We have always advocated train travel over air within Europe: it is spacious, more relaxed, you get to see things at ground level….and you may even meet some Europeans! There is much more to discover down here rather than at 30,000 feet above the earth.
Another recommendation we also have….if it fits your itinerary, consider an overnight train. No long waits at the airport check-in counter…..and, you can cover a pretty good distance while at the same time saving the cost of a hotel room. Not to mention you arrive in the city center….no costly taxi from the airport into town.
One of the best of these services is Nightjet……offered by Austrian Rail, and has service in Austria, Italy, Switzerland and Germany. They offer a variety of options from couchettes to sleepers. And they even offer wheelchair compartments.
Even the couchettes are comfortable, although we recommend compartments if you can afford to spend a little extra.
If you are using a Eurail Pass, you will need to pay an additional reservation fee, much as you do with many high-speed trains. Still the costs are quite reasonable, and you don’t have a hotel bill to worry about! And, if you have ever slept on a train, you know there is nothing like it. Could be one of the best nights’ sleep you ever get!
Compartments come with complimentary breakfast.
Click here for the official website of Nightjet.
Here is an in-depth review of Nightjet from “The Man in Seat 61”, an expert on European train travel.
Photos courtesy Nightjet
