Travel to Europe Made Easier for U.S. Tourists with New Night Trains from Hungary to Romania, Italy to Austria, and Switzerland to Sweden

Published on November 3, 2025

Travel to Europe has become even more convenient for U.S. tourists with the introduction of new night trains. These sleeper services now connect key destinations across the continent, making it easier to explore while you sleep. The new routes include travel from Hungary to Romania, Italy to Austria, and Switzerland to Sweden. With these night trains, tourists can enjoy a more relaxed, eco-friendly way to travel, skipping the hassle of day-time travel and saving on accommodation costs.

These routes are not just practical, but they also offer scenic views and comfort, helping travelers make the most of their time in Europe. Whether you’re planning to visit historic cities, vibrant cultures, or stunning landscapes, these night trains provide a smooth and sustainable option for U.S. tourists seeking a unique European experience. With these new connections, traveling through Europe has never been easier or more enjoyable.

Hungary to Romania: A Historic Connection That’s Still Going Strong

One of the oldest night-train routes in Europe runs between Budapest, Hungary, and Bucharest, Romania. The Ister, Dacia, and Muntenia services are well-known in the region for connecting these two major cities. These trains offer an affordable and scenic way to travel between the heart of Hungary and the capital of Romania. Even though Europe is introducing newer night-train services, these classic routes are still popular, helping to keep the tradition of night travel alive.

These trains are not just about convenience; they also hold historical significance. The Dacia service, in particular, has been operating for decades and remains a reliable way for tourists and locals alike to make the journey from the Danube River to the heart of Romania. These trains run regularly, offering passengers a unique opportunity to sleep through the night and wake up in a different country.

Italy to Austria: Cross-Border Night Travel Expands

Austria’s ÖBB (Austrian Federal Railways) has played a pivotal role in the revival of European night trains. While these services focus on routes between Austria and neighboring countries, they are part of a broader push to expand night-train travel across Europe. This development is especially important for travelers looking to take overnight trains from Austria to places like Germany, Italy, and even as far as Denmark.

Another exciting cross-border night train collaboration is taking place between Poland and Croatia, with services connecting Warsaw to the stunning Adriatic coast. This seasonal route offers a convenient way to explore the vibrant cities and beautiful beaches of Croatia, without the need for a long day’s travel. Similarly, trains linking Prague (Czechia) to Gdynia on the Baltic coast of Poland are making waves as well, though they are primarily operational during the summer months.

Despite their seasonal nature, these routes demonstrate a growing interest in cross-border train services. These trains offer a unique and comfortable experience, allowing passengers to travel overnight and reach their destination fresh and ready to explore.

Germany: Struggling with Government Support for Night Trains

Germany, once a leader in European night trains, has seen a decline in its night-train services in recent years. The national railway operator, Deutsche Bahn, no longer operates classic sleeper or couchette services under its own brand. Instead, Germany has shifted to high-speed ICE trains for longer-distance travel, including overnight routes. This shift marks a significant change in how Germans view overnight travel.

There are mixed opinions about the future of night trains in Germany. While the German Green Party has pushed for the expansion of night services, the German government has shown little enthusiasm for these plans. The lack of prioritization by the government has left the future of German night trains uncertain, especially as Deutsche Bahn faces stiff competition from budget airlines that offer cheaper and faster alternatives.

Yet, some argue that the German government’s lukewarm stance is a missed opportunity. The growing environmental consciousness across Europe suggests that Germany could benefit from reviving its night-train services. Not only would this reduce emissions, but it could also offer a more sustainable way to travel long distances without relying on flights.

France: A Mixed Outlook for the Future of Night Trains

In France, the night train has had a rocky road to recovery. While there have been some successes, such as services between Paris and Berlin, Paris and Vienna, these are under threat. The French government announced that it would be withdrawing subsidies for these routes by the end of 2025. This move has caused significant concern among travelers and environmental advocates, as these night trains have offered a cheaper and greener alternative to flying.

Despite the setbacks, there is a glimmer of hope for night-train enthusiasts in France. In July 2025, France announced its first competitive tender for publicly subsidized night trains. This new initiative is set to attract operators willing to run services across the country and neighboring nations. If successful, the tender could lead to the expansion of night-train services, benefiting travelers who prefer this nostalgic and eco-friendly mode of transport.

However, challenges remain. The demand for night trains on routes like Paris ↔ Berlin and Paris ↔ Vienna has been strong, with 30,000 to 36,000 passengers on those routes in 2024. The issue, however, is profitability. Without government support, running these trains can be a difficult and costly endeavor.

New Sleeper Train Between Switzerland to Sweden: A Game Changer?

In an exciting new development, passengers will soon be able to travel between Switzerland and Sweden on a newly launched sleeper train. This new service is part of the broader push to create a more integrated European rail network. The train, which is set to launch in late 2025, will connect Zurich and Stockholm—two cities known for their cultural significance and scenic beauty.

This new sleeper train could become a game-changer for travelers looking to cross borders in a more sustainable way. By offering a comfortable and eco-friendly alternative to flying, the new train could also pave the way for more sleeper routes connecting the north and south of Europe. The train will likely appeal to travelers who value both convenience and the opportunity to sleep during the journey, maximizing their time at their destination.

While this train service is still in its early stages, it is a strong indication that European countries are increasingly looking at night trains as a viable mode of transport for the future. This new sleeper route will undoubtedly create opportunities for more people to embrace train travel, further reducing Europe’s reliance on air travel.

The Revival of European Night Trains: Challenges and Opportunities

While the revival of European night trains is promising, it is not without its challenges. The biggest hurdle remains financing. Most of the night trains mentioned above rely on government subsidies to remain operational. Without these subsidies, many of these services would be unsustainable due to high operational costs, including maintenance, rolling stock, and track access fees.

Another major challenge is competition from other modes of transport. Low-cost flights have become increasingly popular in Europe, offering faster, cheaper alternatives to overnight train journeys. Additionally, high-speed rail networks like TGV and ICE trains offer quicker travel times, making them attractive for those who prefer speed over comfort.

Despite these challenges, night trains remain an important part of Europe’s transportation network. They offer a unique, comfortable, and sustainable way to travel long distances, particularly for tourists looking to explore the continent in an eco-friendly manner.

The Future of Night Trains in Europe

The revival of European night trains is a mixed bag. Some countries, like Austria, Hungary, and Poland, are making significant strides in offering overnight train services, while others, like Germany and France, face challenges due to a lack of government support and competition from other modes of transport.

However, the future of night trains is not all bleaks. With new services like the Switzerland to Sweden sleeper train on the horizon and the EU’s Action Plan to boost rail travel, there is hope for the continued growth of night-train services across Europe.

As 2025 unfolds, the rise of sustainable, eco-friendly travel could be the driving force behind the resurgence of night trains in Europe. For now, passengers can look forward to more options, better services, and the possibility of traveling through the night to some of Europe’s most iconic cities.