European Sleeper, a company planning a night train from Amsterdam to Barcelona, has faced setbacks that have delayed the launch from 2025 to 2026. The delays are due to issues negotiating with the French railway manager SNCF Réseau and the need to wait for more specific carriages for the train. Co-founder Chris Engelsman expressed frustration with SNCF Réseau’s attitude, calling it “partly understandable but also partly incompetence.” He also criticized their conservative approach to planning nighttime railworks, which he believes hinders the possibility of launching a night train.
Despite the setbacks, European Sleeper remains optimistic about the future of the route. Engelsman stated that things are improving step by step, and while the launch date may be pushed back, they are still hopeful for a successful start. The company is currently working on acquiring 30 to 35 suitable carriages, which may also need renovation before being put into service. Engelsman emphasized the importance of starting the night train as soon as possible and expressed a desire to launch by the end of 2025, although 2026 seems more likely at this point.
In addition to the Amsterdam to Barcelona route, European Sleeper recently announced a seasonal night train from Brussels to Venice starting in February 2025. The service will pass through nine different cities, catering to winter sports holidays, city breaks, and the Venice Carnival. The company chose this route strategically to offer travelers a unique experience crossing from the North Sea to the Adriatic, passing through cities such as Rotterdam and Utrecht in the Netherlands. The Venice Carnival, set to take place in late February next year, will be a highlight of the journey.
Engelsman highlighted the challenges of securing the necessary carriages for the night train as well as the difficulties working with SNCF Réseau. He described the French company as “very conservative” in their planning for nighttime railworks, making it challenging to establish a night train operation. Despite these obstacles, European Sleeper is determined to push forward and start the night train service at the earliest possible date. The company believes in the potential of nighttime rail travel and the demand for routes like Amsterdam to Barcelona and Brussels to Venice.
European Sleeper’s journey to launch the Amsterdam to Barcelona night train reflects the complexities and challenges of introducing new railway routes. The company’s perseverance in overcoming setbacks and negotiating with railway managers demonstrates their commitment to providing innovative and convenient travel options for passengers. By working on securing suitable carriages and navigating logistics with SNCF Réseau, European Sleeper is paving the way for a successful launch of the night train service. The delays and obstacles faced by the company underscore the intricacies of the railway industry and the determination required to bring new routes to fruition.
