Given the significant impacts of climate change, the transport transition is part of a necessary strategy to reduce CO2 emissions worldwide. These concepts also include shifting more travelers from road to rail. Rail offers more than just an alternative to cars. Night trains allow for distances that would otherwise require a flight. The idea of the night train is appealing: covering longer intra-European routes overnight and reaching your destination while you sleep, all with a comparably low carbon footprint.
Image: A SBB train carriage.
How ecological are night trains
Traveling by night train is an environmentally friendly alternative to airplanes or cars, as night trains have a much lower carbon footprint. The greenness of using night trains has already been calculated, at least in Switzerland. The current service already saves the emissions of 50,000 tons of CO2. That's equivalent to using 30,000 cars. And yet, the night train connections currently offered in Switzerland aren't even particularly extensive. Numerous night trains were already mothballed before 2010, and in Germany and Austria, the reduction in comfortable nighttime connections was even more drastic.
Image: A journey through the night.
This is what night trains offer
Night trains offer a relaxing travel experience. Of course, you can also travel overnight on standard trains, but for a comfortable journey, you need carriages with comfortable reclining seats – or even real sleeping cars. The latter offer compartments with fold-out beds, a vanity unit, and privacy, and the dining car is often close by. Smart planning allows you to cover multiple destinations without spending time and money on additional hotel stays.
Image: Full speed ahead!
Discover Switzerland
Switzerland offers a variety of overnight train routes. The Glacier Express , for example, is a scenic route that runs from Zermatt to St. Moritz and travels through the Swiss Alps. During the journey, you can enjoy the breathtaking scenery and visit small towns and villages along the way. Another recommended option is the Cisalpino route, which runs from Zurich to Milan and passes through various stations in Lombardy. This route allows you to visit some of the most famous cities in northern Italy, such as Como, Bergamo, and Brescia.
Image: Awake when the clouds are purple again.
Night trains are on the rise
A clear argument in favor of night trains was the worldwide airport chaos in the summer of 2022, which left not only thousands of suitcases but also many travelers stranded, despite hours of lead times for arrival. Anyone who has experienced this travel ordeal will gladly switch to rail. Traveling by night train in Switzerland offers a sustainable and relaxing way to explore the country. It's an environmentally friendly alternative that can connect various routes, cities, and regions.
Are you a night train traveler? Tell us about your experiences!
