Dutch-Belgian night train operator European Sleeper is inviting the public to invest in the future of European train travel. A crowdfunding campaign was launched on 15 December 2025, aiming to raise €1.3 million in new funding, followed by another €1 million later on.
European Sleeper was launched in 2023. Its so-called Good Night Train between Brussels, Amsterdam, Berlin, Dresden, and Prague has served more than 230,000 over the past two years, with some 750 trains operated. Contrary to other, more traditional companies, European Sleeper’s rapid expansion was made possible thanks to some 4,000 backers who invested in the firm as a way of developing the night train network in Europe.
Previously, European Sleeper had already confirmed new routes to Paris–Berlin and Brussels/Amsterdam–Milan for 2026, while a connection to Barcelona is being discussed. In order to make those goals come true, the company has launched a crowdfunding campaign on 15 December 2025, which should raise €1.3 million in the first phase, followed by another €1 million later on.
“Starting a train company is no small feat, yet our community has already shown what is possible when thousands of people pull in the same direction. This new sharefunding round allows us to strengthen our network, bring back key connections like Paris–Berlin, and build the night trains that Europe urgently needs”, said Chris Engelsman, Co-founder of European Sleeper, in a statement.
Four projects
Citizens and organisations are invited to take part in building Europe’s renewed night train infrastructure starting from €140 (until 17 December 2025) or €280, while those who invest €2,000 or more will receive a 20% discount on European Sleeper train tickets. The funds raised will go towards four specific projects:
1. Launch of the Paris–Berlin night train (March 2026)
Taking over the connection scheduled to be discontinued by ÖBB and SNCF, European Sleeper will operate three weekly services, with ticket sales having opened on 16 December 2025.
2. Launch of the Brussels/Amsterdam–Milan night train (June 2026)
The new north–south route will link major economic and cultural regions overnight, with efficient connections to London (via Brussels), Hamburg, Zürich, Geneva, Venice, and Rome. Planned intermediate stops include Cologne, Bern, Brig, and Stresa on Lago Maggiore.
3. Expansion of rolling stock and onboard comfort
New night train coaches and upgrades support a more reliable and comfortable experience across the network.
4. Development of an in-house tour operator
Following the acquisition of GreenCityTrip, the cooperative will offer accessible holiday packages by night train, reaching new traveller groups.
At the moment of writing, 84.97% of the funding goal has already been raised, proving travellers are ready for and believe in a future of low-carbon travel and new cross-border train services in Europe.
