Most of my European rail travel was before the advent of the low cost carriers in Europe and I really did like taking the rail route. I have taken night trains from Paris to Madrid (and v.v.) and Vienna, from Munich to Rome (and v.v.), from Geneva to Vienna and from Rome to Zurich. I don't know if all of these are still running, but it was really nice traveling at night by rail. All of these were in couchettes except for two when I got a first class cabin. That was really nice. Anyone who has not traveled by rail at night is missing out on a really unique travel experience.^