With spring on the horizon, the best time to book that long overdue European city break is fast approaching, and while making the cross-Atlantic flight to get to your destination of choice is often non-negotiable, once you actually get there, there’s a much better way to get around.
Sleeper trains are having a moment right now, not only in Europe but all over the world (though there’s a special type of charm to a European train ride), and as more and more travelers are giving up the time efficiency of planes and flexibility of cars, some of the intracontinental routes are getting more popular than ever.
At least that’s what Omio, one of the biggest booking platforms in the world right now, discovered upon analyzing millions of tickets booked through its site.
According to the data collected by the company, these 5 sleeper train routes, in particular, are the absolute best to book in 2024.
Berlin To Paris
The Berlin-to-Paris route operated by the ÖBB Nightjet is not only one of the dreamiest, most fascinating train rides across Europe but it also connects two of the most coveted cities in the continent, the kind of places that every traveler should get to experience at least once in a lifetime.
The night train NJ40424 connects the two capitals through a long yet enjoyable 14-hour ride, and tickets start at 29.90€, which is more than reasonable considering the service (and overall experience) you’ll be getting in return.
Though this particular route only came back in service this past December, travelers are already loving its flexible seating options, comfortable private compartments, and the fact that children up to the age of 14 either ride for free or at a heavily discounted rate.
Vienna to Brussels
ÖBB Nightjet is clearly doing something right, as its second entry on today’s list is just as popular and fascinating as the first – this time, though, travelers will be embarking on the NJ50490 from Vienna to Brussels.
This route also takes 14 hours, give or take, so your choice between the two ÖBB Nightjet options ultimately comes down to personal preference (ticket prices also start at 29.90€).
The Vienna-to-Brussels train, though, takes you through Linz, Cologne, and Liège, and though there are still three types of seats to choose from, there’s no dining car on it – you can, however, buy food directly from the staff.
Helsinki To Kemijärvi
Those looking to explore Europe beyond the typical springtime destinations will love the Helsinki-to-Kemijärvi route operated by VR Finland, a stunning journey that takes a little over 13 hours.
This one is a bit pricier though, with tickets ranging between 70€ and 110€, and your sleeping setup can be anything from an older sleeping car with three-bed compartments to a deluxe suite with a view to die for.
While you’ll be exploring some lesser-known destinations along the way and the trip itself will eat away at a larger chunk of your travel budget, I guarantee it’ll all feel worth it once you get to experience the ride firsthand.
Milan To Palermo
You’ll notice that, unlike all other routes that made it to today’s list, this one operated by Trenitalia is the only one that doesn’t cross national borders.
However, since Italy is, in my and many travelers’ onions, one of the most fascinating, attraction-filled countries in the entire world, the range of sights you’ll get to experience will be just as vast as what you’d expect from any of the other sleeper trains mentioned thus far.
The Milan-to-Palermo ride, in particular, is a 23-hour wonder that’ll take you through 549 miles (886 km) of stunning Italian landscapes, and it’ll only set you back around 97€ (though ticket prices can widely vary depending on the timing of your booking.
Berlin To Brussels
Having completed its first route in May 2023, the famous Berlin-to-Brussels route (otherwise known as the Good Night Train) by European Sleeper just announced another exciting expansion.
It’ll now be adding a stopover in Dresden right before Prague – and if that sentence alone didn’t convince you to book your tickets now, I don’t know what will.
Again, passengers will get their pick between three seating arrangements priced anywhere from 99€ to 189€, though booking a couple of weeks or months in advance is guaranteed to score you some major savings.
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