Overnight trains might sound dangerous, but they're typically just as safe as traveling in the day. If you're lucky, you'll be able to buy a ticket for a train with a sleeper carriage.

Overnight trains in Europe are considered very safe in 2026, especially with the recent "renaissance" of sleeper routes like the ÖBB Nightjet and the European Sleeper. Most modern night trains feature lockable compartments; if you are in a private "Sleeper" or a shared "Couchette," the door can be bolted from the inside, ensuring that only the passengers and the conductor (who has a master key for emergencies) can enter. Many trains also have a dedicated steward assigned to each carriage who checks tickets and monitors the hallway. While petty theft like "bag snatching" can occasionally occur in open-seated areas or when doors are left unlocked, violent crime is extremely rare. To maximize safety, travelers are encouraged to keep their valuables in a small bag under their pillow and to use the provided luggage racks for larger suitcases. The high level of security, combined with the convenience of waking up in a new country like Italy, France, or Germany, makes sleeper trains a preferred and secure alternative to short-haul flights for millions of European travelers.