Ditch The Plane For New Sleeper Trains In 2025

The demand for sleeper trains is on the rise, and global travel booking platform Omio is predicting that traveling on night services will be a big trend in 2025. It comes in light of news that new night routes are set to launch early next year, including from Brussels to Venice and from Amsterdam to Barcelona. Going by rail is also becoming the favored way to get around Europe for travelers keen to reduce their carbon footprint and ditch the plane.

Why You Should Travel By Sleeper Train In 2025

For travel experts at Omio, train travel comes with a host of advantages. “Night trains exude the charm of times gone by, yet they’re more convenient than ever—and practical,” the company says. “Depending on the fare, you can expect a comfortable bed or recliner, snacks and breakfast in the morning.”

Travelers who struggle to nod off on planes often find trains more conducive to sleep. “In the evening, make yourself at home and let the gentle hum of the train lull you to sleep,” says Omio. “In the morning, you’ll wake up refreshed at your destination and can start exploring right away.”

The company adds that the advantage of a night train is that you save both time and a night in a hotel, plus you don’t have to worry about luggage allowance.

What Is It Like To Travel On A Sleeper Train In Europe?

Francesca Brooking, a 30-year-old travel blogger from Dunstable in the UK, has shared many of her adventures and day trips online with her followers on TikTok. But what has garnered particular attention was her sleeper train videos, which have gained over 100,000 views.

Brooking has taken the Caledonian Sleeper to Scotland from London and the Night Riviera from London to Penzance in Cornwall. Speaking to Omio, she says, “there was never a dull moment.”

“During my journey, I got to watch the dawn break over the countryside, which was pretty spectacular, and something that is unique to the sleeper train experience and something you wouldn’t be able to fully capture whilst flying,” she says.

“On my journey up into the Scottish Highlands, the sun shone on the misty fields, making everything glow with golden light. As we travelled further north, snow-dusted mountains appeared in the distance, and we trundled past lochs, rivers and vast moors.”

Although sleeper trains might not be the fastest way to get from A to B, they are considered by many as a more enjoyable and less stressful experience. “The great thing about sleeper trains is you don’t need to worry about liquid allowances or whether or not your carry-on bag will fit under your seat or overhead bin,” says Brooking. “There are luggage restrictions, but they’re not as strict, so it’s a far more relaxing experience!”

Top Tips For Traveling By Sleeper Train

Brooking recommends opting for longer night journeys over shorter ones. “The more time you have on board, the longer you have to get your head down and relax,” she says. “A journey of up to eight hours or more is ideal, as it gives you enough time to get settled and into bed and then get dressed and have breakfast before you disembark. If the journey is seven hours or less, it might be worth taking the day train instead.”

If you’re traveling in a seat, Brooking recommends a big scarf or shawl to drape over yourself as it can get chilly. “A good eye mask that blocks out the light will also come in handy. Wear comfortable shoes or flip-flops so you don’t walk around barefoot or with just socks on in the corridor or bathroom,” she adds.

“It is also a good idea to bring your own snacks for the journey and have your essentials for the night within easy reach or in a washbag so you don’t have to open every bag to find something as corridors are quite narrow.”

Best Sleeper Train Routes For 2025

There are now dozens of night routes that crisscross Europe. “In the UK, there are some fantastic night train options, like the Caledonian Sleeper. This train service runs six nights a week and serves cities like Edinburgh, Glasgow, Aberdeen and Inverness,” says Omio. “Alternatively, you could also travel overnight from London to Penzance with Great Western.”

“When it comes to European trips, the company ÖBB offers its Nightjet service between destinations in Austria to other major cities in Germany, Switzerland, Italy and France, with its latest night train running between Paris and Berlin,” the company adds.

“In Italy, the train provider Trenitalia has its Intercity Notte, which travels across the entire length of Italy. It also offers Euronight, which can take customers between Italy and other countries such as Germany and Austria.”