Moonlight Express: 8 magical night train adventures
Monisha Rajesh, the author of Around India in 80 Trains and Around the World In 80 Trains, invites readers on another magical train adventure in her latest travel book, Moonlight Express: Around The World By Night Train.
Rajesh's love of night trains jumps off the page through her vivid and descriptive writing, making it feel as though we are riding alongside her around the world and sharing the "sacred" intimacy of sleeper trains.
She beautifully portrays the "shared moment(s) of magic", the slow travel "mindset", and the joy of staring out the train window as the world passes by, "thoughts lost in the wilderness".
Long train journeys, in Rajesh's experience, are a "journey to peace", giving us time to think "through as many of life's conundrums as possible", to quiet "the noise of [our] thoughts", or just a chance to read books cover to cover and binge box sets!
Across the course of her multi-year journey, Rajesh shows how slow travel allows us to connect more deeply to the places we are travelling to and through, and how unexpected encounters with other passengers on board can lead to wonderful, unforgettable moments of human connection.
To celebrate the release of the paperback version of Rajesh's latest book, I have asked several sustainable travel advocates to share their favourite night train adventures to inspire us all to step onboard a moonlight express...
The Sustainable Travel Guide - London/Birmingham to Scotland, Caledonian Sleeper
The Caledonian Sleeper is great if you’re looking to travel between the north of Scotland and London or Birmingham without flying. Due to it being more of a luxury train, the cabins are comfortable and exceptionally clean.
The staff are also very friendly, making it a nice experience overall, and if you’re going to the Highlands, make sure to wake up early for the views!
Train Navigator - Amsterdam to Vienna, ÖBB Nightjet
The ÖBB Nightjet is easily my favorite night train. Their new mini-cabins are super modern, cosy, and make the whole ride feel like a luxury.
Plus, as a person who loves the mountains, the routes drop me exactly where I want to be, whether that’s hiking in the summer or skiing in the winter.
Clara Francken - Dresden to Antwerp, European Sleeper
There is nothing like waking up in a brand new city! The journey from Dresden to Antwerp by night train was an amazing experience on so many levels!
First of all, both cities are a must-see for a city trip but taking this direct connection also made me appreciate living in Europe so much.
Additionally, I'll add that the European Sleeper staff are probably the friendliest train staff you're going to experience in the night train sector. So, add this one to your to-do list!
Nights On Track - Stockholm to Narvik, Article Circle Train
If you’re looking for a truly unforgettable rail adventure, you should definitely board the overnight train from Stockholm Central Station to Narvik in northern Norway, the northernmost railway station in the world.
The moment you step into your sleeping compartment, the excitement begins to build for the 18.5-hour journey, crossing the Arctic Circle along the way.
Once you’ve settled into your room, dinner in the dining car is an absolute must. After a delicious meal, it’s time to call it a night. The late arrival the next day is perfect for sleeping in and so there’s no rush to get out of your cosy bed.
Instead, you can simply lie back and watch the snow-covered landscapes drift past your window - an unforgettable experience that no short-haul flight could ever match and a perfect reminder, that the journey itself is the true destination.
In my opinion, the most spectacular part of the route is the stretch between Kiruna and Narvik, where the train passes breathtaking mountain scenery and offers beautiful views of a fjord. Once you arrive in Narvik, you might even be lucky enough to witness the Northern Lights as soon as it gets dark.
Want to find out more about this magical train journey? Then be sure to check it out here.
The Non Flying Scotsman - Vienna to Bucharest, Dacia Express
One of the best night train experiences I have ever had was aboard the Dacia Express departing from Vienna HBF and arriving at Bucharest Nord.
The locomotive and coaches are very old school, reminiscent of past Soviet trains, and the journey is around 18 hours 30 minutes and the views are breathtaking.
Waking up to the Carpathian Mountains has been one of my most enjoyable experiences as a flight free traveller.
Flight Free UK - Brussels to Prague, European Sleeper
My favourite night train route is Brussels to Prague on the European Sleeper. By the time you have woken up and are having your morning coffee, you are travelling along the phenomenal Elbe valley, with its high cliffs, charming villages and endless meander. You pass through Berlin and Dresden along the way which adds to the magic.
In fact, if you get off in Berlin (6am), you can spend a full day there before getting back on the train as it makes its return to Brussels (11pm), making this a feasible flight-free ‘extreme’ day trip destination (you can do the same with Prague, but you’d only have 6 hours in the Czech capital before having to get the train back. But that’s still fun. I have done this!).
Sivan Travels Green - Cairo to Aswan, Abela
Most people fly from Cairo to Aswan, but why fly when you can take the iconic night train instead? Personally, I love night trains, there’s something magical about falling asleep in one place and waking up somewhere completely new. So, during my trip to Egypt last year there was no debate for me.
The Abela sleeper train #86 departs from Upper Egypt Station in Cairo at around 19:45 and arrives in Aswan over 13 hours later, at 09:25.
I opted for a single sleeper cabin, which although a little pricy at $157 (but does save you a night of accommodation), was surprisingly roomy and comfortable with a seating area, an upper bunk bed, and a sink.
The price includes dinner and breakfast, and you can normally opt for a vegetarian fasting option (which is usually vegan!)
Overall, I found it to be comfy, clean, and a really enjoyable adventure. I loved watching the landscape slowly change outside the window, especially when we travelled alongside the Nile. A slower, more scenic and sustainable way to travel, and a much more memorable experience than a quick flight!
Train X Europe - Seinäjoki to Helsinki, Santa Claus Express
Maybe this is an odd choice, because it wasn't an ideal route, however, I thought of this because I still really enjoyed it. I took the Rovaniemi sleeper train from part way down, which timed very well after a summer festival. I got on at 11pm and was off in Helsinki around 6.30am.
It was a great price for a 2 bed private sleeper room, for me and my wife. There is a bar onboard, lots of space and it is a comfortable ride.
The only bad thing is that I wasn't on it for longer! I've had much more useful and practical night train journeys, but that's why this is, in its way, my favourite.
By Eveline Vouillemin ©
#ad I was sent a copy of Moonlight Express by Bloomsbury Publishing.
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