Night trains & Bars

You're sitting in a dark bar drinking a cocktail. In an hour, the night train arrives and takes you to a foreign city while you sleep. Welcome to Night Trains and Bars.

Just have a look at the map where to go by night train.

#18
The Highlander & Three Monkeys
02.07.2023, London - Scottish Highlands
Peace and relaxation can only be found in selected places in London. The backyard where The Umbrella Project bar is located is such a special place. In the winding corner of the courtyard, next to small shops, you will find the tiny experimental bar. The bartender introduces you to the unusual menu, which includes drinks inspired by classics to daring creations based on mozzarella and basil. If there is time, it is best to try more than one drink from the menu. If you dare to try something, you will discover new flavours that you had never found in drinks before. With a bit of luck, the barman will explain the large selection of spirits on the ceiling-high shelf behind the bar and offer a sip or two for you to try. Unfortunately, The Umbrella Project is only within walking distance of London's Liverpool Street station, which only serves the south-east of England. So to Euston Station, another of many stations spread across London, we continue by Tube, as at 21:15 the Caledonian Sleeper leaves London heading north for the Scottish Highlands. With its modern carriages, which only came into service in 2019, the Highlander offers one of the most comfortable sleeping cars in Europe. As such, the train manages to live up to its own claims, offering passengers a hotel-like stay from the heart of London to the remote regions of Scotland. In the morning, you can hardly get enough of the green landscape with its rugged rock formations and glittering lochs during breakfast, before the train drops you off in Inverness to discover the Highlands and its legendary whiskey distilleries on your own.
Ferry Special
StenaLine & Three Monkeys
08.01.2023, Hoek van Holland - Harwich
The Eurostar has been running through the tunnel under the English Channel for over 25 years. Over the years, you had the chance to travel to the island via Paris or via Brussels. Most recently, the possibility of travelling directly from Amsterdam to London was added. For years, StenaLine has been providing a little adventure away from the Eurostar with its ferry connection Hoek van Holland - Harwich. The daily ferry service connects the island with the continent. With an evening departure, there is plenty of time during the day to visit Rotterdam, 1 hour away. In the car-free area of the city centre you will find the small neighbourhood bar The Rumah. There you can find excellent refreshing drinks in a relaxed atmosphere. In the late afternoon, we take the S-Bahn to the port of Hoek van Holland. After checking in, it is best to quickly stow your luggage in the spacious room. On the ship, you have the opportunity to have dinner in a passable restaurant. However, you should not miss the beautiful sunset on deck. After the sunset and the ship's departure, you can retire to your cosy cabin. In calm seas, you don't feel more than a slight vibration of the engine. The next morning, quickly clear customs and take the train straight from the ship to London, well rested.
#17
EN 480 & Three Monkeys
02.11.2022, Rijeka - Munich
Whoever walks through the abandoned Rijeka train station building in the evening towards the EuroNight 480 will most likely end their summer vacation. Coming from the many islands of Croatia by ferry, Rijeka offers the opportunity to spend a last afternoon on the beach. The best way to do this is to take the small city bus on line 1 out of town. This way you can get from the city center to the small, partly rocky, beaches of Rijeka in 10 minutes. There you can swim in the crystal clear water together with locals and tourists before the bus takes you back to the city center. There it is best to go directly to Three Monkeys, by far the best cocktail bar. Besides the drinks, the small tapas are excellent. From Three Monkeys it's a 20-minute walk to the train station and from there back home.
#16
ICN 1958 & Botteghe Colletti
28.03.2022, from Palermo to Rome
Those who try their luck at cooling off at the water look in vain. Here the sun burns directly from the sky without shade. The blazing heat of Palermo automatically drives you into the narrow streets. While crossing the city center, you will always come across Via Maqueda, the pulsating pedestrian zone, only to disappear again in the next side street. In the morning it is best to go to the Marcato so Bollaró, one of Palermo's many street markets. The hustle and bustle in the alleys of the market, which mostly sells fresh food such as fish, fruit and vegetables, travels with you and spits you out again on the other side of the market. If you're fascinated, you can walk right through the market again in the other direction. You can escape the hustle and bustle of Palermo in the city's botanical gardens. Goethe once stayed here on his trips to Italy. Between the various botanical plants you will find plenty of shade and a quiet afternoon. For a snack, as on the ferry to Sicily, there is nothing better than the Sicilian specialty arancina. The best ones are available freshly fried and still hot right on your hand. In the early evening before departure, excellent relaxation and a refreshing aperitif can be found at Botteghe Colletti. The small bar moves all its tables and chairs to the smaller lively alley in front of the entrance, and so you can watch the hustle and bustle of the evening walkers while enjoying good drinks. From Botteghe Colletti you can walk directly to the train station, where the night train ICN1958 to Rome leaves at 20:55. If you're still in the mood for pizza for the ride, you'll find it at Enzo's right next to the station. For 20-30 euros extra, you can book the Excelsior sleeper compartment between Palermo and Rome. With a little more space and an integrated toilet and shower, the Excelsior sleeper offers more comfort and privacy than Trenitalia's usual deluxe cars. In your own compartment, the pizza almost eaten, you rock slowly towards the rail ferry and the eternal city of Rome.
#15
ICN 1963 & Negroneria Genovese
09.12.2021, from Genoa to Cefalù
Genoa is for me an Italian insider tip. The city with its large industrial port surprises with a city center full of small streets, narrow stores full of fresh fish and colorful shining east and vegetables. If you lose yourself in the alleys, you can spend a wonderfully cool morning. Every now and then you cross smaller piazzas with restaurants. However, many of them open only in the evening. At the edges of the alleys you can catch a glimpse of the harbor from time to time. In the late afternoon you should make a detour at Negroneria Genovese. There you will find wonderful Italian classics, mostly Campari-based, along with snacks or small delicacies such as stuffed nocchi. If you're still not full after that, it's best to go to Trattoria delle Grazie for excellent pasta. From there, the choice is yours. Walk to Genova Piazza Principale train station or walk to Genova Bringole. From there the ICN 1963 leaves for Palermo at 21:56 or 22:05. If you are lucky you will find the cabin in the sleeping car on the right side in the direction of travel. There a wonderful view of the sea awaits you when you wake up.Who wants to be well prepared for the almost 19 hours to Palermo should have a few snacks, a water and a good book. On the train there are breakfasts and a small snack pack in the morning. Once the train has been loaded onto the ferry at noon in Villa St. Giovanni, you have the opportunity to buy the Sicilian classic arancina at the ship's kiosk. Here you can also buy cold drinks, espresso and other snacks. All this is enough to last the remaining 4 hours to Palermo without hunger. This trip can be shortened by one hour by disembarking in the seaside resort of Cefalù and starting an Italian beach vacation here.
MUNICH SPECIAL
Schumanns, Zypher and Garçon
05.10.2021, from Munich into South Europe
Actually, every trip starts in Munich with the night train heading south. Whether Rome, Venice or even Croatia. That's why today it's time to take a closer look at trains and bars in Munich.
Classically it starts in the Hofgarten at Schumanns Bar. There, you can watch the Munich Schickeria enjoy excellent drinks. Schumanns is a great prelude to a trip with NJ40295 to Milan to go shopping for Gucci's latest fall collection.
Next up is Call Soul, a Breaking Bad-inspired bar located on the edge of the English Garden. Surprisingly, it manages to combine great tasting cocktails with fancy special effects. It is recommended to share cocktails in pairs, as the drinks are among huge. If you drink at Call Soul, you should take EuroNight 60463 to Croatia afterwards.
Young innovation can be found at Zephyr, which also likes to have a slushy special in the summer. This is perhaps where you'll find the best drinks in Munich. If you get your money's worth at Zephyr, it's best to hop on NightJet 295 directly to Rome and then to Drink Kong to experience even more mixology innovation.
My absolute favorite place is Garçon. A mix of cafe and bar with great music and great atmosphere. On the wall, design lovers will find an old Braun TS 45 (thanks Dieter). Who spends an evening at Garçon should take the late night train to Paris from December 2021 and eat there from Gare de l'Est directly into the next street café a croissant.
#14
NJ40235 & The Soda Jerk
23.01.2021, from Verona to Munich
In the morning, shortly before 7 a.m., the Alps still glowing slightly red, the sky deep blue, we reach Rovereto. The small Venetian-influenced streets are still empty and can be explored undisturbed. Only a few schoolchildren are out so early. After the town has slowly awakened, we can treat ourselves to a small breakfast at Forno di Pitagora. Despite its small size, Rovereto has a surprising amount to offer culturally. From 10 am, it's worth visiting the MART, one of the largest museums of modern and contemporary art. Before noon, you should not miss the Museo Storico Italiano della Guerra. Many detailed exhibits show the brutal reality of war, but unfortunately many information texts are only in Italian. Shortly after noon, we stopped by at Forno di Pitagora to buy some warm focaccia and went to the train station to catch the train to Verona. The journey of just under 1 hour takes you through the fairytale scenery of the Alps and is without doubt one of the most beautiful railway lines in Europe. Once in Verona, we recommend a walk through the lively city centre and the ascent to Castel San Pietro. From there you have a view over the whole of Verona. Back down again, it's not far to The Soda Jerk. A fine little bar less than 50 metres from the banks of the Adige. You have to ring the bell to get in. You are greeted with friendly service, typical Italian snacks and a selection of olives. Plus excellent drinks in pleasant surroundings. If you end up at The Soda Jerk for a second time after dinner, you certainly won't go wrong, but we move on to La Segretia Café. The atmosphere there is relaxed and it's easy to have a drink before heading to Porta Nuova station, where NJ40235 departs at 22:58. You should definitely book a sleeper berth, so you have the chance to take a refreshing shower in the evening before slowly but surely falling asleep in the direction of Munich.
#13
ICN 764 & Dink Kong
03.01.2021, from Rome to Rovereto
Rome invites you to linger. In the morning from Termini station, it is wonderful to stroll through the still empty alleys in the direction of St. Peter's Cathedral. If you have a little time, you can take a diversion to the Spanish Steps, the Trevi Fountain, Piazza Navona and the Pantheon, before the Ponte Sant' Angelo leads you across the Tiber. Passing Castel Sant'Angelo, you can catch a glimpse of the top of St Peter's Basilica. When you enter St Peter's Square, you leave Italy and enter the Vatican. We take the time to climb the dome for a great panoramic view of Rome. If you get hungry at lunchtime, don't miss the incredible restaurant Il Sorpasso. They serve great Italian dishes in a wonderfully lively ambience. After lunch, take a quick detour 200m away and have an espresso with thick hot chocolate at Sciascia. From here, the most worthwhile museums are within walking distance. Either the classic Vatican Museums or the Museum of Modern Art MAXXI or the somewhat unknown Villa Borghese. In the late afternoon, past the Roman Forum in the direction of the Colosseum. From there it is only a stone's throw to an aperitif at Cafe Propaganda. For dinner, simply go to Trattoria Monti, Trattoria da Danilo or La Cabonarra (reservations are worthwhile). After dinner, head straight to Drink Kong - the bar with probably the best drinks in Italy. You should definitely have time for more than one drink. (The non-alcoholic drinks are also world class). From Drink Kong we walk past Santa Maria Maggiore in the direction of Roma Termini, where ICN 764 leaves for Bolzano at 23:00. We wake up to the typical espresso in the InterCity Notte and a wonderful view of the South Tyrolean Alps.
#12
ICN 1960 & Bohéme Mixology Bar
11.12.2020, from Catania to Rome
15 minutes walk from Siracusa train station, you cross two bridges and reach the old town island of Ortygia. In the narrow streets you escape the heat of Sicily while exploring the city. Roman and Greek influences meet here at one of the southernmost tip of Europe. No matter in which direction the narrow streets lead you, a short time later you look back to the Ionian Sea. With a view of the glittering water, you can relax and order a granita with brioche, a Sicilian specialty. Tip: Have the brioche served hot. Before leaving Sicily, you should also try arancini, a ball of potatoes, rice stuffed with ragout and deep-fried. If you leave Siracusa on ICN 1960 to Rome, you should stop at BOATS for a drink. Also recommended is a detour in the afternoon to Catania. From there the night train leaves shortly before eleven. Still enough time to explore the city, have an aperitif at Circus Cocktail Bar and find a nice restaurant. Afterwards, before departing for Rome, don't miss Bar Bohéme Mixology. Far from the Italian metropolises, it serves world-class drinks. It's about a 15-minute walk to the train station. So satisfied by Bohéme, you even sleep through the ferry crossing back to the Italian mainland and on to Rome in your sleep.
#11
ICN 1963 & Bar Basso
19.11.2020, from Milano to Siracusa
Milan always offers the opportunity to travel with a night train to southern Italy. But before departure in the evening you should not miss the culinary and cultural highlights of the city. With the subway one is fast at the cathedral and can observe there the tourists and Instagram stars, how they try with largest devotion to shoot a photo with cathedral in the background. This choreography is accompanied by hundreds of pigeons, which often rise up into the air in shock, only to land on the cathedral square a few seconds later. After great pasta at Miscusi, friends of Italian product design go to the Triennale de Milano or simply relax in the large park Giardini Indro Montanelli. In the late afternoon it is best to go to the Bar Basso and enjoy an Italian aperitif. Before departure, it is best to buy some provisions and drinks for the long ride (see #4). At 20:10 probably one of the last little railroad adventures in Europe starts. With ICN1963 from Milan within 20 hours directly to Sicily. For waking up there are croissants and espresso. Simple but effective, to look attentively 3 hours afterwards at the passing Tyrrhenian Sea. Around noon you reach Villa San Giovanni and the Strait of Messina. From here the whole train is loaded onto one of the last remaining rail ferries in Europe. During the crossing you can either get off the train, stretch your legs or buy something to eat at the ship's kiosk. After about 1 hour crossing the train is unloaded from the ship again and you are in Sicily. From Messina the train splits and continues to Siracusa and Palermo. I drive from Messina to Siracusa and continue to enjoy hours of sea views.
#10
NJ 294 & Manifattura
23.08.2020, from Florence to Munich
Almost four hours Florence. Aperitif, dinner, Italian gelato and Florence Cathedral. The centre of Florence is only a stone's throw from the train station. Ideal for a short stopover. Suitcases can be conveniently left at StowYourBags. From there it is only 500m to the Arno. More than a short view of the Ponte Cecchio and the mirror-smooth river Arno is not feasible in terms of time. Thanks to the compactness of Florence, the Bar Manifattura is located less than 5 minutes on foot in a small side street. Exclusively Italian ingredients are used there to make top-class cocktails. With generous hospitality Fabiano, one of the barkeepers, explains the composition of our drinks and with the Drink Passport Florence he has a great little collection of other bars in Florence at hand. Luckily we already made a detour to Fusion Bar last time, but unfortunately we didn't have time for another bar this evening. After Manifattura, we went straight on to Osteria Pastella near the train station. Delicious homemade pasta with typical Tuscan wild boar meat, in a great atmosphere. From there you should take your time and make a side trip to the cathedral. A short stop at Venchi for gelato and then on to the cathedral. In the evening the white marble shines in a special glow. One would prefer to spend the whole evening on a small piazza. But at 21:49 the NJ 294 takes you gently back to sleep to Munich. Also this time the breakfast in the NightJet was a pleasure, which many other night train operators should look at. (Looking at you Trenitalia).
#9
NJ 295 & Boilerman Bar
05.08.2020, Munich - Napoli
From Munich, one of the most exciting and at the same time most classic night train connections from Germany has been operating for years. NJ295 Munich - Rome. With incredible stops like Bologna, Arezzo & Florence. With only one change of train and another hour of travel time you can reach the lively port city of Naples.
With departure at 20:10 the NJ295 invites you to a relaxing day in Munich. A visit to the Deutsches Museum or the Pinakothek der Moderne is worthwhile. In the evening shortly before departure you can have a snack in the Neni. There you will find a variety of cosmopolitan starters and great main courses. After the meal quickly to the first floor, where the Boilerman Bar is waiting. With small refreshing highball drinks, it's the perfect place to toast to the anticipation of Italy. With the setting sun in Munich, you roll towards the Alps, the mountains still glowing slightly. And Italy is already so close.
#8 WEEKEND
NJ 295 & EN 220 & Fusion Bar
29.11.2019, Munich - Florence - Milano - Paris
During the summer I had the chance to travel alone through Europe with many night trains. At the end of the year I wanted to discover the night train adventure together with friends. We aimed for a long weekend across Europe, without airplane, only by train. We started Thursday evening in Munich with the early NJ295 at 20:10 towards Rome. Six of us in the couchette, sociably with a beer before going to sleep, we drove however only to Florence.
In the early morning we could visit the still empty city, walk together over the Ponte Vecchio and admire the cathedral in the light of the rising suns. During the day, one can eat in many small restaurants. Dishes with wild boar and truffles are regional specialities. In the evening we enjoyed cocktails in the cosy reading corner of the Fusion hotel bar. After a restful night and an extensive breakfast in the lovely hotel Residenza La Musa Amarcord we stood in the (much too long) queue of the Ufizi. In the afternoon after our visit to the museum we made our way to Milan. From there at 23:10 the EN220 should bring us to Paris. Four of us in our own compartment, with a lot of fun, drove through the night, past Lago Maggiore, towards France.
In the countless cafés near the Gare de Lion we quickly find a nice place for breakfast in the morning. Passing the Eifel Tower we walked towards the Louvre, where we stayed the afternoon. Of course, a visit to the Mona Lisa was not to be missed. In the evening we went back to Germany. I can highly recommend to book a couchette (e.g. to Rome) with some of your friends and enjoy a wonderful weekend together.
HIGHSPEED SPECIAL
Experimental Cocktail Club & Little Red Door
15.10.2019, from Paris into Europe
Sadly no nighttrains this time as I was visiting Paris, which could rightly call itself the capital of high-speed trains. There are direct connections to major European cities such as London, Barcelona, Amsterdam, Frankfurt and Brussels. Besides London, Paris is also probably the best city for cocktail bars. The Little Red Door and the Experimental Cocktail Club are perfect for a relaxing evening with friends or alone. With great menus and good recommendations, you'll feel right at home. Hopefully next time I can try a French night train departing from Paris.
#7
NJ40463 & Bar Dandolo
24.09.2019, from Venice to Munich
When you leave the station, you enter a surreal city of waterways and crowds of people. The best way to avoid this is to flee into the narrow streets of Venice. Let yourself drift through the alleys. Don't be surprised when all paths suddenly end at Piazza San Marco. Just enjoy the wonderful atmosphere. The Hotel Danieli is within walking distance. A historic building from the 14th century. Sit in the lobby for an hour and have an excellent cocktail prepared. The menu fulfils every wish, as befits a hotel bar. So I had the chance to drink an Alexander for the first time in Italy. In the evening at 21:06 it goes then with NJ40463 in the direction of Munich. A last look at the sleeping Venice awaits us during the trip to the mainland. After three nights in the Italian InterCityNotte the NightJet looks like a train from another world. My night train journey through Italy ends with probably the best breakfast in Europe's night trains.
#6
ICN35889 & La Cabonara
04.09.2019, from Rome to Trieste
With hunger in my stomach I was looking for a bar in the district Monti. When I found the bar the hunger was too big for a cocktail. A little frustrated I walked through the alleys and ended up at La Cabonara. A long queue waited already before the traditional Roman restaurant. Since I stood in line at the end of the queue, I had to wait a short time at the bar. To my surprise, a Negroni of the finest quality was prepared there. After the first portion of homemade pasta with pistachios I had to order a second portion. This was probably the best pasta I've eaten in years. Afterwards I went to the Black Market for a second cocktail... In only a few minutes you can walk back to the station Roma Termini. There we leave at 22:35 with ICN35889 to Trieste, calling Venice. Alternatively it could go from here with ICN1959 at 23:00 to Syracuse. In the morning shortly before the arrival in Trieste a beautiful sea view appears at your window. In Trieste a breakfast at Chocolate is recommended.
#5
ICN788 & Quanto Basta
30.08.2019, from Lecce to Rome
When arriving with ICN 788 at 6 a.m. Rome is another city. The streets are empty and the squares are deserted. The city shines golden while the sun rises. From the station Roma Termini walk through the city center. Passing the Trevi Fountain, the Panteon and the Piaza Navona towards the Vatican. Enjoy the peace and emptiness of the alleys. Spend the evening before the departure at 22:30 in Lecce at Quanto Basta. There are excellent refreshing cocktails and traditional snacks. With a driving time of less than 8 hours there is not much time for sleep. But you will be rewarded with a wonderful morning in Rome.
#4
ICN755 & Camparino
25.08.2019, from Milano to Lecce
There is not much time for cocktails, when departing at 8:50PM with ICN755 from Milan Central. Here it fits that Italy is known for its aperitifs. It is best to go to Camaparino Bar di Passo near Milan Cathedral. Stand at the bar and watch the barkeepers prepare Campari Orange or Campari Soda. If you don't have much time left for dinner, take a focaccia at the excellent bakery Princi. With a driving time of more than 11 hours you can read or watch Netflix before going to bed. Those who wake up before 8 am are lucky and can enjoy the view to the sea before the train arrives in Lecce at 8:30AM.
#3
EN50467 & Kronenhalle Bar
16.08.2019, from Zürich to Prague
Works of art by Chagall, Mirò, Braque, Matisse do not belong to the normal interior of a bar. But they fit well to the motto of the Kronenhalle Bar "Sans pareil" - without comparison. When entering through the narrow doors, the time shifts. It's like being catapulted back into the last century. Dark mahogany, green leather and the feeling of tradition calm down the soul. The menu offers a wonderful selection of new, old and inspiration from the bars around the world. After one or two cocktails, it is advisable to take a short detour through the alleys of Zurich towards the main station. EN50467 departs at 21:40. Don’t be surprised to find only one wagon on the way to Prague. With the arrival at 10:57 a.m., there is time for a lot of sleep, a short shower and a surprisingly good breakfast.
#2
Caledonian Sleeper & The Tippling House
30.07.2019, from Aberdeen to London
With the best mattresses in a train are to be found in the Caledonian Sleeper. One of the routes leads from Aberdeen to London. Those who are tired can even go to bed almost an hour before departure. The Tippling House has a nightcap to go with it within walking distance of the train station. But those who don't like it too sweet should get some advice beforehand. With the new wagons on all routes until the end of the year, the Caledonian Sleeper is probably one of the best night trains in Europe.
#1
NJ40421 & The Tiny Cup
24.07.2019, from Frankfurt to Vienna
It is already late when NJ40421 enters Frankfurt Airport. Perfect to make a detour to The Tiny Cup in the early evening. The bar is located in Frankfurt's narrowest house and offers excellent cocktails from 6 to late into the night. It is best to follow the recommendations of the barmen. Those who are used to get directly from the heart of the city into their rolling bed will be disappointed, as NJ40421 does not depart directly from the main station. From the Tiny Cup it takes another 20 minutes by S-Bahn to the airport long-distance train station. But after a cocktail in the Tiny Cup it dreams wonderfully towards Vienna.

02.07.2023, London - Scottish Highlands

08.01.2023, Hoek van Holland - Harwich

02.11.2022, Rijeka - Munich

28.03.2022, from Palermo to Rome

09.12.2021, from Genoa to Cefalù

05.10.2021, from Munich into South Europe

23.01.2021, from Verona to Munich

03.01.2021, from Rome to Rovereto

11.12.2020, from Catania to Rome

19.11.2020, from Milano to Siracusa

23.08.2020, from Florence to Munich

05.08.2020, Munich - Napoli

29.11.2019, Munich - Florence - Milano - Paris

15.10.2019, from Paris into Europe

24.09.2019, from Venice to Munich

04.09.2019, from Rome to Trieste

30.08.2019, from Lecce to Rome

25.08.2019, from Milano to Lecce

16.08.2019, from Zürich to Prague

30.07.2019, from Aberdeen to London

24.07.2019, from Frankfurt to Vienna