How would you like to close your eyes in Vienna and wake up in Venice? Or doze off amid the bustle of Vancouver and awaken in the peaceful mountains of Jasper? We’re talking about one of the world’s most established – and often overlooked – modes of transport. Trains. We’ve searched out the most spectacular overnight routes, each offering climate- and wallet-friendly travel between top destinations. (All ticket prices are correct at the time of writing.)
Click through to discover the world’s best overnight train journeys…
You could take the scenic Railjet route between Austria's capital and the Floating City by day. But by far the most time-effective option is to take the tranquil ÖBB Nightjet service, which whisks you away on an 11-hour overnight journey.
The train leaves Vienna at 9.49pm and arrives at Venice San Lucia at 8.34am (some trains arrive later in the morning, so check times before booking). If you wish to travel in the opposite direction, most trains leave Venice at 9.05pm and arrive in Vienna at 8.19am.
Tickets start at €65 (£55/$74) for a seat, but we’d advise against this option if you’re looking for a good night’s sleep. Instead, opt for a couchette compartment, which has berths for four to six people and start at €125 (£106/$143).
For the ultimate overnight experience, book a sleeper cabin. Kitted out with comfortable beds, these cater to one to three passengers and start from €204 (£173/$234). There’s no dining car, but those travelling in couchette or sleeper cabins enjoy a complimentary breakfast.
This historic service first started in 1873, when sleeper carriages were used on trains between London and Scottish cities for the first time. A revamp in 2019 saw the addition of 75 new carriages kitted out with luxurious double-bed cabins, meaning the romance of the Caledonian Sleeper endures.
You could whizz up to Edinburgh, Glasgow, Inverness or Aberdeen by morning, but we’d recommend taking the longer and more scenic route up to the West Highlands town of Fort William.
Leaving London at 9.15pm Monday to Friday, or 9pm on Sundays, the train arrives at Fort William at 10am. This gives ample opportunity to gaze out at rugged landscapes, including the picturesque Bridge of Orchy, Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park, as they’re bathed in early morning light.
Tickets start at £275 ($371) for two guests in a Classic room, £350 ($460) for two in an en suite Club room, or £520 ($701) for two in a Caledonian Double room (pictured). Breakfast is included in the price for Club and Caledonian Double passengers.
ÖBB’s popular Nightjet service also links the popular European cities of Zürich and Hamburg. The journey takes around 11 hours. Trains typically depart from Zürich HB at 8.59pm, travel north through Germany overnight and pull into Hamburg-Altona at 8.21am. The train also serves Hamburg Central Station.
If you prefer to travel between Hamburg and Zürich, it takes a shade over 12 hours, departing Hamburg-Altona at 9.52pm.
Ticket prices vary but tend to start at €160 (£135/$182) for a couchette (pictured), or €180 (£152/$205) for a bed in a sleeper cabin, which offers the same onboard facilities as other Nightjet services (there’s no seating carriage on this particular route).
For the Hamburg to Zürich route, we advise checking ahead, as the service operates a bit differently, through Deutsche Bahn Night-IC.
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While there are well-known luxurious sleeper services like The Ghan and the Indian Pacific, you can also find budget-conscious options for long-distance train travel in Australia. The XPT, which travels nightly between Sydney and Melbourne, is a prime example.
Leaving Sydney at 8.42pm each night, the service travels inland through southeastern New South Wales before crossing into Victoria, arriving in Melbourne at 7.30am the next morning. There’s also a day service, if you want to enjoy the scenery.
Tickets in economy class start at around A$99 (£48/$64), which will get you a seat with 28-degree recline. Alternatively, you can book a seat with 40-degree recline and extra legroom from around A$139 (£67/$90).
The sleeper cabin (pictured) costs from around A$235 (£114/$153) but books up well in advance and cannot be reserved online. Bookings must be made by phone through NSW TrainLink.
You’re spoilt for choice if you want to travel overnight between the capitals of Sweden and Germany, with Snälltåget and SJ both operating overnight services between Stockholm and Berlin.
SJ Euronight’s service (pictured) departs Stockholm Central at 5.34pm and arrives at Berlin Gesundbrunnen at 9.17am the following day. A seat costs from SEK1,485 (£115/$155), a couchette from SEK1,865 (£144/$195) and a sleeping compartment from SEK2,355 (£182/$246).
Snälltåget’s night train (pictured) connecting Stockholm and Berlin departs on various dates between May and October, plus selected dates over the winter to serve the Christmas markets.
Southbound services leave the Swedish capital at 4.20pm, whisking you through southern Sweden’s pretty lakes and towns as evening falls. You’ll whizz through Denmark and northern Germany by nightfall, arriving in Berlin at 7.45am. Seat prices start at SEK999 (£77/$104).
If you’re hankering for a train ride which takes in views, history and culture, try booking one of Amtrak’s Silver Meteor or Palmetto trains, which glide along America’s east coast between New York and Miami.
The journey takes around 28 hours in total, departing from Penn Station at 2.30pm and getting into Miami at around 7pm the following day. This leaves plenty of daylight hours on board for watching the scenery. Highlights include Washington, DC, Charleston and Tampa.
The cheapest option is a reclining coach seat, which costs around £137 ($185). Expect to pay £592 ($800) or more for a private roomette, which accommodates up to two people. It features access to a restroom (not en suite), with seats that convert to beds for the overnight portion of the trip.
Upgrade to a bedroom with en suite bathroom, which costs from £1,163 ($1,572) per room, up to two people. All rooms come with meals and the services of an attendant.
Crossing three Canadian provinces, VIA Rail’s The Ocean route is perfect for those who want to enjoy the country’s charming east coast by rail. It offers a very different experience to the VIA Rail Canadian route, which snakes between Toronto and the West Coast.
Leaving Montréal in Québec at 6.30pm (Eastern Time), The Ocean meanders alongside the Lac Saint-Pierre, before passing through New Brunswick by night and then onto the picturesque lakes of Nova Scotia. The scheduled arrival at Halifax is 18:06 (Atlantic Time).
Economy tickets start at around C$152 (£82/$111). These come with access to the service car, where you can purchase food and drink. The other options are the Sleeper Plus class accommodations.
Choose from a cabin for one, a cabin for two or a cabin for two with an in-room shower. The Sleeper Plus options include meals and drinks, as well as access to the onboard lounge. Prices are upward of C$420 (£227/$307), depending on travel dates and accommodation type.
Make the most of the Arctic Circle’s almost never-ending daylight during the summer months with a trip on SJ’s Stockholm to Narvik night train. There are typically two overnight services. The earlier one, departing at 6.09pm, is direct. The journey takes around 19 hours, getting into Narvik at 12.45pm.
The route – regarded as one of the most picturesque in Europe – hugs the eastern coast of Sweden before diving through Lapland’s snow-capped landscapes and onto the dramatic mountains of northern Norway.
Ticket prices cost upward of SEK500 (£38/$52) for a seat, depending on travel dates. The sleeping compartment options cost up to around SEK3,575 (£276/$374). The train sells out quickly, so you will need to be flexible on your dates.
In the dining car, travellers can enjoy Scandinavian fare, including Swedish shrimp sandwiches, reindeer stew and Fjällfil, a traditional fermented milk product. Meanwhile, if you’re feeling peckish (and adventurous) you can even try moose salami.
If it’s stunning beaches and rugged shorelines you’re after, look no further than GWR’s Night Riviera Sleeper service. The service leaves London Paddington at 11.45pm each night, pulling into Penzance at 7.50am.
Look forward to waking up to views of Cornwall’s beguiling west coast. You’ll be served a complimentary breakfast – a choice of porridge, cereal, croissants or a bacon roll, plus a hot drink – so you can hit the beach as soon as you arrive, if the mood (and weather) takes you.
The journey covers more than 300 miles (480km) between the capital and one of England’s most westerly towns. Onboard features include an Art Deco-style bar and lounge and hotel-style key cards for cabins.
Tickets prices vary greatly, depending on travel dates and how far ahead you book. Expect to pay from £25 ($34) for a seat, £135 ($182) for a single-occupancy cabin and £116 ($157) per person for a twin cabin.
Linking two of Italy’s most desirable destinations, Trenitalia’s sleeper train between Rome and Syracuse in Sicily is an excellent choice for anyone wanting a hassle-free journey.
Both early birds and night owls are catered for, with nightly trains leaving Rome at 8.26pm and 11.24pm and arriving in Sicily 13 hours later. If you’d prefer to travel in the opposite direction, there are departures from Syracuse at 5.46pm and 9.45pm.
An exciting part of the journey is passing over the Straits of Messina on the ‘train ferry’ (pictured) – one of just a handful in the world still in operation.
Seats cost from around €60 (£50/£68). Alternatively, the price for one of the sleeping berth or deluxe sleeper cabins ranges from around €127 (£107/$145) to €250 (£211/$285). Prices depend on the date and time of the service selected.
Travel between Vietnam’s two biggest cities aboard Vietnam Railways’ Reunification Express. The epic 1,072-mile (1,762km) trip takes around 33 to 36 hours, so it’s probably a good idea to stop at a major city, such as Hué or Da Nang, to break up the journey (you’ll need to book separate tickets for each train).
Scenery along the way is as incredible as you’d expect, from wild and rugged coastlines to rolling hills and rice fields.
There are several ticket options to choose from. For the most budget-friendly choice, you can book a soft seat from £46 ($63) or, for more comfort, a six-bed hard berth from £55 ($75). But we’d recommend opting for a four-bed soft berth from £57 ($78).
Even though this is the most comfortable option, it’s still fairly basic: mattresses are quite thin and there’s not much space. As for food, it’s best to take your own, though limited options may be available on the train.
Amtrak has plenty to offer in terms of long-distance and overnight trains. The City of New Orleans route is a popular choice for those wishing to explore the history and culture in Chicago, Memphis and New Orleans.
The journey covers 900 miles (1,448km) and passes through five states during the 19-hour trip. Trains typically leave the Windy City at 8.05pm, rumbling through Illinois and Kentucky by night and gliding into Tennessee as the sun rises.
The journey continues through Mississippi and Louisiana during the day, where you can gaze out from the train’s observation carriage (pictured) at cypress swamps alive with birds and alligators. Finally, the train arrives in NOLA at 3.47pm.
Carriage options are the same as on other Amtrak sleeper services, with coach class tickets from £59 ($80), roomettes starting from around £297 ($400) and bedrooms costing between £445 ($600) and £630 ($850).
Most people look to Europe when considering sleeper trains, but Asia has a wealth of incredible journeys offering stunning scenery and high-level comfort at just a fraction of the price.
One of our top picks is the epic 11-hour journey between Bangkok and Chiang Mai, with nightly departures from Bangkok at 6.40pm and 8.05pm (or 5pm or 6pm from Chiang Mai). Tickets can be booked either via Thai Railways’ website or a travel agent.
Leaving Bangkok, you’ll be greeted by the flat rice fields of central Thailand, plus Lopburi’s monkey sanctuary. Wake up early to catch the sunrise over the mountains approaching Chiang Mai.
If booked online, ticket prices start at THB541 (£12/$16) for a seat or THB858 (£19.50/$26) for a sleeping berth. Tickets are cheaper if bought at the station, but the route sells out several days in advance. There are limited food options onboard – bringing your own is advised.
Taking in more than one thousand miles (1,600km) of enchanting Pacific coastline, Amtrak’s Coast Starlight route is the way to go if you’re after incredible views. Heading northbound, you’ll set off from LA at 9.51am, passing California’s vineyards, beaches, rolling hills and towering mountains.
Get some sleep in your seat or roomette before waking up in Oregon, where you can gaze out at the likes of Klamath Falls and Crater Lake before entering Washington. The epic 34-hour journey ends in Seattle at 7.51pm.
Seat and roomette options are similar to those offered on other Amtrak long-distance services, with the cheapest seats starting at around £80 ($108) for the whole journey.
A solo roomette starts at £583 ($740), while en suite bedrooms and family rooms cost between £1,038 ($1,400) and £1,334 ($1,800). Room prices include meals. There's also a viewing car for enjoying all the incredible sights.
Japan is best known for its super-speedy bullet trains, but if you’re looking for a more tranquil travel option, the Sunrise Seto is a good option. One of two routes on the Sunrise Express (Japan’s last sleeper train), the Seto service typically leaves Tokyo at 9.50pm each night and arrives at Takamatsu, on the island of Shikoku, at 7.27am the following morning.
If you wish to travel in the opposite direction, trains leave Takamatsu at 9.26pm and arrive in Tokyo at 7.08am.
The most cost-effective way to book the service is to buy a JP Rail pass, especially if you want to see more of Japan by train. Prices start at £279 ($363) for a seven-day pass, which gives you unlimited access to the country’s rail network (including sleeper and bullet trains).
With this type of ticket, you can access the Sunrise Seto’s most basic sleeping accommodation, the Nobi Nobi berths (pictured), free of charge. Book a private compartment for an additional £73 ($99).
One of the few train routes which cross into the Arctic Circle, SJ’s 453-mile (729km) Nordland Railway is easily one of the world’s most beautiful overnight journeys. It begins in historic Trondheim, a fjord-side city filled with 18th-century warehouses and Gothic castles.
Jump on the night train for the 10-hour trip to Bodø, which departs at 11.05pm. From May to August, the midnight sun brings continual daylight, while in winter, it’s the turn of the Northern lights.
If you’re on a budget, standard seats start from around NOK368 (£27/$36). You can upgrade to a private sleeping berth for an additional NOK969 (£71/£96). The berths have twin beds, sinks and access to communal bathrooms.
Whichever option you choose, be sure to set an alarm well before the train's arrival in Bodø at 9.05am, so you can gaze out at wide expanses of Arctic wilderness.
India is full of awe-inspiring rail journeys and Indian Railways’ Vivek Express is one of its most legendary. It lasts nearly 75 hours in total, covering more than 2,600 miles (4,184km), with 59 stops, and extending through eight states.
If you want to see the country by rail, this route is a great low-cost way to do so. The train runs daily, departing from Dibrugarh in the northeast of the country at 7.35pm.
Throughout the epic trip, the train rumbles through majestic mountains, jewel-like jungles and bustling cities, which compensate for the less-than-ideal conditions. Like many Indian trains, the journey onboard the Vivek Express is often bumpy, uncomfortable and cramped.
The best seats available (a second-class sleeping berth with air conditioning, pictured) are still far from luxurious. If you’re up for the adventure, tickets cost between INR1,185 (£10.30/$13.90) and INR4,450 (£38.50/$52).
Want a slice of the high life? Check out the world's most luxurious train journeys
This awesome 19-hour journey begins at 3pm in Vancouver, amid the city’s skyscrapers before transversing British Columbia’s awe-inspiring mountains and lakes. Stopping at Kamloops just after midnight, the train continues through eastern BC and into Alberta
Wake up early to see the Rockies at sunrise, before the train pulls into Jasper at 11am. For the best views onboard, head to the glass-ceiling observation carriage, or for a bite to eat, check out the dining car.
While the same journey aboard the famous Rocky Mountaineer will set you back at least C$1,840 (£1,000/$1,300) per person, VIA Rail’s overnight service between Vancouver and Jasper starts at around C$170 (£92/$124) for an Economy Class reclining seat.
Other options are Sleeper Plus Class, with either a berth or a private cabin (meals included). Prices start from C$380 (£206/$278). The service only operates on selected days – booking several weeks in advance is advised for this epic overnight rail journey.