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Night trains: travelling overnight with InterRail
Imagine gently rocking to sleep to the rhythm of the rails and arriving at your destination the next morning relaxed, refreshed and ready for a day of sightseeing. European night trains with names like ‘Roma’, ‘Komet’ or ‘Wiener Walzer’ serve Europe’s major cities and offer a variety of sleeping accommodations to suit all budgets.
An example of a night train connection: you can board the CityNightline in Copenhagen in the early evening and the next morning you will arrive in the heart of Amsterdam!
Most night trains in Europe are known under the name EuroNight (EN). Nearly all EuroNight services are international services and are co-operated by various national railway companies. Some night trains don't operate under the EuroNight flag, like the DB Nachtzug in Germany or the CityNightLine between Germany, Austria, and Switzerland.
Reservations
Reservations are required and InterRail Pass holders must pay a supplement. Although some night trains also offer ‘regular’ seats, please note that others only have sleeping accommodations. Most overnight trains offer either sleepers or couchettes, and some also offer seats . If you’re on a budget, consider a couchette or a seat. Couchettes are mixed compartments (men and women together), with four open bunks in 1st class and four or six open bunks in 2nd class. A sheet, blanket and pillow are provided, but be prepared to sleep in your day clothes. Seats are available on selected trains, and are generally only available in 2nd class.
For maximum comfort and privacy, reserve a 1st (one or two passengers) or 2nd class (two or three passengers) compartment. These compartments usually have a wash basin. Toilet facilities can be found down the corridor. These compartments are single-sex, except when couples or families occupy all berths. The supplement for sleepers is, of course, higher. In order to ensure a place, it is recommended to reserve sleepers as early as possible. You can do so at major train stations.
Tip: 7 pm rule
If you board a direct, overnight train after 7 pm, only the following day of travel is counted. On your InterRail Flexi Pass, you write the day of arrival on the travel calender of your Pass prior to boarding the overnight train. See also the FAQ.
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