Vienna has emerged as the top city in the European Union for night train connections, according to a recent analysis by the Austrian mobility organization VCÖ. With 16 final destinations accessible by night train, Vienna surpasses other EU capitals in offering overnight rail travel options. Bucharest ranks second with 12 destinations, followed by Budapest and Paris, each with 11.
The VCÖ report highlights a growing preference among Austrians for holiday travel by train. Statistics Austria data shows that 4.07 million holiday trips were made by train last year, more than doubling over the past decade. Many of these journeys utilized night train services.
From Vienna, travelers can reach cities such as Amsterdam, Berlin, Brussels, Hamburg, La Spezia, Paris, Rome, Zurich, and, during the summer, Split. In comparison, Bucharest offers 12 night train routes, while Budapest and Paris each provide 11.
Despite this growth, ten EU capitals still lack night train connections, including Athens, Dublin, Lisbon, Luxembourg, Madrid, Nicosia, Tallinn, Riga, and Vilnius. The absence of a night train service to Lisbon is particularly noted, given the cultural reference from Paul Mercier's bestseller "Night Train to Lisbon."
VCÖ advocates for increased night train services across Europe, emphasizing the need for improved accessibility and convenience in booking international rail travel. The organization calls for more cross-border rail connections and streamlined planning and booking processes to encourage rail travel and support climate targets.
VCÖ expert Katharina Jaschinsky points out the necessity for a collaborative effort involving the future EU Commission, the EU Parliament, member states, and railway companies. More coordinated European actions in the railway sector are essential to address traffic issues and meet climate goals.
The VCÖ analysis, based on data from Traivelling, Back on Track, and various railway companies, underscores Vienna's leadership in providing extensive night train options, setting a benchmark for other EU capitals to follow.
Night Train Connectivity in EU Capitals
- Vienna: 16 connections
- Bucharest: 12
- Budapest: 11
- Paris: 11
- Rome: 8
- Berlin: 7
- Sofia: 7
- Prague: 7
- Stockholm: 6
- Warsaw: 6
- Bratislava: 5
- Amsterdam: 4
- Brussels: 3
- Helsinki: 3
- Copenhagen: 3
- Ljubljana: 3
- Zagreb: 3
- Athens: 0
- Dublin: 0
- Valetta: 0
- Lisbon: 0
- Luxembourg: 0
- Madrid: 0
- Nicosia: 0
- Tallin: 0
- Riga: 0
- Vilnius: 0
