The total death of the overnight train as a cheap way to cross Europe

Back in 2018, I took an overnight train from Berlin to Budapest for 39 euros. It was a real sleeper car, not just a seat, and it saved a hotel night. I tried to plan a similar trip for this summer and the same route is now over 150 euros if you can even find a bed. The cheap flights killed most of them, and now the few left are priced as a 'experience', not a budget tool. It feels like a real hack just vanished in about five years. Has anyone found a country or route where the old-school night train is still a true money saver?

3 comments

3 Comments

hernandez.morgan1mo ago

My buddy tried to book a sleeper from Prague to Krakow last month. He said the price made it cheaper to just fly and get a hostel, which is pretty sad.

harper_wright1mo ago

Doesn't that feel like everything now, @hernandez.morgan? The cheap, easy option keeps getting priced out.

the_elliot5d ago

Used to be one of those people who said flying was the only real option in Europe, but seeing those price jumps for the same route is eye-opening. The 39 euro sleeper to Budapest was a legit travel hack that let you actually sleep and save money at the same time. Had a friend who swore by that route and now she says its basically a luxury item, not a budget travel tool anymore.