The world's best sleeper trains, from Austria's £30 Nightjet to India's lavish Maharajas Express
In a world of fast travel, rumbling your way to a destination overnight can feel hugely romantic. Here, we look at some of the best trips you can book, from the UK all the way to Australia.
Published: 09:21 BST, 4 October 2026 | Updated: 10:01 BST, 4 October 2026
Charles Dickens once said: 'All locomotive engines are low-spirited in damp and foggy weather.'
Certainly, a one-hour train commute through industrial landscapes in dreary British weather is hardly the stuff of dreams.
But it doesn't have to be this way, in fact, travelling by train can be one of the most atmospheric ways to cross a country, whether it's a sunrise journey by the coast or a cosy, rainy ride through the Scottish Highlands.
From a £2,119-per-person Australian outback trip to some of the UK's top choices and European routes for less than £50, the Daily Mail has compiled a list of the best night-time railway experiences money can buy.
Kicking off the list is a UK sleeper train everyone should try, the Caledonian Sleeper
The Scotland route takes you past many key landmarks including St Andrews and Loch Lomond
Spanning approximately 500 miles across 12 hours and 45 minutes, the Caledonian Sleeper now holds the title of the UK's longest direct rail route.
There are plenty of landmarks to look out for on the journey, including Rannoch Moor, Loch Lomond, Loch Ness and coastal views of St Andrews and Arbroath.
The early morning light across the Highlands is particularly spectacular as you approach your destination.
The Caledonian Sleeper departs from London Euston at 9.15pm six days-a-week (Sunday to Friday), travelling through Edinburgh, Glasgow, Aberdeen and Inverness during the night.
Accommodation options vary, from basic reclining seats from around £50 to private compartments featuring beds, charging points, washbasins, or even fully en suite facilities in premium cabins for £570, sleeper.scot.
The Canadian Pacific Railway passes through the incredible landscape
Made up of restored trains built between 1916 and 1931, the Royal Canadian Pacific Railway was formed to unite the country and make travel from one end to the other possible.
Now, it's more than just an exercise in convenience, it's the height of luxury, too.
'The silver settings, brass fittings, burled tables, brocade chairs, wall paneling of Circassian walnut and bird's eye maple imported from Russia, and open vestibules are the pinnacle of a bygone tradition of elegance,' the website reveals.
Celebrities who have ridden the train include US President John F Kennedy and First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy as well as the late Queen Elizabeth II, royalcanadianpacific.com
The Maharajas' Express runs trips across India - for a hefty price
The Maharajas Express is one of the country's more luxurious travel options, here, live bands play music for departing passengers.
Measuring almost half-a-mile in length, it runs four routes that take round trips from Delhi, and from Delhi to Mumbai and back.
The cabins of the train are set inside carriages named after gemstones and there are four types to choose from, deluxe, junior suites, suites and a presidential suite.
Ticket prices for a deluxe cabin on the three-night Treasures of India itinerary start at $4,000 (£3,025), while the presidential suite costs up to $26,800 (£20,268), the-maharajas.com.
Book a magical winter trip on the Santa Claus Express, which can take you to Rovaniemi
Lapland trips top Christmas season wish lists, and this night train can take you direct into the heart of this Finnish wonderland.
With the Santa Claus Express, you can travel to Lapland by taking the original train from Helsinki or Turku to Rovaniemi.
The double-decker night train has several daily connections, and you can choose between a seat or a sleeper cabin.
The trains feature Wi-Fi, cabins are equipped with power sockets and at your choice even your own shower and toilet.
The legendary Venice Simplon-Orient-Express is one of the most lavish options
The dining car provides a decadent array of treats with a 1920s feel
Aboard the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express you can travel to destinations including Paris and Venice, with extended routes to Vienna and Prague, in what can only be described as the utmost glamour.
1920s carriage accommodation includes historic cabins, suites, grand suites, and the extraordinary L'Observatoire, a private carriage designed in collaboration with world-acclaimed French street artist JR.
Each category has been restored or designed to reflect the heritage of the train, with grand suites offering additional space, private bathrooms and 24-hour dedicated butler service.
An uber-exclusive Paris-Istanbul journey is the creme de la creme of luxury, taking place only twice a year, and costing around £19,900 per person, belmond.com/en/trains/europe/venice-simplon-orient-express
Cinematic tours are the order of the day on board the Royal Scotsman
As the train weaves through the awe-inspiring peaks and valleys of Scotland, you can settle into your luxury cabin while being serenaded by bagpipes.
With 18 sleeper cabins, two dining cars and a lavish Dior spa, the Belmond train offers incredible trips, including a three-night Highland tour passing through Edinburgh, Keith, Kyle of Lochalsh and Boat of Garten, as well as a seven-night Grand Tour of Scotland.
In 2026, the train has introduced a 'Tastes of Scotland Culinary Series', a celebration of Scottish cuisine across three exclusive journeys.
Shorter journeys start from £4,500 per person, making this a once-in-a-lifetime break for many, belmond.com/en/trains/europe/uk/royal-scotsman
The Belmond Andean Explorer is one of Peru's best travel experiences
Passengers can admire the scenery from the observation car on the train
