Revolutionizing Night Train Travel in Europe
Night train operators in Europe are stepping up their game to compete with short-haul airlines by introducing exciting new additions like cocktail bars, private showers, and restaurant-quality menus. Moreover, one operator is taking it a step further by introducing sleeping pods that cater specifically to solo travelers in need of complete privacy and a restful night’s sleep.
The allure of a sleeper train lies in the anticipation of waking up in a new city, refreshed after being lulled into a restful sleep by the rhythm of the train and the changing landscape. However, night trains aren’t always as comfortable as you’d expect; the reality is often less romantic, especially if you’re traveling solo and sharing your space with another traveler. Thus, there are some inconveniences that a sleep mask and earplugs simply can’t fix.
Europe’s Trains Add Hotel-like Amenities
Recognizing this, night train operators across Europe continuously expand their offerings to enhance passenger experiences. In the UK, the Caledonian Sleeper train has undergone a complete revamp, featuring double bed or bunk bed cabins designed by a renowned interior designer. These cabins provide all the amenities and comforts of a hotel room, including Wi-Fi, room service, and en-suite bathrooms in the pricier cabins.
On the luxury end, the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express will transport passengers from Paris to the French Alps from 2024, offering Art-Deco cabins reminiscent of an Agatha Christie novel, complete with marble en-suites and jewel-toned velvet furnishings. To elevate the experience, there’s a cocktail bar onboard that will host nightly live jazz performances.
Furthermore, a new rail operator, Midnight Trains, plans to debut as a “hotel-on-wheels,” offering private rooms with en-suite showers for travelers departing from its Paris hub to destinations like Barcelona and Milan. Passengers can mingle and enjoy meals made with seasonal ingredients in the dimly-lit restaurant carriage or opt for room service in their private cabins.
Privacy and comfort like these come at a price. Although fares for Midnight Trains have yet to be revealed, a ticket for the Orient Express can cost thousands (approximately $3,600 per person), while a ticket for a private room with en-suite in the Caledonian Sleeper will be around $430 one way.
A New Budget-Friendly Fleet Launches
A more immediate and arguably more affordable upgrade is on the horizon from Austrian Federal Railways (ÖBB), which is debuting a new fleet of trains for its Nightjet service. This service connects Austria, Germany, Switzerland, and Italy. The new generation of carriages features sleek designs and mini cabins intended for solo travelers. This exciting development addresses the lack of solo cabins in other operators’ budget-friendly options, allowing travelers to secure privacy without booking an entire compartment.
Each Nightjet mini cabin is equipped with essential amenities such as a reading light, power outlets, and free WiFi. Additionally, there’s an adjustable table for use as a workspace, storage lockers for hand luggage, and shared toilets and washroom facilities conveniently located at the end of the corridor.
The Nightjet upgrade also benefits larger groups or families, offering four-bed couchettes or family rooms, including wheelchair-accessible and female-only options. These spaces can be shared with fellow passengers or booked exclusively for your family or group. If traveling with a companion, there are stylish two-person options as well.
Austria’s minister for Climate Action emphasizes that expanding Europe’s train network contributes significantly to climate protection. Therefore, we can anticipate an easier and more comfortable experience when boarding in Vienna in the evening and waking up refreshed in another European metropolis the following morning. This clearly indicates that the future of short and medium-haul travel belongs to the train.
The first Nightjet service with the new fleet is set to run from December 10 from Vienna to Hamburg and the Alpine resort of Innsbruck, just in time for the winter ski season, with plans to roll out the new offerings across other routes in Germany, Austria, Italy, and Switzerland.
