Europe's night train renaissance: Still on track?

Night trains are making a comeback, once again connecting Europe’s cities with the promise of green, serene and iconic journeys.

Just a decade ago, it appeared to be the end of the line for the continent’s sleeper services. But revitalised routes, new operators and innovative cabin designs have sparked renewed excitement around overnight train travel.

Yet even as demand from passengers continues to boom, an array of obstacles puts the revival at risk. A number of major new routes have already hit the buffers, and entrepreneurial sleeper train operators face a host of challenges.

Is a European night train renaissance simply a nostalgic pipedream, or is it full steam ahead? Speaking to railway operators, innovators and industry insiders, Jack Butcher rides the rails to find out.

Producer and presenter: Jack Butcher
Executive producer: Robert Nicholson
A Whistledown production for the BBC World Service

(Photo: Interior of an OBB Nightjet sleeper train compartment. Credit: Jack Butcher)