The Swedish rail operator Snälltåget has launched a night train service connecting Scandinavia with the Austrian Alps, setting a new record for the longest rail route in the EU. The train covers over 1,720 kilometers in 22 hours and operates during both the summer and winter seasons. Learn more about Europe’s longest overnight train route, its schedule, fares, and onboard services

The Swedish rail operator Snälltåget has launched a direct overnight service between Malmö and Innsbruck—a route spanning over 1,720 kilometers, making it the longest overnight train journey in the European Union. The trip takes about 22 hours and passes through Denmark and Germany.

Who operates the route, how much a ticket costs, and during which seasons the train runs—we’ll cover all that below.

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Route and distance of the Malmö–Innsbruck train

The Snälltåget night train covers over 1,720 kilometers (1,075 miles), connecting the Swedish city of Malmö with Innsbruck, Austria. The route passes through Copenhagen (Denmark), Odense, Kolding, and on through Germany to the Austrian Alps. Today, it is the longest night train route within the European Union.

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Schedule: Summer and Winter Seasons

The train operates seasonally—in summer and winter. The schedule varies depending on the season:

• Summer season (July): the train departs from Malmö every Friday at 3:40 PM and returns from Innsbruck every Saturday at 6:00 PM.
• Winter season: services run weekly from December 19, 2025, to March 15, 2026.

The summer route is designed for travelers planning hiking and cycling trips in the Alps. The winter season offers convenient access to Austria’s most famous ski resorts without the need to fly.

Ticket Prices and Reservations

The approximate one-way ticket price is around 154 British pounds per person. Seats in the sleeper compartments fill up quickly, especially during peak season, so it is recommended to book tickets in advance.

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Onboard service on the Snälltåget train

The Krogen restaurant operates onboard the train, serving food and drinks throughout the day and evening, as well as breakfast in the morning. A separate lunch menu is offered on the return journey. Breakfast can be served directly in the passenger’s compartment.

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The environmental friendliness of the rail route

Snälltåget uses renewable electricity—hydro, wind, and solar power. According to the operator, CO₂ emissions per person for a round-trip journey on the Malmö–Innsbruck route amount to approximately 1.2 kg. For comparison:

• a flight covering the same distance — about 267 kg of CO₂;
• a trip by gasoline-powered car (4 passengers) — about 128 kg of CO₂;
• a bus running on HVO biofuel — about 8 kg of CO₂.

Rail travel remains one of the most eco-friendly ways to travel across Europe.

Get travel insurance on Visit World before your trip!

A long journey through several European countries requires proper preparation, and insurance coverage is an important part of planning. On the Visit World portal, you can purchase travel insurance that will cover medical expenses and unforeseen situations during your stay abroad.

Get your insurance in advance and travel through Europe with confidence in your own safety!

Reminder! In our previous article, we discussed the cheapest countries in Europe for renting accommodation in 2026.

Photo: Magnific

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