Latest news with #EuropeanSleeper
Times
18-05-2025
- Times
My first sleeper train? Like trying to nap on the Central Line
It was the second time he yanked on the door handle, at 3am, somewhere in western Armenia, that pushed me over the edge. I still hadn't slept and we only had four hours to go before the sleeper train arrived in Yerevan, the capital. A drunk man occupied the cabin next door, but every time he came back from the loo he mistook our room for his. The first time I was terrified. The second time I was seething. (Luckily the door was locked, so I didn't have to fight him off wearing only a T-shirt and pants.) Romance and glamour were notably absent on the 8.20pm from Tbilisi in Georgia, my first ever overnight train. Orient-Express levels of comfort and service were never expected; our tickets cost £37 each rather than thousands, after all. But with all the recent hype around new night trains across Europe — from European Sleeper's Brussels-Berlin route to SJ Night's Stockholm-Hamburg service — I had anticipated at least some hard-to-put-your-finger-on magic. Jovial company, maybe? Beautiful scenery, perhaps? Sadly, the reality, on a Monday night in early April, was quiet (there were two dozen passengers, tops), too dark to see anything (the sun had set before we left) and prosaic (making your own bed on holiday? Not a vibe). And what I definitely didn't expect was to feel quite so awful in the morning. • What it's like on board the new night train from Brussels to Venice There were some aspects of the journey that pleasantly surprised me. The pillows may have been a questionable shade of yellow, but the sheets, delivered to our door just after the train departed? Crisp, spotless. Our modern, second-class, Russian-designed cabin was roomy and we loved unpacking our possessions and making it feel (a bit) like home. Of course, it helped that the other two berths in our cabin hadn't been booked. It was toasty in our nest too; just the antidote to the soggy Caucasian spring. • The world's most luxurious train journeys But fundamentally, I discovered, this mode of travel is not for me. Travellers can be divided into two camps: those who can sleep basically anywhere and those who can only do so in a bed. A proper bed, that is. I'm among the latter and I found that, although the pulldown mattress may have been functional, there was no way I was going to sleep while the carriage wobbled and jolted so persistently (this was particularly bad on the Armenian side of the border). It felt like trying to nap on the Central Line. In such a stressful environment, my fellow travellers came across all the more irritating. We had Drunk Idiot on one side, of course. On the other, a couple played tinny pop from their phones until 1am. And at the border, when everyone had to disembark, we were delayed by an obnoxious trio who refused to pay an existing fine — unclear what for — to the Georgian police. One of them, perhaps harshly, wasn't allowed back on board. • I'm a train expert — these are Europe's best interrail trips for any age When we trundled into Yerevan at 6.55am, we found the city deserted. Why? Because it was 6.55am. No cafés were open and our Airbnb host wouldn't let us in until 3pm, so there we were on the streets, dragging our bags around the city having had just an hour of sleep. Next time we resolved to choose a train that would get in later, allowing for at least an attempt at a lie-in. Or maybe to just find another way to reach our destination. As it happened, we had intended to take the sleeper back to Georgia a week later. Er … no, thanks. Instead we booked a four-hour coach during the day that was quicker, cheaper and followed a spectacular route through the mountains. I put on a podcast and snoozed through the entire journey. Are you a fan of sleeper trains? Share your views in the comments
Metro
29-04-2025
- Business
- Metro
This new train journey links three of Morocco's most beautiful cities
A new golden age of train travel has dawned, and it's safe to say we are now in the thick of the rail renaissance. For the first time in a century, trains are the It-girl of transport, and over the past few months, a slew of ambitious projects have been announced. These a £99 European Sleeper service from Brussels to Venice, and a new train that will directly link the Spanish and Portuguese capitals of Madrid and Lisbon. Morocco is the latest country to join the slow (and sustainable) travel club. The North African jewel is launching an extended rail line linking three of its most spectacular cities for the first time in history. The Al Boraq line, which currently runs between Kenitra and Tangier, will add stops in Morocco's capital, Rabat, plus the tourist hotspots of Casablanca and Marrakech. Fuel your wanderlust with our curated newsletter of travel deals, guides and inspiration. Sign up here. Currently, Al Boraq is Africa's only operating high-speed railway system. The planned 430km extension will make it the longest on the continent, too. Aside from making Morocco more accessible, the updated route – set to cost close to £4 billion – is expected to drastically cut travel times. For example, the journey from Tangier to Rabat will take one hour. From Tangier to Casablanca it will be one hour and forty minutes, while Tangier to Marrakech will take two hours and forty minutes. Those travelling to Rabat from Casablanca's Mohammed V International airport and vice versa will reach their destination in just 35 minutes. The construction connecting Kenitra and Marrakech was officially launched earlier this month by King Mohammed VI, who welcomed a new era of ultra-modern rail infrastructure across the country. He said in a statement: 'This project demonstrates Morocco's firm determination to continue developing the national rail network,' and noted that this transformation will serve as 'the backbone of a sustainable and inclusive transport system.' While news of the project is exciting, locals and visitors alike will have to wait a few years until they can travel on the new lines. Currently, completion is expected to be operational before the 2030 FIFA World Cup. Rabat, a city of about one million, has been Morocco's coastal capital since 1912. Despite its status, it's a less intense experience than Marrakech and a calmer introduction to the country as a whole. Defined by Islamic and colonial heritage and laid-back pace, Rabat is the best of both worlds for every type of traveller. @elisolidum A Week in Rabat, Morocco 🇲🇦 it feels weird to call a capital city underrated, but that's totally how I feel about Rabat. finding time to slow down, visiting bookshops and cafes, grocery shopping at local markets, catching sunsets on the beach, and finding a little sense of home in the chaos of Morocco. It's been a month of fast-paced travel all over the country, and taking a week to settle down in Rabat has been much needed 👌🏽 #travel #morocco #tiktoktravel #travelblogger #fyp ♬ September – Sparky Deathcap Founded in the 12th century, every stone is steeped in history. The Kasbah des Oudayas neighbourhood provides obvious Andalusian influence, with whitewashed buildings and dominant blue doors. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, the charming medieval fortress district has become a hotspot for artists and creatives from all over the globe. Hassan Tower – considered the symbol of Rabat – is one of the most famous sites in the city. Marvel at its Moorish architecture while soaking up the sun. Summer in Rabat – and Morocco in general – can reach 40°C, so it's worth visiting in the shoulder seasons when temperatures aren't as strong. If you're into a mix of modern and historical, Casablanca is for you. The city is widely known as Morocco's chief port, as well as being one of the largest artificial ports in Africa. Whether you visit the Hassan II Mosque, an elaborate oceanfront mosque, or head to the Arab League Park, famed for its lush gardens and palm trees, Casablanca offers a unique Moroccan experience. Just over a 90-minute drive from Casablanca is El Jadida, a chaotic but authentic Moroccan port city that's yet to be invaded by tourists. Nicknamed the 'Hamptons of Morocco', the medina of this UNESCO-listed old town is said to be the most European-looking in Morocco. No visit is complete without a walk along the city walls, which capture panoramic views of the ocean. Metro's Alice Giddings spent a week at Mazagan Beach & Golf Resort, a luxurious hotel on the Atlantic coast just outside the city walls that boasts 7km of private beach and lavish suites dotted around a swimming pool. Read her full report here. Nowhere does it get more quintessentially Moroccoan than in Marrakech, with its bustling bazaars, street food tours, and a melting pot of culture. For history, head to the Saadian Tombs and El Badi Palace. For a taste of daily life, it's all about Jemaa el-Fna square, a UNESCO World Heritage Site bursting with music, traditional storytelling and food vendors. For culture, check out the Ben Youssef Madrasa to admire centuries-old Islamic architecture. @kelseyinlondon 🇲🇦 How to spend a perfect day in Marrakech ⬇️ MORNING 9am 🏫 Ben Youssef Madrasa 10am ☕️ Bacha Coffee 11am 🛍 Go shopping in Souk Semmarine AFTERNOON 1pm 🍽 Lunch at Le Jardin (order the chicken pastilla!) 3pm 🌵Jardin Majorelle EVENING 6pm 🍹 Drinks & dinner at DarDar Rooftop More Marrakech Recommendations ⬇️ 📍THINGS TO DO Le Jardin Majorelle, Moroccan Cooking Class (Amal Women's Training Center), Ben Youssef Madrasa, Le Jardin Secret, go shopping in the souks, Saadian Tombs, Koutoubia Mosque, Bahia Palace, Jemaa el-Fnaa, YSL Museum, Stay overnight in a Agafay desert camp (I recommend Be Agafay & Scarabeo Camp), sunrise hot air balloon ride, spa say / hammam, El Badi Palace, Day trip to Ouzoud Waterfalls, desert quad bike tour, Maison de la Photographie 🍽 RESTAURANTS Le Jardin, Dar Dar Rooftop, La Trattoria, L'Mida, Bacha Coffee, Les Jardins Du Lotus, El Fenn Rooftop, Nomad, Le Salama, La Table at Royal Mansour, Comptoir Darna, Cafe Des Epices 🏨 STAY Riad Botanica, Riad Sakkan, Riad Be, Riad L' Atelier, Riad Yasmine, Roya Mansour, Riad 42, El Fenn, Riad Jardin Secret, Amanjena, La Sultana #marrakech #marrakechmedina #marrakech🇲🇦 #visitmarrakech #riadmarrakech #instamarrakech #marrakesh #morocco #moroccotravel #moroccotrip #visitmorocco #morocco🇲🇦 #travelmorocco #exploremorocco #instamorocco #uktravelblogger #travelblogger #travelguide #traveltips #travelblog #marrakechrestaurant #marrakechfood 24 hours in Marrakech | Things to do in Marrakech | Marrakech Itinerary | 1 day in Marrakech | Marrakech Restaurants | Marrakech Cafes | Marrakech Bars | Hotels in Marrakech | Marrakech food spots | Marrakech travel tips | Marrakech hidden gems | Marrakech activities | Marrakesh Itinerary ♬ original sound – Kelsey💗London Travel Creator And, as Millennials and Gen Z continue to popularise the sober tourism trend, Metro's Gergana Krasteva found that Marrakech is the perfect choice for teetotal travellers. In January, she spent 72 hours in the 'Red City,' soaking up culture instead of alcohol. Noting that it's a 'place that doesn't need booze to be interesting,' Gergana explored opulent palaces and atmospheric souks with aromatic cuisine. She said: 'All are making the city known as the Jewel of the South an increasingly popular choice for sober travellers.' More Trending However, if Morocco has always been on your bucket-list, but the chaos of Marrakech doesn't appeal, Gergana recommends a visit to Fez. Around two hours and twenty minutes from Rabat, Gergana reports that the city nicknamed the 'Athens of Africa' has held onto much of the traditional culture that defines it. With none of the crowds and a spiritual and cultural focus, it's also cheap to get to: at least four direct flights depart from London every week, from as little as £27 one-way. 'It's never been easier to visit the ancient tanneries, stunning architecture, and royal palaces that make this city so fascinating,' Gergana adds. Can't wait until 2030? Saudi Arabia has also tapped into the luxury rail travel trend, becoming the first Middle Eastern country to embrace it. In 2026, plans to launch the 'Dream of the Desert' are in motion, the first five-star rail service in the region that will travel around 780 miles through the Arabian Desert, from Riyadh to Al Qurayyat, near the northern border with Jordan. However, concerns over the ambitious project have risen due to the country's 'dire' human rights situation. MORE: 'Breathtaking' pier named UK's best despite nearly being destroyed last year MORE: The UK's most remote train journey with 26 stops and 'stunning scenery' MORE: 'English Mediterranean' island dubbed the UK's sunniest place is still overlooked by tourists
Telegraph
22-04-2025
- Business
- Telegraph
Europe's 10 best sleeper trains
Lovers of sleeper trains can rest easy in their bunks. While there is undoubtedly something of a stop/start motion to the celebrated renaissance of this glorious form of transport in Europe, the direction of travel is clear. Nightjet, the sleeper train network run by the Austrian state rail operator ÖBB, which has spearheaded the revival, will next month (May 2025) bring its swisher, slicker new-generation trains – complete with compact capsule-style mini-cabins – into operation on two of its stellar routings: Amsterdam-Vienna and Amsterdam-Innsbruck. Earlier this year, one of the newer entrants, European Sleeper, launched a Brussels-Venice routing. Further down the line it is eying a Brussels-Barcelona service travelling through France, a country which has also revived several key sleeper train routes, such as the legendary run from Paris to Nice. In Italy, a new fleet of night train carriages is currently under construction and is scheduled to come into play in 2026 on the spectacular night journeys down to Sicily. These moves all reflect a growing demand from a cohort of travellers looking for a slower, more sociable form of transport, one that is gentler on the environment, a lot more enjoyable – certainly than low-cost flights – and one which saves on hotel bills. It's not all full steam ahead – particularly for operators who do not benefit from the backing of a state. Last year Midnight Trains – a private French start-up that had ambitious plans for a new fleet of luxurious 'hotel-on-rails' sleeper trains crossing the continent – had to bow out after failing to secure sufficient rolling stock and backing. With its new route to Venice, European Sleeper discovered how difficult the logistics of such operations can be when the Italian authorities initially denied the train access. Even NightJet has had its setbacks, announcing in March that it was withdrawing its Brussels-Berlin routing. But lovers of this form of travel know all too well that sleeper train journeys have always been a bit stop-start – that's all part of the fun. Here, then, from the northern Norwegian town of Narvik to the great cross-continental city of Istanbul, are 10 European night trains to fire the imagination and rekindle the joy of the journey. Milan to Palermo Intercity Notte (Trenitalia) Let's start with an epic – and the only train journey in Europe that involves boarding a ferry: in this case the 20-minute hop across the Strait of Messina linking the Italian mainland with the magnificent island of Sicily. Departing from Milan just after 8pm, the train passes through some big hitters such as Bologna and Florence at night but some of the loveliest coastal stretches south of Naples by day. If a journey time of 21 hours is off-putting (it arrives in Palermo at nearly 5pm), there's also a service from Rome that takes about 13 hours. Sit on the right for the best views going south (the left going north), and stock up on supplies of Parma ham, olives, biscotti and chianti. La Dolce Vita starts here. Stockholm to Berlin Snälltåget It comes as no surprise that in the land of flygskam ('flight shame'), there are a number of night train options. In direct competition with state-owned SJ, the independent operator Snälltåget offers a link to Berlin on a no-frills train that harks back to an earlier era of European rail travel. It may be quite slow and traditional (the only sleeping option is in a six-berth couchette), but, glory of glories, it has a dining car which goes by the name Krogen (pub). Enjoy cheese-filled schnitzels and organic pancakes with strawberries and whipped cream while passing a series of lakes and forested landscapes as the train heads south towards Malmö and the famous bridge crossing to Copenhagen. There's a very early stop in Hamburg should you wish to alight there, otherwise the train reaches Berlin at 07.45: just in time for a proper Berlin Frühstück (breakfast). A few departures carry on to Dresden. Daily (no Saturday service April-October). From €74 (in a six-berth compartment); Paris to Nice Intercités de Nuit (SNCF) Who doesn't want to wake up looking out of a train window at the dazzlingly blue seas of the Côte d'Azur interspersed with glimpses of fabled French Riviera resorts such as Cannes and Antibes? This journey, discontinued in 2017 but restored in 2021, is a cost-effective way of travelling between the French capital and Nice, offering two levels of couchette – 1st class with four berths (which can be booked for solo occupancy) and 2nd class with six. The reborn train has been modernised (with carpeting and soft fabric bunks) and is not scheduled to stop until it reaches Marseille at around 6.30am. From here on you have a thrilling stretch of track to look forward to. There's no buffet car, but for this segment you can buy coffee and a croissant from train staff. Doing the journey in the other direction you get those views in the evening. Daily (subject to engineering work disruptions). From €29 (in a six-berth compartment). See Brussels to Prague European Sleeper This routing – the first offered by Netherlands-based newbie independent operator European Sleeper – goes though some of the loveliest scenery in central Europe, the Sächsische Schweiz, a region of spectacularly beautiful rock formations in the sandstone mountains of the Elbe valley south of Dresden. Heading to Prague, this stretch comes in the early morning; going back it is in the evening. The route, which also takes in Amsterdam, was launched in 2023, originally to Berlin, and extended to the Czech capital a year later, when a bistro-style dining car was introduced. The rolling stock may be a bit dated (many carriages stem from the 1980s; some from the 1950s) and the power and water supply can sometimes be a bit hit and miss, but that's all part of an experience that for an earlier generation was a rite of passage. Three times weekly (each way). From €79 (in a six-berth couchette). See Sofia to Istanbul Sofia-Istanbul Express (TCDD/BDŽ) Istanbul, eh? If that doesn't conjure up images of train travel at its most romantic (barring the odd murder), nothing will. While there is an extremely luxurious version of the original Orient Express journey between Paris and Istanbul (see here), those on more modest budgets might prefer the regular night train to Istanbul from Sofia. The journey out – on a train offering spacious sleeper and regular couchette compartments, but no catering facility – passes through the ancient Bulgarian city of Plovdiv before arriving in the early hours at the border which on the Turkish side involves getting off the train for passport and baggage checks. None of your namby-pamby Schengen stuff here, this is an old-school border crossing that involves being turfed out of bed for some middle-of-the-night scrutiny and plenty of frisson. That done, retire back to your cabin to rest and anticipate the arrival in the city that signals the end of Europe and the beginning of Asia. Daily. From €29 (in a four-berth couchette). For tips on how to book (not possible online), see Vienna to Bucharest The Dacia (CFR Călători) Another epic journey, another cluster of superlative views. The first significant stop is at Budapest-Keleti where there's time to admire one of Europe's grandest and most eclectic stations (look out for the statue of George Stephenson). From here it's on through the night and the Great Hungarian Plain (puszta). Dawn ushers in the mystical, misty landscapes of Transylvania – with options to get out at the spellbinding cities of Sighișoara or Brasov (well worth visiting, especially if the idea of almost 20 hours on a train palls). Alternatively, if you want to move smartly away from Dracula territory, stay on board for stellar views of the Carpathian Mountains as you head ever deeper into the Balkans and an afternoon arrival in Bucharest. The train offers sleeper, couchette and women-only compartments. The legendary Bar-Bistro evening dining car is alas no more, though coffee and snacks may be available for some of the journey. Daily. From €59 (in a six-bed couchette). See or Stockholm to Narvik Arctic Circle Train (SJ) And now for something completely different – a night train run by the Swedish state-owned SJ operator that covers 1,361 km, extends over almost 20 hours, is thrilling in both summer and winter (and all periods in between), and which, hugely alluringly, goes by the name Arctic Circle Train. An early evening departure from Stockholm sees the train take the coastal route along the Gulf of Bothnia between Sweden and Finland before turning inland and making for the heart of Swedish Lapland and the iron ore mining town of Kiruna. In the summer months of almost permanent daylight, the journey – in a train furnished with a wide variety of sleeping options including single-occupancy 1st class, a splash of Scandi chic and a bistro car – is punctuated by wonderful vistas of coniferous forests and lakes; in winter there is a snowy wonderland-like quality and, if the stars align, sightings of the Northern Lights. The final stretch crosses into Norway and concludes in the northern city of Narvik. Just in case you're pining for the fjords. Daily. From €70 (in a six-berth couchette). See Warsaw to Budapest Chopin (PKP and CD) Another stellar night train journey, another stellar night train name, this one celebrating Frédéric Chopin, Poland's greatest composer. Part of the EuroNight network comprising multiple train operators, this routing links two of central Europe's great powerhouses – a rejuvenated Warsaw and Budapest, a city beautifully bisected by the Danube. The train skirts around the Tatra mountains in the south of Poland just after (or before if going north) Krakow – the ancient capital of Poland and city of such splendour it still thinks of itself as the country's cultural capital. There is a selection of sleeper and couchette options, sometimes including a deluxe variation. Dining facilities are modest, so stock up on supplies in advance. If you're lucky, you may get to enjoy sunrise glimpses of the Danube between Bratislava and Vac (sunset if going the other way). Daily. From €49.90 (in a six-berth couchette). See ; Zurich to Zagreb Alpine Pearls (HŽPP) A journey linking Zurich and Zagreb has a certain ring to it – how often do you get to travel by night train between two places beginning with the letter Z? This is another EuroNight special with a route taking in great swathes of Austria before dipping south into Slovenia with early morning stops in Bled (famous for its lake) and the delightful city of Ljubljana – complete with views of the Julian Alps. The Croatian capital Zagreb, reached courtesy of a long stretch along the River Sava, boasts a rich Habsburg heritage, the shortest funicular journey in the world (66 metres) and a Museum of Broken Relationships. Those who still have itchy feet can travel on by train or bus to Split, the Adriatic – and the Makarska Riviera. Daily. From €49.90 (in a six-berth couchette). See Note that ongoing works until summer 2025 could mean a diversion via Graz. The route through Slovenia is due to reopen in mid-July. Amsterdam to Innsbruck NightJet (ÖBB) Fancy trying the latest thing in night train accommodation? From the end of May, NightJet's new generation trains will be deployed on this 14-hour jaunt between Amsterdam and Innsbruck. The Siemens-constructed trains embrace a more modern design, additional comforts – en suite toilet and shower facilities in all sleeper carriages – free Wi-Fi throughout and, in the case of the pioneering mini cabins, the chance for solo travellers to enjoy privacy in their own space – admittedly a fairly restricted one (think Japanese-style capsule hotels). With so much to engage the senses inside, you will barely miss Bavarian treasures such as Würzburg and Nuremberg, passed in the dead of night. Come the dawn, enjoy the spires of Munich and spectacular Alpine peaks ahead of arrival in Innsbruck, a city prized for its proximity to ski slopes and history as the one-time heart of the Holy Roman Empire.
Yahoo
26-03-2025
- Yahoo
Night train service between Berlin and Brussels to stop running from end of March
Several services have been cancelled on a European night train service connecting several major cities across the continent as last-minute construction work is announced – with one route discontinued altogether. Nightjet, operated by Austrian Railways (ÖBB), connects 25 destinations such as Paris, Rome and Berlin on its multi-national train services, with passengers offered the choice of sleeper cabins, couchettes and seating carriages on its journeys. Due to 'construction sites in Germany, Austria and France announced at short notice', the train operator has said that several of its services will not be running over the two next months. However, one route will not be coming back after the wave of cancellations and will be discontinued altogether. The train operator said that departures from Berlin to Brussels will be cancelled from 26 March onwards, and Brussels to Berlin from 27 March. An ÖBB spokesperson told The Independent: 'Unfortunately, we have to discontinue the Berlin - Brussels connection. The reason for this is the complex construction site situation, but also there is a lower demand on this connection.' 'Apart from the night train service, Brussels remains well connected to Berlin via Cologne during the day. The ICE 3neo has been providing more reliability and comfort for travellers to Belgium on this connection between Frankfurt and Brussels since June 2024.' 'The Nightjet connection Vienna - Brussels will in any case continue to be offered.' Rail expert Mark Smith, from the Man in Seat 61 said in a report of the Nightjet Berlin-Brussels route that 'a combination of difficult-to-bypass late-notice trackwork in Germany and (no doubt) the fact that it now runs on the same 3 days of the week as the European Sleeper mean they seem to have given up'. Specific departures between Vienna and Paris and between Berlin and Paris also have cancellations on certain days from 27 March to 26 May, ÖBB added. Alongside this, various trains running to and from Zurich, Amsterdam and Prague will not be able to run next month between 13 April and 28 April. Other connections will also have changes along its routes. The connection from Zurich to Berlin or Berlin to Zurich (NJ 408 / NJ 409 incl. IC 60408 / 60409) will be operated to/from Hamburg between 14 April and 27 April 2025, the operator said. On the Zurich to Hamburg / Hamburg to Zurich connection (NJ 470 / 471 with IC 60470 / 60471), stops at Bremen and Verden an der Aller will be cancelled between 14 April to 27 April. For both changes, the train operator has requested that travellers take the daytime service to Hanover, and Nightjet tickets will be recognised. ÖBB said they apologise for any inconvenience caused due to the last-minute cancellations and have directed passengers to the ÖBB Customer Service at +43 5 1717 for free cancellation or rebooking of Nightjet tickets. The full list of cancellations and changes due to the construction works: NJ 468 from Vienna to Paris departing on 27 March, 1 April, 6 April–8 April, 24 April–8 May, and 20 May–22 May. NJ 469 from Paris to Vienna with a departure on 28 March, 2 April, 7 April–11 April, 25 April–9 May, 21 May–26 May NJ 40424 from Berlin to Paris with a departure on 27 March–10 April and 24 April–25 May NJ 40469 from Paris to Berlin with a departure on 28 March–9 April and 25 April–23 May NJ 424 from Berlin to Brussels, departures from 26 March NJ 425 from Brussels to Berlin, departures from 27 March NJ 402 from Zurich to Amsterdam with a departure on 14 April to 27 April NJ 403 from Amsterdam to Zurich with a departure on 15 April to 28 April EN 40459 from Zurich to Praha with a departure on 14 April to 27 April EN 40458 from Praha to Zurich with a departure on 13 April to 26 April
The Independent
26-03-2025
- The Independent
Night train service between Berlin and Brussels to stop running from end of March
Several services have been cancelled on a European night train service connecting several major cities across the continent as last-minute construction work is announced – with one route discontinued altogether. Nightjet, operated by Austrian Railways (ÖBB), connects 25 destinations such as Paris, Rome and Berlin on its multi-national train services, with passengers offered the choice of sleeper cabins, couchettes and seating carriages on its journeys. Due to 'construction sites in Germany, Austria and France announced at short notice', the train operator has said that several of its services will not be running over the two next months. However, one route will not be coming back after the wave of cancellations and will be discontinued altogether. The train operator said that departures from Berlin to Brussels will be cancelled from 26 March onwards, and Brussels to Berlin from 27 March. An ÖBB spokesperson told The Independent: 'Unfortunately, we have to discontinue the Berlin - Brussels connection. The reason for this is the complex construction site situation, but also there is a lower demand on this connection.' 'Apart from the night train service, Brussels remains well connected to Berlin via Cologne during the day. The ICE 3neo has been providing more reliability and comfort for travellers to Belgium on this connection between Frankfurt and Brussels since June 2024.' 'The Nightjet connection Vienna - Brussels will in any case continue to be offered.' Rail expert Mark Smith, from the Man in Seat 61 said in a report of the Nightjet Berlin-Brussels route that 'a combination of difficult-to-bypass late-notice trackwork in Germany and (no doubt) the fact that it now runs on the same 3 days of the week as the European Sleeper mean they seem to have given up'. Specific departures between Vienna and Paris and between Berlin and Paris also have cancellations on certain days from 27 March to 26 May, ÖBB added. Alongside this, various trains running to and from Zurich, Amsterdam and Prague will not be able to run next month between 13 April and 28 April. Other connections will also have changes along its routes. The connection from Zurich to Berlin or Berlin to Zurich (NJ 408 / NJ 409 incl. IC 60408 / 60409) will be operated to/from Hamburg between 14 April and 27 April 2025, the operator said. On the Zurich to Hamburg / Hamburg to Zurich connection (NJ 470 / 471 with IC 60470 / 60471), stops at Bremen and Verden an der Aller will be cancelled between 14 April to 27 April. For both changes, the train operator has requested that travellers take the daytime service to Hanover, and Nightjet tickets will be recognised. ÖBB said they apologise for any inconvenience caused due to the last-minute cancellations and have directed passengers to the ÖBB Customer Service at +43 5 1717 for free cancellation or rebooking of Nightjet tickets. The full list of cancellations and changes due to the construction works: NJ 468 from Vienna to Paris departing on 27 March, 1 April, 6 April–8 April, 24 April–8 May, and 20 May–22 May. NJ 469 from Paris to Vienna with a departure on 28 March, 2 April, 7 April–11 April, 25 April–9 May, 21 May–26 May NJ 40424 from Berlin to Paris with a departure on 27 March–10 April and 24 April–25 May NJ 40469 from Paris to Berlin with a departure on 28 March–9 April and 25 April–23 May NJ 424 from Berlin to Brussels, departures from 26 March NJ 425 from Brussels to Berlin, departures from 27 March NJ 402 from Zurich to Amsterdam with a departure on 14 April to 27 April NJ 403 from Amsterdam to Zurich with a departure on 15 April to 28 April EN 40459 from Zurich to Praha with a departure on 14 April to 27 April EN 40458 from Praha to Zurich with a departure on 13 April to 26 April
