Welcome to London! The bustling heart of England is a gateway to some of the most stunning landscapes and vibrant communities in both the United Kingdom and the rest of Europe.
Once you’ve had your fill of the Big Smoke and are ready to hit the next leg of your trip, you’ll be faced with a classic travelers’ dilemma: “How do I get from point A to B?” Options abound, including one of the most unique (and occasionally fancy) methods of transportation available: the sleeper train.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Oscar Wong
What is a sleeper train?
Just as the name suggests, a sleeper train is a train equipped for overnight travel. There are a range of accommodation options, from reclining seats to private compartments with beds and en-suite bathrooms. While their standards vary, high-end sleeper trains are full-on luxury travel experiences, and this should be considered part of the adventure.
And don’t worry – despite what Agatha Christie’s tales might have you believe, sleeper trains very rarely double as murder-mystery crime scenes.
What are the best night trains from London?
The London to Edinburgh sleeper train: Caledonian Sleeper
Departing from London Euston station, the Caledonian Sleeper offers breathtaking views and comfortable accommodations at (relatively) affordable rates. Whether you’re setting off to a major Scottish city like Edinburgh or Glasgow, or more rural parts of the Scottish Highlands, this train will get you there. Prices range from $55 to $610+, depending on the season and your preferred seating class.
Caledonian Sleeper. Image Credit: Getty Images, Pete Rowbottom. Image Location: Edinburgh Waverley Station, Scotland
The London to Penzance sleeper train: Night Riviera Sleeper
The Night Riviera Sleeper train drops you off in coastal Cornwall, home to the UK’s surf scene. Departing from London Paddington station, the roughly 8-hour journey won’t last as long as some of the other options on this list, but the trains themselves are packed with plenty of on-board entertainment options, including some fancy lounge areas. Prices are pretty agreeable too, ranging from $48 to $180, depending on season.
Can I get a sleeper train from London to continental Europe?
The sleeper train from London to Vienna (via Brussels): Nightjet
The Nightjet sleeper line services a large swath of Western Europe. Expect breezy and varied views as you propel through the continent. It’s also both comfortable and reasonably priced. The actual trip will require a bit of planning, though – you’ll need to take a 2-hour Eurostar trip from London to Brussels first, and then transfer to Nightjet. Once you’re on the train, you’ll get to enjoy 15 or so hours of scenic beauty – that’s if you’re not sleeping, of course!
The sleeper train from London to Berlin (via Brussels): European Sleeper
Those looking to experience one of Germany’s largest cities are in luck, as the European Sleeper now offers sleeper services from Brussels to Berlin. The line is incredibly new, having opened in summer 2023. To access it via London, you’ll need to make the same journey as with Nightjet, taking a Eurostar train to Brussels before transferring. Tickets typically won’t run more than $158 for a private cabin (not including Eurostar transfer). Just be aware that it currently operates only on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.
The Orient Express. Image Credit: Getty Images, Tim Stocker Photography
Can I ride the Orient Express?
Venice Simplon-Orient-Express: London to Venice (via Paris)
Yes, this is that train from Christie’s classic novel (we wouldn’t be doing our jobs if we failed to mention that here). A boujee and luxurious experience, the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express is perfect for those willing to splurge. With the most affordable tickets starting at around $2,400 you can expect only the best – wood paneling, antique furniture, marble finishings, and three-course lunches and high tea. You’ll be living your best 1930s-European travel life on here.
Tickets to the land of nod
This list of night trains is just the tip of the iceberg, and most major European cities can be accessed via a sleeper train. It really is a unique way to experience travel, so download the Trainline app to book your sleeper train tickets and check for other connecting options.
Header Image Credit: Getty Images, Alex Walker. Image Location: Night Riviera Sleeper, Cornwall