Amsterdam To Barcelona On A Direct Train Link With European Sleeper In 2025
The latest news relating to night trains sees two of Europe’s most popular cities being linked by a new sleeper train between Amsterdam and Barcelona. The new night route is set to launch in spring 2025. Read on to find out more about the new night train service, coming in 2025, and those becoming available this year.
European Sleeper brings back night train service
While originally, sleeper train services were pushed aside by the rise in low-cost airlines, they are making a comeback. In recent months, a growing interest in slow travel and energy-efficient modes of transport has started growing.
Meanwhile, in recent months, a new Hamburg to Stockholm sleeper service has been launched that connects London with the Swedish capital. Another night train links Brussels with Prague, and the latest is the announcement of an overnight train from Amsterdam to Barcelona.
Why is the new sleeper train service coming?
The latest announcement of the upcoming Amsterdam to Barcelona line is particularly significant. At present, there is no direct rail service between the cities and at this time, the journey would take around 17 hours. Travelers would likely have to switch trains in Paris, running from Gare du Lyon in the southeast of Paris to Gare du Nord in the north for the connecting train.
However, the Dutch-Belgian start-up, European Sleeper wants to simplify the journey. The company has this month received official backing from the European Union to improve north-south rail connections.
European Sleeper has said that the new overnight train would depart Amsterdam in the evening. Along the way, it will stop in Rotterdam, Antwerp, Brussels, Lille, Avignon, Montpellier, Perpignan, Figueres, and Girona and arrive in Barcelona the next day.
So far, the journey time hasn’t been established. However, it will likely offer plenty of time for sleeping and sightseeing from the train carriage.
Night train itinerary from Amsterdam to Barcelona
The new sleeper train service will be perfect for anyone wanting to explore two of Europe’s most exciting cities while using a slower and greener form of travel. Imagine starting your vacation in Amsterdam, exploring the pretty, tree-lined canals, and visiting coffee houses, before ending the trip with the beautiful modernist architecture, beaches and tapas of the Catalan capital.
What makes the journey ideal is that the journey can be broken up. Rather like city tour buses, the sleeper train offers the chance to visit stops along the way. For instance, Rotterdam is known for its modern design, including its cube houses and the Erasmus Bridge. Meanwhile, Antwerp in Belgium hosts its newly-renovated Museum of Fine Art.
Meanwhile, Avignon in France, with its beautiful medieval buildings, is only a short distance from the UNESCO-listed Arles. Talking Spain, Figueres, the birthplace of surrealist artist, Salvador Dalí, hosts his Theatre Museum.
When will European Sleeper launch the service?
Originally, the new sleeper train service was set to launch in December 2023. However, earlier this week, it was confirmed that the project won’t take off until 2025. However, European Sleeper is introducing a new sleeper service between Berlin and Amsterdam on May 25, 2023. Moreover, an extension to Prague is planned for December 2023. Meanwhile, people can enjoy the Berlin-Amsterdam service to travel to London, Warsaw and Paris with only one change of train.
Currently, ticket prices start from €49 ($52) for a seat, up to €159 ($170) for a single-bed sleeper. Meanwhile, there are varying price points and sleeping arrangements in between. Tickets for these services will go on sale on February 20, 2023.
Make your journey part of your vacation by trying out the new sleeper train services available in Europe. Find out more about the services offered by European Sleeper on their website here.