Night trains on the rise: The best routes for your dream vacation!

Night trains on the rise: The best routes for your dream vacation!

The night trains in Europe are back - and not only that: they are experiencing a real comeback, especially during the warm holiday season. How Perspective Daily reports, there is growing interest in these sleeping travel options, which provide a sustainable alternative to air travel.

Particularly noteworthy are the new connections that will be offered in the coming months. The new night train from Warsaw to Rijeka starts on June 27th and will travel through five countries until the end of August 2025: Poland, the Czech Republic, Austria, Slovenia and Croatia. Another highlight is the connection from Vienna to Split, which runs regularly from April 30th to October 13th, 2025. This direct route leads via Maribor to Zagreb and on to the beautiful Adriatic coast.

Night trains – an ecological trend

It's not just the convenience that makes night trains attractive. They are also an eco-friendly option, like that Green Travel Blog explained. On the route from Zurich to Hamburg, for example, around 170 kg of CO2 per person is saved compared to flying. The ÖBB Nightjet trains in particular, which are powered 100% by green electricity, set a clear example of a responsible travel style.

Thanks to the modular sleeping capsules in the couchette cars, travelers not only have more privacy, but can also benefit from modern comfort. The new night trains are capable of traveling up to 230 km/h and are already being equipped with new technologies to meet today's demands. These trains not only offer more space, but also a high level of accessibility and the option to carry bicycles - perfect for an adventurous road trip through Europe.

A growing network

The need for night trains is enormous and is also reflected in the numbers: While there were only 90 night train routes in Europe in 2020, there are now over 200. This is not least due to the modern rail network, which is heavily supported by the EU and other government agencies. Energy Future emphasizes that, fortunately, demand is so high that many connections are fully booked well in advance.

In order to bridge the gap between the old and new night train operators, the Austrian Federal Railways is investing in its Nightjet connections. The fact that even smaller companies such as the French start-up Midnight Trains or the Swiss State Railways are planning new night train connections speaks of a trend that is also questioning traditional transport strategies.

Popular routes and green accommodation

Here are some of the most popular night train connections from Vienna that take travelers to beautiful holiday oases:

• Nachtzüge nach Wien (8 Verbindungen): Amsterdam, Berlin, Brüssel, Hamburg, La Spezia.
• Nachtzüge nach München (10 Verbindungen): Brüssel, Hamburg, La Spezia, Rom, Venedig.
• Nachtzüge nach Mailand (2 Verbindungen): München, Wien.
• Nachtzüge nach Paris (2 Verbindungen): Berlin, Wien.

Sustainable accommodation options include:Good Guntramsnear Vienna or thatGood Sonnenhausennear Munich, both of which rely on ecological practices and are therefore a perfect fit for an environmentally conscious trip.

In the hope of a consistently positive travel experience, the night train is not just a transported bed, but a step in the right direction for more sustainable mobility in Europe. Next time you think about where your adventure begins, think of the shimmering tracks of the night trains. Soon they will be the perfect way to discover new horizons!