Luxury Night Train Service in Europe Promises Eco-Friendly Travel at Airline Costs
Berlin-based startup Nox Mobility is poised to transform European travel with its innovative night train service, promising **sleek, fully private cabins at prices competitive with short-haul flights**. The service, set to launch in 2027, aims to connect over 100 European cities, including major hubs like Stockholm, Copenhagen, Amsterdam, Paris, Rome, and Barcelona[1][2][3].
Key features of Nox's night train service include **private cabins for one or two passengers**, eliminating the common drawback of sharing space with strangers found in traditional night trains[1][2][3]. The cabins will be designed with **two-metre-long beds, separate seats with tables, ample storage, and in some cases, panoramic windows**, enhancing comfort and privacy beyond typical couchette experiences[1][2][3][4].
The company, founded by night train expert Thibault Constant and train operations specialist Janek Smalla, plans to make night trains a **viable and attractive alternative to flights**, particularly for business travelers, by combining comfort with competitive fares and a broad network[1][2][3][4]. Single cabins are projected to cost around €79, and doubles about €149, prices comparable to or lower than many short-haul flights[1][3].
Nox Mobility's founders have designed cabins and operational standards that allow for **more passengers per train than traditional services**, enabling affordability[1][3]. The startup is currently working on securing final approval for its cabin designs as it plans its first major funding round later this year[5].
The service will offer three cabin types: "Single", "Double Loft", and "Double Vista". The "Single" and "Double Loft" rooms will feature elevated beds accessed by ladder, separate seating and table areas, and a small window. The "Double Vista" cabins will have low-floor beds, daytime seating, a larger, panoramic window, and are designed to let passengers sleep in line with the train's direction[1][6].
Nox Mobility plans to handle the booking platform and timetabling in-house to improve the customer experience. Onboard services will include food and drink service, bike storage, and wheelchair-accessible coaches. The company plans to build new trains, not repurpose old stock, and will partner with established rail companies[1][7].
Smalla believes that sleeper trains have the potential to be not only as affordable as flying, but more comfortable and convenient as well. Currently, European night trains typically have small cabins, and private booths are hard to find. Some European night trains, like the European Sleeper, use repurposed trains which are reported to be dated[8].
The carriages will be standardised and modular to reduce costs. Nox is exploring the possibility of installing soundproof doors between select cabins to allow for connecting rooms for families or groups[1]. The company is also working on securing final approval for its cabin designs as it plans its first major funding round later this year[5].
[1] https://www.noxmobility.com/ [2] https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2022/jul/01/nox-mobility-night-train-service-europe-travel [3] https://www.dezeen.com/2022/07/01/nox-mobility-night-train-service-europe-travel/ [4] https://www.fastcompany.com/9078031/nox-mobility-is-revamping-european-night-trains-to-make-them-cool-and-affordable [5] https://www.reuters.com/business/transportation-logging/nox-mobility-aims-revamp-european-night-trains-2022-07-01/ [6] https://www.dezeen.com/2022/07/01/nox-mobility-night-train-service-europe-travel/ [7] https://www.fastcompany.com/9078031/nox-mobility-is-revamping-european-night-trains-to-make-them-cool-and-affordable [8] https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2022/jul/01/nox-mobility-night-train-service-europe-travel
With the launch of Nox Mobility's night train service in 2027, travelers in Europe can anticipate experiencing a new level of luxury and privacy in their travel options, as the sleek, fully private cabins offer a comfortable lifestyle [1][2][3]. Furthermore, the combination of technology and travel innovation will make night trains a viable and attractive alternative to short-haul flights for business travelers, offering a unique blend of sports-inspired comfort and competitive pricing [1][2][3][4].
As the company plans to connect over 100 European cities, including major hubs like Stockholm, Copenhagen, Amsterdam, Paris, Rome, and Barcelona [1][2][3], the advancements in the trains' design and cabins will revolutionize the travel industry, providing a tech-savvy and eco-friendly approach to long-distance transportation.
