Nine spectacular sleeper trains to ride across Europe in 2025
Why waste a night in a hotel when you can let Europe’s most spectacular landscapes unfold outside your window as you sleep?
Sleeper trains are something you have to experience for yourself, in order to understand what true magic feels like! They’re a portal to adventure, where the clatter of the tracks lulls you to sleep, and you wake up in an entirely new world.
One minute you’re in England, and just one dream away you’re in Scotland! Dreams really do come true.
And in 2025, Europe’s sleeper train revival is only getting better, with new routes and upgraded services making overnight train travel more luxurious, scenic, and eco-friendly than ever.
1. European Sleeper: Brussels to Venice
Imagine boarding a train in the heart of Belgium and waking up amidst the romance of Venice. The European Sleeper offers this dreamlike journey, whisking you from Brussels to the canals of Venice.
As you settle into your cozy cabin, the rhythmic clatter of the wheels becomes a lullaby, guiding you through a tapestry of European landscapes. Fields of tulips, medieval towns, and rivers flash by your window, each scene more captivating than the last.
Along the way, you’ll pass through cities like Cologne and Munich, each offering glimpses into their rich pasts. By the time you arrive in Venice, the city of love and mystery, you’ll have experienced a whirlwind of sights and stories.
2. Caledonian Sleeper: London to Edinburgh
This overnight adventure transforms travel into an experience, where the comfort of your bed meets the beauty of Scotland’s dramatic landscapes.
As the train glides through the night, you’ll witness the transition from urban lights to the mystical hues of the Scottish Highlands. The Caledonian Sleeper is a journey through time, offering a glimpse into the past with its vintage charm and modern comforts.
As dawn breaks, the hills of Scotland greet you, a sight so beautiful it seems straight out of a fairy tale. Don’t miss the opportunity to indulge in a traditional Scottish breakfast as you approach Edinburgh, setting the perfect tone for your day of exploration.
3. The Britannic Explorer: England and Wales
Hop aboard the Britannic Explorer for a ride through the heart of England and the beauty of Wales. It’s a passage through centuries of history and culture.
As you relax in your private cabin, the gentle sway of the train and the stunning scenery unfold into a living canvas. From the cities of Manchester and Liverpool to the calm landscapes of Snowdonia, every moment on this train is a story waiting to be told.
The Britannic Explorer captures the essence of British charm with its elegant interiors and attentive service. Admire ancient castles, rolling hills, and quaint villages as you savor a cup of tea.
4. Renfe’s High-Speed Service: Barcelona to Toulouse
Trade the bustling energy of Barcelona for the timeless charm of Toulouse in a journey that’s as swift as it is scenic. This isn’t your typical sleeper train, but its comfort and efficiency make it a standout experience.
Settle into your seat, relax, and watch as Spain’s sun-kissed coastline fades into the peaks of the Pyrenees, before giving way to the countryside of southern France. Such a unique mix of cultures!
The train’s sleek design and high-speed prowess ensure you won’t miss a beat of the ever-changing landscape. And when you arrive in Toulouse, with its pink terracotta buildings and squares, you’ll step straight into a city that begs to be explored.
5. Nightjet: Vienna to Paris
Forget everything you know about train travels! Nightjet redefines it completely. Where should I begin? Maybe the elegance, or perhaps the comfort? I’m sticking with stunning European vistas!
As you settle into your cabin, the soft hum of the train is the perfect accompaniment to a night of dream-filled sleep. The journey takes you through the heart of Europe, offering glimpses of the Alps and charming villages under a starlit sky.
The Nightjet’s luxurious amenities ensure you arrive in Paris feeling refreshed and inspired. Upon reaching the City of Lights, you’re ready to dive into its world-renowned art, fashion, and cuisine.
6. Thello: Paris to Venice
Experience the allure of traveling from Paris to Venice on the Thello sleeper train. This journey is as much about the destination as it is about the adventure itself.
As you leave the crowds of Paris behind, the train weaves through the serene French countryside. Comfort and elegance define the Thello, with its plush interiors and attentive staff catering to your every need.
The rhythmic clatter of the train provides a soothing backdrop as you drift off to sleep, dreaming of the Venetian canals. By morning, the Italian landscape unfolds before your eyes, welcoming you with its sunlit charm.
7. Santa Claus Express: Helsinki to Rovaniemi
Ho, ho, ho Merry Santa Claus Express! Step into a winter wonderland aboard the Santa Claus Express!
This magical journey through Finland’s snowy landscapes is a treat for all ages. The train’s cozy cabins and atmosphere make it feel like a moving Christmas celebration.
As you journey north, the possibility of witnessing the Northern Lights adds an extra layer of enchantment. And upon reaching Rovaniemi, the official hometown of Santa Claus, you’re greeted by a land where holiday dreams come true.
8. Train Bleu: Paris to Nice
Board the Train Bleu for a luxurious ride from Paris to Nice, showcasing the best of French elegance and style.
The Train Bleu is renowned for its opulent carriages and exquisite service, making every moment of the journey a delight. As you gaze out at the azure Mediterranean and sunlit beaches, it’s easy to forget the world outside this moving oasis of comfort and sophistication.
Travel tip once you arrive in Nice: stroll along the Promenade des Anglais for a taste of local life and breathtaking views.
9. Istanbul-Sofia Express
Discover the crossroads of Europe and Asia aboard the Istanbul-Sofia Express. This sleeper train offers a fascinating trip through a region rooted in history and culture.
As the train rolls out of Turkey’s capital, you leave behind the mesmerizing call to prayer and grand palaces, trading them for ever-changing landscapes that unfold like a moving postcard.
The train’s classic design and comfortable amenities provide a relaxing atmosphere as you traverse the diverse landscapes of Turkey and Bulgaria.
By morning, you arrive in Sofia, where a fusion of Orthodox cathedrals, Roman ruins, and lively cafés welcomes you into Bulgaria’s cultural heart.