Traveling by sleeper train is an eco-friendly and romantic way to experience Europe’s diverse landscapes. Imagine drifting off to the rhythmic sounds of the rails and waking up to a brand-new view—mountains, fjords, or seaside sunrises—right outside your window. Below, we highlight five of the best overnight train routes in Europe for 2025. Each itinerary offers a unique journey, complete with comfortable cabin options, a range of prices to fit different budgets, and of course, spectacular scenery. All aboard for an unforgettable Europe sleeper train adventure!

1. London to the Scottish Highlands (Caledonian Sleeper)

One of the most iconic overnight train routes in Europe is the Caledonian Sleeper, which carries you from the bustling city of London to the serene Scottish Highlands by morning. Departing from London Euston late in the evening, this train splits into separate sections to reach destinations like Edinburgh, Aberdeen, Inverness, and Fort William. For the most scenic experience, aim for the Fort William line—the “West Highlander” route. As you sleep, the train glides north through England and into Scotland. By dawn, you’ll awaken to breathtaking views of misty lochs, rugged mountains, and wild moorlands. Crossing the remote Rannoch Moor at sunrise is a highlight: you’ll see heather-covered landscapes and perhaps a deer or two from the window, all before enjoying breakfast in the onboard dining car. It’s a magical way to start your day in the Highlands without any driving or flying hassles.

Despite covering hundreds of miles overnight, the Caledonian Sleeper ensures a comfortable journey. The train was recently refurbished with modern interiors and hotel-like amenities. Travelers can relax in the lounge (Club Car) in the evening, sipping a dram of whisky or a cup of tea before retiring to their berths. By the time you arrive in the Highlands, you’re well-rested and ready to explore Scotland’s natural beauty. This route exemplifies the convenience of an overnight train—traveling while you sleep—combined with the thrill of arriving at one of Europe’s most scenic regions at dawn.

Key Facts – London to Scottish Highlands (Caledonian Sleeper):

Route: London Euston to Fort William (with separate sections also serving Inverness and Aberdeen).
Travel Time: ~13 hours (evening departure just before midnight, arriving in the Highlands by 9–10 AM next morning).
Cabin Options: Seats (reclining airline-style seats for budget travelers), Classic twin bunk cabin (two bunks, washbasin, shared restroom in car), Club cabin (two bunks with en-suite toilet/shower, includes breakfast), and Caledonian Double (private double bed with en-suite, includes breakfast and extras).
Price Range: Seats from around £50; Classic bunk rooms roughly £150–£200; en-suite cabins £250 and up (prices per person vary by season and how early you book).
Why It’s Scenic: Wake up to panoramic views of the Scottish Highlands – tranquil lochs, rolling hills, and misty glens. The stretch across Rannoch Moor and into the West Highland mountains is inaccessible by car, making this journey a truly special way to see wild Scotland. You arrive at Fort William, nestled near Ben Nevis (Britain’s highest peak), ready to embark on your Highland adventure.

2. Paris to Nice (The Riviera Overnight Train)

Swap the City of Light for the sunny Riviera by boarding the overnight Intercités de Nuit sleeper from Paris to Nice. This classic French overnight train itinerary lets you fall asleep in Paris and wake up on the glamorous Côte d’Azur. Departing from Paris Austerlitz station in the evening, the train courses southward through the French countryside while you snooze. By early morning, it winds its way along the Mediterranean coast, treating early risers to sunrise views of palm trees, turquoise waters, and charming villages dotting the shoreline. There’s nothing quite like peeking out from your berth to see the first light over the Provence hills and the sparkling sea as you approach the city of Nice.

While the Paris–Nice sleeper isn’t a luxury train, it is a comfortable and cost-effective way to cover a long distance. The atmosphere on board is relaxed and communal. Travelers often bring picnic dinners and share a bottle of wine before quiet hours, enjoying the adventure of night rail travel. The train makes a few stops (for instance, in Marseille and Toulon) during the night, but you can drift off knowing that by morning you’ll be in the South of France. This route is popular with backpackers, families, and anyone who prefers a leisurely overnight journey to an early-morning flight. You save daytime sightseeing hours by traveling at night—and save on a hotel room, too! Upon arrival in Nice, step off the train refreshed and ready to stroll the Promenade des Anglais or catch a bus to Monaco, all straight from the train station.

Key Facts – Paris to Nice (French Riviera Sleeper):

Route: Paris (Gare d’Austerlitz) to Nice Ville, via major stops like Marseille and Toulon (the train also serves Cannes, Antibes, and other Riviera towns in the early morning).
Travel Time: ~12 hours (departs around 8:30–9:00 PM from Paris, arrives about 8:30–9:30 AM in Nice).
Sleeper Options: Couchettes – 2nd class couchette cars have 6 bunk beds per compartment, while 1st class couchettes have 4 bunk beds per compartment. Beds come with basic linens and a blanket. There are also a limited number of reclining seat places, but no private sleeper cabins on this route (all berths are in shared compartments). For more privacy, you can book all beds in a 1st class compartment for your party.
Price Range: Very budget-friendly. Basic fares start around €29–€35 for a spot in a 6-berth couchette if booked early. A 4-berth first-class couchette is a bit more (around €60–€100 per person, depending on demand). These prices make it one of the cheapest ways to travel from Paris to the Riviera, considering you get transportation and a night’s accommodation in one.
Why It’s Scenic: As dawn breaks, the train emerges along the Mediterranean coastline. You’ll see the Provençal countryside transition to sparkling blue sea vistas. The final hours offer views of sunny terracotta-roofed towns, coastal cliffs, and the famous blue waters of the French Riviera. By the time you roll into Nice, you’ve essentially had a moving window seat to the South of France’s beauty—a perfect welcome to the Riviera.

3. Vienna to Rome (Nightjet Across the Alps)

Traveling between two of Europe’s great capitals is a breeze on the Nightjet sleeper train from Vienna to Rome. This overnight route (which also has portions originating in Munich, Germany that join the train) lets you experience the grandeur of the Alps as you sleep and wake up in a new country. Board the train in Vienna after dinner—no airport security lines or stress—and settle into your cozy compartment as the Nightjet departs for Italy. The journey takes you through Austria’s Alpine heartland, traversing mountain passes under the cover of darkness. By the time first light creeps in, you’ll be in northern Italy or Austria (depending on direction), and if you’re lucky with timing, you might catch glimpses of Alpine peaks and charming villages in the early morning. For instance, northbound travelers (coming from Rome towards Austria) will awaken to snow-capped mountains and lush valleys as the train approaches the Austrian border, making for a dramatic morning view.

The Vienna–Rome sleeper is known not just for its convenience but also for its modern comfort. ÖBB (Austrian Railways) has introduced new-generation Nightjet trains on this route as of late 2024, with upgraded cabins and amenities. You can choose from private sleepers or shared couchette cars, all of which are climate-controlled and equipped with clean bedding. Some sleeper compartments even have en-suite showers and toilets (in the deluxe category), while couchettes offer simple bunk arrangements for budget-conscious travelers. There’s a dining car or snack bar on board where you can grab a light meal or coffee in the morning. By around 9 AM, you’ll pull into Roma Termini station in the heart of Italy’s capital, having traveled over 1,100 km (and across the Alps) in your sleep. For those looking to maximize their travel time, this Europe sleeper train itinerary is hard to beat: it’s an overnight adventure that connects the historic streets of Vienna with the ancient wonders of Rome in one seamless trip.

Key Facts – Vienna to Rome (Alpine Nightjet):

Route: Vienna, Austria to Rome, Italy. (There are also portions of the train originating in Munich and Salzburg that merge into the same train toward Italy. The route slices through the Austrian Alps and into northern Italy via the Brenner or Tauern Pass routes, depending on scheduling.)
Travel Time: Approximately 14 hours end to end. For example, depart Vienna around 7:30 PM, arrive in Rome around 9:30 AM. (Times can vary; the train makes stops in cities like Salzburg, Innsbruck or Villach at night, and stops in Florence or Bologna early morning before reaching Rome.)
Cabin Options: A wide range:
- Seats: Standard seating carriage (least expensive, but not the most comfortable for a full night).
- Couchettes: 4-berth or 6-berth compartments. The new Nightjet couchette cars even feature innovative “mini cabins” – small pods within a couchette car that give solo travelers a bit more privacy.
- Sleepers: Traditional sleeper cabins for 1, 2, or 3 people. In a sleeper, you get real beds with linens, and in deluxe versions, a private washroom with shower. Standard sleepers have a washbasin and share a toilet/shower at the end of the car.
Price Range: If you book early, seats can start as low as €29–€49. Couchette berths typically range from ~€59 to €79 per person. A bed in a double sleeper compartment might be around €100–€140, and a single occupancy deluxe sleeper can be above €180. Prices use dynamic pricing, so advance booking yields the best deals.
Why It’s Scenic: This route lets you cross the Alps overnight. While much of the mountain crossing happens in the dark, there’s still scenic magic to the journey. In summer months, you might see dusk falling over Alpine lakes and villages as you depart Austria. Northbound, dawn gives you stunning scenery in the Tyrol region and Austrian countryside. Southbound, you wake up to Italy’s rolling hills and perhaps catch a sunrise over vineyards and hill towns. It’s not as continuously scenic as a daytime Alpine train, but the thrill of going to sleep in one grand European city and waking up in another – with a hint of mountain scenery in between – makes this trip special. It’s a perfect blend of practicality and adventure, and certainly one of the best sleeper trains Europe 2025 has to offer for crossing countries in comfort.

4. Stockholm to Narvik (Arctic Circle Sleeper Train)

If you crave a more offbeat and wild landscape, the Arctic Circle Train from Stockholm to Narvik is a must-do overnight itinerary. This epic journey takes you from Sweden’s capital all the way to a remote Norwegian town above the Arctic Circle. It’s one of Europe’s longest sleeper train rides and undoubtedly among the most scenic. Departing Stockholm in the early evening, the train heads north through pine forests and alongside mirror-like lakes. As night falls, you’ll be traveling ever closer to the Arctic region. In summer, this can mean hours of surreal twilight or even daylight well into the night (the Midnight Sun phenomenon). In winter, darkness reigns outside – but that opens up the possibility of witnessing the Northern Lights dancing across the sky as you peek out from your cozy sleeper berth.

By early morning, the train is in Swedish Lapland, stopping at towns like Kiruna (famous for its ice hotel and iron mines) and Abisko (a national park renowned for Northern Lights viewing). Here, even if it’s winter, the few hours of daylight are timed perfectly: you’ll see snow-covered mountains, frozen lakes, and vast arctic tundra bathed in a soft blue light. As the journey continues into Norway, the scenery reaches a climax – the railroad winds through rugged mountains and descends toward the Ofotfjord until it reaches Narvik around lunchtime. Stepping off the train, you’re greeted by crisp Arctic air and dramatic Norwegian fjord vistas. This itinerary is not just a train ride; it’s a front-row ticket to the natural wonders of the far north, all while you enjoy the warmth and comfort on board.

Key Facts – Stockholm to Narvik (Arctic Circle Sleeper):

Route: Stockholm, Sweden to Narvik, Norway. Major intermediate stops include Boden (where the train divides, with one portion going to Luleå), Kiruna, and Abisko in Sweden, then crossing into Norway for the final leg to Narvik. It follows the historic Iron Ore Line and Ofoten Line through the Arctic.
Travel Time: Approximately 18 hours. For example, depart Stockholm just before 6:00 PM, arrive Narvik around 12:30 PM the next day. (Schedules may vary by season.)
Sleeper Options: Operated by SJ (Swedish Railways), the train offers:
- Sleeping Cars: Typically 3-bed compartments (which can be booked as private for 1 or 2 people if desired). These have bunks and a small sink, with restroom and shower facilities at the end of the car.
- Couchette Cars: 6-berth couchette compartments (simple bunks, shared facilities) for a budget-friendly option.
- Seats: Standard 2nd class seating is also available for those who don’t mind sleeping in a recliner.
  (Note: There is often a bistro or dining car on this route in peak seasons, so you can purchase dinner, snacks, or breakfast on board. Otherwise, packing some food is wise given the long distance.)
Price Range: Roughly, a seat might cost around 600–800 SEK (about €50–€70) if booked in advance. Couchette berths could range around €70–€100. A bed in a sleeper compartment is higher, roughly €120–€150 per person (less per person if you book a whole compartment for your group). Pricing can fluctuate based on demand and how early you reserve.
Why It’s Scenic: This is arguably one of the most scenic overnight train routes in Europe because of its unique Arctic landscapes. You traverse boreal forests, cross the Arctic Circle into subarctic tundra, and then descend through Norway’s dramatic mountains to a fjord. Highlights include: Midnight Sun in summer (where the sun barely sets, offering continuous views) and potential Northern Lights in winter (the dark, clear Arctic nights are ideal for aurora spotting). In the morning, passing by Abisko National Park, you might see reindeer or moose from the train. The final approach to Narvik offers sweeping views of the Norwegian fjord surrounded by snow-capped peaks. It’s a journey that combines adventure with comfort, making it perfect for nature lovers and rail enthusiasts alike.

5. Belgrade to Bar (Balkan Mountain Railway to the Adriatic)

For those seeking an adventure through Southeastern Europe, the overnight train from Belgrade to Bar is a legendary route not to be missed. This sleeper train connects the capital of Serbia with the Adriatic coast of Montenegro, carving its way through some of the most rugged mountains on the continent. Often referred to as the “Balkan Express” or by its local name Lovćen, the train departs Belgrade in the evening and arrives in Bar the next morning. But this is no ordinary night train – it’s a spectacular journey that crosses 254 tunnels and 435 bridges, including the famous Mala Rijeka viaduct, which was once the highest railway bridge in the world. Even in darkness, you can sense the train climbing and winding through mountains. Come dawn, make sure your curtains are open: as the first light hits, you’ll find yourself high in the Montenegrin mountains, witnessing steep canyons, green forests, and quaint villages clinging to hillsides.

The train gradually descends from the highlands toward the Adriatic Sea. In the morning hours, you’ll pass Podgorica (Montenegro’s capital), skirt the shores of huge Lake Skadar, and eventually reach Bar, where the mountains meet the sea. Stepping off the train, you’re just minutes from the beach. What makes this itinerary truly special is not luxury or speed (in fact, the train is a bit old-fashioned and rickety at times), but the sheer drama of the route and the affordable, authentic travel experience it provides. You’ll likely mingle with local families and other travelers, swapping stories in the corridors. The accommodations are basic but sufficient for a night’s rest – and the payoff in scenery come morning is priceless. This route showcases a part of Europe that many travelers overlook, making it a hidden gem among overnight train journeys.

Key Facts – Belgrade to Bar (Serbia to Montenegro Sleeper):

Route: Belgrade, Serbia to Bar, Montenegro. The train currently uses Belgrade’s Topčider station as its start point (since the central station relocated). It travels southwest through Serbia, crosses into northern Montenegro during the night, then goes through Podgorica before reaching Bar on the Adriatic coast.
Travel Time: Around 10 to 11 hours. The night train typically leaves Belgrade around 8:00–9:00 PM and arrives in Bar by 7:00–8:00 AM. (Seasonal schedules can change, and there’s usually also a daytime train option for those who want to see the scenery in full daylight).
Sleeper Options: This route offers a mix of old-style Yugoslav-era carriages, which have been maintained and partially refurbished:
- Sleeper cabins: Usually 3-berth compartments which can be sold as triple, double, or single occupancy (with supplement for fewer people). These have bunks and a door for privacy.
- Couchettes: 6-berth couchette compartments (simpler, open bunks, often a bit worn but functional) for a budget option.
- Seats: Regular 2nd class seats are available too, though it’s worth getting a couchette or sleeper berth given the length of the journey.
Price Range: Incredibly cheap by Western European standards. A one-way ticket Belgrade–Bar is about €20–€30 for a seat. Adding a couchette berth costs only around €6 extra, and a bed in a sleeper cabin about €15–€20 extra. All told, you could travel in a sleeper for roughly €40 or less! (Prices are approximate and can fluctuate with exchange rates, but this is known as one of the best-value night trains in Europe.)
Why It’s Scenic: The Belgrade to Bar railway is often hailed as one of Europe’s most spectacular rail journeys. The scenery is jaw-dropping: you’ll witness the transition from the plains of Serbia to the dramatic mountains of Montenegro. Highlights include crossing the Mala Rijeka viaduct in the early morning (look down to see a river gorge hundreds of feet below) and the lush Morača Canyon. As daylight grows, you’ll see traditional mountain villages and perhaps shepherds with their flocks. Near Lake Skadar, the train tracks thread along the lake’s edge with panoramic views of this vast freshwater lake and the mountains of Albania in the distance. Finally, arriving in Bar, you get a glimpse of the Adriatic Sea. Few train rides cram in so much varied scenery in just one night. It’s a journey that feels like a step back in time and a grand adventure all at once.

Ready to Plan Your Own Sleeper Train Adventure?

Each of these itineraries offers an incredible way to see Europe’s landscapes, all while enjoying the comfort of a night train. If you’re inspired to take an overnight rail journey, why not plan your own custom trip? Head over to Tripfast.travel/create to map out your Europe sleeper train itinerary for 2025. With Tripfast’s easy itinerary planner, you can mix and match routes, book sleeper cabins, and create a journey tailored to your travel dreams. Whether it’s rolling through the Highlands or chasing the Northern Lights by rail, your next great adventure is just a night train away. Happy travels and sweet dreams on the rails!