“Night trains are now being reinstated across Europe and we are very happy that the Czech Republic is not left behind.”
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European travelers can now sleep in Brussels and wake up in Prague with the launch of a new sleeper train service.
The European Sleeper startup’s first ‘Good Night Train’ service departed from the Belgian capital tonight (March 25) heading to the Czech Republic. Along the way, you’ll pass through Amsterdam, Berlin, and other popular cities.
After European Sleeper starts traveling from Brussels to Berlin in May 2023, this is another valuable node on Europe’s night train network.
And the company doesn’t plan to stop there. “Our goal is to add new routes every year and continue to contribute to a more integrated and sustainable European transport network,” says co-founder Elmer van Buuren.
Euronews spoke to the Dutch entrepreneur about this vision in 2021.
What’s driving a new chapter in rail travel?
Van Buuren said the new line was motivated by “flight shame” – a term used in Sweden to describe people who are shaming people who are increasing their carbon footprint by flying. .
“We need a good alternative to planes and cars,” he said, and European Sleeper is a relatively low-cost way to do this.
Unlike suburban airports, trains depart from and deliver to the city center, so they are often less hassle than flying, he added.
“There used to be more night trains than there are now, so I’d like to get that back.
“People can sleep and rest on the go and wake up in a new city in time for a professional meeting. It’s kind of magical.”
Czech Transport Minister Martin Kupka is happy that his country is getting on board with this initiative.
“Night trains are now making a comeback across Europe, and I’m really happy that the Czech Republic isn’t left behind,” he says.
The Good Night Train also passes through Antwerp, Rotterdam and Dresden. You can learn more about sleeper options and destinations in this article.
Watch the full interview with the European Sleeper co-founder above.
