The new hype of night trains
Night trains are an ideal solution for those wishing to travel in comfort while reducing their carbon footprint. They make it possible to travel to far-flung destinations while sleeping during the journey, optimizing time and fatigue. Thanks to sleeper berths and sleeping cars, passengers can rest overnight and arrive at their destination refreshed and ready to go in the morning. In addition to their comfort, these trains are also a more sustainable alternative to air travel, emitting far less CO2 over long distances. In France and Europe, these trains are making a strong comeback to meet growing demand for eco-responsible transport.
80% less CO2 VS air travel!
Trains offer a number of advantages over air travel in terms of carbon footprint. According to ADEME, a train emits on average 80% less CO2 than a flight for the same journey. This is due to the low energy consumption per passenger kilometer and the fact that trains can be powered by electricity from renewable sources, unlike airplanes, which run mainly on fossil fuels. What's more, trains reduce our carbon footprint not only during the journey itself, but also beforehand, as they require far less polluting infrastructure to operate. So choosing the train means not only opting for greater travel comfort, but also actively contributing to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.
Travelling Europe by train
Here are 10 must-see connections from Paris to major European cities, with information on journey times, approximate prices and where to buy tickets to plan your next adventure.
1. Paris - London (UK)
- Journey time: 2h15
- Train station: Gare du Nord, Paris
- Approximate cost: From €50 second class
- Where to buy: Eurostar or SNCF website
2. Paris - Amsterdam (Netherlands)
- Journey time: 3h20
- Where to get the train: Gare du Nord, Paris
- Approximate price: From €35 in second class
- Where to buy the ticket: Thalys or SNCF
3. Paris - Barcelona (Spain)
- Journey time: 6h30
- Where to get the train: Gare de Lyon, Paris
- Approximate price: From €39 in second class
- Where to buy the ticket: Renfe or SNCF
4. Paris - Milan (Italy)
- Journey time: 7h45
- Where to get the train: Gare de Lyon, Paris
- Approximate price: From €35 in second class
- Where to buy the ticket: Thello or SNCF
5. Paris - Zurich (Switzerland)
- Journey time: 4h10
- Where to get the train: Gare de Lyon, Paris
- Approximate price: From €39 in second class
- Where to buy the ticket: SBB CFF FFS or SNCF
6. Paris - Berlin (Germany)
- Journey time: 8h30
- Where to get the train: Gare de l'Est, Paris
- Approximate price: From €40 in second class
- Where to buy the ticket: SNCF or Deutsche Bahn
7. Paris - Vienna (Austria)
- Journey time: 11h
- Where to get the train: Gare de Lyon, Paris
- Approximate price: From €49 second class
- Where to buy tickets: ÖBB or SNCF
8. Paris - Prague (Czech Republic)
- Journey time: 13h
- Where to get the train: Gare de l'Est, Paris
- Approximate price: From €70 in second class
- Where to buy the ticket: Czech Railways or SNCF
9. Paris - Budapest (Hungary)
- Journey time: 14h
- Where to get the train: Gare de l'Est, Paris
- Approximate cost: From €60 in second class
- Where to buy the ticket: MÁV or SNCF
10. Paris - Helsinki (Finland)
- Journey time: 24h (via train and ferry)
- Where to get the train: Gare de l'Est, Paris, then ferry from Stockholm
- Approximate price: From €150 for a combined ticket (train + ferry)
- Where to buy: SNCF, Viking Line, or Tallink Silja
Travelling to France by train
Whether you're off for a weekend on the Côte d'Azur or an adventure in the Alps, here are 10 must-do routes across France, with details on journey times, approximate prices and where to buy your tickets to make your trip even more enjoyable.
1. Night Train Paris-Nice
- Journey time: 12h
- Comfort: Sleeper beds in various configurations (second class, first class)
- Special feature: This train allows you to travel from Paris to the Côte d'Azur in optimum comfort. On board, you'll find berths or sleeping cars for a complete rest before reaching Nice in the morning.
- Where to buy your ticket: SNCF
2. Night Train Paris-Toulouse
- Journey time: 12h
- Comfort: Sleeping berths and seating in adapted carriages
- Special feature: This train offers an excellent alternative to air travel, with comfortable sleeping berths. Ideal for the South of France, it offers a relaxing journey.
- Where to buy: SNCF
3. Night Train Paris-Briançon
- Journey time: 12h
- Comfort: Sleeper beds and comfortable seats
- Special feature: This train links Paris to the Alps, offering a relaxing setting for a long-distance journey. The train passes through magnificent mountain scenery while allowing you to enjoy the comfort of sleeping on board.
- Where to buy: SNCF
4. Night Train Paris-Aurillac
- Journey time: 9h30
- Comfort: Sleeper beds in various configurations
- Special feature: This train serves the Cantal region, offering travelers a unique experience for visiting the region while remaining comfortable during the journey. A great option for those wishing to discover the Massif Central.
- Where to buy: SNCF
5. Night Train Paris-Hendaye
- Journey time: 12h
- Comfort: Sleeper beds and reclining seats
- Special feature: This train makes it possible to reach the Basque coast while enjoying a relaxing night-time journey. It's a practical, eco-responsible alternative to flying.
- Where to buy: SNCF
6. Night Train Paris-Bourg Saint-Maurice
- Journey time: 8h30
- Comfort: Sleeper beds, reclining seats
- Special feature: This train serves the Tarentaise valley, giving passengers easy access to the region's ski resorts while offering optimum comfort on board.
- Where to buy: SNCF
7. Night Train Paris-Latour-Carol
- Journey time: 13h
- Comfort: Sleeping berths in various configurations
- Special feature: This train links Paris to the Spanish border, offering passengers the ideal sleeper comfort for a quiet journey through the Pyrenees.
- Where to buy your ticket: SNCF
8. Night Train Paris-Marseille
- Journey time: 9h
- Comfort: couchettes and adapted seats
- Special feature: This train is one of the best options for those wishing to travel to the Côte d'Azur or the South of France. The comfort of the couchettes means you can rest during the journey and discover Marseille in the morning.
- Where to buy: SNCF
Personality to follow on this subject:
Alizée de Mollow: Portrait of a travel and ecology enthusiast
Alizée de Mollow is a rising star in the field of sustainable tourism and ecology. Committed to promoting more environmentally-friendly travel practices, she has founded several initiatives to raise public awareness of the ecological impact of travel. Her approach focuses on alternatives such as trains, bicycles and public transport, in order to reduce travelers' carbon footprint. Through her work, Alizée aspires to reinvent tourism, making it more responsible while remaining accessible and enjoyable for travelers of all backgrounds.
Sources to discover on the subject
Book:"Le retour des trains de nuit" by Jean-François Vachette, a book that explores the history and future of these trains.
Article: Les plus beaux voyages en train de nuit à travers l'Europe, Géo
Podcast:"Night trains and sustainable tourism: a new era" on France Inter.
YouTube: The Tolt en Voyage channel, which also created Hourrail
