There are new train experiences like European Sleeper opening up all over the continent, in the post airline-era
There seems to be a renaissance in European train travel - where infrastructure and regulation developments are meeting travellers turning away from airline connections, and their various toxic outcomes. Gavin Haines, an editor at Positive News, has written a fabulously useful book of 50 compelling rail trips across Europe. In his own magazine, he’s laid out some of the choicest examples, which we’ll share with you below:
European Sleeper
PN: This new venture aims to capitalise on growing interest in rail travel in Europe, particularly night trains, which are back in vogue amid rising demand for greener travel options and the post-pandemic work-from-anywhere culture.
…They raised €500,000 (£426,000) by flogging shares to like-minded investors, who bought into their idea to create an affordable night train from Brussels to Berlin, via Rotterdam and Amsterdam, and eventually going all the way to Prague.
Next, they navigated Europe’s maddeningly complex rail network and bought some 1950s rolling stock from Eastern Europe, which in the spirit of the circular economy has been refurbished. Luxury they are not – this is a no-frills service pitched at budget travellers. There is no dining cart, no showers, no Wi-Fi, and prices reflect this, starting from €79 (£67) one way.
It means that the prospect of having lunch in London and breakfast in Berlin without taking to the skies is now a distinct possibility.
Brussels to Berlin
PN: European Sleeper’s no-frills, nocturnal route to Eastern Europe calls at Antwerp, Rotterdam and Amsterdam as it rattles for a little under 12 hours between Brussels and Berlin. It’s due to keep going all the way to Prague from 2024, and there are plans to launch another service to Barcelona.
Stockholm to Berlin
PN: From the country that invented the so-called ‘flight shame’ movement, Sweden’s SJ EuroNight service goes from Stockholm to Hamburg all year, but in summer continues onto Berlin. It reportedly runs exclusively on green energy.
Paris to Vienna
PN: Leading the night train revival has been Austria’s state-run operator, ÖBB, which will launch its next generation locomotives this summer. The firm says it will offer an experience to rival flying first class, although budget options are available. Paris to Vienna is one of ÖBB’s flagship routes, taking 14 hours and departing three times a week.
Amsterdam to Zurich
PN: Another new ÖBB service, this one departs Amsterdam at night fall and shuttles sleeping passengers through three countries – the Netherlands, Germany and Switzerland – before arriving in Zurich in time for croissants, coffee, and a full day sightseeing. Trains run daily.
“revival of European train travel”, prompt to Midjourney
Prague to Zurich
PN: The Czech Republic’s Canopus night train was unceremoniously axed in 2017 but is back due to popular demand. The Prague to Zurich journey takes around 14 hours, shuttling passengers along almost the entire length of Austria, through Alpine scenery that is mostly cloaked in darkness. Trains have a retro feel, but prices are reasonable even in peak season.
London to Edinburgh
PN: Now in its second year, Lumo’s low-cost service launched in 2021 to lure people away from the skies on what is the UK’s busiest domestic air route. In a country known for crippling rail fares, the prospect of getting between the two capitals for £19.99 is appealing. Book early to snag the cheap fares.
Munich to La Spezia
PN: For sheer ambition, it’s hard to beat this ÖBB route. Starting in Munich, it cuts across Austria, wends its way through the Alps, flirts with Venice then darts across northern Italy and down the Ligurian coast to (hopefully) sunny La Spezia. Bring a good book: it’s 15 hours in total.
The original article is in Positive News - you can support/subscribe them here. Gavin Haines’ Europe By Train: 50 Rail Trips - Unlimited Adventures is out now on Doring Kindersley, £18.99