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The most epic overnight train journeys in the world

Sep 20, 2021 • 5 min read

Night trains not only save a night in a hotel, but they are better for the environment than flying © Flystock / Shutterstock

There’s something enduringly romantic about train travel. The slower pace, the gentle rhythm, the ability to surrender responsibility and just gaze out of the window. It’s true of all – well, most – rail journeys. But it’s especially true of the sleeper train, the hotel-on-wheels aboard which you can bed down in one country and wake up in another. 

Romance aside, train travel is also far less damaging to the planet: it releases the least amount of greenhouse gasses of all forms of transportation. You’re better able to understand the connections that exist between places on a rail trip, watching the scenery change as cities become suburbs, which become farmland, which become foothills or deserts or plains.

There’s a variety of experiences to choose from when booking overnight train travel, from the budget to the luxe. Here are some of the most epic overnight train journeys to take for those looking for a dream of a ride.

Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Nicknamed the Reunification Express when it resumed service after the Vietnam War, this 1072-mile (1726km) ride between Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City  runs the length of the country , providing a perfect Vietnamese diorama: historic towns, bustling suburbs, rice paddies, emerald hills and the glittering South China Sea.

How:  Choose from hard seat (cheapest) or soft, hard berth (six-bed compartment), soft berth (four-bed) or VIP cabin (two beds; book in advance). Tickets can be booked online . 

Duration: About 35 hours.

Chicago to San Francisco, USA

On its epic 2400-mile (3900km) journey, the California Zephyr tackles sheer gorges, hot desert, snowy mountains and a tonne of tunnels and switchbacks. In 1869, these tracks were the first to cross the Continental Divide, linking the Atlantic and the Pacific.

How:  The Zephyr leaves Chicago at 2pm daily. Book early for the lowest fares and best availability; tickets can be booked up almost a year ahead.

Duration: The entire journey to San Francisco takes 52 hours non-stop.

Kapiri Mposhi to Dar es Salaam, Zambia and Tanzania

A sleeper train? Or a rolling two-day safari? The Tazara Railway crosses rivers, gorges and some impressive feats of railway engineering while trundling through the enormous, wildlife-filled expanse of Selous Game Reserve , Tanzania . You might spot elephants, rhinos, lions and more from your window.

How:  Tickets can’t be bought online ; buy them at stations in Dar es Salaam or Kapiri Mposhi or via a local travel agency.

Duration: About 44 hours.

Brisbane to Longreach, Australia

Most of Australia 's overnight trains are multi-day journeys across the continent, such as the Ghan that runs through Australia's "Red Centre" between Darwin and Adelaide , and the Indian Pacific that links Perth and Sydney . The Spirit of the Outback , however, is just over a day-long jaunt from Brisbane to Longreach. After flirting with the coast the train turns inland to reveal a changing landscape as it heads into the outback.

How:  The tickets can be booked online . The train departs Tuesdays at 6:10pm and Saturday at 1:55pm.

Duration: The 1325km journey takes 26 hours.

Rome to Syracuse, Italy

To get from the Italian capital  to the historic Sicilian city of Syracuse , this overnight loco has to board a boat. Having traced the Calabrian coast, it’s lifted on to a ferry to cross the Straits of Messina, before being lifted back off to continue on its way.

How: Two sleeper trains leave Rome nightly at around 9.05pm and 11pm. Tickets can be ordered  online .

Duration:  About 12 hours, including 30 minutes at sea.

Caledonian Sleeper, London to Scotland

There are actually two overnight sleeper trains that run under the umbrella of Caledonian Sleeper. One that runs the “Highland route” making stops between London and Aberdeen , the other runs the “Lowland route” from London Euston to Glasgow or Edinburgh . Rooms include either double beds or bunk beds with all the amenities of a hotel, including wifi, room service and ensuite bathrooms. There’s also a Club Car for those interested in meals outside of their rooms. 

How : Trains run six times a week, with boarding times and schedules varying depending on the particular route, however both timetables and tickets are always available online . 

Duration : 8 hours

Red Arrow, St. Petersburg to Moscow

The Red Arrow or Krasnaya Strela, is possibly Russia’s most famous train. It first launched in 1931 when it was used to transport Russian elites. The glamorous retro interior of the train harkens back to this era with plush red seats and elaborate matching curtains on the windows. There’s a dining car on board and meals are included for passengers riding in either first class or the VIP car. 

How : The train runs every day, leaving from both Moscow or St. Petersburg at 11:55pm and arriving at the opposite end in the morning at 7:55am. Tickets can be purchased online .

Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, Paris to Venice

Perhaps the most luxurious, and most famous, of the overnight sleeper trains, the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express is nothing short of a legend. There are several different routes guests can take on this historic train, but the most iconic is the one from London to Venice . The train itself is a throwback to the 1920s, with a restored art deco interior and luxury dining options included. 

How: Venice Simplon-Orient-Express runs several times per month. Check the website for specific dates and times as well as to book. 

Duration: 31 hours

You might also like Climb aboard for the USA's 6 most amazing train journeys Europe's best night trains 10 of the world's most amazing train journeys

This article was first published December 2019 and updated September 2021

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8 Incredible Night Train Journeys Around the World — With Stunning City, Mountain, and Lake Views

From the U.S. to Europe to Asia, these night train rides offer a different perspective on the destination.

Lay down to sleep in one city and wake up fully rested in another, having been gently rocked through the night. Night trains offer comfortable, hassle-free adventures, with accommodations, transport, and sometimes even meals — not to mention mesmerizing views — included in one price.

From the U.S. to Europe to Asia, here are eight of the best night train rides around the world.

Milan to Palermo

This nearly 21-hour journey on Intercity Notte traces Italy's west coast before crossing the Strait of Messina. Comfortable air-conditioned bunk rooms offer a good value (prices for a bed start around $40), and you'll likely find yourself making friends with fellow passengers. During the trip, you'll fly along viaducts above towns and villages outside Genoa, and zoom past the Tyrrhenian Sea just meters away, but the best part is perhaps the ferry crossing, where carriages get separated and shunted on before they cruise across to Sicily .

Chicago to Seattle

Gautier Houba/Travel + Leisure

As you glide through Chicago 's skyscrapers, it may seem hard to believe that, from this same window, you'll be gazing upon vast plains, high mountain valleys, and glacial lakes, too. But this is what awaits lucky passengers on board Amtrak's Empire Builder service to Seattle. Guests can simply sit back and watch those ever-changing views through the enormous observation car windows or while dining on excellent food at linen-covered tables.

Bariloche to San Antonio Oeste

Paul Theroux made the Old Patagonian Express famous and, even though a night train no longer exists on that particular route, it's still possible to sleep in cozy cabins while riding the rails through this vast Argentinian landscape thanks to the weekly Tren Patagonico. Bariloche is where you'll begin or end your journey — in the foothills of the Andes and beside ski slopes and picture-perfect Nahuel Huapi Lake. From those glacial waters to the shores of the Atlantic, the Tren Patagonico night train carries passengers in two-bed cabins and pulls along a dining carriage that serves excellent Argentinian cuisine. Tip: Disembark at San Antonio Oeste, from where you can hit the beach at Las Grutas or take the bus to the whale-watching delights of Peninsula Valdes.

Cairo to Luxor

Although this route can be a bit bumpy, it offers an epic trip from a station close to the pyramids of Giza to Luxor's grand temples. Wobbling through Cairo's dusky streets, the train follows the Nile during the night and arrives in Luxor just after 6 a.m. Stay on for a few more hours and you'll reach Aswan, home to ancient tombs, temples, and the famous High Dam. Snag a bed by booking with Watania ; other services provide seats only.

Delhi to Jaisalmer

There are more than 42,000 miles of railway track in India, and a huge selection of night trains. On this journey, an Indian Railways train whisks you from Delhi's urban sprawl to the Rajasthani city of Jaisalmer, located in the Thar Desert, with buildings as golden as the surrounding sand. Treat yourself to a 1AC or 2AC compartment (book in advance), where you'll find fresh linens and no more than four bunks. And when you peel off the foil from your freshly made meal, you'll realize the food on board is as good as many meals you'll find outside. Rolling out of Delhi on the Shalimar Express, the city and its suburbs fly by for more than an hour. Throughout the day, you'll pass cities that deserve more of your time on the way back — not least Jaipur and Jodhpur — before arriving at your final destination.

Vienna to Zurich

Operated by Austria's exemplary ÖBB Nightjet , this train offers everything from seats to deluxe cabins with showers (cost for the latter starts at just $95 per person). Take this ride during the long evenings and early mornings of summer, and you'll see Vienna 's grand streets, waking as you traverse mountains, pass through Liechtenstein, and cross the Rhine River. Look out the right-hand side as the train glides along Lake Zurich before arriving at the picturesque Swiss city or Zurich.

Prague to Split

This is a journey of contrasts. Beginning in Prague's central station just a short walk from Wenceslas Square, RegioJet 's popular yellow train zips through the Czech countryside, reaching Bratislava just before bedtime. Early the next morning, you'll cross into Croatia , where the train descends toward the sublime Adriatic coastline. Private compartments can be reserved, and you'll be deposited right where ferries depart for dreamy Croatian islands.

Los Angeles to Seattle

Big cities, deserts, ocean, pine forests, lakes, and mountains — this journey has it all scrolling by your comfy cabin's window. Amtrak's Coast Starlight route lets passengers tick off terrific spots in California, Oregon, and Washington. You'll fall asleep alongside the Pacific and wake up in the mountains, fully rested before a day of touring by train. In the dining car, expect classic American fare, which is included in the price of your roomette. Tip: Although the seats in the observation cars are often occupied, there's usually an opportunity to grab a place when people go for lunch and dinner.

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Life too exciting? Enter the calming world of full-length train journey videos

Inside the calming online subculture of extremely long, extremely uneventful rail travel videos

As I'm reminded every time someone urges me to watch a web video longer than about 45 seconds (six minutes? are you kidding me ?), the internet doesn't exactly encourage the cultivation of long attention spans. So I was thrilled to learn, via an excellent Metafilter post , about a small online subculture of resistence to the attention-frittering trend: the existence of scores of YouTube videos documenting entire train journeys, some many hours long, from the perspective of the driver in the cab. The video above is nine hours and 53 minutes long – it's available in spring , autumn and winter versions too – and while I won't claim to have watched it all, I've spent some pleasant work breaks in Brooklyn watching Scandinavian scenery go by. But perhaps you'd prefer Glasgow to Fort William and Mallaig in Scotland? It's every bit as rainswept – and bleakly beautiful, especially in its latter stages – as you'd imagine:

Or Thazi to Kalaw in Burma, often verrry slowly (watch from about 2h41m for an exciting manual points change!):

Or Christchurch to Greymouth on New Zealand's South Island:

(These particular videos are from Youtube user Saalbahnhof , but the site features plenty of others .)

Not long ago, I wrote  about "conscious computing" – the idea that we might use our everyday technologies to enhance rather than erode focus – and mentioned OmmWriter , a text editor that encourages calm attention by (among other things) playing the clanking sounds of old locomotives as you write. If, like me, you find long train journeys just about the best environment for getting work done, the next step is obvious: turn some of these videos into your desktop wallpaper , so you need never leave the rails.

Oh, and in case you'd rather travel by sea (also via Metafilter): a 134-hour video of the journey of the Hurtigruten passenger and freight line along Norway's northern and western coasts. Why not watch the whole thing? I guarantee it won't drag half as badly as Pirates of the Caribbean 3 .

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Night Train from Stockholm to Narvik

Overnight to swedish lapland and northern norway.

The train ride with the night train from Stockholm (Sweden) to Narvik (Norway), is said to be one of the most impressive trips in all of Europe. It takes 18 hours to get through the incredible nature of middle Sweden, up to the north of Lappland and across the mountains to Norway. Especially in the summer months, when it’s bright all day round, you can perfectly enjoy the beautiful nature from your train window. The overnight train stops in Gällivare, with connection to the Inlandsbanan in the mining city of Kiruna, as well as in Abisko, the northern starting point of the long-distance walking trail, Kungsleden. Even on my first Interrail trip over 20 years ago, it was my dream to ride along this route. Ever since, I keep taking it over and over again, because it is super convenient, if you are traveling around Scandinavia by train – either with an Interrail pass, or with an ordinary ticket. In this blog, I will explain everything there is to know about the route from middle Sweden up to the north: The stops, times, and where you can buy cheap tickets. Of course, also the different categories, from inexpensive seats, to couchette coach and sleeping car.

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Where to buy tickets

I bought my SJ sleeper train ticket at ACPRail , which has been selling tickets, including budget tickets, online for the Swedish SJ trains. Purchasing my ticket on really short notice, it cost around 160€ for a berth in the sleeper car. Not really cheap, but after all, I didn’t have to spend the night in a hotel, which is also quite expensive in Scandinavia. Buying your ticket via ACPRail , you are supporting rail.cc, with the price staying the same for you. With contributions like this, we can finance free content, like the one you are reading right this second. Of course you can buy your ticket as well directly on the SJ website .

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Video of the night train from Stockholm to Narvik

The different types of compartments in the sleeper.

There are three different compartments you can choose from.

The sleeping coach holds a maximum of 3 people per compartment, but I recommend traveling with a maximum of two, because it can get pretty cozy. During my trip, I had booked a sleeping compartment for myself. Personally, I prefer that, and tend to spoil myself for an 18-hour train ride, including the indulgence of the scenery. Of course, it is also a more convenient way to write a travel report. In the sleeper you will find a key card for your compartment, which enables you to leave for the dining car without worrying about your luggage – although, I always keep my valuables with me in a small backpack. There are two toilets in the hallway, but my personal highlight is the spacious and clean shower, which can also only be used with a key card from passengers in the sleeper compartment. In the shower, you will find plenty of towels and a small heater, in case it gets too cold. In other Swedish trains, you can even book a sleeper compartment with en suite bathroom. Please note, that Swedish sleeper trains are currently undergoing modernization, even though I personally think that they are already really good. So here you can see the “old”, yet still current version of the compartments.

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The couchette coaches hold a maximum of six people and seem to be pretty spacious. Luggage can be stored under the seats or in the hallway.

Find a cheap ticket for the couchettes

Using standard seats you can travel comfortably and cheap. There is nothing wrong with the cozy seats, if you’re looking to save some money. I, myself often travel like this, especially during low season, you will always be likely to find a spare seat next to yours, so you can stretch out and get comfortable. Of course, it is easier to socialize with other travelers as well.

The timetable

Generally, the train leaves Stockholm in the evening and arrives after roughly 18 hrs of travel time in Narvik during the afternoon. If you are traveling the other way round, you start in Narvik in the afternoon and arrive in Stockholm in the early morning hours. You can find the exact timetable of the direct night train here: Stockholm – Narvik Narvik – Stockholm As well, as on SJs and ACPRails website.

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Departure in Stockholm

The central station holds two supermarkets, where you can shop for a normal price. I recommend buying some supplies, like drinking water and some snacks. Thanks to my first class Interrail pass, I was able to wait in the SJ Lounge, but even in the station itself, many seating options can be found. Around 40 minutes prior departure, the night train was ready, which made the boarding process pretty relaxed.

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The route from Stockholm to Narvik in the night train

Since the travel time stretches over 18 hours, you have plenty of time to enjoy it to the fullest. After departure, I am having a peek into the dining car, before I’m heading towards dawn in my couchette. Eventually, I am having a hot shower and go to sleep. After roughly 8 hours of a good night’s sleep, the train arrives in Boden . Starting from here, the route gets especially exciting. During daylight hours, we head towards Gällivare , where you can catch a connecting train to the route of the Inlandsbanan – equally recommended for train-lovers. You can read more about it in my other post about the Inlandsbanan . We are heading further on towards the Torneträsk lake, until Abisko . Here you can admire the Lapporten (gate to the Lappen), the region’s most famous landmark. Shortly after Abisko, the train is arriving at the Norwegian border. The border control is efficient and relaxed and the travel continues over the mountains toward Narvik , the final stop of my trip.

The dining restaurant car / Bistro

Originally, I had planned to have my dinner in the dining car, but provided myself beforehand at the station in Stockholm. Thus, I just went over for a quick visit. In a cooling shelf, there was a good overview over all different kinds of refreshments, starting with water, over lemonades to beer. There was also a big selection of sandwich-style food. I found the different mains especially interesting, because you simply take them out of the cooling shelf and hand them to an employee, who warms it up for you, using a microwave. After that, your food will be served on your table. Not freshly made to order, but different. There is coffee with free refill – don’t be surprised, after buying one coffee, you need to take a cup from next to the cashier, and serve yourself from the coffee pot. The prices are alright – the way it usually is, in the dining car. A cup of coffee costs 2€, so does the muesli, or the rolled sandwich. I did see hot food for 7€, and the choice of food is very swedish-orientated: Reindeer, fish, etc…

The sleeper car’s shower

Really nice. Clean, mold-free and with a small heater and hairdryer. Also, there are fresh towels for your convenience, that you can simply put in the box after using. You can only access via key card, that you’ll find in every sleeper. Having a shower here, is very relaxing. There is enough space, so you don’t have to squeeze in a corner. Top!

The sleeper

Small and functional, sleek, yet spacious. I liked it a lot. It’s also really neat and clean. The SJ is currently in the process of modernizing their sleeper fleet, so stay tuned. In this direct night train from Stockholm to Narvik, there is only one kind of sleeper car to be found. Featuring a small sink and shower and toilet can be found in the hallway. This kind of sleeper counts in Sweden as 2nd class, which means: No Lounge access and no breakfast included. In other countries, “sleeper car” equals traveling first class. There is a small folding table, a reading light, radio for headphones, and a power socket for each passenger. The sleeping coach holds a maximum of 3 people per compartment, but I recommend traveling with a maximum of two, because it can get pretty cozy. The beds are comfy and not too soft. The pillow and sheets promise a good night’s sleep. All in all, the sleeper car runs smooth and quiet and nothing’s rattling. The heating can be properly turned on, so that you won’t be cold, even in winter.

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Couchette and seated car

The couchette can hold up to six people, whereas the seated car is an open spaced compartment, with lots of space for luggage and stretching out.

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The breakfast

I get my breakfast in the restaurant car. A waffle and a coffee for roughly 2€ each.

The stop in Gällivare with connection to Inlandsbanan

If you got time, I recommend checking out the Inlandsbanan during the summer months. For more information, read our post with all details there are to know about the small regional train through the back country of Sweden – back to nature – a truly fascinating experience from Gällivare to Östersund .

The stop in the mining town Kiruna

A really interesting town that will have moved 5km east by the year 2040, to be able to continue mining iron ore. The former train station has already been closed and replaced by a temporary one. I myself haven’t gotten around to pay the mine a visit, but I would be happy hearing your information and experiences, if you’ve been there already.

The Lapporten right before Abisko

You will find the region’s landmark at level of Abisko .

Abisko and the Kungsleden

The northern starting point of the long-distance walking trail „Kungsleden“ lies in Abisko. There you can find two train stations. First, being Abisko Östra – and second, the Abisko Touriststation , where the Kungsleden starts from. Here you can also find a hostel , if you feel like staying for a few days – highly recommended!

Off to Norway

The journey goes on till Riksgränsen , from where we cross the mountain range down to Narvik.

Arrival in Narvik

Narvik is the final station of the sleeper train, coming from Stockholm. The city itself is not connected to the Norwegian train network, although, the idea once existed, but has been abolished due to being too much work, it seems. Narvik itself is pretty small. There is a supermarket about 10 minutes walking distance from the train station, as well as a bus station you can reach in at least 20 minutes. The city is your starting point for a trip further up north (from here on via bus) and to the Lofoten. To finish the Scandinavia-round, you’ll have to take the bus to Fauske/Bodö, where you will have a connection to the Norwegian train network.

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Connections in Narvik

Bus to the Lofoten From the bus terminal is a direct bus (Line 300) leaving for the Lofoten. Depending on the season and timetables connecting from the night train from Stockholm, you can catch it just in time to get to Svolvear the same night. For more information, read our blog about the Lofoten .

Bus to Fauske/Bodö You can also still catch the bus from Narvik to Fauske , to hop on the night train to Trondheim , if you want.

Further up to Nordkapp And, of course, you can head even further north from Narvik, to Nordkapp – again, by bus. Details will follow in a separate blog post.

Taking the night train with Interrail from Stockholm to Narvik

You can also perfectly use this train with fair reservation fees with your Interrail pass . Depending on the exchange rate, a seat in the seated car costs 5€, whereas the couchette costs around 25€. This compared to the hostel or hotel prices in Sweden, it’s almost a bargain. You will find more information about the night train and the exact Interrail reservation prices for the route between Stockholm and Narvik and Narvik to Stockholm here. You can purchase your Interrail reservations directly via ACPRail or the SJ .

Buy your Interrail Pass

The night train was very clean and comfortable, while driving through unreal landscapes. Attractive savings on the tickets can be found on the websites of ACPRail and the SJ . Also with an Interrail pass , the train is easy to travel with. The restaurant car offers everything you need for the trip, and the prices are fair. Altogether, the train arrived 90 minutes late at its destination, which personally didn’t bother me at all, since my journey back to Stockholm would be in the same train, and after that I was headed further through Oslo to Bergen.

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If you have any questions about the night train, simply contact us through our friendly forum , where you will always be helped. Thank you so much for reading this travel report.

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• Lesen auf Deutsch: Nachtzug von Stockholm nach Narvik

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5 US Sleeper Train Routes for the Ultimate Slow Travel Journey

By Marianna Cerini

All products featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Sleeper trains are having a moment. And why wouldn’t they? More eco-friendly than flying —with none of the hassle that comes from even just stepping into an airport these days—and a lot more pleasant than driving, overnight rail routes make for increasingly smarter alternatives to cars and planes, turning the journey to your destination into an experience in itself.

While Europe is leading the pack when it comes to taking you from A to B as you rest peacefully in your sleeper car, the US isn’t lagging that far behind. Several lines have in fact stepped up their game in recent years in terms of comfort and on-board services, offering travelers anything from plush beds to dedicated attendants and roomy sleeping quarters.

Here are five sleeper trains that are worth skipping highway tolls and airport lines for.

Coast Starlight

Linking Los Angeles to Seattle in around 34 hours, the Coast Starlight is one of Amtrak’s most scenic rail lines. The route delivers sweeping vistas of the Pacific Ocean and the lush Oregonian forest , with mountains, lakes, and thick woodlands as the main backdrop for most of the trip. You can gawk at them all from the gorgeous observation cars, which feature floor-to-ceiling windows and snug seats to while away the hours and snap plenty of pictures.

Come nighttime, the Coast Starlight’s sleeper cars ensure all the zzzs you need with roomettes, bedrooms, and one family bedroom to choose from (if you book the sleeper car, you also have access to the Amtrak Metropolitan Lounge before departure, which is a nice plus). While the smaller roomettes have outside toilets and showers, the bigger accommodations feature an ensuite bathroom for extra comfort, and more space to stretch your legs. Regardless of size, all of them grant access to the restaurant-style dining car for dinner, breakfast, and lunch—all included in your ticket—as well as complimentary coffee to keep you energized throughout the journey.

Top tip: Travel in the summer to get the most daylight, and make sure to take advantage of the early morning fresh-air stops in Oregon after your night onboard. You’ll feel restored in no time.

California Zephyr

At 2,438 miles and almost 52 hours of overall travel time (that’s three days and two nights), the California Zephyr is Amtrak’s second longest route, and the very definition of a long-distance rail journey. Riding from Chicago to Emeryville/San Francisco, you’ll roll through Illinois, Nebraska, Colorado, Utah , Nevada, and California—passing by verdant plains and the Rocky Mountain range, across arid countryside and the snow-capped Sierra Nevada. The whole trip is basically a deep dive into the natural beauty of the United States, and one of those experiences every train aficionado should try at least once in their lifetime.

There are plenty of places to stop and visit on the way—you can get off in Denver and explore the Rocky Mountain National Park or spend a few days in Salt Lake City—but should you choose to stay onboard for the whole ride, you’ll be in for a treat.

With roomettes, bedrooms, bedroom suites, family bedrooms, and one accessible bedroom spread across two levels of its sleeper cars, the California Zephyr has a wealth of sleeping options to cater all needs. All of them come with complimentary meals, dedicated cabin attendants, lounge access in Chicago, and priority boarding, while restrooms and showers are either within the car or ensuite, depending on the room category. The upper-level quarters offer better views and sell out fast, though if you suffer from motion sickness, the lower accommodations might be a better fit.

Besides the sleeping arrangements, however, it’s waking up to the Great Plains and winding through the Rockies and then the Sierra Nevada that’s truly special. Just make sure to always have your camera ready.

Texas Eagle

Another cool way to travel from Chicago to California— Los Angeles , to be exact—by train rather than plane? The Texas Eagle. Amtrak’s longest route (and the longest in America), this three-night, 65-hour journey follows a path first established by the Pacific Railway in 1948, passing some pretty amazing sights: from the Ozarks to Little Rock along the Mississippi River, then into the vast expanse of the Texan countryside.

There are stops in Dallas and Austin along the route, though really, it’s the sheer grandness of the Lone State’s topography—a never-ending mix of remote small towns and rural settlements, wide-open fields and swamps—that’s the trip’s biggest draw.

That, and the fact you can watch it all from compact-to-spacious sleeping quarters, which range from roomettes to suites and feature perks like turndown service, full meals in the dining car for the entire duration of the ride, and coffee, juice, and daily newspaper delivered every morning to your door.

In-room amenities include outlets to keep your electronics charged, lighting and climate controls, and a closet for your clothes (there are also soap and towels if you’re in the higher room categories), as well as an attendant call button should you have any extra needs. If you want to stretch your legs, the Sightseer lounge, with swivel seat, wraparound windows, and a beverage and snack service, is the place to go—and the best spot to meet like-minded travelers to share the journey with.

Rocky Mountaineer

Ok, so the Rocky Mountaineer doesn’t technically have a sleeper car. The private company that runs it is also not American, but Canadian—though one of its trips, the “Rockies to the Red Rocks,” takes place in the States and connects Moab, Utah to Denver, Colorado.

Stacey Lastoe

Tonya Russell

Laura Kiniry

Nora Zelevansky

Still, the fact that this luxury rail journey includes overnight stopovers at stylish hotels qualifies it as an excellent alternative to any flight, in our opinion. All the more so when Moab and Denver are actually quite close: Much better to opt for the slow way rather than create unnecessary CO2 emissions , right?

The US-based route takes travelers on a four-day/three-night adventure across the two mountain states—you’ll spend two full days onboard—snaking through rugged canyons and natural archways, awe-inspiring deserts and the majestic Colorado Rockies.

Accommodations include the four-star Hoodoo Moab, Curio Collection by Hilton in Utah and the hip Rally Hotel or Crawford Hotel in Denver —depending on which direction you’re going—with a less splurgy but equally comfortable option in Glenwood Springs, Colorado.

If you want to extend the fun, the Rocky Mountaineer also offers a selection of curated packages to start or end your trip in Las Vegas or Salt Lake City.

New York and Chicago are close enough to consider forever ditching flights and choosing a scenic train ride to travel between them instead—at least when you’re in no rush to reach either city.

The best rail journey for the task is the Cardinal, which connects the two in 26 hours and 30 minutes and runs three times a week.

The line offers some of the most beautiful scenery in the eastern US, rolling past the Blue Ridge Mountains, Allegheny range, and the Shenandoah Valley. You’ll wind through the New River Gorge and West Virginia’s wild white-water rivers before reaching the banks of the grand Ohio River, rolling by the quaint towns of Ashland and Maysville all the way to Cincinnati and Indianapolis—this is the only Amtrak route that stops in both metropolises—and, at last, Chicago.

Private roomettes and bedrooms—which include a flexible dining service in their rate—promise comfort and a blissful night’s sleep before you reach your final destination, while a café open to all passengers keeps everyone fueled up for the entire trip.

Unsurprisingly, the Cardinal is pretty popular in the summer and fall, meaning early bookings are highly recommended. Our advice: Treat yourself to a bedroom or suite. Both have an in-room sink, restroom, and shower, and larger abodes to hunker down in than the smaller roomettes. Got a bike or a pet with you? This train allows both—just check the guidelines beforehand.

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Night trains offer a comfortable way to travel by night. From reclining seats to private sleeping cabins, there's a travel option for every wish and budget. Save precious travel time by moving from one destination to the next while you sleep.

Most European night trains are included in the Eurail passes. You’ll just need to reserve and pay for your preferred sleeping accommodation type in addition to your pass.

Don't forget about your seat reservations!

High-speed trains in Europe require a seat reservation, most commonly in France, Italy, and Spain. Reservation fees are charged by the railway carriers, and are not included in your Eurail Pass. Read all about reservations  →

Reservations for night trains

Reservations are mandatory for all night trains. Depending on the train, you can make these reservations online, by phone or through our reservation service. A reservation guarantees you a seat or a bed on the train. 

Night trains have a number of accommodation options, ranging from reclining seats to single cabins with private bathrooms. You will pay a higher reservation fee for the more luxurious options.

Read more about reservations or check out the reservation fees for night trains .

Travel days for night trains

When traveling on a night train, you only have to write down the day of departure . For example, if you travel on a night train from August 9 to 10, you only write down August 9.

On the day of departure of the night train, you can take as many trains as you want; it's on the same day after all. If you take another train after the night train has arrived, you'll have to use a new travel day.

If you have a need for speed, or want to travel at night to save costs, we've got you covered.

Find out more about the many other train types in Europe. 

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All Episodes

Edith and Paul are thrilled to be traveling aboard George Pullman’s Night Train as it races Webster Wagner’s Midnight Express across America. But after a series of accidents, Edith and Paul find themselves in the middle of a dangerous mystery. Is someone trying to stop the Night Train? Will they beat the Midnight Express to Sacramento? Can Edith and Paul solve the mystery and save the train? Or is their journey doomed to disaster? Join us for new episodes and thrilling adventures!

Latest Episode

Under their new conductor, the Night Train races along to Sacramento, with the Midnight Express close behind.

The Midnight Express is closing in! Still stuck in the tunnel, the Night Train must escape before the Midnight Express crashes into them!

The Night Train is racing along the tracks towards Summit Tunnel. Paul, Will, and the Porters must try to stop the Night Train before it crashes!

The Wagner Man escapes! With broken brakes, the Night Train is a runaway train! Can Will, Harold, and the crew stop the train from crashing into Summit Tunnel?

Time is running out to stop the sabotage! Continuing the race could mean putting the lives of all aboard in danger!

George Pullman has boarded the Night Train and left the passengers in shock. An ugly confrontation with Pullman disrupts the train.

An unplanned stop in Winnemucca brings a surprise passenger aboard the Night Train. This new passenger threatens the Mallard family disguises.

Edith and Paul find a telegram on the train with a shocking secret. A passenger has planned another sabotage, and danger lies ahead!

The Mallard family may be reunited, but the race is not over. Sam delivers a telegram to a passenger that may link Kate to the sabotage.

Edith and Paul disagree on who the culprit is. As they search more roomettes, they are caught by an unsuspecting passenger. Will they be revealed as Mallards?

Edith and Paul reunite with their mother, Louise. Can the three Mallards join ranks to discover the saboteur before it’s too late?

The Night Train’s journey is interrupted by a herd of immovable bison. A terrible mistake about the Night Train comes to light, and Rudie accuses Will.

Louise Mallard boards the Night Train! Edith and Paul can’t go back to Chicago now! What will happen now that the whole Mallard family is aboard the train?

Edith and Paul’s investigation leads them to a mysterious Pullman Porter with information about the Night Train’s accidents.

Arriving in Omaha, Edith and Paul overhear a mysterious message on the station platform. But with only a few hours left aboard, will they save the Night Train?

Exploring off the train, Paul and Edith discover a mysterious object that could change everything. Will they be able to save the Night Train?

With the Night Train on the move again, Edith and Paul explore the train. As more passengers meet the two stowaways, more questions arise about their identity.

An avalanche stops the Night Train! Webster Wagner’s Midnight Express threatens to take the lead in the race across America.

The Night Train is off! But Edith and Paul Mallard wake up in a pillow cart and find themselves accidentally onboard! Will the crew discover the stowaways?

In the aftermath of the boiler explosion, George Pullman is looking for someone to blame. The Night Train passengers are terrified that they're in danger.

It’s 1879! Edith and Paul Mallard are boarding the Night Train in its race across America! Prepare for the adventure of a lifetime.

The Night Train is now boarding on all platforms

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Photos, video show collapse of Baltimore's Francis Scott Key Bridge after cargo ship collision

The Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, Maryland collapsed Tuesday into the Patapsco River after it was struck by a large cargo ship.

The bridge's collapse has prompted huge emergency response, with the Baltimore City Fire Department describing the collapse as a mass-casualty incident, and rescue crews searching for seven people in the river. Maryland Gov. Wes Moore has declared a state of emergency.

Baltimore  Mayor Brendon Scott  said on X that he was aware of the incident and was en route to the bridge. "Emergency personnel are on scene, and efforts are underway," he said.

The 1.6 mile, 4-lane bridge named for the author of the "Star-Spangled Banner," was the second-longest continuous-truss bridge span in the United States and third in the world.

Follow here for live updates → Baltimore's Key Bridge collapses after ship collision; rescue effort underway

Photos show collapsed Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore

Videos show francis scott key bridge's collapse.

The bridge's collapse, which came after it was struck by a container ship, was distributed on social media.

What did the Francis Scott Key Bridge look like before it was hit?

Contributing: Charles Ventura, Thao Nguyen and Susan Miller, USA TODAY .

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Breaking news, commuter killed after being pushed in front of moving nyc subway train in unprovoked attack.

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A commuter was struck and killed by a Manhattan subway train Monday after being shoved onto the tracks by an emotionally disturbed person in an unprovoked attack, according to police and sources.

The victim was pushed onto the tracks as a northbound 4 train was entering the East 125th Street and Lexington Avenue station in East Harlem just before 7 p.m., police sources said.

The train was unable to stop in time and fatally struck the individual, an adult male whose identity has not been released.

The man was pronounced dead shortly after and a suspect, described as an emotionally disturbed person, was taken into custody, according to the sources. Charges are pending.

The deadly shove comes amid a surge of violent crime within the city’s subway system including a high-profile deadly shooting on a crowded train car in Brooklyn earlier this month. 

The number of felony assaults in the sprawling underground transit system jumped 53% last year from pre-pandemic times, with 570 such attacks in 2023 compared to 373 in 2019, data shows. 

It’s unclear what is causing the alarming trend, but some incidents — perhaps including Monday’s deadly assault — point to mental illness as a potential contributing factor. 

Half of the attacks on MTA workers in the subway system last year involved a suspect suffering from a mental illness. 

Of the 38 people charged with 41 separate assaults on transit system employees, 20 of them had documented psychological problems, according to a Post investigation.

Many of the individuals who assaulted the workers also had a criminal history.

Monday’s alleged shover was identified by sources as 24-year-old Carlton McPherson.

McPherson has a prior assault arrest from October 2023, sources told The Post. He was freed on bond and is due back in court in July.

Service on the 4/5/6 trains was “severely disrupted” and rerouted to other tracks as a result, the MTA said.

The East Harlem station was flooded with cops Monday night as the victim’s body was removed in a white body bag on a stretcher. 

Several top transit officials, including NYPD Transit Chief Mike Kemper, MTA Chairman Janno Leiber and NYC Transit President Richard Davey, were also spotted inside the station following the tragedy. 

Earlier in the day, Kemper and other NYPD brass announced the department would deploy 800 more cops into subway stations over the next five days to hunt down fare-beaters, claiming the move curbs more violent crimes.

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Man Killed by No. 4 Train After Being Pushed Onto Subway Tracks

A man was arrested and charged with murder after the attack in East Harlem, which the police described as unprovoked.

By Christopher Maag

A 24-year-old man was arrested Monday night and charged with murder after pushing another man to his death on the subway tracks at a station in East Harlem, the police said.

The attack by the man, Carlton McPherson, was unprovoked, officials said. It took place at the 125th Street and Lexington Avenue station at 6:48 p.m., when Mr. McPherson shoved the man in front of an oncoming No. 4 train, officials said. The operator was unable to stop the train in time to save him, the police said.

The police had not identified the victim as of Tuesday morning. A senior law enforcement official said Monday evening that the man who was in custody appeared to have a history of mental illness. He had several arrests in Brooklyn, the first one at age 16, the official said.

Train service at the station had resumed by 9 p.m. Monday, but a large number of police officers remained at the scene. Some riders expressed fear of violence on platforms and on trains.

“The subway has been insane lately,” Ray Velez, 60, from the Bronx, said as he waited on the platform two hours after the attack. “You have to look everywhere now. It’s just out of control.”

He added, “I wish someone would notice how many mentally ill people we have on the subways and try to get them out of the subway.”

Others who live and work near the station expressed a weary sense of frustration. They described regular encounters with people experiencing problems related to drug addiction, homelessness and mental illness, and their own efforts to remain on guard.

“I’m very careful” inside the station, said Geri Tolentino, 54, who has worked for two years at the Harlem Food Square deli, near the entrance to the 125th Street station. “It’s not surprising — there’s a lot of crime downstairs.”

The attack is the latest in a series of violent episodes that have led officials to increase the police presence in the subway and seek to reassure New Yorkers that the system is safe.

Earlier this month, Gov. Kathy Hochul announced that she would deploy the National Guard and the State Police in the system to increase security and ease New Yorkers’ fears.

But less than two weeks after Ms. Hochul’s announcement, a fight on the A train that ended with a shooting reinforced the difficulties of policing every inch of the sprawling system. In that confrontation, captured in a dramatic video recorded by a passenger, a man who had been menacing a rider was first stabbed and then shot with his own handgun.

Monday’s attack happened hours after Police Department leaders had gathered at a different subway station on West 125th Street in Harlem to announce that an additional 800 police officers would be sent into the subway to crack down on fare evasion.

“Our riders should not be subjected to open acts of lawlessness anywhere in our subway system,” Timothy Skretch, deputy chief of the Transit Bureau, said at the news conference, “and that tone of law and order must start at the fare gates.”

Many New Yorkers’ fears about the subway rose during the pandemic, especially after a man with a history of mental illness assaulted Michelle Alyssa Go in January 2022, pushing her onto the southbound tracks as an R train pulled into the Times Square station. She was killed .

This year, a woman had both her feet amputated in early March after her boyfriend pushed her onto the tracks, where she was struck by a southbound No. 3 train. And a woman was hospitalized in critical condition last October after a man described by officials as emotionally disturbed shoved her in front of an E train that was leaving the 53rd Street and Fifth Avenue station.

Andy Newman , Hurubie Meko and Karla Marie Sanford contributed reporting.

An earlier version of this article misstated the station at which Michelle Alyssa Go was killed. It was Times Square, not Canal Street.

An earlier version of this article misidentified the person who was unable to stop a No. 4 train in time to save a man who had been pushed onto the tracks at a station in East Harlem. It was the train’s operator, not its conductor. 

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Christopher Maag is an enterprise reporter covering the New York City region for The New York Times. More about Christopher Maag