If you just have to see a Gilbert and Sullivan operetta in the town that inspired one of their most famous works ("The Pirates of Penzance"), try First Great Western's Night Riviera sleeper train. This train leaves London's Paddington Station just before midnight Sunday through Friday, arriving in Penzance at 8 the following morning. Passengers may book a single-bunk or double-bunk sleeper berth, or may elect to book only a seat. The return trip leaves Penzance at 9:35 p.m., arriving in London at 5:41 a.m. the following day.
If you want to get from London to one of several Scottish cities without spending an entire day on travel, the Caledonia Sleeper may be a good option for you. The Caledonian Sleeper departs from London's Euston Station and runs to several Scottish cities, including Aberdeen, Glasgow and Edinburgh. You can book either a twin or single sleeper compartment, or simply book a seat, although you may not sleep as well in the latter option. A light breakfast is included for passengers traveling in the sleeper compartment.
If you are visiting Europe to see museums, an overnight train from France to one of several Italian cities may be a good option for you. Artesia Trains operates overnight services between Paris (and Lyon) and Bologna, Florence, Milan, Rome and Venice. Passengers can select from six-berth and four-berth couchette compartments or two- and three-berth sleeper compartments. Couchettes are the less-expensive option, but you may not sleep as well as in a sleeper compartment. Sleeper accommodations include a continental breakfast and a daily newspaper.
If you want a wide selection of night trains from several European rail hubs, check out City Night Line's variety of overnight trains. Most routes depart from the Netherlands or Germany and run to France, the Czech Republic, Switzerland or Italy. Sample routes include Amsterdam to Prague, Berlin to Paris, Hamburg to Zurich and Munich to Venice. The least expensive option for all of these trains is seated coach, with couchettes and sleeper compartments available at a higher cost. If you are traveling in a sleeper compartment, breakfast is included in the cost of your ticket, and train staff will bring the food to your compartment. Seated and couchette passengers can order breakfast for an additional fee.
