Europe night trains mapped as 8 countries miss out | World | News
A newly released map showcasing Europe’s extensive night train network has sparked excitement among travellers.
The map, created by Back-on-Track.eu, shows the growing network of sleeper trains connecting major cities across the continent, providing a sustainable alternative to air travel.
However, it also reveals how some European countries have yet to benefit from this.
The map highlights routes that operate between 6 to 7 days a week, seasonal lines, and those set to begin this year.
It shows Europe’s commitment to providing eco-friendly travel options, with night trains allowing passengers to wake up in a new city while skipping the hassle of airport transfers and cutting emissions.
Routes like Paris to Vienna, Stockholm to Hamburg, and Milan to Palermo show the extent of these connections, spanning scenic landscapes and linking cultural hubs.
Night train services, including Austria’s ÖBB Nightjet, Sweden’s Snälltåget, and other operators, have become a popular choice for environmentally conscious travellers.
With sleeper services offering privacy, comfort, and convenience, they are seen as a nostalgic yet modern way to explore Europe.
Despite this resurgence, the map highlights that certain nations remain underrepresented or entirely excluded from the night train boom.
Ireland, for instance, has no direct night train connections, while parts of the Balkans and the Baltics have limited or no service.
Travellers from countries like Portugal and much of southeastern Europe face challenges in accessing cross-border sleeper routes, limiting their participation in this sustainable travel trend.
Other countries that are missing out on an extensive night train network include Iceland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta and Cyprus.
Night trains are not just a romantic throwback, they are part of Europe’s broader strategy to reduce carbon emissions in the transportation sector.
Rail travel has up to 28 times less climate impact than air travel, making it an ideal solution for long-distance journeys.
