There currently are a variety of options to travel by night train from Hamburg (Germany) to Copenhagen (Denmark), taking between approximately 5 and 8 hours: Namely the RJ 386, the 300, the 10300 and the EN 344. These lines are operated by DB, Snälltåget, RDC and SJ.
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.
These trains only have first and second class seats. The cars remain lit throughout the night and the seats cannot be reclined.
Snälltåget offers night travel with various comfort levels on night trains between European cities.
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.
In shared and private compartments, seats convert to berths at night. Each compartment features three berths on each side with ladders to reach the upper berths. Private compartments are ideal for groups seeking more privacy.
Pets are only allowed in private compartments and must be registered during booking. Bicycles cannot be brought on the train, but folding bikes can be stored as hand luggage in the compartment or on luggage racks in the seating coach.
RDC Euronight is a night train operated by RDC Deutschland connecting Berlin with Stockholm via Hamburg and Copenhagen, running three times a week in each direction.
The train offers two sleeping car categories. In the 1st class sleeper, private compartments accommodate up to three people with wide, made-up beds, a private bathroom with shower and toilet, and breakfast served directly to the compartment. The 2nd class sleeper has two-person compartments with a washbasin and 230V socket in the compartment; the toilet is in the corridor. 2nd class sleeper compartments can be booked privately or shared — in mixed or women-only configuration.
Couchette compartments accommodate up to six people and can be booked privately or as individual berths. All berths come with a pillow, sheet, and blanket. Washrooms and toilets are available in the carriage.
The seating car is the most affordable option, offering compartments for up to six people as well as open-plan carriages. Power sockets are available at every seat and a seat reservation is included in the ticket price. Toilets are located in the vestibules at the end of the car.
Breakfast is included for passengers in both 1st class and 2nd class sleeper compartments and is served directly to the compartment. Travellers in couchette and seating cars do not receive breakfast.
The Swedish Railway SJ operates night trains daily throughout Sweden, covering long distances and serving remote areas.
The night trains include seating cars, couchettes, and sleepers. The sleeper cars provide compartments for two or three people as well as single compartments. Some routes also offer Deluxe compartments with private bathroom facilities and shower.
Each sleeper compartment has a washbasin. The Deluxe option additionally provides a private bathroom with shower.
The couchettes offer space for up to six people with access to provided bedding and toilets in the carriage corridor. The middle berths fold up during the day to create seating areas. Compartment options include women-only, men-only, or mixed assignments. Private couchette compartments are available for travelers with pets upon request.