Are night trains sustainable?

Since night trains are seen as an alternative to air travel, they can definitely be considered sustainable. Of course, railways also impact nature, but compared to cars and air travel, trains are the more environmentally friendly solution.

• For instance, according to the Swiss Federal Railways (SBB), traveling by train from Zurich to Hamburg saves about 170 kg of CO2 per person compared to flying.
• According to its own figures, the European Sleeper is 12.5 times more climate-friendly than flying and 8 times better than driving on the route from Amsterdam to Berlin.
• Austria’s ÖBB night train (Nightjet) runs on 100 percent green electricity.
• The high comfort of new night trains (such as the new ÖBB Nightjets) with more space (= fewer passengers) and private bathrooms with showers is not necessarily an ecological plus, but it helps to make night trains attractive.
• Unlike cars and buses, trains do not emit microplastics into the air through tire abrasion. (There is not enough research on how harmful microplastics actually are, but it is clear that tire abrasion is the largest source of microplastic emissions).
• Night trains do not play a role in discussions and measures regarding noise pollution and noise emissions, as they are very quiet compared to freight traffic.

Night trains are growing in popularity

According to Tagesschau, in 2020 there were only 90 night train connections in Europe. In 2023, more than 200 connections. ÖBB recently announced that a further 24 Nightjets will be added by mid-2026.

The ÖBB Nightjet’s new night trains

At the end of 2023, the new ÖBB Nightjet trains started operating, offering even more comfort than the old ones and, above all, additional capacity! For us as passengers, this means more routes, more flexibility and more attractiveness. Reason enough for us to take a look at the facts:    

• The passenger cars for the 24 new trains will be developed by Siemens Mobility and delivered by mid-2026. They will be built in Vienna.
• The new trains are not intended to replace old trains, but to complement and expand new routes.
• New standards for smoothness, accessibility and bike transport.
• Another new feature are sleeping pods in the couchette cars, offering more privacy.
• Instead of 6 beds, there are only 4 beds per compartment in the couchette car.
• Each compartment in the sleeping car has its own bathroom with toilet and shower, which reduces the capacity considerably. Only 20 beds fit in a sleeping car.
• The new Nightjet trains are certified for a speed of 230 km/h. (This is slightly less than the speed of ICE high-speed trains, which travel at up to 300 km/h).

Why are night trains rightly becoming popular?

According to a survey conducted in 2024 by the German automobile club ADAC, 42 percent of Germans can imagine starting their vacation on a night train. The main reason: “Travel more relaxed and arrive refreshed.”

I’m a fan of night trains myself, and luckily I can sleep well anywhere. Personally, a night train has a touch of adventure to it and yes, I’m a big fan of “Tintin” (Les aventures de Tintin) where trains are often an important part of the adventure 🙂.

Another reason, of course, is sustainability, currently cited as one of the main reasons for the newfound popularity. This means that many travelers (like you?) prefer an environmentally friendly alternative to air travel. However, it is important to note that this is also supported by politicians. According to the Handelsblatt, ÖBB is profitable in Austria, but this was only made possible by subsidies from the Austrian government. The business is not considered “easy”. Deutsche Bahn, for example, discontinued its sleeping cars in 2016, and the French Thello night train followed suit in 2021. ÖBB is now filling the gap.

On the other hand, subsidies are also a problem when it comes to flying: while domestic and short-haul flights remain dirt cheap (due to factors such as a lack of taxation, etc.), a night train journey for the same route can quickly become very expensive.

New option: European Sleeper

In addition to the Nightjet, there is also the new European Sleeper. The initiative is organized as a cooperative and was launched in 2021 to great acclaim: the initial start-up capital of €500,000 was raised in just 15 minutes. There are now over 4,000 investors who have collectively invested more than €5 million. The European Sleeper already connects cities such as Brussels, Amsterdam, Berlin, and Prague—and more routes are in the pipeline.

In the next section, we take a closer look at what it’s like to travel through Europe in a sleeper car – with exciting night train routes and suitable sustainable accommodation.

“Traveling on our night train not only reduces your carbon footprint, but also gives you the opportunity to travel more slowly, enjoy the beautiful scenery, and connect with other travelers.” – European Sleeper

Across Europe by sleeping car – Four night train journeys + sustainable accommodation.

#1 By night train to Vienna (8 connections)

Vienna, the city of coffeehouses, parks and museums-a wonderful place for culture and surrounded by the most beautiful nature as well. Vienna is doing a lot when it comes to sustainability. The city aims to be carbon neutral by 2040 and is committed to zero waste, green mobility and sustainable construction. Due to its many parks, Vienna is also considered one of the “greenest cities in the world”.

Night train connections to Vienna

… on the Austrian Nightjet:

• Amsterdam – Münster – Nuremberg – Vienna
• Berlin – Dresden – Vienna
• Brussels – Cologne – Passau – Vienna
• Hamburg – Würzburg – Vienna
• Paris – Strasbourg – Passau – Vienna
• La Spezia – Milan – Vienna

… with the Polish PKP:

• Munich – Vienna – Warsaw

… or with Hungarian Railways MAV:

• Stuttgart – Vienna – Budapest

Sustainable accommodation near Vienna: Gut Guntrams 

Gut Guntrams is not in Vienna, but 60 kilometers away on the edge of the Bucklige Welt. However, the unusual floating accommodation is well worth a visit. Gut Guntrams is its own organic retreat with a small nature museum, crystal garden, farm shop and a farm specializing in the preservation of old fruit varieties. If you’re looking to relax in nature after a day of culture in Vienna, this is the place to be

To find out how to reach Gut Guntrams from the Vienna train station (continue to Pitten station), click here.

#2 Awake in Munich (10 connections)

The Bavarian capital of Munich offers a combination of big city and nature. The Isar River flows right through the city and there is the famous English Garden. The historic old town, Marienplatz, Frauenkirche and Nymphenburg Palace are all must-sees. Unfortunately, Munich plans to wait until 2050 to become carbon neutral. But at least there are climate-friendly projects underway.

Night train connections to Munich with

… the Austrian Nightjet:

• Amsterdam – Munich – Innsbruck
• Brussels – Aachen – Munich
• Hamburg – Würzburg – Munich
• Milan – Padua – Salzburg – Munich
• Paris – Munich – Salzburg – Vienna
• Rome – Munich 
• Venice – Munich – Stuttgart

… the Hungarian Railway MAV:

• Budapest – Munich – Stuttgart

… the Croatian Railways HZ:

• Zagreb – Ljubljana – Salzburg – Munich – Stuttgart

… or the Polish PKP:

• Warsaw – Krakow – Vienna – Munich

Eco-friendly accommodation near Munich: Gut Sonnenhausen

Munich is home to the Ecological Education Center, but if you want to see the ideas put into practice, head to Gut Sonnenhausen (about 30 kilometers southeast of Munich). Here, eco-pioneer and art collector Georg Schweisfurth has transformed a 120-year-old stud farm into a unique hotel surrounded by nature. Gut Sonnenhausen runs its own organic farm according to permaculture principles and uses only organic produce in the kitchen. However, the estate is difficult to reach by public transportation, so you will probably need to rent a car in Munich. You can choose to drive an electric car, as there are two charging stations on the property’s parking lot.

#3 Sleeping car to Milan (2 connections)

From the two cities mentioned above – Vienna and Munich – you can sleep throught to Milan. Italy’s fashion capital also has many famous addresses for sustainable vintage lovers. There is the Bosco Vertikale (Vertical Forest) – a green skyscraper in the middle of the city that stands for modern urban greening and biodiversity.

Nightjet connections to Milan:

• Munich – Padua – Milan

European Sleeper connection to Milan:

• In planning

Sustainable accommodation in Milan: Hotel Milano Scala

The Hotel Milano Scala is located in the center of Milan (within walking distance of the famous La Scala Opera House and other attractions). It is the first zero-emissions hotel in Milan and powered by green energy from its own geothermal probes. The roof terrace is particularly beautiful, where you can enjoy a wonderful end to an eventful day.

By night train to Paris (2 connections)

The French capital has once again used the 2024 Summer Olympics as an opportunity to showcase its green initiatives – even cleaning up the water in the Seine, with new bathing-corners in 2025. You can now enjoy a relaxed (!) bike ride in Paris, with a 10-kilometer running route along the banks of the Seine. For an alternative Paris, Barbara Tascijevic-Porwoll, owner of Green Spirit Hotels, recommends a visit to the REcyclerie. A café, repair shop, gardening project and cultural center all in one.

The Berlin-Paris route is one of the brand new Nightjet routes launched in December 2023. Since then, you can wake up in France’s capital three times a week (Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays). You board the train at 6:55 p.m. at Berlin Ostbahnhof or 7:08 p.m. at Berlin Hauptbahnhof and arrive at Paris Gare de l’Est at 9:38 a.m.

Nightjet connections to Paris:

• Berlin – Frankfurt – Paris
• Vienna – Mannheim – Paris
• Paris – Munich – Salzburg – Vienna
• Paris – Strasbourg – Passau – Vienna

Eco accommodation in Paris: Green Spirit Hotels

There are two Green PearlsⓇ accommodations in the lively 7th arrondissement: Hotel Le Pavillon and Hotel Amélie. These small boutique hotels are not only centrally located (the Seine, Eiffel Tower, etc. are within walking distance), but they are also ecological and individual. You can nevertheless enjoy your breakfast in the quiet inner courtyard.

By the way, Belgian reporter Tintin and his companion Snowy were also in Paris! So you have a good chance of experiencing an adventure…

This is an update from July 26, 2024.

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New Italian Tourist Trains 2024 – What to Expect

According to the FS press release, the “FS Treni Turistici Italiani” (Italian tourist trains) will be launched in 2024. The project includes three areas:

• Historical express trains: New trains are planned for medium- and long-distance routes connecting major cities and tourist destinations (the routes from Rome and Milan to Calalzo and Cortina are already announced). The express trains will be equipped with coaches from the 1980s and 1990s, and will include restaurant, seating and sleeping cars, as well as facilities for transporting skis, bicycles and luggage.
• Regional omnibus trains on weekends: Low-cost tourist trains are planned for weekend trips within Italy that will travel to interesting landscapes. The aim is to bring travelers into nature at low cost.
• Luxury trains: 2024 will also see the debut of the “Dolce Vita” Orient Express. This is a historic train with sleeping and dining wagons. The nostalgic Orient Express trains are owned by the Accor Group. The exact route is not yet known, only that the train will travel between “different regions” in Italy.

Railtripping – Discover Italy by train

Railtripping is the sustainable version of roadtripping, and Italy is well suited for it. Especially in northern Italy, the network is very well developed. But there are also interesting train routes in the south, and you can even take a ferry to Sicily by train!

Tip: Use the app of the Italian railway company Trenitalia to check train connections within Italy. Another research option is the booking platform The Trainline.

Sustainable hotels support travel by rail

“We believe that the train is the best means of transportation on this planet,” LA VIMEA writes on its website, offering to pick up all guests from the train station in Naturno free of charge. Italy’s first fully vegan hotel, located in South Tyrol, is for adults only and offers yoga retreats and wellness in addition to its vegan cuisine.

Travelling on the historic Ritten Railway in South Tyrol

A train trip to South Tyrol is particularly attractive because of the Alpine panorama. From the train station in Bolzano you can walk to the valley station of the cable car and reach Oberbozen on the Ritten – thanks to the Ritten Card, which you will receive from our three partners on the Ritten before your arrival, you can use the cable car and all other means of transport on the Ritten free of charge. The various villages on the Ritten are connected by the historic Rittenbahn which is active since 1907. It also takes you to the Green Pearls® hotels.

Sustainable Green Pearls® Hotels on the Ritten

Hotel Weihrerhof: The hotel is located on the shores of Lake Wolfsgruben, one of the cleanest bathing lakes in Italy. In winter the lake transforms into a huge ice field. There are playgrounds for children and leisure activities for adults (as the sauna in the boathouse for example).

ADLER Lodge RITTEN: Luxurious suites and private wooden chalets are grouped around a natural pond. Here you can relax and unwind, wonderfully. There’s a forest sauna, heated infinity pool, and signature treatments. In addition, there is an all-inclusive service with specialties from the farm-to-table kitchen.

APIPURA hotel rinner: At this special hotel, everything revolves around the bee. Senior owner Paul Rinner is a passionate beekeeper and loves to share his passion with his guests. There is an educational bee nature trail, homemade organic honey on the breakfast buffet, a weekly honey dinner, and an apiary spa where you can breathe the air of the beehive. The hotel is also a great experience for children.

To Milan by train

From Bolzano you can currently reach Milan with a single change in Verona. Perhaps there will be new connections in 2024, as Milan is already explicitly mentioned as a station for the new tourist trains.

Considered one of the most beautiful train stations in the world, Milano Centrale boasts huge columns and marble floors. From here, it’s a 10-minute tram ride to Hotel Milano Scala, Italy’s first zero-emissions hotel. The hotel, with its beautiful rooftop terrace, is right in the center of town, and within walking distance of all the city’s attractions. For a sustainable stay in Milan, we recommend a visit to the vintage markets. You can also visit the twin Bosco Verticale (“Vertical Forests”) skyscrapers. These green buildings are examples of sustainable urban planning. They are meant to demonstrate how the forest can come back to the big cities.

Reach Sicily by train – Take the train on the ferry

To Sicily by train? It’s possible! There is even a direct connection from Rome to Palermo (also as an overnight train)! And the journey is truly spectacular. At Villa San Giovanni, the train will board a ferry and disembark in Messina, Sicily.

On Sicily itself, however, the train service is not so well developed. Therefore, the ADLER Spa Resort SICILIA offers a shuttle service to the resort, and e-bikes and e-cars can be rented on site. The sustainable spa hotel is located on the south coast, directly on the protected sandy beach of the WWF nature reserve Torre Salsa.

Traveling in Italy

Italy is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. The European country has a lot to offer: Mountains, sandy beaches, the Mediterranean Sea, the Adriatic Sea, volcanoes, cultural treasures from the former Roman Empire, the Vatican and, of course, the delicious Mediterranean cuisine. 🙂

If you are keen to learn more about traveling to Italy, check out the following blogs:

Green Travel Guide Italy Part 1: Sustainable Destination South Tyrol

Green Travel Guide Italy Part 2: Sustainable Travel in Liguria Lombardy and Friuli

Green Travel Guide Italy Part 3: Sustainable Travel in Southern Italy and Sicily

In the press release, FS cites estimations that more than 75 million foreign tourists will arrive in 2023 (65 million in 2022). Tourism from Asia in particular has increased. Italy is now the fifth most popular tourist destination in the world.

To keep all these tourists from polluting the climate, it makes sense to create new train lines and keep old cars and locomotives in use for their nostalgic charm. Steam locomotives, however, will not be used, as they no longer meet current safety requirements in Europe (and frankly, aren’t very environmentally friendly).

What do you think? Have you ever traveled by train in Italy? Can you recommend it? And are you excited about the new connections?

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All regulated with the train

Admittedly, rail travel is not dog-friendly. In this blog article, we’re taking a closer look at Deutsche Bahn in particular. Other countries have some different rules, or don’t even allow you to take any animals at all. For example, in Italy, larger dogs are not allowed on public transport.

But let’s go back to Germany. The German railroads have fairly clear ideas about how they can make sustainable travel more difficult for us dog people. For those of us, anyway, who have a dog larger than a house cat, train travel becomes an ordeal of nerves.

Because while small dogs* are allowed to travel for free, the stress for dog owners* with larger dogs starts with the ticket purchase.

*Small dogs in the train

• • have to be secured in a transport box or bag
  • box/bag has to fit under the seat or in the luggage rack
  • about the size of a domestic cat
  • by the way, this also applies to all other animals (rabbits, guinea pigs, birds, …)

So, for large dogs, you will have to pay a ticket, which depending on the booked connection can be costly (except service dogs of course.) With economy or flex fares, half the ticket price or a child ticket must be paid for the dog. For special tickets such as international tickets, the dog counts as an adult. Therefore, if you don’t book months in advance, you can expect quite high prices for you and your dog.

Online ticket via mail

You can theoretically buy the ticket for your dog online (child traveling alone). You must have it sent to you by postal service, which may take up to five working days. Spontaneously, you can buy it at the ticket machine or at the counter or service center. However, depending on how much experience you have with traveling by train with a dog, a visit to the service center is a good idea anyway, especially if you plan to travel abroad. Because, as I said, different rules apply there.

Other things you have to pay attention to:

• Muzzling obligation for the entire journey
• Leash requirement
• No reservation of seats for the dog possible

Preparation for traveling by train with a dog

After the first shock, we will assume that you have not given up yet and are determined to travel by train and dog. Or perhaps you have a small dog, with which you have significantly less stress.

But no matter whether big or small: you should prepare your partner on four paws in any case. It will be exciting for him in any case: strange people, small children, thousands of different smells and strange noises. Before you start the adventure of traveling by train with your dog, you need to train.

Training and practicing

If you are from the countryside, you can simply move the first training sessions to the city. There, your dog will be exposed to more impressions than at home in the village.

Once he is used to it, drive short distances and see how the dog behaves during this time. As he becomes more relaxed, you can increase the length of the route. The benefit of this is also that you will automatically experience many different situations over this longer training time, which will harden you and your dog.

Reservation and the right place

On a longer route, the choice of the right seat is of course much more important than on short routes. Of course, a compartment is the first choice. Other than that, you can still make sure to sit as centered as possible in the wagon. There’s less through traffic, and you don’t have doors opening and closing next to you all the time.

When booking, you should also consider transfer times. These can be used for walking rounds so that your dog can relieve itself between the legs of the journey. Also, your own stress is transferred to the dog when times are too tight. Relaxed train travel is then no longer.

Tips for traveling by train with a dog

Before starting out, take your dog for a long ride and give him a good workout. You should also have eaten your last meal a little while ago. That way, you can prevent a disaster from happening. But if it does happen: Stay calm. The dog didn’t do it on purpose. Simply clean it up, apologize to fellow travelers if necessary, and that’s it.

A favorite blanket, stuffed animal and chewy item will keep your dog occupied and give him something familiar on the trip. That way, he’s more likely to calm down than if he’s surrounded exclusively by unfamiliar smells.

Furthermore, depending on your dog’s character, you can clarify it for the passengers that they should not talk to your dog. Even strange, stroking hands can mean additional stress. Watch out for the signs here and stop it in case of doubt so that your dog also has a stress-free train journey.

Packing list for your train journey

• Favorite blanket
• Chew toy, soft toy, …
• Chew stick and treat
• Muzzle
• Leash
• Water and drinking bowl
• Wet wipes, kitchen roll, dog bag
• maybe room spray

Recommended hotels for a train trip with a dog

Finally, the most important thing

Staying calm and relaxed is the most important thing when traveling with a dog. Your excitement and stress are transferred to your dog. The more relaxed you are, the more your companion is. And then there will be nothing to stop you from having a stress-free journey to your dog’s vacation.

Would you travel by train with your dog? Have you ever done it before? Then tell us about your experiences!

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