Traveling to Europe just got easier for American tourists with new night trains from Hungary to Romania, Italy to Austria, and Switzerland to Sweden.

Posted on November 3, 2025

Traveling to Europe became more convenient for American tourists with the introduction of new night trains. These sleepover services now connect major destinations across the continent, making it easier to explore while you sleep. The new routes include travel from Hungary to Romania, from Italy to Austria, and from Switzerland to Sweden. With these night trains, tourists can enjoy a more relaxed and environmentally friendly way of traveling, skip the hassles of daytime travel and save on accommodation costs.

Not only are these routes practical, but they also offer stunning views and comfort, helping travelers make the most of their time in Europe. Whether you plan to visit historic cities, vibrant cultures, or stunning landscapes, these night trains provide a seamless and sustainable option for American tourists looking for a unique European experience. With these new connections, traveling across Europe has become easier or more enjoyable than ever before.

Hungary to Romania: a historical relationship that is still strong

One of the oldest night train routes in Europe runs between Budapest, Hungary and Bucharest, Romania. the Esther, Daciaand Muntinia Services are well known in the area to connect these two major cities. These trains provide an affordable and scenic way to travel between the heart of Hungary and the capital of Romania. Although Europe offers newer night train services, these classic routes are still very popular, helping to preserve the tradition of night travel.

These trains are not just about comfort; It also holds historical importance. the Dacia The service, in particular, has been running for decades and remains a reliable way for tourists and locals alike to make the trip from Danube River To the heart of Romania. These trains run regularly, offering passengers the unique opportunity to sleep through the night and wake up in a different country.

Italy to Austria: Cross-border night travel expands

Austria ob The Austrian Federal Railways (Austrian Federal Railways) played a pivotal role in the revival of European night trains. While these services focus on routes between Austria and neighboring countries, they are part of a wider drive to expand night train travel across Europe. This development is particularly important for travelers looking to take night trains from Austria to places such as Germany, ItalyAnd even as much Denmark.

Another exciting cross-border night train collaboration is underway Poland and Croatiawith connecting services Warsaw To the stunning Adriatic coast. This seasonal route provides a convenient way to explore lively cities and beautiful beaches Croatiawithout having to travel for a long day. Likewise, connecting trains Prague (Czech) l Gdynia on Baltic coast In Poland it also makes waves, although it operates mainly during the summer months.

Despite their seasonal nature, these routes are showing a growing interest in cross-border train services. These trains provide a unique and comfortable experience, allowing passengers to travel throughout the night and arrive at their destination fresh and ready to explore.

Germany: Struggles with government subsidies for night trains

Germany, once a leader in European night trains, has seen a decline in night train services in recent years. national railway operator, Deutsche Bahnno longer runs sleeper or classic carriage services under its own brand. Instead, Germany switched to high speed Ice Trains for traveling longer distances, including night routes. This shift represents a major change in how Germans view overnight travel.

There are conflicting opinions about the future of night trains in Germany. while German Green Party It prompted the expansion of night services German government He showed little enthusiasm for these plans. The lack of prioritization by the government has left the future of German night trains uncertain, especially over time Deutsche Bahn It faces stiff competition from budget airlines offering cheaper and faster alternatives.

However, some claim that the German government’s lukewarm stance represents a missed opportunity. Growing environmental awareness across Europe suggests that Germany could benefit from reviving night train services. This will not only reduce emissions, but may also provide a more sustainable way to travel long distances without relying on flights.

France: Mixed outlook for the future of night trains

In France, the night train faced a difficult road to recovery. While there have been some successes, such as services between Paris and Berlin, Paris and ViennaThese people are under threat. the French government It announced that it would withdraw subsidies on these routes by the end of 2025. The move has caused great concern among travelers and environmentalists, as these night trains offer a cheaper and greener alternative to flying.

Despite the setbacks, there is a glimmer of hope for night train enthusiasts in France. in July 2025France has announced its first competitive tender for publicly subsidized night trains. This new initiative is set to attract operators wishing to operate services across the country and neighboring countries. If successful, the tender could lead to the expansion of night train services, benefiting travelers who prefer this nostalgic and environmentally friendly mode of transport.

However, challenges remain. the Demand for night trains On routes such as Paris ↔ Berlin and Paris ↔ Vienna were strong, with 30,000 to 36,000 passengers On these tracks in 2024. But the problem is profitability. Without government support, operating these trains can be a difficult and expensive task.

The new sleeper train between Switzerland and Sweden: Will it change the rules of the game?

In an exciting new development, passengers will soon be able to move between them Switzerland and Sweden On the newly launched Sleep Train. This new service is part of a wider drive to create a more integrated European rail network. The train, which is scheduled to be launched in late 2025, will connect Zurich and Stockholm– Two cities known for their cultural importance and natural beauty.

A new sleeper train could be a game-changer for travelers looking to cross borders in a more sustainable way. By offering a comfortable and environmentally friendly alternative to flying, the new train could also pave the way for more sleeper routes linking northern and southern Europe. The train is likely to attract travelers who value comfort and the opportunity to sleep during the journey, maximizing their time at their destination.

While this train service is still in its early stages, it is a strong indication that European countries are increasingly looking at night trains as an efficient means of transportation for the future. There is no doubt that this new sleeper route will create opportunities for more people to adopt train travel, reducing Europe’s dependence on air travel.

Reviving European night trains: challenges and opportunities

While the revival of European night trains is promising, it is not without challenges. The biggest obstacle remains Finance. Most of the night trains mentioned above depend on government support to remain operational. Without these subsidies, many of these services would not be sustainable due to high operating costs, including maintenance, rolling stock, and track access fees.

Another major challenge is a race From other means of transportation. Low-cost flights are becoming increasingly popular in Europe, offering faster and cheaper alternatives to overnight train journeys. In addition, high-speed rail networks such as TGV and Ice Trains offer faster travel times, making them attractive to those who prefer speed over comfort.

Despite these challenges, night trains remain an important part of Europe’s transportation network. They offer a unique, comfortable and sustainable way to travel long distances, especially for tourists looking to explore the continent in an environmentally friendly way.

The future of night trains in Europe

The revival of European night trains is a mixed bag. Some countries like Austria, Hungaryand Polandare making great strides in providing night train services, while others such as Germany and FranceThey face challenges due to lack of government support and competition from other modes of transportation.

However, the future of night trains is not all bleak. With new services such as Switzerland to Sweden Sleeping train on the horizon and the European Union workplan To boost rail travel, there is hope that night train services will continue to grow across Europe.

By 2025, there will be a rise Sustainable and environmentally friendly travel It could be the driving force behind the return of night trains in Europe. Nowadays, travelers can look forward to more options, better services and the possibility of overnight travel to some of Europe’s most popular cities.