Several night train providers in Germany currently offer numerous connections that enable travellers to reach their destination in a relaxed manner overnight.
Whether with the night connections of the Deutschen Bahn (IC and ICE) or international night trains of other European Bahn companies - a night train journey offers a comfortable and environmentally friendly way of travelling through Germany.
In this article, we present an overview of all night train providers in Germany, highlight their facilities and provide helpful tips on booking and buying tickets.
All night train providers in Germany at a glance:
- Deutsche Bahn
- ÖBB Nightjet
- EuroNight
- European Sleeper
- Urlaubs-Express
1. Deutsche Bahn (DB)
The Deutsche Bahn does not operate its own classic overnight trains with couchette or sleeper carriages, but does offer several IC and ICE night connections on. These trains are designed to allow travellers to travel quickly between German cities overnight. The ICE/IC night trains usually depart in the evening and reach their destinations in the early morning.
Equipment:
- SeatsBoth ICE and IC trains have 1st and 2nd class seats. 1st class offers more legroom, more comfortable seats (made of leather, but more slippery at night) and often services such as snacks and drinks at your seat.
- Rest areasICE night trains have special quiet areas to ensure a relaxed journey (no telephones or conversations).
- WLAN and on-board serviceWi-Fi is available on most ICE routes, as is an on-board restaurant or bistro offering food and drinks. On IC routes there is sometimes an on-board restaurant and not always WLAN - ideally, prepare well when travelling by IC (own snacks and data packages).
Popular ICE/IC night train routes:
Ticket booking:
Tickets for Deutschen Bahn night connections can be conveniently booked via the official Deutschen Bahn website, Omio, Trainline or the DB Navigator app. Early booking discounts, such as the Sparpreis or Super Sparpreis, are often available on the Deutschen Bahn.
2nd Nightjet (ÖBB)
The Austrian Federal Railways (ÖBB) operate the popular Nightjetwhich connects numerous German cities with European destinations. The Nightjet is known for its comfortable sleeping and couchette carriages and a pleasant overnight travelling atmosphere.
Equipment:
- Seat carriageStandard seats as the most cost-effective option.
- Couchette carCompartments with 4 to 6 berths, equipped with bed linen. These compartments offer an inexpensive way to travel in comfort.
- Sleeping carCompartments with single, double or triple beds, some with their own washbasin or private bathroom and shower. This option offers maximum comfort for travellers who want to spend a quiet night.
- WLAN and on-board service: On most routes none WLAN available. All travellers in the couchette and sleeper carriages receive breakfast, which is included in the ticket price.
Popular Nightjet night train routes:
Ticket booking:
Tickets for the Nightjet can be booked via the ÖBB website or via Deutsche Bahn, Omio or Trainline. Especially in the high season, it is worth booking early to benefit from cheaper fares.
3. EuroNight (ÖBB & Partnerbahnen)
In addition to the Nightjet, ÖBB and other European Bahn companies operate the EuroNight. These trains offer connections to Eastern Europe and are an ideal addition for travellers wishing to reach cities such as Budapest or Zagreb.
Equipment: Der EuroNight bietet ähnliche Komfortoptionen wie der Nightjet:
- Seats: Günstige Sitzplätze für preisbewusste Reisende.
- Couchette carComfortable compartments with couches equipped with bed linen and blankets.
- Sleeping carCompartments with beds, ideal for a good night's sleep. Some sleeping cars also offer private bathrooms or washbasins.
- WLAN and on-board service: Auf den meisten Strecken ist kein WLAN verfügbar. Alle Reisenden im Liege- und Schlafwagen erhalten ein Frühstück, das im Ticketpreis inbegriffen ist.
Beliebte EuroNight-Nachtzug-Strecken:
- Berlin – Budapest (EuroNight 40457)
- Munich Central Station 18:35 Uhr – Krakau 06:21 Uhr – Warschau Hbf 09:18 Uhr (EuroNight 406)
- Berlin – Hamburg – Stockholm (SJ EuroNight 346)
Ticket booking:
EuroNight-Tickets können über die ÖBB-Website oder über die Deutsche Bahn gebucht werden. Frühbuchungen sind hier ebenfalls empfehlenswert.
4. European Sleeper
European Sleeper is a relatively new provider that will be offering overnight train connections from Germany to Belgium and the Netherlands from 2024. The connections are ideal for city travellers and business people who want to travel in an environmentally friendly and comfortable way.
Equipment:
- Seats: An affordable option for short-haul or budget-conscious travellers.
- Couchette carCompartments with several berths, for travellers who prefer a little more comfort.
- Sleeping carCompartments with beds that offer a good night's sleep. Some sleeping cars are equipped with their own washbasin or bathroom.
- WLAN and on-board service: Auf den meisten Strecken ist kein WLAN verfügbar. Alle Reisenden im Liege- und Schlafwagen erhalten ein Frühstück, das im Ticketpreis inbegriffen ist.
Beliebte European Sleeper Nachtzug-Strecken:
- Berlin - Amsterdam - Brussels
Ticket booking:
Tickets können über die Webseite von European Sleeper gebucht werden. Es empfiehlt sich, rechtzeitig zu buchen, da die Züge oft gut ausgelastet sind.
5. Urlaubs-Express (Train4you)
The Urlaubs-Express is a popular car train connection from Train4you that allows travellers to go on holiday with their own vehicle. The trains connect German cities with popular holiday destinations in Italy and Austria and offer comfortable overnight accommodation.
Equipment:
Die Besonderheit des Urlaubs-Express ist der Autozug-Service, der es Reisenden ermöglicht, ihr Fahrzeug mitzunehmen
- Seat carriage: Favourable seats for shorter journeys.
- Couchette car: Comfortable compartments with couches, equipped with bedding for a relaxing night's sleep.
- Sleeping carCompartments with beds and some with en-suite bathrooms, ideal for travellers seeking maximum comfort.
- WLAN and on-board service: Auf den meisten Strecken ist kein WLAN verfügbar. Alle Reisenden im Liege- und Schlafwagen erhalten ein Frühstück, das im Ticketpreis inbegriffen ist.
Beliebte Urlaubs-Express Nachtzug-Strecken:
- Hamburg - Verona
- Düsseldorf - Munich
- Hamburg - Innsbruck
Ticket booking: Die Buchung erfolgt über die offizielle Webseite des Urlaubs-Express. Bei Fahrten mit dem Auto ist eine frühzeitige Reservierung ratsam, da die Kapazitäten für den Fahrzeugtransport begrenzt sind. Alle Züge vom Urlaubs-Express können auch ohne Fahrzeugmitnahme genutzt werden.
6. Flixtrain (planned night trains 2024)
Flixtrainknown for its low-cost day train connections, is planning to enter the night train business in 2024. Although the exact routes and start dates have not yet been announced, Flixtrain is expected to offer a cost-effective alternative to the established night train providers.
- Routes:
- The exact routes of the Flixtrain night trains have not yet been published, but it is expected that major cities such as Berlin, Hamburg and Munich will be connected.
- EquipmentFlixtrain night trains are expected to offer seating and couchette carriages:
- Seat carriage: Affordable seats for price-conscious travellers.
- Couchette carCompartments with couchettes for a more relaxed night journey. The exact comfort standard will be announced.
- Ticket bookingBooking will be possible via the Flixtrain website or app as soon as the night trains start. As with the day trains, there will probably be very favourable fares.
- Link to the booking: Flixtrain
Conclusion
The night train service in Germany 2024 offers a variety of options for travelling comfortably and environmentally friendly through the night. Whether Intercity and ICE night trains of the Deutschen Bahn, comfortable ÖBB Nightjets or car trains of the Urlaubs-Express - there are suitable options for every traveller. Booking is easy and often comes with attractive early booking discounts.