Overnight trains in Europe

That is my idea of hell. I'd cancel and just fly.

Some people love overnight trains and sleep well. Other don't.

I've taken one to experience it. I'm glad I did. I will never do it again.

I prefer to take trains when there is decent scenery to see. I prefer to spend my nights in a comfy hotel room.

I agree with Emily.

YMMV.

In general, it is good advice to take trains when you want to look at scenery, and book hotels when you want to sleep! 😴 😊

That said, I have taken sleeper cars in Italy, France, Germany, and Spain and loved the journey every time! I thought I would “save the cost of a hotel,” but I really didn’t - sleeper cars aren’t cheap. BUT it was still a really cool experience!

That said (and this is a major caveat) I can sleep anywhere. I sleep on demand with no trouble. I can sleep through noise and thumping and commotion and lights being turned on abruptly and parties in the bar car. If you are a light sleeper, or are easily disturbed and will lose sleep and that wil bother you… then you might want to rethink this plan.

Happy (train) travels!

Thanks for the comments and replies.
Any specific experience in the train routes I mentioned?
I am using euro rail pass and cost is not an issue.
I am trying this to maximize my week time and experience train travel.

"I am trying this to maximize my week time and experience train travel."

If I understand correctly, you have one week to make these 3 train journeys. You will be sleeping during most of the train trip hours, correct? So with "maximize my week time," do you mean that you are you seeking tips on what to do in Zurich, Berlin and Amsterdam during the day? If so, it would be wise to tell us what sorts of things you like to see and do when you travel.

I can see 2 route specific problems.

First, there is no London - Zurich train at any time of day!!! Your limit for London (all day only) is Amsterdam, Brussels or Paris - there is a high speed onward connection from Paris to Zurich for some of the early departures.

Second, Berlin to Amsterdam is run by EuropeanSleeper who have a reputation for quality of vehicles and reliablity - but it's not a good one!!! It only runs 3 nights per week so you need to coordinate your travel. Personally I wouldn't use it.

The Zurich - Berlin train is run by Nightjet and offers accomodation from basic seats right up to sleeper cabins with private bathrooms including welcome drink and light breakfast - you just need to book early enough. I would consider this train if I could get one the better cabins.

I am trying this to maximize my week time and experience train travel.

I would do the trains from London to Zurich and punt on the rest. Also, please rethink what you are trying to do since you have only a week. You are going to spend more time sitting on trains than seeing anything.

Earplugs. Big ones.

Are you a snorer, or sensitive to others' snoring? It's not a minor nuisance.