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Europe by night train
A unique Interrail adventure
The European train network never sleeps, with night trains connecting its major cities. You can travel all across Europe during the night, covering large distances while sleeping and saving daylight for exploring. This route will show you how much ground you can cover in just a single week.
Europe by night train route
Click here or on the map to view this route in our Trip Planner.
1. Paris to Venice
Start your adventure in Paris, city of love, light, and delicious macarons. Spend at least two days exploring the iconic capital, strolling along the Seine river and taking in the views from Montmartre hill. On the end of the second day, pick up a good bottle of wine and head on down to the train station. It's time to change your scenery overnight.
The Thello night train will take you from Paris Gare de Lyon to Venice Santa Lucia.
- Travel time to Venice is just over 14 hours.
- Reservations are required and can be booked 4 months in advance.
2. Venice to Vienna
Wake up to the smell of espresso as you get off the train in Venice, 700 miles away from Paris. Watch the sun rise over the Grand Canal and spend a full day navigating the famous Floating City. When you've had your fill of bridges and canals, make your way back to the station from Piazza San Marco, and board your night train to Vienna.
The ÖBB Nightjet will take you from Venice Santa Lucia to Vienna Centrale.
- Travel time to Vienna is just under 11 hours.
- Reservations are required and can be booked 3 months in advance.
3. Vienna to Berlin
Rise and shine in beautiful Vienna, the City of Music. Take two days to admire the city's majestic buildings, including the famous Schönbrunn palace. Climb the north tower of the multicoloured St. Stephen's Cathedral for an amazing view of Vienna's skyline. Top off your stay in style with a night at the opera, and get ready to sleep your way to Berlin.
The ÖBB Nightjet will take you from Vienna Centrale to Berlin Hbf.
- Travel time to Berlin is just over 11 hours.
- Reservations are required and can be booked 3 months in advance.
4. Berlin to Zürich
Berlin has a thousand things to see and do, and much like Europe's train network, it never sleeps. Spend 2 or 3 days here doing anything you want, whether that's museum hopping or partying for 48 hours straight. When you feel like you've experienced Berlin to the fullest, it's time to board your final night train with destination Zürich.
The ÖBB Nightjet will take you from Berlin Hbf to Zürich HB.
- Travel time to Zürich is around 12 hours.
- Reservations are required and can be booked 3 months in advance.
4. Zürich (to Paris)
The charming city of Zürich is the perfect place to wrap up your night train adventure. Explore the cobblestoned streets of the Old Town and walk along the promenade for the best views of Lake Zürich. Make sure to help yourself to a large piece of Swiss chocolate, and think back with pride on a week in Europe well spent.
To make your trip a round trip, you can catch the direct TGV high-speed train back to Paris.
- Travel time to Paris is just over 4 hours.
- Reservations are required and can be booked 3 months in advance.