There is a reason “night trains” sort of vanished, but they are trying to bring them back in Europe as a substitute for short airline flights.
At their best, fares can be good value, combining the cost of a bed for the night and hundreds of miles of travel, but prices quickly ramp up on busy routes, often putting them out of reach for most travelers.
Wherever they run, night trains are complicated, labor intensive and expensive to operate – one of the major reasons they went into decline in the first place.
Delays are frequently measured in hours rather than minutes, thanks to overnight diversions, while the quality of accommodation has been patchy, ranging from modern and comfortable to basic and outdated.
The night train revolution has been hailed as an alternative to airplanes. Here’s how that’s going | CNN
A new “luxury” overnight train service begins in mid-December:
They will receive another boost in December when luxurious new trains enter operation between Vienna and Hamburg. Featuring comfortable sleeper cabins, discreet “pods” for solo travelers rather than traditional shared couchettes and fully accessible cabins, the 33 new trains are perhaps the most visible sign that night rail trips are back.
Price for two people ranges from US$304 per person for a shared car with other travelers, to $365 per person for a private roomette.
Comparable air fares on that route range from $200 to $300 per person; travel time is 90 minutes.
The sales pitch is that by traveling overnight, you save on hotel costs while spending more on the transport, but the train is powered by electricity, so it’s alleged to be climate friendly.