Europe’s once-promising night train services, envisioned as a cornerstone of the European Union’s green mobility agenda, have encountered significant obstacles, stalling the anticipated renaissance. While a few cash-strapped startups strive to keep this vision alive, major national rail operators remain skeptical of the profitability of night services, viewing them largely as financial liabilities.
Demand vs. investment limitations
Chris Engelsman, co-founder of the startup European Sleeper, emphasizes the gap between demand and operational reality. “The demand is there. People like night trains. They think they’re better for the environment or more efficient — that’s not the issue. The problem is the limitations and bureaucracy of the railway system,” he stated. This sentiment reflects a larger stalemate where those capable of implementing changes are hesitant to do so, while those eager to develop services lack the necessary resources.
Jon Worth, a railway expert, describes this impasse: “Those that could act don’t want to — and those that want to don’t have the means.” Despite a surge in customer interest, booking a night train well in advance remains a challenge, indicating a disconnect between consumer demand and the operational capabilities of rail companies.
Financial hurdles and operational complexities
The financial landscape for night trains is daunting. Most services are unprofitable due to high operational costs, including the need for specialized rolling stock and additional onboard staff. As Thibault Constant, founder of French startup Nox Mobility, points out, “A coach costs around €2 million, that’s pretty expensive. Investors look at the history of night trains and say: ‘No way this can be profitable.’” This financial hesitance is compounded by lengthy delivery times for new vehicles and increasing personnel costs, as acknowledged by Austria’s ÖBB, the leading operator in this sector.
Marco Kampp, from Deutsche Bahn, voiced similar concerns, stating, “Under current political conditions, operating night trains poses a major economic challenge.” He argues that night train services must not be disadvantaged compared to air travel and autos, highlighting a critical need for policy reform.
“Night trains are a good addition to daytime rail services … and there is sufficient demand for night trains, and there is a need for more night trains. [But] the costs of operation are limiting the service offering,” an ÖBB spokesperson said.
Engelsman also mentioned persistent operational challenges, such as sudden notices from rail network managers that disrupt services, and the reluctance of established operators to assist newer entrants in the market. Furthermore, cross-border coordination presents a significant hurdle, as timetabling remains a national endeavor, complicating efforts to optimize international routes.
The complexities of financing and coordination have led to a situation where the anticipated revival of night trains has not materialized. Worth lamented, “There was lots of hope, but not much planning,” citing the collapse of the Paris–Vienna route after the withdrawal of French government subsidies.
Despite these challenges, a new wave of startups is cautiously attempting to navigate the landscape. European Sleeper and Nox Mobility are exploring innovative approaches, such as leasing coaches and redesigning sleeper services to improve efficiency and cost-effectiveness. Constant remarked, “We’re essentially rethinking the whole ecosystem.” The key for these startups lies in proving their viability to attract necessary investments.
Looking ahead, Worth suggests that focusing on Central Europe may provide the best chances for success, as this region offers potential routes that could be developed with adequate funding and infrastructure. However, many planned projects remain uncertain; the Swiss Federal Railways’ proposed overnight service to Malmö was recently scrapped due to lack of funding, demonstrating the fragility of such initiatives.
In summary, while there is a clear demand for night trains, significant structural challenges persist, including issues with rolling stock, financing, and inter-operator cooperation. As noted by ÖBB, night trains may continue to exist as a niche market unless substantial reforms and investments are made. Worth encapsulated the situation succinctly, asking, “who’s going to step up and fix it?”