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?

2 comments

2 Comments

hernandez.morgan9d 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_wright9d ago

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