A fresh chapter for European night trains is taking shape as Swiss Federal Railways and Germany’s RDC Deutschland prepare to launch a new EuroNight service linking Basel with Copenhagen and Malmö. Starting 15 April 2026, the train will run three times a week, creating a smooth overnight route that ties together Switzerland, Germany, Denmark, and Sweden along a scenic 1,400-kilometre corridor.
The service is designed for comfort in all travel styles. Travellers can choose from sleeping cars, couchettes, and classic seated coaches, with space for around 350 passengers. An accessible compartment will be available for those with reduced mobility, and between Basel and Padborg the train will include a dining car, giving overnight travel the sense of ease it once promised.
Along the way, the train will stop at major stations including Freiburg im Breisgau, Karlsruhe, Mannheim, Frankfurt, Hamburg, and Kolding, creating a northbound spine that links some of Europe’s busiest rail hubs.
The route comes with crucial financial support. The Swiss Confederation plans to allocate roughly 47 million Swiss francs through 2030 under the CO₂ Act to ensure the service can operate despite current losses. Without this backing, the night train would face cancellation. Officials note that if the project is withdrawn, passengers who already purchased tickets will receive a full refund.
For travellers eager to explore Scandinavia by rail or replace a short-haul flight with a more comfortable overnight journey, this new EuroNight offers a promising and climate-friendly alternative.
Foto: PD
