SJ night trains are among the most important night train products in Scandinavia. They connect Sweden over long distances, especially between Stockholm, northern Sweden, Jämtland and selected destinations in southern Sweden. The big advantage: you board in the evening, sleep on the way and arrive the next morning directly in a city, in the mountains or far up north.
SJ uses classic locomotive-hauled night trains with seating coaches, couchette coaches and sleeping cars. The trains are not new in the sense of a modern glossy product, but they are very practical for long distances in Sweden and have exactly what a good night train needs: different comfort levels, real sleeping options, onboard service, breakfast options and central stations.
The clear structure of the travel categories is especially pleasant. If you want to travel cheaply, choose a seat or couchette. If you really want to sleep, book Sleeping Car 2nd Class. If you want more privacy and your own bathroom with shower and WC, choose Sleeping Car 1st Class, if this category is available on the connection.
Comfort & classes
On SJ night trains there are generally seats, couchettes and sleeping cars. The seat in 2nd Class is the cheapest category. It is suitable for shorter overnight sections or very budget-conscious travel, but for a full night it is much less comfortable than a category where you can lie down.
The couchette in 2nd Class is the good middle category. You travel lying down, usually in a compartment with up to six berths. This is simpler than a sleeping car, but much more pleasant than a seat. For families, groups and budget-conscious travellers, the couchette is often the most sensible category.
In the sleeping car you travel more comfortably and more quietly. Sleeping Car 2nd Class has made-up beds and a washbasin in the compartment; WC and further sanitary facilities are located in the carriage. Sleeping Car 1st Class is the best category: private compartment, own bathroom with shower and WC, and breakfast included. SJ also states that Wi-Fi on night trains may vary depending on departure. If you want to work offline reliably or use entertainment, you should download content before the journey.
Tickets & notes
Tickets are best booked directly with SJ. Prices depend on route, travel date, demand and chosen comfort category. Sleeping Car 1st Class and Sleeping Car 2nd Class in particular should be booked early, as compartments are limited and can quickly become more expensive or sell out on popular routes.
When booking, pay close attention to the category: Seat 2nd Class, Couchette 2nd Class, Sleeping Car 2nd Class or Sleeping Car 1st Class. It is also important whether you book a place in a shared compartment or want your own compartment for yourself or your travel group. When travelling with a dog or other pet, you must select the appropriate pet travel category already during booking.
For connections, you should not plan transfers too tightly with night trains. Long distances in Sweden can be delayed by weather, engineering works or operational reasons. If you have an important onward connection at the destination, a larger time buffer is sensible. This is especially true for onward travel by ferry, flight or long daytime train connection.
Travel tips
Pack a small bag separately for the night: toothbrush, sleepwear, charging cable, earplugs, water bottle, medication and everything you need directly in the morning. Large luggage should be stored so that you do not have to move it during the night.
For long distances through Sweden, a category where you can lie down is worth it. The seat is cheap, but tiring on a full overnight journey. The couchette is a good compromise, Sleeping Car 2nd Class is significantly more comfortable. If you want to arrive fresh in the morning and your own bathroom is important to you, Sleeping Car 1st Class is the best choice.
Wi-Fi is not available in the same way on every SJ night train departure. Download films, music, maps, tickets and important travel documents before the journey. Especially on long routes to northern Sweden, the journey can be calm and beautiful — but not every minute is ideal for streaming or working online.
Food & drinks on board
Depending on the connection, SJ night trains offer a bistro or onboard service with food, drinks and breakfast. SJ lists food and drinks for night trains to Jämtland and Luleå. In 1st Class, breakfast is included; you can eat it in the bistro or take it back to your compartment. For other travellers, breakfast is available in the bistro.
Examples from the SJ bistro menu: breakfast with yoghurt, cheese roll, orange juice and coffee costs 99 SEK. A ham and cheese sandwich costs 75 SEK, a cheese and ham toast 69 SEK. As a hot dish, SJ lists for example lasagne for 119 SEK or chicken tikka masala for 119 SEK. Coffee costs 39 SEK, tea 35 SEK, still water 29 SEK and Coca-Cola 33 cl 35 SEK. A Swedish beer 33 cl costs 69 SEK, wine 18.7 cl costs 79 SEK. The quality is consistently good.
For a long overnight journey, it is still sensible to bring your own water and a small snack. The bistro offer is practical, but opening hours, selection and availability may vary depending on train, route and time of day.
WiFi on board
SJ points out that Wi-Fi on night trains may vary depending on departure. You should therefore not rely on being online with a stable connection for the whole route. Download films, series, music, maps and travel documents before the journey.
Power sockets and charging options may vary depending on carriage and category. For long overnight journeys, a power bank is useful, especially if you use your smartphone for tickets, alarm, navigation, entertainment or communication. The sleeping car is much more comfortable, but even there it is better to fully charge important devices before departure.
Bicycle transport
For SJ night trains, bicycle transport should always be checked specifically during booking. Regular bicycles cannot automatically be taken on Swedish long-distance trains, and the rules may vary depending on train type and connection. If no bicycle space is offered during booking, you should not assume that you can still take a regular bicycle with you.
Folding bikes or bicycles that are fully packed and can be transported as luggage are often easier to handle. The key point is that the bike must be stored safely and must not obstruct other passengers. If you want to travel with a bicycle, you should therefore check before booking whether the desired connection is really suitable.
Pets
Pets are generally welcome on SJ. According to SJ, the rules on SJ night trains are broadly similar to those on daytime trains. If you travel with a dog or another pet, you must select the appropriate option for travelling with pets when booking. There are special compartments or areas for passengers travelling with pets.
Pets can travel in couchette and sleeping cars if the appropriate category has been booked. Animals must remain on the floor and are not allowed on beds or berths. If you want a private compartment, you must book it accordingly; SJ points out that at least two travellers may be required for a private compartment.
Up to two pets can be taken per traveller, provided they remain under control and do not disturb other passengers. Small animals in transport boxes must be stored safely. For international journeys, you are responsible for checking the entry requirements for your animal.
Car transport
SJ night trains are not car trains. Cars and motorcycles are not transported. The connection is intended for passenger travel.
If you need a vehicle at your destination, you should check rental cars, car sharing, local buses or rail connections. Especially in northern Sweden, a rental car can be useful for more remote destinations, but it should be planned early.
