A New Way to Explore Europe: The European Sleeper Train
For those who are looking for a different way to travel this summer, the European Sleeper train offers an exciting alternative to traditional flights and car rentals. Instead of worrying about luggage, flight times, or airport security, you can now travel from Paris to Berlin by sleeper train. This innovative service is making it easier than ever to explore Europe’s most iconic cities while enjoying the comfort of a night train.
Launching a New Route
European Sleeper launched its new route on March 26, connecting Paris, Brussels, and Berlin with a direct overnight journey. The service operates three times a week, offering travelers a convenient and efficient way to move between these major European cities. The trip takes approximately 15 hours, with one available option departing from Paris Nord at 6:03 pm and arriving in Berlin at 9:02 am the following day. The cost for this journey is £163.50, plus a £2.99 booking fee.
Chris Engelsman, co-founder of European Sleeper, emphasized the importance of building a sustainable network of night train connections. “Building a network doesn’t happen overnight,” he said. “But step by step, we are proving that night train connections between major cities can work, for travelers and as a sustainable business.”
Elmer van Buuren, another co-founder, added that the initiative is also about opening up the European rail market. “This train is also about creating space for new entrants and better integrated cross-border services,” he explained.
Expanding the Network
European Sleeper is set to expand its services further with a new direct Milan route launching in September. This journey will begin in Brussels and travel through Cologne to Zürich, Lugano, Lake Como, and finally Milan during the night. This addition will provide even more options for travelers looking to explore the heart of Europe.
Enhancing Travel Options
The European Sleeper has also been introduced on Rail Europe, a popular booking platform. This means that travelers can now easily access this service when planning their trips. Whether you’re setting off from Amsterdam in the evening and arriving in Prague by sunrise, or traveling from Paris to Berlin, the European Sleeper offers a unique and convenient way to experience Europe.
Benefits of Traveling by Sleeper Train
One of the main advantages of traveling by sleeper train is the flexibility and comfort it provides. Passengers can enjoy reclining seats, sleeper cabins, and couchettes, making the journey both relaxing and enjoyable. Unlike traditional travel methods, there’s no need to worry about checking in and out of hotels between destinations, allowing travelers to save time and energy.
The European Sleeper allows tourists to wake up in a new destination without losing valuable days to travel. Routes are available to some of the most popular cities in Europe, including Amsterdam, Berlin, Brussels, and Prague. This makes it an ideal choice for those looking to maximize their time while exploring the continent.
Growing Demand for Overnight Trains
Rail Europe introduced the European Sleeper after noticing an increase in passengers booking overnight trains. According to the French Transport Regulatory Authority (ART), passenger numbers on overnight trains in France soared by 26 per cent between 2023 and 2024. This marked the first time in decades that more than one million travelers booked such tickets in a single year.
Bjorn Bender, CEO of Rail Europe, highlighted the significance of the European Sleeper. “European Sleeper brings an exciting new dimension to our platform, expanding the range of overnight travel options available to our global partners,” he said. “As demand for cross-border rail continues to grow, particularly among international travelers, this integration allows us to offer greater choice and flexibility, while supporting the ongoing development of the European night train network.”
