The trend of onboard parties on trains is becoming increasingly popular as travelers seek more sustainable alternatives to flying. A rail company in the US has announced plans to introduce ‘party cars’ on new trains that are currently under construction. These high-speed trains will feature strip lighting, a shimmery bar, and lounge seating, making the journey between Los Angeles and Las Vegas a more enjoyable experience. While this service won’t be operational for a few more years, onboard parties have already become a popular trend in Europe, attracting party-goers who want to have a unique and fun experience while traveling.
One example of a popular party train is the Turistik Doğu Ekspresi, which crosses Türkiye from Ankara to Kars, covering over 1,300 kilometers. Passengers on this train enjoy multiple stops in beautiful parts of eastern Türkiye, and the dining car is transformed into a nightclub with a mirror ball. It has become one of the most coveted and lively train journeys in the country, with passengers often decorating their cabins with lights and garlands to continue the party. The journey culminates in passengers dancing into the night, both on the train and on the platforms upon arrival at the final destination.
Festival Travel organizes dedicated trains each year for ravers to travel to the Sziget Festival in Budapest. The Sziget Express runs between Utrecht in the Netherlands and Budapest, allowing festival-goers to kick off the party early in the bar car with DJs spinning decks. Fares for a round trip start at €270, and tickets for these popular trains sell out quickly. Another popular onboard party train is Germany’s Techno Train, launched by nightclub Haus 33 in Nuremberg in 2019. This service runs twice a year and transforms three of its 12 carriages into mini clubs with DJs, speakers, fog machines, and a bar. Despite there being 700 tickets available, they are in high demand and sell out rapidly.
In Amsterdam, the annual Amsterdam Dance Event recently introduced ‘raves on rails’, where eight trains were transformed into nightclubs with onboard DJs and artists. Organized by the 50:HERTZ techno café, these trains departed from Amsterdam Centraal and traveled on different four-hour routes, providing passengers with a unique clubbing experience on the rails. While it is not yet confirmed whether these trains will return next year, their popularity suggests that they may become a regular feature of the Amsterdam Dance Event in the future. Overall, the trend of onboard parties on trains is gaining momentum, providing travelers with a fun and sustainable alternative to traditional forms of transportation.
