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Sleeper trains are making a decisive resurgence in Europe. Whether it’s for nostalgia, affordability or a low carbon footprint, more travelers than ever are turning away from regional flights and back to overnight trains.
Nicolas Forien, a train advocate with ‘Back on Track’ and ‘Oui au Train de Nuit’, recently commented on the cultural shift towards night train travel in Europe.
“Public opinion is changing compared to a few years ago, when night trains were considered old-fashioned and nostalgic, a thing of the past,” explained Mr. Forien. « It is now considered a serious alternative to flying that should be redesigned. »
While economy flights may seem cheaper than overnight trains, sleeper trains actually save travelers transportation and accommodation costs.
The berth eliminates the need for a hotel, while the central European train station locations save the time and cost of moving between remote airports and city centers. Costs and time are often equalized or reduced in favor of sleeper trains.
Train travel also has the environment on its side.
This low-carbon travel option emits six times less greenhouse gases than taking a flight, helping travelers feel good about their responsible vacations. With more people than ever considering the weather before book travel, today’s sleeper trains have an edge over the competition.
Here are four exciting new sleeper trains you can explore Europe with this summer:
1. Germany to Croatia with NightJet
This new service from the well-known Austrian airline NightJet departs from Stuttgart, Germany, and arrives in Zagreb, Croatia, the next morning. Sleeping tickets start at €97.
The service includes stops at:
- Vienna, Austria
- Budapest, Hungary
- Venice Italy
- Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Zagreb, Croatia
Traveler reviews suggest that NightJet 4-berth compartments or sleeping cars are the way to go. Bunk beds in 6-bunk dorms aren’t as popular, featuring top bunks so high they require a literal safety net.
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2. Brussels to Berlin on the goodnight train of European sleepers
Starting tomorrow, May 25, the new European Sleepers Good Night Train will connect travelers from Brussels to Berlin with a convenient stop in Amsterdam.
The Dutch cooperative european sleepers have successfully continued co-financing to expand the European night train network, with other new routes coming soon in Scandinavia and southern Europe.
Prices start at €129 for a bunk. The women-only compartments are a useful feature that is sure to be popular with solo female travelers. Deluxe beds appear to be sold out for the summer but may be bookable through travel agents.
3. Prague to Zurich with Canopus
Czech Railways (ČD) recently revived an old night route from 2017, the canopicfrom Prague to Zurich.
Tickets start at €75 for places in the refurbished sleeping cars, which feature improved Wi-Fi and improved fire protection. This route will also stop at Dresden, Leipzig and Frankfurt.
It’s no surprise that the Czech Republic is helping lead the charge to bring back night trains. this country once built the first railway in all of continental Europe between České Budějovice and Linz in the 1820s. Its strong track record of expanding rail infrastructure continues with today’s renewed commitment to rail travel.
4. Vienna to Verona with NightJet
NightJet’s second new debut this year is sure to be one of the most popular sleeper trains in Europe in no time.
This route it departs from Vienna or Munich with stops in Venice, Milan, Verona, Genoa and La Spezia (an excellent connection point to the Cinque Terre).
Travelers may be willing to shell out the money for this more expensive option (starting at €120 for a berth) in exchange for the chance to dine along the Danube and wake up to an Italian espresso on the Ligurian Sea.
Wherever your European explorations take you, there’s sure to be a sleeper train to get you there. We look forward to these exciting new night rail lines continuing to expand in reach and convenience for all types of travelers to enjoy.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
