I did say in my first post that the advantage of the train is if you aren't traveling light. But hauling that checked bag onto the train and off and dealing with the stations I don't see that being fun.

My checked bag is a 22 inch two wheeler. Not a problem on the train.

Well, I am a 64 year old, small woman who travels alone, with a 24' suitcase plus backpack. It was never a problem for me. Those things roll, you know. Just heft it up a few steps.. takes a second or two.... and you're all done. I'd argue to stay strong and healthy (as able to) rather than avoid some adventure. I'd see that as part of the adventure, even.

s

Then you probably should have read farther.

Wouldn't have changed my reply I would still want to share with anyone who asks about overnight trains that I enjoyed the experience, the few times I did it. I did have a private cabin. And I wouldn't want to do it more than about once a week during a trip (probably not the best night's sleep you've ever had).

I have done two overnight trains and absolutely hated them both (admittedly they were 20+ years ago, but there is a reason I never did them again).

My suitcase is a 21" rollaboard. I have no problem getting it on and off a train and into the luggage compartment, but up and down long stairways in train stations? PITA. I don't see that part of travel as "part of the adventure." I just want it to be over with.

StCirq, in Germany and Switzerland, you only have to take the long staircases if you want to. There are escalators and elevators.

In the OP's case, I don't know about train stations in Italy. I've been through a few, but never did notice if there were options to the stairs. But as this is a family, I'm betting there is at least one man-type to help with the heavy lifting.

s

Twenty years ago? Things have changed! And even then a lot depended on the route. I did a couple of less than stellar night trains in the south of Spain in 2004, but then I took a really nice "train hotel" from Barcelona to Milan.

Major stations these days typically have escalators and elevators (although sometimes one may be out). Usually easy enough to find out, e.g. for Rome: https://www.romatermini.com/en/map/# which shows escalators. Munich is on one level, see: https://www.seat61.com/stations/munich-hauptbahnhof.htmMinor stations are another matter, but the OP isn't asking about them.

Try these tools to make your own comparisons:

www.seat61.com

www.skyscanner.com

The travel section of the large UK newspaper The Telegraph currently contains a travel feature on various overnight trains in Europe. It is a commercial service so I am not including a link, but it makes an interesting shopping browse.

I love these folks who haven't taken an overnight train in years and then pontificate against them. The newer night trains - hotel trains as besides couchetes they have nice private compartments sometimes with douches and WC in room - but at a staggering high cost for the latter.

@Southam - thanks for the pointer. I had forgotten about the revival of the Nice-Moscow route....Also Paris-Moscow. Tempting.

The Telegraph is not my choice for a paper, but they do seem keen on trains. I have a couple of books of "Great Railway Journeys" they published with articles that originally appeared in the paper.

swandav, I don't travel in Germany and Switzerland. There are certainly massive staircases to be encountered in many train stations in France and Italy. I probably take 100 trains a year in Europe and am no stranger to staircases. It wouldn't surprise me that Germany and Switzerland take better care of their passengers than other countries, but I don't choose to spend much time in those two countries.

I'm sure overnight trains have changed in 20 years - that's why I mentioned how long it is since I've done it. But they are dying out, and it will never be how I choose to bed down for the night, no matter how fancy they are. I want to wake up in a bed that's not moving. And I am a die-hard train lover.

Night trains just are not for everyone -I took zillions when much younger but now would eschew them for same reasons StCirq does.

So which is it? First you are chastising those who 'pontificate' against night trains for not having traveled on one in years -- then -- saying you haven't traveled on one for years and now 'eschew' them.

Oh Pal, you berate me for not taking night trains and then say you wouldn't take them now, either. Could you be more confusing?

Bottom line, they aren't for everyone, and they are dying out.

I believe there are posting restrictions for brand new members, so maybe we can request another for posting the same links again & again, ad nauseam.

1. An excellent Nightjet sleeper leaves Munich Hbf at 20:10 every night, arriving Rome Termini 09:22 next morning.

2. The train is very comfortable, with couchettes (basic flat bunks with sheet, blanket, pillow in 4 or 6 bunk compartments), and a sleeping-car built in 2005-6 with regular compartments with washbasin, a shower at the end of the corridor, and 3 deluxe compartments with en suite shower & toilet. Each compartment can be used for single, double or triple occupancy. See photos of the Comfortline sleeper at https://www.seat61.com/trains-and-routes/nightjet.htm

It's city centre to city centre while you sleep, saves a hotel bill, 80% less damaging for the environment than an easily-avoided flight, and much more fun. A unique European experience.

3. Fares start at €59 with couchette in a 6-berth compartment, €69 with a couchette in 4-berth, €79 for a bed in a 3-bed sleeper, €99 with a bed in a 2-bed sleeper, or €139 with a bed in a single bed sleeper all to yourself. Breakfast is included.
It will save money over a flight, hotel, train to airport and train from airport. Indeed, you'll do less luggage lugging as only ONE train is involved not TWO trains to and from two airports plus a flight! ;0)

4. Book at www.oebb.at Austrian Railways, who run this train. You print your own ticket

Breakfast is included. Even on 59 euro couchette berths.

I appreciate all the information and passionate responses!

Our specific situation- I think experiences are important. So the idea of an overnight train has an adventure component that I do appreciate. Especially with teen boys. Some of our best family experiences have come from traveling and for me that’s a huge benefit of an overnight train trip. It’s different and a shared experience. As a mom I treasure every opportunity to bond our family together (we took teen boys to Yellowstone for four days where there’s no internet service - they loved and hated me at the same time 😂😂&#128514

My original comment on trying trying to make it cost effective assumes a budget of $300 USD for a hotel room. I’m not much of a value hotel traveler. I should have been more upfront regarding the dollar component. Not too worried regarding luggage - any arrival hotel we would stay at would definitely store our luggage. I’m interested in feasibility, cost to some degree, and tips that help determine if it makes sense for us to choose an overnight train versus flights.

again - thanks for all the info so far and my apologies for not providing enough info 😀