Night trains are back on the rise in Europe. Makes sense: they’re a greener, comfier, not-even-than-much-lengthier alternative to air travel. So it’s no surprise railway firms are opening up brand-new routes like never before.
The latest snazzy new line is a night service connecting Paris and Vienna: a 1,400-kilometre stretch now covered by a single journey. The route is operated by Austrian firm Nightjet, and it started taking passengers this month. But you want to know best bit? Fares start at an impressively affordable €29.90.
That price will get you a seat in a six-person apartment, plus snacks and drinks from the on-board menu. If you want a proper bed, you’re talking €49.90 per head and that includes bunks with bedding and breakfast, while smaller private cabins start at €89.90. None of which is actually that expensive – especially when you compare it with the usual overall costs of flying.
Between the two capitals, the service will also stop at Strasbourg, Munich, Salzburg, Linz and St Pölten. Excitingly, SNCF is pitching for this to form part of the proposed Trans-Europe Express 2.0. The current plans include another route between Paris and Berlin, due to open in December 2023, as well as other potential lines between Zurich and Barcelona, and Zurich and Rome.
But in any case, as of yesterday, you and your dearest can do the following: doze off in the shadow of the Eiffel Tower, snore your way past towering Alpine landscapes, and wake up just as you cross the Viennese Danube. Dreamy indeed. If you want to bag a seat on the new Nightjet route, you can book tickets here.
Now take a first look at the Orient Express trains that will return to Italy in 2023.
Plus: we reckon these five new routes could properly revolutionise European train travel.