Train travel from Baden-Württemberg's capital is often unpleasantly associated with the infamous Stuttgart 21 train project - often criticised for being a multi-billion euro boondoggle beset by constant delays.
But if you can put that to the side for a second, Stuttgart is indeed a well-connected place to travel from by train - and one of the most well-appointed cities in the country as far as night train destinations go.
If you're in or around Stuttgart, here's a few possible getaways to add to your bucket list.
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Vienna for culture
From its opera houses, art galleries, and Habsburg palaces - the Austrian capital is a decadent cultural treat. Its coffee houses offer no shortage of caffeine and book talks, its Christmas market is renowned throughout Europe, and you can sample no shortage of Austrian and international food.
What's more, the Slovak capital of Bratislava is less than an hour away by train - and perfect for a day trip from Vienna to enjoy its picturesque castle and dedicated hockey fandom.
Vienna is also easily reachable from Stuttgart on a nightly train that departs at 8:29 pm.
Operated by the Nightjet trains of Austria's national rail operator ÖBB, you can make yourself comfortable with any number of comfort and price options. These range from a cabin of couchettes well-suited for families or groups of friends all the way up to private sleeping cabins with their own shower and toilet.
You can also arrive bright and early in Vienna to enjoy breakfast and the day ahead - with the nightly train from Stuttgart getting into the Austrian capital just after 6:30 am.
Current times and ticket prices can be checked on the Austrian Railway's (ÖBB) website or at trainline.com.
Onward to Budapest
If you fancy more from the Danube, the exact same train that leaves Stuttgart every night at 8:29 pm for Vienna will also take you onward to Budapest.
You even get to sleep a little longer onboard, with arrival in the Hungarian capital at 9:19 am as opposed to the early 6:34 am roll-in time for the same train into Vienna's main train station.
From there, Hungary is at your feet, starting with the capital's stunning riverside walks, its relaxing thermal baths, and its turbulent history - all there to explore.
Given that the same night train services both cities, you could even combine the two - taking a sleeper train from one and returning home from the other, if you feel you can't visit one beautiful European capital in the same trip.
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Living the life in Venice
If you fancy this Italian jaunt, you're going to need to wait for a little while at least - until July 13th, 2025 to be exact.
That's because the direct night connection from Stuttgart to the northern Italian jewel is paused right now due to construction.
When it does come back though, you can add Venice to your overnight train travel list.
Also leaving at 8:29 pm every evening from Stuttgart, the Venice-bound ÖBB night train follows the same track as the one the heads to Vienna and Budapest - until you hit Salzburg in the middle of the night that is.
At that time, the train will split, with one section heading on to Vienna and Budapest and the other bound for Venice. So be sure you're in the right car so you keep the correct holiday!
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Getting into the Balkans
This nightly train from Stuttgart to Zagreb can be the perfect answer to the need for either a winter or a summer getaway.
Once again, leaving the Baden-Württemberg capital nightly at 8:29 pm and splitting off in Salzburg, this Nightjet train will take you through the Austrian Alps into Slovenia and finally to the Croatian capital.
If you want to go for a visit to southern Austria, you can get off bright and early in Graz at 7:36 am.
From there, the train makes a morning run through the Slovenian cities and towns of Maribor, Celje, Sevnica, Krsko, and Dobova - before finally reaching the Croatian capital of Zagreb just before lunch at 11:40 am.
From there, you can check out Zagreb's old town or its more offbeat attractions - like the Museum of Broken Relationships - or use it as a based to explore Croatia's stunning national parks and beaches.
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