Step 1: Board the train. Step 2: Climb into bed. Step 3: Wake up at your destination. This might sound like a dream from the distant past for many travelers, but it’s a growing trend in Europe. Although many night trains were phased out by the rise of low-cost airlines, they are now making a comeback, fueled by a heightened awareness of the environmental impact of flying and a renewed interest in slow travel.
One of the cozy sleeping arrangements on these modern trains is a “couchette,” a shared compartment with comfortable bunk beds, offering a unique experience of slumber on the move.
This spring, a new Paris-Berlin Nightjet service operated by the Austrian railway ÖBB caught the attention of travelers. Launched in December after a 13-year hiatus, the revived overnight route gained prominence with the French transport minister, Clément Beaune, being one of its inaugural passengers. He described the journey as “magnificent” and emphasized the importance of positive, ecological, and pan-European projects.
Most of the thrice-weekly trains in each direction were already booked up when I secured my ticket about a month in advance. Ticket prices started from around 35 euros for basic seats, with couchettes available from 50 euros, providing snug bunks in a shared compartment with four to six fellow travelers. For those seeking more comfort, the top-tier “sleeper” tickets offered larger beds in compartments shared with two others, starting at 80 euros. I decided to indulge in a private “sleeper” compartment for one, complete with its own bathroom and shower, starting at 260 euros (partially and fully refundable tickets at higher rates).
