Can you imagine getting to know Europe traveling comfortably? In a few months it will be possible thanks to a new night train leaving from Barcelona. We are talking about Nightjet, an expanding railway network project in which the companies ÖBB (Austria), SNCF (France), DB (Germany) and CFF (Switzerland) participate. This is an initiative that has been in operation since 2021 and is expected to operate from Barcelona starting in December 2024.
Nightjet's value proposition is to allow its passengers to travel to 13 major European cities in an ecological way and sleep in comfortable convoys during the journey until reaching their destination the next day. The night trains of this consortium can run at a speed of up to 230 km/h, have capacity for 254 people and their tickets can be obtained from 30 euros depending on the destination and accommodation. That is, with Nightjet it is possible to travel from Berlin to Paris cheaply and quickly in less than 5 hours!
Nightjet trains offer their travelers different types of compartments in which to travel. Sleeper cars, with capacity for between 1 and 3 people, would be their particular business class. This accommodation represents the highest degree of comfort and is ideal for families, as it has a shower, personalized alarm clock and à la carte drinks and snacks service. Bunk beds are the preferred option for groups (4 to 6 people) and include breakfast, while mini cabins for individuals or couples allow maximum privacy. All compartments have a built-in sink.
On the other hand, if you are one of those who prefer a more conventional travel option, Nightjet convoys have comfortable seats with armrests, integrated reading lamp and Wi-Fi, as well as several options for storing luggage. Each car has its own toilet and some trains also include a restaurant area.
Nightjet night trains are operated by Österreichische Bundesbahnen (ÖBB), Austria's national railway company, created in the 19th century and offering a wide variety of transport services both within and outside the country. This project got underway in December 2021, with the establishment of the first lines, Vienna-Munich and Zurich-Cologne-Amsterdam, on the other. The second phase connected Zurich, Milan and Rome and last year the third began operating with connections from Vienna and Berlin to Brussels and Paris.
The section that concerns Barcelona is scheduled to open this year, which will link it with Zurich, from where the aforementioned transfers can be made to Amsterdam or Rome, among other destinations.
