#Netherlands #Utrecht #sustainable travel #Night Train #European Sleeper

European Sleeper: Pioneering Sustainable Night Train Travel Across Europe

In a significant leap towards sustainable travel,
European Sleeper is reshaping the night train experience across
Europe. This community-owned Dutch-Belgian railway operator
invites individuals to invest in its mission, thereby
promoting a greener alternative to traditional travel methods.

A Community-Driven Initiative

Since its inception in 2023, European Sleeper has swiftly
evolved into one of the few independent international rail
operators in Europe. More than 230,000 travelers have
already taken a ride aboard its 'Good Night Train', which
journeys through major cities including Brussels, Amsterdam,
Berlin, Dresden, and Prague. Remarkably, this success has
been achieved through the support of over 4,000 community
members rather than by traditional investors, who share the
vision of sustainable mobility and an interconnected Europe.

Expanding the Night Train Network

European Sleeper is launching a fresh phase in its journey
by unveiling plans for new rail routes, emphasizing its
commitment to expanding the night train network across
Europe. Two exciting new routes are on the horizon:
the Paris–Berlin route commencing in March 2026 and
the Brussels/Amsterdam–Milan route kicking off in June 2026.
These endeavors will bring affordable and eco-friendly travel
to more citizens while tapping into major economic and
cultural hubs that connect diverse regions acrossEurope.

To facilitate these expansions, European Sleeper is
initiating a sharefunding campaign starting from €280,
allowing anyone who supports sustainable travel to become a
co-owner of the cooperative. The goal is to raise
€1.3 million initially, with an additional €1.0 million
planned, paving the way for a stronger network and services.

Key Features of the New Routes

• - Paris–Berlin Night Train (March 2026): In response to the

discontinuation of services by ÖBB and SNCF,
European Sleeper will operate this route three times a week,
beginning ticket sales on 16 December 2025.

• - Brussels/Amsterdam–Milan Night Train (June 2026): This

new north-south route will connect vital regions
overnight, with stops planned in cities such as Cologne,
Bern, and Venice, providing seamless travel options to various
locations across Europe.

• - Enhanced Passenger Experience: To improve

passenger comfort, new night train coaches and upgrades are
being introduced, ensuring reliable and enjoyable journeys.

A Future-Focused Vision

European Sleeper is not just about creating an efficient
travel network; it also prioritizes sustainability and
responsible tourism. By acquiring GreenCityTrip, the
company is set to launch an in-house tour operator, offering
accessible holiday packages powered by night train travel.
This innovative approach aims to expand the demographics of
train travelers and attract eco-conscious tourists across the
continent.

Political Support and Future Prospects

As environmental awareness ramps up across Europe, the
political momentum for low-carbon travel options is
increasingly favorable. European Sleeper is already receiving
support for its proposed night train to Barcelona, aligning with
wider initiatives to reinvigorate the region's rail
infrastructure.

Chris Engelsman, co-founder of European Sleeper, notes,
“Establishing a train company is no easy task, yet thanks to
the commitment of our community, we are effecting real change.
This new investment round solidifies our vision for a
revitalized night train network that Europe desperately
needs.”

Investors contributing €2,000 or more will enjoy a 20%
discount on European Sleeper tickets, making this not only a
sustainable investment but also a financially rewarding
opportunity.

Conclusion: Towards Sustainable Mobility

As traditional operators struggle, European Sleeper stands
out as a beacon of community-driven sustainable travel.
The ambitious plans for the Paris–Berlin route, the new connection to
Milan, and future services to Barcelona position European
Sleeper uniquely within Europe’s transport landscape,
heralding a new era for night trains that aim to balance
travel convenience with ecological responsibility. The
future of rail travel looks promisingly green with European
Sleeper leading the charge.