The European sleeper train revival is going from strength to strength. If you are looking to book a night train from Amsterdam, you now have more options than ever. From the highly anticipated new European Sleeper Amsterdam to Milan route launching in September 2026, to the by now classic Nightjet Amsterdam routes, you can fall asleep in the Netherlands and wake up across Europe.
Here are 14 incredible destinations you can reach on a sleeper train from Amsterdam.
14 great night train trips from Amsterdam
Ready to start planning your night train escape from Amsterdam? Below are 14 ideas for trips you can do from Amsterdam by night train. Both European Sleepers and OBB Nightjet keep adding trains, so hopefully this list will keep growing!
- Milan
- Zurich
- Prague
- Kufstein (Tyrol)
- Vienna
- Berlin
- Nuremberg
- Dresden
- Basel
- The Black Forest
- Freiburg
- Salzburg
- Munich
- Lake Maggiore
1. Milan (with European Sleeper)
After a few delays, the European Sleeper Amsterdam to Milan night train is finally launching on the 9th of September.
Once considered a gritty industrial city, Milan has quickly risen through the ranks in recent years, and is now one of Europe’s most sought-after destinations.
There is a lot you can see in Milan in two or three days, from the monumental Duomo to Leonardo’s Last Supper in Santa Maria delle Grazie (book your ticket in advance!), from celebrated shopping streets to the bohemian districts of Brera and the Navigli. Amongst its world-class museums are Galleria di Brera, the Museo del Novecento, and the delightful Poldi Pezzoli, a splendid collection housed in the mansion of a historic Milanese family..
Architecture lovers have plenty to choose from: the early Christian Basilica of Sant’Ambrogio, the Castello Sforzesco (home of the Renaissance lords of Milan), and contemporary highlights such as the Bosco Verticale skyscraper complex, a 15-minute walk from the station.
2. Zurich (with Nightjet)
Nightjet offers a direct Amsterdam to Zurich sleeper train 7 days a week.
When you step off your train in Zurich’s elegant Hauptbahnhof, it won’t take you long to realise that Zürich is far more than a financial centre and the largest Swiss city. Wander through the narrow streets of the Old Town (Altstadt), take a stroll along the peaceful shores of Lake Zürich, visit the Kunsthaus, one of Switzerland’s most important art collections, or the FIFA Football Museum.
If the weather’s nice, you can go hiking on the Uetliberg, Zürich’s mountain, and reconnect with nature.
It is a city for all seasons, too. There is a lovely Christmas market, foliage in autumn, and glittering waters all around you.
3. Prague (with European Sleeper)
The splendid capital of Czechia is one of those cities where charm is everywhere. There is the iconic Charles Bridge, the Astronomical Clock of Old Town Square, the wonderful Gothic Cathedral of Saint Vitus and the Romanesque Basilica of Saint George, both part of the magnificent Castle complex. Prague is not only about grand buildings and sweeping views. Like Paris or Rome, Prague’s beauty is in the detail – in an elegant doorway, a courtyard, or the pastel buildings lining a cobbled street.
Unmissable are also the Jewish Quarter – with its synagogues and the Old Jewish Cemetery, the inspiration of one of Umberto Eco’s books, and the Jewish Museum-, and the Lennon Wall, a symbol of peace since the 80’s.
You can work out your appetite before a hearty Czech meal by climbing up Petřín Hill for panoramic views of the city, or take a different perspective and go on a river cruise on the Vltava.
You can travel from Amsterdam to Prague by night train with European Sleeper.
4. Kufstein (Tyrol) with Nightjet
Are you dreaming of mountains? Just catch the Nightjet night train from Amsterdam to Kufstein. You will wake up in the Austrian Alps!
Dominated by its mighty medieval fortress, the Tyrolean mountain resort of Kufstein offers a perfect blend of history, nature, and culture, making it an excellent destination for a relaxing and enriching getaway in the Austrian Alps.
A visit to the fortress (Festung Kufstein), with its chambers, towers, courtyards and breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks, and a stroll along the river Inn or through the charming streets of Kufstein’s Old Town, filled with colourful houses, medieval architecture, and charming cafés, combined with hikes and hearty Tyrolean fare, make for a perfect long weekend.
You can use Kufstein as your base for both a summer and winter break, as it is surrounded by ski resorts.
5. Vienna with Nightjet
You will not need a long time in Vienna to understand why it is constantly ranked as one of the top cities in the world to live, and often at number 1.
Vienna boasts an incredible historical centre, packed with museums, palaces and churches, one of the most beautiful and romantic European rivers running through it, Historic cafes, music…. It is also one of Europe’s greenest cities. It has been promoting cycling and sustainability for at least 3 decades, a blend of old world culture and innovation, a metropolis that remains human, also in size.
Visit Saint Stephen’s Cathedral or the great imperial palaces of Hofburg and Schönbrunn, and the neogothic Votivkirche. Pause for a Sacher Torte and hot chocolate. Discover the Habsburg dynasty’s art collection at the Kunsthistorische Museum or catch a glimpse of Klimt at the Belvedere. Step into the houses of Beethoven, Mozart, Johann Strauss, stroll or cycle along the River Wien or one of the canals flowing from the Blue Danube…
Vienna is not just incredibly beautiful. it is also constantly rated as the best city in the world to live in.
If you go in winter, the Christmas markets are wonderful, and snow often adds to the atmosphere. Many stay open after Christmas – some even until the Epiphany. So Vienna is an ideal destination for a New Year break too. It will be cold, but with so much to see – and eat and drink – you will barely notice!
The Amsterdam to Vienna sleeper trains are run by Nightjet. If you manage to stay awake for part of the journey, the train follows the Danube and touches beautiful cities such as Linz and Nuremberg.
6. Berlin with European Sleeper
There are regular night trains from Amsterdam to Berlin, offered by European Sleeper.
Germany’s capital is a city of contrast. The wounds of World War 2 and the Cold War are still painfully visible. yet it is a city of life and energy, of culture and beauty. Yhink lovely turn-of-the-century brasseries where the pre-war glitterati used to congregate, just like in Paris and Vienna, characterful suburbs, great urban parks, rivers, lakes, and some of the best museums on earth.
Berlin is a city that deserves to be seen in the old-world way, and a night train is a perfect introduction to its magic!
7. Nuremberg with Nightjet
You may associate it with the Nuremberg Trials, and its place in the Nazi cult of the past – I did too. Well, prepare to be surprised. It is an incredible city, steeped in a thousand years of history, and they all left traces, from the medieval imperial Palace on Kaiserburg, to the mightywalls; from canal views worthy of Venice, to incredible squares and Gothic churches; the history of Religious tolerance in a divided Europe is embodied in its architecture, and in the life and work of its most loved son, the painter Durer, whose house you can visit. The city’s surroundings are equally beautiful; rent a bike and ride along the Peignitz, for delightful countryside.
For an in=depth guide, here is my post on a short break in Nuremberg.
Nuremberg is a stop on the Amsterdam-Vienna Nightjet line. You will arrive very early in the morning (around 3.30 am), so save this trip for the summer season!
8. Dresden with European Sleeper
Dresden is an ideal weekend by train from Amsterdam. You leave Centraal at 10.30pm and arrive in Dresden at 8.30 in the morning. The route is serviced by European Sleeper.
Once you arrive, perfectly refreshed, you can discover one of Germany’s baroque gems.
A former capital of the Duchy of Saxony, with a scenic setting on the River Elbe, Dresden was one of Germany’s architectural gems before being almost destroyed by bombings during World War II. Painstakingly restored – and in some cases rebuilt – to its former glory after the reunification, it is a wonderful getaway for art and history lovers.
From the iconic domed Frauenkirche and delightful squares of the Old Town, to the scenic Bruhl Terrace on the Elbe, Dresden is a delightful city to visit on foot or on a bicycle.
The Zwinger, the majestic Baroque ducal palace, surrounded by dreamlike gardens and fountains, is simply unmissable – a journey through architecture that, as often happens with Baroque, feels like a journey in the human imagination.
The Zwinger also houses the former dukes’ Old Masters Art Collection, one of the world’s most celebrated art collections, where you can admire Renaissance masterpieces from Raphael to Rembrandt.
And it is only one of 15 museums in town, so you’ll have plenty to do on a rainy day!
9. Basel with Nightjet
I am fond of Basel. It was the first Swiss city I visited, and while it may not have the lakeside settings of Geneva, Zurich, Lucerne, or Lugano, it is a vibrant city with a long history.
The centre boasts a pretty cobbled Altstadt dominated by the minster, a medieval cathedral, ancient city gates and a lovely riverside setting.
Basel is on the Rhine, and its site is where the river becomes navigable. So the Rhine jas been, and still is, the lifeblood of Basel. You can cycle or walk along it, book a boat tour, and in summer try that unique and unforgettable Basel – swimming in the Rhine.
Some of the locals have even turned their commute to work into a swim. You will see them in the early morning or evening, swimming with waterproof backpacks,
It is a city at the forefront of sustainability, with new initiatives springing up all around you. It may not be Rome or Paris, but it a balance of history, dynamism, and nature.
Basel is also a great destination for cyclists. With your tourist BaselCard, you can hire a bicycle to explore the town centre for 20 CHF. Or you can hike the 5km Rehberger-Weg which connects Basel and Weil am Rhein in Germany.
Travel from Amsterdam to Basel with Nightjet.
10. The Black Forest with Nightjet
Fancy escaping to the Black Forest for the weekend? It is a bit of an early start, but with Nightjet, you can arrive in the delightful spa town of Baden Baden at 4.30 in the morning, and at Offenburg for 4.50.
Baden Baden is a classic elegant German spa town and deserves a break in its own right. The powers of its waters were first discovered by the Romans, and it has been a magnet for the surrounding areas ever since. In the 19th century, the casino was created, and elegant villas filled the hillside. Baden Baden became one of the places to see and be seen for wealthy Europeans from England to Russia.
When you stroll in Baden Baden’s grand alleyways or relax in the Roman thermae, it is hard to fathom that you are just a few steps away from the Black Forest, one of the most densely forested areas of Europe. The awe-inspiring dark conifers to which it owes its name have survived, protecting the lakes and waterfalls within from civilisation, like ancient gods. When shrouded in fog, it has a haunting, mystical atmosphere. Even today, there is only a string of pretty villages but no major cities within it.
From both Baden Baden and Offenburg, local trains get you to the various Black Forest villages and wonders. such as Titisee, and if you get yourself a Konus GuestCard you travel for free.
You can also hike or hire bicycles, for a more adventurous short break.
11. Freiburg with Nightjet
On the southern edge of the Black Forest, Freiburg deserves a break in its own right.
It has a lovely and well-preserved medieval Altstadt, which during Advent hosts one of Germany’s best Christmas Markets. For the rest of the year, once you cross into the Medieval gates and make your way to the bustling market square (Münstermarkt) in front of the iconic Gothic Freiburger Münster (the Gothic cathedral), you will feel like you have stepped back in time.
The cathedral is famous for its tall spire and stained glass windows. Another fascinating religious building, a medieval monastery, has been turned into the Augustiner Museum.
Freiburg’s recent history is also fascinating. The city has been at the forefront of sustainability since the 1990’s. Jump on one of the bikes available for free hire and cycle to the Solar Settlement of Vauban (a city quarter redeveloped with sustainability in mind, which produces more energy than it consumes).
If hiking is more your thing, climb up the Schlossberg hill and reward yourself with a beer and fantastic views of the Black Forest.
You can travel from Amsterdam to Freiburg by sleeper train with Nightjet.
12. Salzburg with Nightjet
Salzburg needs no introduction. The city’s baroque churches and palaces, the mighty Hohensalzburg Fortress, built in 1077, and never taken by foreign troops, the houses in the Getreidegasse, decorated with important dates in their history, the names of former owners, including, at no, 9, the birthplace of Mozart, Salzburg’s immortal wunderkind..
This beautiful city is an ideal city break, because, like Dresden, it packs so much history and architecture in a smallish city centre, where everything is walking distance.
The Amsterdam to Salzburg train is operated by Nightjet.
13. Munich with Nightjet
Munich isn’t small like Salzburg., of course! Having said that, the Munich city centre is compact, and you can squeeze a decent amount of sightseeing even in a day: Marienplatz, the Frauenkirche, and the elegant Konigsplatz, with its green expanse surrounded by neo-classical buildings, stopping for lunch or finishing your day at historic brewery. or discovering Bavarian delicacies at the Viktualienmarkt.
During Advent, discover Munich’s Christmas markets and, at any time of the year, go for a stroll in the vast Englischer Garten, Munich’s largest park.
Bavaria used to be a kingdom, and the buildings connected with the former kings of Bavaria are incredibly fascinating. The the sprawling Residenz, in the city centre, was lovingly developed by the kings of Bavaria from the Renaissance to the nineteenth-century. The delightful Nymphenburg, the kings’ summer residence, is surrounded by a delightful formal garden.
Other highlights are its great museums, There are 18 museums in the art district alone! If you are into science and technology the Deutsches Museum is a must, and you do not need to be a car lover to enjoy the BMW Welt.
Sports fans can visit the Allianz Arena Stadium, home of Bayern Munich, and the Olympic Park. The Olympics took place there in 1972, but the park has been very well maintained, still hosts large events, has picturesque green spaces with sweeping views of the city, and is next door to the BMW Welt Museum.
The Amsterdam to Munich Nightjet runs 7 nights a week.
14. Lake Maggiore with European Sleeper
The new European Sleeper service from Amsterdam to Milan stops at Stresa, on the shores of Lake Maggiore. So from this September, one of Italy’s most beautiful lakes becomes a weekend destination from Amsterdam!
You can check the Amsterdam to Lake Maggiore train schedule on the European Sleeper website.
Shared between Italy and Switzerland, Lake Maggiore is famous for its lush shores and for the cluster of islands in its middle, the Isole Borromee, which you can reach by ferry boat from Stresa.
The main lakeside resorts, such as Stresa, used to be stops on the Grand Tour, and are filled with villas and historic hotels. But Lake Maggiore also boasts more ancient history and architecture: palaces, castles, and even monasteries with a view!
The lake water is a beautiful deep blue, and the lakeside aperitivo and dining are superb.
Tempted? Here is an in-depth guide to Lake Maggiore to help you plan your trip.
You will want to come back. I always do!
Discover Europe from Amsterdam, one train trip at a time
The night trains are really opening up the opportunities for flightless travel from Amsterdam. Keep checking this post as I will update it with new route openings.
Are you looking for daytime train destinations from Amsterdam? There are plenty of ideas here.
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