The construction of the state-of-the-art Nightjet Service in Europe is taking shape as it is expected to connect Vienna with four neighboring countries by 2025. The train line is expected to link Italy, Switzerland, Germany and France to the beautiful city. Furthermore, it is expected to provide faster and eco-friendly alternatives to short-haul flights. Earlier this year, ÖBB’s next-generation Nightjet hit the tracks in style with the premier trip being the Austrian company’s first-ever night train from Vienna to Rome. Launching a new route this month, the company also kicked off a new sleeper service from the Italian capital to Munich.
As Austria’s twilight train fleet continues to grow, it’s understandable why locals are starting to dub Vienna “the night train capital of Europe.” Beginning in December 2024, these trains will run from Vienna to cities like Hamburg, Zurich, and soon Barcelona. The significance of the services is expected to be magnanimous, attracting millions of passengers.
Project Factsheet
Location: Europe
Country: Austria
Significance: The Nightjet Services will provide better travel options during the night
Project duration: 2 Years
Cost of Project: £623 Million
The State of Affairs Regarding the Europe’s Nightjet Service
Europe’s Nightjet service has rapidly expanded its services in the last year, despite many of its routes being shut down this summer. The launch earlier this month of its next-gen night train appears to have been particularly special. A new train and two new routes brought out several senior dignitaries to the send-off ceremony at Vienna Central Station. Among them were Austria’s Climate Protection Minister, the Italian Ambassador, and ÖBB’s CEO Andreas Matthä. Moreover, they all showed accolades to the project as they waved off the first Vienna-Rome service with much fanfare.
“With the new generation Nightjet services, we have created a game-changer for night train travel in Europe,” said ÖBB CEO Andreas Matthä at the launch. “It brings a huge leap in comfort and also offers significantly more privacy for our travelers. We are very pleased that we can now travel from Vienna and Munich to Rome with this modern train.” Furthermore, the event also saw the appearance of a EU Commission representative there to laud Brussels’ hand in making the route possible. “The EU is investing heavily in new infrastructure and a European train control system,” said the Commission’s Christian Wigand. “A strong European rail network helps citizens get from A to B quickly, safely, and in an environmentally friendly way. The ÖBB Nightjet connections are a good example of this.”
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The Uniqueness of the Trains Used in the Ambitious Endeavor
The uniqueness of the trains used in Europe’s Nightjet services offered by OBB have received commendations from many of the travelers. The trains have been described as hotels on wheels, designed for travellers who value comfort and sustainability. Furthermore, Nightjets are capable of reaching speeds of 143mph, connecting passengers between Austria, Germany, Italy, Switzerland, and France. Towards the end of 2024, a new route is also set to open between Zurich and Barcelona, linking Switzerland and Spain for the first time in decades via sleeper trains. Those involved in the project said that this is more than just a transportation upgrade but it’s also a step towards climate-conscious travel. Each of the 33 new trains has been built with eco-friendliness in mind, reducing the need for short-haul flights. Furthermore, it gives rail a more modern and luxurious look in the post-pandemic world.
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