Affordable Rail Travel: Omio Ranks Best-Value Sleeper Trains In Europe

In these days of climate change, rail travel is becoming hugely popular as travelers opt for environmentally friendly modes of transport. However, in many cases, trains can still be more expensive than planes. Booking company Omio wants to encourage green travel and sustainable choices, so they have ranked the best-value sleeper trains in Europe. Read on to find out where it could be cheaper and more enjoyable than flying from A to B.

Which sleeper train is the cheapest in Europe?

Booking service Omio has worked out Europe’s most affordable sleeper train by calculating the cheapest journey per mile and per minute. Meanwhile, rankings also score for services, such as ensuite showers, air conditioning, bike storage and wheelchair accessibility.

1. SNCF night service from Paris to Nice

According to Omio’s research, the SNCF night service from Paris to Nice is the best value for the distance. This sleeper train carries passengers 1,088 km (676 mi) for as little as €19 ($21) per person. Meanwhile, Paris to Nice is a popular route, taking passengers out of France’s bustling capital and down to the gorgeous French Riviera.

The sleeper train runs once daily and passengers can choose between seating or a couchette, including wheelchair-accessible berths and carriages. However, this night service ranked low for amenities. While passengers receive a toiletry kit and having bike storage is handy, there is no café or bar car, so passengers have to think about having dinner before boarding the train.

2. Bratislava to Split for the longest journey

ÖBB’s sleeper train from Bratislava to Split comes in second place for value for money, with tickets priced from €29 ($32) per person. Dubbed the EuroNight, this sleeper train offers private compartments with seating, couchettes, or sleeper cabins on offer.

Running for 960 minutes, this is one of the longest train journeys in Europe. Meanwhile, passengers can watch beautiful Austria and Croatia running past their windows if they can’t sleep. Moreover, passengers are served breakfast, as well as free drinks and snacks.

3. Berlin to Brussels on European Sleeper

Europe’s newest sleeper comes in third place, and only launched in May 2023. Here, passengers have a choice of three classes: seats, comfort couchettes and deluxe. Deluxe is clearly the most comfortable and includes breakfast and a wash basin in the compartment. Meanwhile, toilets are available along each corridor. Meanwhile, the sleeper train route is 766 km (476 mi) and tickets are on sale at as little as €49 ($54) per person.

4. ÖBB’s NightJet from Munich to La Spezia

Coming in fourth, ÖBB’s NightJet from Munich, Germany, to La Spezia Centrale, Italy has the lowest starting price per person of €11 ($12). Also, this sleeper train has excellent amenities, such as complimentary breakfast and snacks, towels and earplugs. Moreover, compartments are equipped with air conditioning and locks.

ÖBB’s NightJet runs daily and is the ideal way to start a vacation in the beautiful Cinque Terre region of Italy, known for its pastel-colored houses on the cliff sides. Even better, travelers can catch the local train connection from La Spezia along the coastline for the most spectacular views.

5. ÖBB’s NightJet from Brussels to Vienna

Omio ranked this ÖBB NightJet in fifth place for affordable tickets as low as €29 ($32) per person. However, the best aspect of this service is its exceptional amenities, including an ensuite toilet and shower and a light breakfast included in the price.

Moreover, passengers are gifted a welcome pack with towels, earplugs, snacks and drinks. Another plus is that they can bring dogs and bikes onboard. All compartments are fitted with air conditioning and are lockable.

Why not try out one of these sleeper trains in Europe this summer? Travel from A to B with great views from the window and varying amenities to enjoy.