Founded in 2021, the European Sleeper rail service has been growing, from connecting Brussels and Berlin, gradually expanding to Dresden and now Prague.
The maiden voyage to Prague took place on 25 March, with an official launch event taking place in the Czech capital today (26 March), while bidding farewell to the return trip to Brussels, via Amsterdam. The trains will be running three times a week, departing Brussels on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays and departing Prague on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays.
“The introduction of a night train, specifically expanding its route from Brussels to Prague, is precisely the kind of initiative that connects Europe tangibly and, most importantly, realistically. In general, I also welcome the return to the practice of night train connections, especially at a higher level than what we were accustomed to in the past”, said Primátor Svoboda, the Mayor of Prague.
Night trains are now making a comeback all over Europe and I am very glad that the Czech Republic is not left behind.
Martin Kupka, the Czech Minister of Transport
The new service connecting Brussels, Dresden and Prague is available from 25 March 2024 starting at €49 for a seat, €79 for a couchette in a shared compartment and €139 for a bed in the deluxe car, which has its own bathroom and a desk. Couchettes have 4 to 6 bunk beds, with up to 3 beds being bookable together, while the sleeping cars can be fully privately booked.
Announcing the launch of the Prague connection, the company also said it has been able to secure improved rental carriages. The new couchette carriages should significantly increase the comfort and travel experience of the night train passengers.
“We are truly thrilled to be launching the new route to Prague less than a year after launching our first direct service from Brussels to Berlin”, said Elmer van Buuren, Co-Founder of European Sleeper. “Our goal is to add a new route each year so we can continue to contribute to a more integrated and sustainable European transportation network and we’re proud to offer these incredible new destinations to travellers in Europe and beyond”.
In its continuing effort to expand its destination offering, European Sleeper is working on the launch of a new route connecting Amsterdam, Brussels and Barcelona to debut in 2025 or 2026. This route was selected by the European Commission as one of ten pilot projects to improve European cross-border rail connection.
