Jeroen started his Iberian rail adventures being nostalgic of night trains in his youth. He explained how difficult it can be to book night trains with Renfe, Spain‘s railway operator.
Jeroen rode from Lisbon in Portugal through Spain to Hendaye in France and from Barcelona in Catalonia to Vigo in Galicia.
“If you like to try something new, then the night train certainly is an option”, Jeroen says. “The price can be high, but it depends on the journey and the class.”
“Also, the price doesn’t tell everything”, argues Jeroen. “Don’t forget you move while you sleep, so you don’t lose time during the day. You thus win a travel day and you save on hotel accommodation.”
Something we at Trip By Trip experienced in the United States with the California Zephyr and the Coast Starlight and on the Austria‘s ÖBB Nightjet.
“Is the night train that expensive?”
Way of travel
But it’s the singularity of the experience which charmes Jeroen most. “Changing clothes, and sleeping at 160 kph (100 mph), waking up in the morning in another setting. For me it’s a real experience.”
“Will you sleep well? You can’t predict. Sleeping in a real bed on firm land will be more comfortable, but some will like the rocking sensations of a moving train.”
For some it’s advantageous to have extra day hours in town, just like having a late evening flight. “Others won’t know what to with luggage. But most hotels offer to keep them while you’re out.”
And obviously, some stations have lockers, such as Lisboa Santa Apolónia.
¿Habla español?
Jeroen warns travellers for language issue. Spanish is absolutely the lingua franca in Spain, even for tourists. “It’s not obvious to communicate in English, French or German. People are friendly and helpful though and will use signs or drawings if necessary.”
“The Portuguese seemed more proficient in English and more accessible. So if your train guard is from the Portuguese railway operator Comboios de Portugal (CP), the odds are bigger you will be helped in English.”
“Either way: enjoy the night and enjoy the journey!”
We will.
Photos provided by Jeroen.
Deutsche Bahn (DB) and Eurostar have teamed up to make a Germany to United Kingdom high-speed train link possible. But as independent railway commentator and…
Deutsche Bahn (DB) and Eurostar have teamed up to make a Germany to United Kingdom high-speed train link possible. But as independent railway commentator and…
In The Hague, South Holland, Member of Parliament Pieter Grinwis (Christian Union, ChristenUnie) has authored a motion calling for the Netherlands‘ cabinet of ministers to…
International rail travel is becoming an increasingly popular choice for Belgians heading abroad during the summer holidays, according to new figures from NMBS / SNCB.…
International rail travel is becoming an increasingly popular choice for Belgians heading abroad during the summer holidays, according to new figures from NMBS / SNCB.…
International rail travel is becoming an increasingly popular choice for Belgians heading abroad during the summer holidays, according to new figures from NMBS / SNCB.…
Dutch rail operator Arriva has unveiled plans to significantly expand its international rail ambitions by adding direct services from The Hague and Amersfoort to Paris,…
Dutch rail operator Arriva has unveiled plans to significantly expand its international rail ambitions by adding direct services from The Hague and Amersfoort to Paris,…
Dutch rail operator Arriva has unveiled plans to significantly expand its international rail ambitions by adding direct services from The Hague and Amersfoort to Paris,…
Catalonia, in Spain, and Andorra have launched the next phase of plans to build the Principality‘s first rail-based public transport system, with both governments tendering…
Eurostar will introduce direct services from London St Pancras International to Antwerp-Central Railway Station from 14 December 2026, eliminating the need for passengers travelling from…
Eurostar will introduce direct services from London St Pancras International to Antwerp-Central Railway Station from 14 December 2026, eliminating the need for passengers travelling from…
Eurostar will introduce direct services from London St Pancras International to Antwerp-Central Railway Station from 14 December 2026, eliminating the need for passengers travelling from…
Eurostar will introduce direct services from London St Pancras International to Antwerp-Central Railway Station from 14 December 2026, eliminating the need for passengers travelling from…
Rail news website Mobilithib, by Thibault Lapers, has uncovered a series of timetable changes affecting international rail services through Belgium. From 7 September 2026, ÖBB‘s…
Rail news website Mobilithib, by Thibault Lapers, has uncovered a series of timetable changes affecting international rail services through Belgium. From 7 September 2026, ÖBB‘s…
Two leading European passenger organisations have welcomed the European Commission‘s proposed overhaul of cross-border rail ticketing and passenger rights, describing it as a major step…
Two leading European passenger organisations have welcomed the European Commission‘s proposed overhaul of cross-border rail ticketing and passenger rights, describing it as a major step…
Two leading European passenger organisations have welcomed the European Commission‘s proposed overhaul of cross-border rail ticketing and passenger rights, describing it as a major step…
Two leading European passenger organisations have welcomed the European Commission‘s proposed overhaul of cross-border rail ticketing and passenger rights, describing it as a major step…
Dutch open-access operator GoVolta has announced its most ambitious expansion plans yet, notifying the Netherlands Authority for Consumers and Markets (Autoriteit Consument & Markt, ACM)…
Dutch open-access operator GoVolta has announced its most ambitious expansion plans yet, notifying the Netherlands Authority for Consumers and Markets (Autoriteit Consument & Markt, ACM)…
Dutch open-access operator GoVolta has announced its most ambitious expansion plans yet, notifying the Netherlands Authority for Consumers and Markets (Autoriteit Consument & Markt, ACM)…
FS Group, also known as Ferrovie dello Stato Italiane, also known as Trenitalia, is ordering 19 new high-speed trains from Hitachi Rail as it expands…
FS Group, also known as Ferrovie dello Stato Italiane, also known as Trenitalia, is ordering 19 new high-speed trains from Hitachi Rail as it expands…
As Europe races towards climate neutrality, rail transport is set to play a pivotal role. Yet, the sector faces a persistent challenge: trains are too…
As Europe races towards climate neutrality, rail transport is set to play a pivotal role. Yet, the sector faces a persistent challenge: trains are too…
Virgin Trains has taken a major step towards challenging Eurostar‘s dominance of cross-Channel passenger rail services after the United Kingdom‘s rail regulator gave the green…
Virgin Trains has taken a major step towards challenging Eurostar‘s dominance of cross-Channel passenger rail services after the United Kingdom‘s rail regulator gave the green…
Virgin Trains has taken a major step towards challenging Eurostar‘s dominance of cross-Channel passenger rail services after the United Kingdom‘s rail regulator gave the green…
Virgin Trains has taken a major step towards challenging Eurostar‘s dominance of cross-Channel passenger rail services after the United Kingdom‘s rail regulator gave the green…
From 2 October 2026, NS International will launch a new direct ICE service from the Netherlands to Hamburg, bringing the popular northern German city within…
From 2 October 2026, NS International will launch a new direct ICE service from the Netherlands to Hamburg, bringing the popular northern German city within…
From 2 October 2026, NS International will launch a new direct ICE service from the Netherlands to Hamburg, bringing the popular northern German city within…
NS International is promoting a temporary direct ICE connection from Amsterdam to Hamburg as a “new connection”, but rail experts and enthusiasts have pointed out…
European Sleeper is exploring a new night train linking Brussels in Belgium with Malmö in Sweden via the Netherlands, and Copenhagen in Denmark, in cooperation…
European Sleeper is exploring a new night train linking Brussels in Belgium with Malmö in Sweden via the Netherlands, and Copenhagen in Denmark, in cooperation…
European Sleeper is exploring a new night train linking Brussels in Belgium with Malmö in Sweden via the Netherlands, and Copenhagen in Denmark, in cooperation…
Belgian and Dutch passenger organisations are calling for the rapid reopening of the railway between Hamont in Belgian Limburg, and Weert in Dutch Limburg. Following…
Belgian and Dutch passenger organisations are calling for the rapid reopening of the railway between Hamont in Belgian Limburg, and Weert in Dutch Limburg. Following…
A new digital platform is offering a real-time view of European rail traffic, allowing users to follow trains on a live map and consult information…
A new digital platform is offering a real-time view of European rail traffic, allowing users to follow trains on a live map and consult information…
A new digital platform is offering a real-time view of European rail traffic, allowing users to follow trains on a live map and consult information…