In this episode of the Amateur Traveler podcast, host Chris Christensen talks with Bart from Trip Tailor, a travel agent and former train steward who has been working with European rail for decades. Bart shares his deep knowledge of night trains in Europe, from their practical benefits to the romance of waking up in a new city.
Why Night Trains?
Bart explains that he first started working on night trains as a student job in the 1990s, and the appeal never left him. Compared to planes, night trains offer:
- City-center to city-center travel, skipping airport transfers and security hassles.
- Time efficiency, traveling overnight while you sleep.
- A relaxed, even romantic, atmosphere for couples.
- A greener travel option compared to flying, appealing to eco-conscious travelers and companies.
Types of Accommodation
Travelers can choose different comfort levels when booking night trains:
- Seats: The cheapest option, best for students or budget travelers who don’t mind sleeping upright.
- Couchette and Mini Cabin options: Bunks in 4–6 bed compartments, which can be shared or privatized.
- Sleeping compartments: More spacious rooms with real beds, some with private sinks or even showers.
- Nightjet Mini Cabins: Introduced by Austrian Railways’ Nightjet service, these capsule-style cabins provide affordable privacy for solo travelers or couples.
Favorite Routes
Bart shares his favorite European night train journeys:
- Milan to Sicily: A unique ride where the train boards a ferry to cross the sea to the island.
- Paris to the French Riviera or the Pyrenees: Scenic routes, though many only have couchettes, not sleeping cars.
- Brussels–Berlin–Prague (European Sleeper): A practical connection linking major cities.
- Central & Eastern Europe (Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, Croatia, or Romania): Affordable options with excellent value.
- Caledonian Sleeper (London to the Scottish Highlands): Modern cars, hearty breakfasts, and the chance to spot deer at dawn.
Luxury seekers might dream of the Orient Express, but Bart reminds listeners it’s an expensive, private operation more about prestige than practicality.
Budget Tips
- Trains in Central and Eastern Europe often provide the best value.
- Consider a rail pass to reduce costs when combining multiple journeys.
- Factor in the savings on hotels when sleeping on the train.
- Remember that online booking for trains is fragmented—websites like Trainline and Omio only cover some options. Specialized agencies like Bart’s can help you piece together the best itineraries.
Final Advice
When comparing planes, trains, and buses, don’t just look at ticket prices. Consider the extra time lost at airports, the convenience of arriving in city centers, and the experience of sleeping on board. For many, adding a night train to a European trip provides not only efficiency but also a memorable travel adventure.
Sponsors
- NerdWallet Smart Travel Podcast. This week’s show is supported by the new Smart Travel Podcast. Travel smarter — and spend less — with help from NerdWallet. Check out Smart Travel at the link below:
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Show Notes
Trip Tailor
Couchette and Mini Cabin
11 Best Night trains in Europe & How to Use Them like a Pro
Nightjet
Community
Amateur Traveler Trips
