If you travel within Europe for work, you know the rule by now: if your destination can be reached by train within eight hours, UAntwerp asks you to avoid flying. But even for cities further afield, the train is often worthwhile – especially if you opt for a night train. Researchers Katrien Danhieux (Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences) and Kathleen Andries (Faculty of Business and Economics) demonstrated just that last spring on their trip to Budapest. They share their insights on sustainable travel, practical tips and the comfort of a moving hotel room.
Why the night train?
Both researchers deliberately chose the train, despite the longer distance. “I had a full work week ahead and was able to sleep on the train,” says Katrien. “That way I arrived fresh and didn’t lose any working time.” Kathleen confirms: “The flight options were poorly timed, and in the end the night train was cheaper because I saved two hotel nights. And it’s ecologically responsible.”
Comfort on wheels
The travel experience was surprisingly positive. “The sleeper cabin was clean, with a real bed, duvet and even a sink,” says Katrien. “Breakfast was well organised, and I could charge my laptop.” Kathleen stayed in a shared cabin: “There was enough space, and I appreciated the option of an exclusive women-only cabin. I also enjoyed the conversations with fellow travelers. The gentle rocking of the train helped me sleep well.”
A realistic alternative to flying?
Both researchers emphasise the efficiency: travelling and sleeping at the same time. “You arrive in the city centre, without security checks or transfers,” says Kathleen. “And financially it often makes sense too: the night train with a sleeper cabin can be cheaper than flying combined with extra hotel nights.”
Booking stress: room for improvement
Not everything went smoothly, however. “Travel agencies often only offered flights by default,” says Kathleen. “I had to help search for good train connections myself.” Katrien, on the other hand, encountered issues with FWO’s reimbursement policy: “A sleeper cabin was initially refused because it was more expensive than a regular seat. But you can’t just sit upright all night on a night train. Only after I showed that the total cost was lower than flying did it get approving.”
Their recommendation? Make sleeper cabins the default for night train travel, and encourage travel agencies to better integrate rail travel into their offerings. Their message is clear: sustainable travel requires policy that considers both the traveler’s reality and the broader societal interest.
Would they recommend it?
“Absolutely,” they answer in unison. “The peace, the comfort, and the sustainable nature outweigh the occasional delay. You arrive fresh and well-rested. It’s a different way of travelling where you can combine sleep and work.” Kathleen: “I think more people would consider this option if they knew how comfortable and practical it really is. Plus, this way of travelling perfectly aligns with UAntwerp’s vision on sustainability.”
Benefist and areas of improvement a a glance
Sustainable travel pays off
The night train is a comfortable, ecological and often financially advantageous alternative to flying, as you save on hotel nights.
Practical and time-efficient
Travelling by night train means no lost days or nights, since you sleep during the journey and arrive well-rested.
More flexibility needed in booking procedures
Travel agencies and funders should take better account of the total financial picture of a night train trip and consider sleeper cabins as standard.
Did you know…
- You can take the night train from Brussels to Vienna, and transfer there to cities like Venice, Rome, Budapest or Bratislava? From Zurich, you can transfer to Turin, Naples or Como.
- There are also direct night trains from Antwerp-Central to Berlin and Prague.
- Since 2025–2026, night trains to Barcelona also depart from Antwerp.
How to book your work-related travel?
We strongly encourage travelling by train. To book your journey, follow the purchasing procedure laid down in a framework agreement.