A new player in the European mobility space claims to be proposing a “real alternative to short-haul flights”, according to a press release. Nox, a Berlin-based startup founded by Janek Smalla (formerly of FlixTrain and Head of Operations at Bolt Germany) and YouTuber Thibault Constant, is planning to operate a Europe-wide network of night trains with “fully personal rooms rooms for one or two people at the price of a flight.”
Constant also known by the handle “Simply Railway” has clocked up over half a million followers and 400 night train trips worldwide, so he knows the pros and cons of long-distance rail well.
“Sleeping while a train gets you across Europe is a great concept. But today people have to share their cabins with strangers, beds are tight, and it’s often more expensive than air travel,” he explains. “We want to change that and make night trains an essential part of European travel.”
Nox’s ambition is to offer three room types which all benefit from two-metre-long beds, as well as boasting separate seats with tables, and enough space to stand up and store your luggage. For the romantics among would-be travellerrs, Nox also plans to offer double beds and beds with panoramic window views. Single rooms will start from €79, while doubles will be available from €149.
“Our room design allows us to fit more people into our trains than traditional operators can. This, paired with a strict focus on standardisation and operational excellence will allow us to offer affordable fares on over 35 European routes”, co-founder Janek Smalla says.
In an increasingly competitive marketplace that is often said to be restricted by a shortage of rolling stock, Nox has aleady reserved train coaches and is finalising the approval of its interior design. It says it is now preparing the next large financing round for autumn, funding much needed, if travel expert Simon Calder’s view is anything to go by. “I hope that Nox proves me wrong,” The Independent reported him saying, “but unless the business has a handy £1 billion to invest in new rolling stock, I cannot see much hope of a network of the proposed scale ever taking shape.”
Optimistic passengers can already explore planned timetables, detailed views of the rooms and prices on Nox Mobility. Users can also join the free Nox “Early Bird Club” to stay updated, enjoy discounted rates, and gain early-access to bookings.
