Summer 2025 is approaching swiftly. If you’re still unsure how you’ll wile away the days, a new analysis of the most affordable and popular night trains leaving Germany might help inspire some plans.
Night train demand explodes across Europe
In recent years, the popularity of night train routes in Germany and across Europe has gone from strength to strength. What was once considered to be a soon-to-be-defunct method of travel has seen a resurgence, as holidaymakers seek greener and more comfortable ways to travel.
However, this new wave has led to teething problems and an increase in prices. According to Night Ride, an independent night travel comparison platform, passengers should expect to pay up to 229 euros per person for a sleeper car on the most popular routes, though when thinking about affordability, it’s important to note that the night train is both a transport service and a bed for the night.
Night train journeys can also be done on a tighter budget. If you’re thinking of dipping your toe into the night train world this summer, here’s an overview of the most popular and affordable routes leaving Germany.
The most popular night trains from Germany in 2025
As of late April, the most popular night train routes scheduled to leave Germany this summer are the Berlin-Budapest train (EN40457) and the Hamburg-Zurich train (NJ471).
Around 35 of the Berlin-Budapest and 31 of the Hamburg-Zurich services scheduled to run this summer are already fully booked, but there are still available spots in sleeping and seated carriages on both services for around 20 remaining dates.
The Berlin-Paris service (NJ40424), which relaunched in 2023 after a nine-year hiatus, is shaping up to be the third most popular night train leaving Germany this summer, followed by the Berlin-Brussels service (ES452).
Other popular routes that will be running throughout the season are the Munich-Budapest (EN50237), Munich-Warsaw (EN406), and Hamburg-Vienna (NJ491) services. There is still good availability for the majority of days that these services are running in summer 2025.
What are the cheapest night trains from Germany in summer 2025?
Travellers on a shoestring budget can book a seat on the Berlin-Bratislava (EN40457) service for just 65 euros or a bed for 96 euros, the cheapest ticket for a night train scheduled to leave Germany this summer. The Berlin-Bratislava train stops in Dresden and Bad Schandau before crossing the German border.
If you're willing to pay a little more, continue on the same train to Budapest. Berlin-Budapest will set you back just 66 euros for a seat and 101 euros for a bed in a cabin. The third most affordable option is the Berlin-Amsterdam night train (ES452), which charges 70 euros for a seat and 150 euros for a bed.
Those living further south will have to fork out a bit more. The cheapest night train leaving Munich this summer is the EN50237 to Vienna, on which a seat will cost 87 euros and a bed 131 euros.
Passengers travelling from Munich all the way to Budapest can expect to pay only slightly more, 89 euros for a seat and 133 euros for a bed. The same prices apply for the EN50237, which departs from Stuttgart and Ulm to Vienna.