Sleeper trains across Europe are experiencing a resurgence, attracting attention especially from travelers wary of sharing cabins with strangers. While options for private cabins exist, they often come with hefty price tags and quick sellouts. A new player in the market, Nox, a Berlin startup, aims to change this landscape by introducing sleeper trains with entirely private rooms at competitive prices. Their mission is to establish night trains as an integral part of European travel, providing a viable alternative to short-haul flights.
Nox plans to launch its first Europe-wide overnight train service by 2027, featuring bedroom configurations ideal for solo travelers or couples. Co-founder Thibault Constant emphasizes that the current situation—where travelers often share cramped spaces—needs to evolve. Drawing from his extensive experience of over 400 night train trips worldwide, Constant is keen on enhancing the travel experience. He envisions a future where luxury and comfort redefine night train journeys, shifting perceptions and making them more attractive.
The new train design includes three categories of rooms catering to different passenger needs. The single loft offers an upper-level bed with a seat and table, while the double loft features a double upper bed and seating arrangements for two. Meanwhile, the double vista promotes easy entry with versatile lower beds that can convert to seating. Each room will feature two-meter-long beds and enough space for standing and luggage storage, enhancing convenience. Additionally, chosen cabins may include panoramic windows, providing scenic views during the journey.
Janek Smalla, another co-founder, points out that their innovative room layout allows for a higher passenger capacity compared to traditional operators. By focusing on standardization and operational efficiency, Nox aims to provide affordable ticket prices on over 35 routes across Europe. The strategy is to make long-distance travel through night trains not just comfortable but also economically viable, positioning them as direct competitors to budget airlines.
The ambitious plan outlines an extensive network targeting 100 European cities by 2035. This will encompass major destinations such as Paris, Barcelona, Amsterdam, and Rome. Nox aims for ticket pricing that could rival airfares, giving travelers an attractive option for travel. An initial estimate places prices at around €79 for single rooms and €149 for double rooms, making sleeper trains a feasible choice for a larger audience.
Future travelers can already engage with the service by exploring outlined timetables and price structures on Nox’s website. Besides comfortable accommodations, amenities such as food service and bicycle storage will be available, along with wheelchair accessibility. For those keen on keeping updated, joining the Early Bird Club promises discounted rates and priority booking, setting the stage for a revamped era of travel by night train in Europe.
