kelsey💗London Travel Creator And, as Millennials and Gen Z continue to popularise the sober tourism trend, Metro's Gergana Krasteva found that Marrakech is the perfect choice for teetotal travellers. In January, she spent 72 hours in the 'Red City,' soaking up culture instead of alcohol. Noting that it's a 'place that doesn't need booze to be interesting,' Gergana explored opulent palaces and atmospheric souks with aromatic cuisine. She said: 'All are making the city known as the Jewel of the South an increasingly popular choice for sober travellers.' More Trending However, if Morocco has always been on your bucket-list, but the chaos of Marrakech doesn't appeal, Gergana recommends a visit to Fez. Around two hours and twenty minutes from Rabat, Gergana reports that the city nicknamed the 'Athens of Africa' has held onto much of the traditional culture that defines it. With none of the crowds and a spiritual and cultural focus, it's also cheap to get to: at least four direct flights depart from London every week, from as little as £27 one-way. 'It's never been easier to visit the ancient tanneries, stunning architecture, and royal palaces that make this city so fascinating,' Gergana adds. Can't wait until 2030? Saudi Arabia has also tapped into the luxury rail travel trend, becoming the first Middle Eastern country to embrace it. In 2026, plans to launch the 'Dream of the Desert' are in motion, the first five-star rail service in the region that will travel around 780 miles through the Arabian Desert, from Riyadh to Al Qurayyat, near the northern border with Jordan. However, concerns over the ambitious project have risen due to the country's 'dire' human rights situation. MORE: 'Breathtaking' pier named UK's best despite nearly being destroyed last year MORE: The UK's most remote train journey with 26 stops and 'stunning scenery' MORE: 'English Mediterranean' island dubbed the UK's sunniest place is still overlooked by tourists
