European Night Train Service Discontinues: Find Alternative Travel Options

European Night Train Service Discontinues: Find Alternative Travel Options. This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

A popular European night train has recently ended its services, leaving travelers scrambling for alternatives.

The sleeper train connecting Berlin and Brussels ceased operations on March 28, 2025, after operating for just over a year. This European night train route, launched in December 2023, covered the distance in 14 hours and ran three times a week.

Don’t miss…West Coast Main Line Upgrades Begin March 29

Operated by ÖBB, Austria’s national railway company, the service was part of a vast network of night trains connecting major cities in Germany and Belgium. However, it has now been indefinitely suspended due to “late-notice track work” in Germany, as confirmed earlier this week.

Mark Smith, the founder of a prominent rail travel magazine, explained that the cancellation is due to both the unavoidable track work delays and its overlap with the European Sleeper’s schedule. The European Sleeper also operates three days a week, thus increasing competition on this route.

Alternative to the European Night Train: European Sleeper

Despite this setback, passengers can still travel overnight between Berlin and Brussels on the European Sleeper. Departing from Berlin’s Ostbahnhof station, this service provides a viable alternative to the European night train. Ticket prices start at approximately $82 per person for a six-berth couchette, which includes a padded bunk bed, blanket, and pillow.

For a more comfortable option, passengers can opt for a five-berth couchette at around $101 or a bed in a three-berth sleeper carriage for $111. The European Sleeper offers a similar experience to the European night train but has maintained its operations despite the recent disruption.

New Competitors in the European Night Train Market

The cancellation of the European night train service comes just days after a new train operator, Gemini, announced its plans to introduce services between the UK and Europe. Gemini’s offerings aim to provide competitive fares and compete directly with Eurostar, the current sole operator on the UK-Europe route.

Gemini intends to start services between London and Paris/Brussels, with hopes of expanding its network across Europe in the future. The company plans to introduce innovative, state-of-the-art trains, aiming to revolutionize sales and ticketing approaches.

Gemini has already applied for access to Eurostar’s Temple Mills International maintenance depot. The company is also in talks with other stakeholders about securing additional maintenance facilities. However, further details on these plans remain undisclosed.

This development could reshape rail travel across the UK and Europe, especially with Gemini offering “Open Access” services. An Open Access rail service is operated by a private company and is not bound by government contracts, making it a significant competitor in this space.

As travelers adjust to the changing landscape, the introduction of Gemini services could significantly impact the way people travel between the UK and Europe. With competitive pricing and enhanced services, Gemini aims to offer travelers more choices and flexibility.

Meanwhile, European travelers now have multiple options, including the European Sleeper, which continues to operate smoothly despite the European night train’s discontinuation. As the rail industry evolves, it will be interesting to see how other players like Gemini affect the future of cross-channel travel.

The cancellation of the European night train and the rise of new competitors highlights the ongoing shift in the rail industry. With travel habits rapidly changing, passengers can expect even more options and improved services in the near future. The competitive nature of the sector will likely benefit travelers, offering both cost-effective and efficient travel choices across Europe.

In conclusion, although the end of the European night train’s service is a blow to many, alternative options are readily available. Passengers can rely on the European Sleeper for overnight travel between major cities, while the upcoming Gemini service promises to offer fresh competition and potentially better travel experiences in the UK-Europe market.

This change marks a significant moment in the European rail industry, as companies like Gemini look to challenge existing operators and provide passengers with a variety of travel options.

The future of cross-border rail travel looks promising, with continued innovation and competition shaping the journey ahead.

Source, photo: www.thesun.co.uk

News on railway transport, industry, and railway technologies from Railway Supply that you might have missed: