Night train from Copenhagen to Hamburg

There currently are a variety of options to travel by night train from Copenhagen (Denmark) to Hamburg (Germany), taking between approximately 5 and 9 hours: Namely the RJ 387, the EN 345, the EN 13471, the 301 and the 10301. These lines are operated by DB, SJ, ÖBB and Snälltåget.

DB

Does Deutsche Bahn still operate night trains?

Deutsche Bahn (DB) exited the actual night train business in 2016. However, it operates around a dozen Intercity and Eurocity trains that run exclusively at night.

What are the travel conditions like on these trains?

These trains only have first and second class seats. The cars remain lit throughout the night and the seats cannot be reclined.

SJ

The Swedish Railway SJ operates night trains daily throughout Sweden, covering long distances and serving remote areas.

What types of cars are available on SJ night trains?

SJ night trains offer seats, couchettes, and sleeper cars. The sleeper cars feature various compartment types: for two or three people and single compartments. On some routes, Deluxe compartments with private bathroom and shower are also available.

What amenities do the sleeper cars offer?

Each sleeper compartment has a washbasin. The Deluxe option additionally provides a private bathroom with shower.

What is included in the couchette compartments?

Couchette compartments accommodate up to six people. Bedding is provided including pillow, pillowcase, sheets and blanket. During the day, middle berths are folded up so lower berths can be used as sofas. You can choose between women-only, men-only, or mixed compartments. SJ offers limited couchette compartments where pets are allowed, and these must be booked as private compartments.

ÖBB

The Austrian Federal Railways (ÖBB) operate the Nightjet and Euronight trains (the latter together with other national railway agencies).

What types of carriages are available on ÖBB trains?

The ÖBB usually offer four types of carriages in their night trains: seats, couchettes, Mini Cabins, and sleepers.

What's the difference between seats, couchettes, Mini Cabins, and sleeper cars?

Seats are for the bravest, while couchettes, Mini Cabins, and sleepers provide a more comfortable journey. In the couchettes, you can find simple and rather narrow berths. The Mini Cabin is a compact sleeping option for solo travelers – two Mini Cabins can be combined for couples. Sleepers are equipped with proper beds and sometimes even a private bathroom. Couchettes can hold up to six people. The Mini Cabin is a private space for one person – two adjacent Mini Cabins can be connected for traveling together. Sleepers are private compartments for one to three people.

What amenities do sleeper cars offer?

Sleepers sometimes include a private bathroom or even a shower, sometimes only a sink. The Mini Cabin offers a more affordable private alternative with its own compact sleeping space for one person.

Snälltåget

Snälltåget offers night travel with various comfort levels on night trains between European cities.

What accommodation options are available?

Accommodation ranges from individual seats in coaches to shared compartments with up to six berths and private compartments for small groups. All beds include bedding and blankets.

How do the compartments work?

Both shared and private compartments transform from day seating configuration to night bed mode. With three berths per side and ladder access to upper berths, private compartments offer the best option for groups.

Are pets and bicycles allowed?

Animals are permitted in private compartments only. Bikes are not allowed, but collapsible bicycles can be transported as hand luggage or stored on luggage racks.