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Traveling by train and night train

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Escaping to a European city by train is once again gaining popularity. With “flight shame” becoming more prevalent, night trains are back in the spotlight. As the number of available routes increases, night trains are making a strong comeback in Switzerland and across Europe. With 15 times less pollution, trains undoubtedly have strong arguments in their favor.

According to ATE, the Swiss Association for Transport and Environment, which advocates for future-oriented mobility and generates innovative ideas for mobility and environmental protection, 60% of the Swiss population would be ready to travel on night trains across Europe. With the probable taxation of airplane kerosene and the continuous rise in fuel prices, trains—and especially night trains—are the only viable alternatives to meet the growing demand for eco-friendly travel.

11 cities available by night train from Switzerland

With more than 11 cities accessible from Switzerland by night train (Berlin, Zagreb, Vienna, Hamburg, Budapest, Ljubljana, Hanover, Graz, Prague, Linz, and Potsdam), our country stands out as a nerve center for night train travel. This central location makes it easier to build relevant partnerships and expand the service offer.

On the side of major European railway companies, services are expanding. The Austrian company ÖBB aims to extend its night train network, provided it finds European partners. For SBB, ÖBB’s partner, the key question is now the rollout of new night train models.

 


Night train network in Europe – Source: ATE

 

Advantages and disadvantages of night trains

The advantages of night train travel are numerous and further detailed in our article:

  • Prices are affordable for short-distance trips.

  • Night trains arrive directly in city centers, saving you taxi or bus transfers between airports and your destination.

  • You can bring as much luggage as you want—without extra charges.

  • You’re free to bring your own food and enjoy a royal feast on board.

  • Full access to networks and connections—unlike planes, no “airplane mode” needed, so you can enjoy uninterrupted entertainment.

  • And of course, your environmental impact is drastically reduced.

The two main downsides of traveling by train across Europe are the trip duration—which can be a positive if the journey is seen as part of the experience—and the limited space in some trains. However, as train fleets are modernized, this issue is likely to disappear.

Meeting people

Train journeys are also great opportunities to meet people and take time to hear their stories. Night trains reconnect us with the real sense of distance and the time needed to travel.

Travel by train with Travelise

Travelise is the only surprise travel agency in Switzerland that lets you choose your mode of transport during your surprise trip. When designing your trip, you can freely select your preferred travel method.

Travelise

Since our beginnings, our clients have traveled without knowing their destination. We provide all the info needed to prepare, and each step of the trip remains a surprise. We use the surprise travel concept to help people live in the moment and discover new places in Switzerland and Europe, far from mass tourism. (Re)discover a new way of traveling with our surprise offers.

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