We examine whether night trains can work in the United States by starting with a real sleeper ride from Zurich to Leipzig and then mapping routes where overnight service fits naturally. Dreamstar’s proposed LA–SF sleeper gets a reality check, while Amtrak’s current options and price gaps are unpacked with practical fixes.

• First‑hand review of ÖBB Nightjet Zurich to Leipzig
• Differences between compartments and open‑berth formats
• Snapshot of U.S. sleeper history and Pullman luxury
• Amtrak room types, limitations and high fares
• Why overnight rail saves time, money and stress
• Dreamstar LA–SF feasibility, timelines and obstacles
• Easy pilot candidates on NEC overnight slots
• Route ideas: LA–Phoenix, Chicago–Minneapolis, Chicago–Kansas City, Chicago–Nashville
• Shared berths as a lower‑cost U.S. option
• What it would take to win mode‑shift from flights

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