Five Country European Sleeper Train Adventure: Zürich to Zagreb

This time I embark on an exhilarating sleeper train adventure spanning five incredible countries and covering over 800 kilometres (500 miles). This 15-hour odyssey takes us from Zürich in Switzerland to Zagreb in Croatia, all while relaxing in the comfort of a private sleeper compartment. From breath-taking mountain views to winding rivers and charming villages, this journey showcases the best of Europe's natural beauty. Let's dive into the details of this extraordinary adventure - you won't want to miss a moment!

Welcome to Zürich: The Beginning of the Adventure

Our trip begins in the bustling city of Zürich, home to 1.3 million people and renowned as one of the most expensive cities in Europe. Despite the high costs, Zürich is an absolute gem - a city that combines modernity with natural beauty. I always enjoy visiting, even if I’m not a fan of paying the steep prices for accommodation or meals! Navigating Zürich is a breeze, thanks to its excellent tram and bus network. These lines conveniently converge at Zürich Hauptbahnhof, the city's main train station and our departure point for tonight’s journey. If you're preparing for a long journey like this one, I recommend stopping at the large supermarket across the street from the station. Here, you’ll find a wide selection of affordable snacks, meals, and drinks. Inside the station itself, you’ll find an abundance of shops, cafés, and even a street food park (at least during my visit) offering delicious options to tempt your taste buds. I couldn’t resist grabbing dinner from there before boarding. Zürich Hauptbahnhof is one of Europe’s busiest stations, with an astonishing 420,000 passengers and 3,000 train departures each day. Toilets are available on the main concourse but come with a hefty price tag of 1.50 francs per visit. A Nonstop EuroTIP for you: use the free toilets onboard any train - just make sure it’s not departing within the next ten minutes!

Boarding the Sleeper Train

Tonight, we’re travelling on the EuroNight 40465 service, which departs from Zürich at 7:40 PM and arrives in Zagreb the next morning. Covering 809 kilometres in 15 hours, this journey takes us through Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Austria, Slovenia, and Croatia. It’s an efficient, comfortable, and scenic way to travel across Europe. For the first leg of the journey, our train is combined with the ÖBB Nightjet 465, with coaches heading to both Graz and Zagreb. My sleeper coach is part of the latter group, managed by Croatia’s national railway operator, HŽPP. My private sleeper compartment was immaculate, cosy, and well-equipped. It features a pre-made bed that converts into a daytime bench, blackout blinds, air conditioning, and plenty of storage space for luggage. The room also includes a sink with hot and cold running water, soap, hand towels, and even a large mirror. Pricing for private compartments starts at €249.90 (£208.57), which I found reasonable for the level of comfort and privacy. For budget travellers, there are excellent alternatives, such as a berth in a six-bed couchette cabin for €49.90 (£41.63) or a seat in a six-person compartment for €34.90 (£29.12). Dynamic pricing means fares can vary based on demand, so book early to secure the best rates.

Sleeping through the Alps

Shortly after departing Zürich, the train hugs the shores of the stunning Lake Zürich. As the sun sets over the lake, the view is simply magical. The elegant lakeside houses dotting the shoreline are a testament to the area’s exclusivity - well beyond my budget, but a delight to admire. This section of the journey provides some of the most beautiful train window views I’ve ever experienced, making it one of my favourite European departures. As night falls, I take full advantage of the sleeper compartment’s amenities. The pre-made bed is wonderfully comfortable, with high-quality bedding and a particularly fluffy pillow. Each bunk has individual reading lights, cup holders, and plenty of storage space, making it ideal for solo or group travellers. The gentle rocking of the train and the soothing hum of the tracks make it easy to drift off to sleep. Somewhere in western Austria, I close my eyes, eager to wake up in another country.

Good Morning, Slovenia!

After an excellent night’s sleep, I wake up to the stunning mountain views of Slovenia. The train glides through the Upper Sava Valley, with its striking blue river running alongside us. The journey takes us past Lake Bled, a true jewel of the region. If you ever have the chance to visit, I highly recommend it - the lake is one of my favourite places in Europe. By 8:45 AM, we arrive in Ljubljana, Slovenia’s charming and compact capital. With a population of just 295,000, Ljubljana offers a unique blend of small-town charm and big-city attractions. As we continue eastward, the train continues following the Sava River, passing the picturesque Hills on either side. Croatia is the final country on our journey, and since it joined the Schengen Zone in January 2023, there are no border checks, making for a smooth ride to our destination.

Arrival in Zagreb: Better late than never!

We pull into Zagreb’s main station at 11:45 AM, just over an hour behind schedule. Delays are common in this part of Europe, so it’s always wise to build some flexibility into your travel plans. For me, the timing worked out perfectly - I could check into my hotel shortly after I arrived. Zagreb is a fantastic city, with friendly locals, historic architecture, and delicious food. Although my time in Croatia was brief, I made the most of it with a city tour, a scenic train ride to Rijeka for a night. I'll definitely be coming back soon!

Final Thoughts: Why Sleeper Trains Are Absolutely Worth It

This trip was truly unforgettable. The HŽPP coaches were comfortable, well-maintained, and ideal for a long-distance trip. The scenic route, excellent service, and the novelty of waking up in a new country will never get old. Whether you're travelling solo or sharing a compartment with friends, this route offers great value for money and the chance to see some of Europe’s most stunning landscapes. Have you ever travelled on an international sleeper train? I’d love to hear about your experiences in the comments below. See you on the next journey!