The overnight train as budget accommodation is a strategy that deserves more coverage than it gets in budget travel circles.
The basic math: an overnight train fare that includes a sleeping berth typically costs €30-80 depending on the route and class. A hostel dorm in the same city costs €12-30. The difference is €18-50, but the train also moves you 300-1000km closer to your next destination — which would cost €40-100 on a daytime train. When you add the accommodation savings to the transport value, the overnight train is often clearly the better deal.
The best overnight train routes currently running:
- Vienna to Krakow (EuroNight): 7 hours, couchette €45-60
- Zurich to Barcelona (Trenhotel/ÖBB): 12 hours, couchette €60-80 (2nd class sleeper)
- Munich to Rome (multiple changes but beautiful journey): 12+ hours, research current options
- Paris to Madrid (Elipsos discontinued but check current alternatives): research carefully
- Budapest to Bucharest: 14 hours, couchette available
The non-European options are often better value:
- India's train network for sleeper class as described elsewhere
- Vietnam's overnight trains to Da Nang, Ho Chi Minh City
- Thailand overnight trains (Bangkok-Chiang Mai specifically)
Practical note: book early for European couchettes as the beds sell out first, especially in summer.