A new rail startup is preparing to shake up night travel in Europe by offering sleeper trains where every passenger gets a private room — no shared cabins, no bunking with strangers.

Night trains across the continent have seen a major comeback in recent years, but fully private compartments remain limited and often come with a premium price tag. The founders of Nox, a Berlin-based company, believe they can change that.

Making Sleeper Trains a Real Alternative to Short-Haul Flights

Photo: Nox Mobility

Nox plans to launch its first cross-European overnight routes in 2027, with compact yet comfortable rooms designed for one or two travellers.

“Travelling overnight while a train carries you across Europe is an amazing idea,” says co-founder Thibault Constant. “But right now, people often have to share with strangers, the beds are cramped, and it can cost more than flying. We want to make overnight trains a normal, accessible choice for getting around Europe.”

Spacious Beds, Smart Layouts, and Panoramic Views

Constant — better known as Simply Railway to his more than 500,000 social media followers — has ridden over 400 night trains worldwide. That experience heavily shaped Nox’s cabin layouts.

Photo: Nox Mobility

The trains will offer three room types:

Single Loft: an upper-level bed plus a seat and table for solo travellers.
Double Loft: an upper-level double bed with two seats and a table.
Double Vista: easy-access beds, with the lower bunk converting into daytime seating.

Every room will include two-metre beds, space to stand comfortably, and room for luggage. Select cabins will also feature large panoramic windows for better views of the passing landscapes.

Co-founder Janek Smalla notes that the clever room configuration allows Nox to accommodate more passengers than traditional sleeper trains, helping reduce operational costs. Combined with standardised interiors and efficient operations, this is what makes competitive pricing possible.

Affordable Fares and Ambitious Expansion Plans

Photo: Nox Mobility

By 2035, Nox aims to link 100 European cities with overnight connections. Paris, Barcelona, Amsterdam, Copenhagen, Warsaw, Budapest, and Rome are among the destinations slated for the network.

The company’s goal is simple: to make train travel appealing enough to replace short-haul flights, with fares “as low as air travel.” Early pricing estimates put single rooms starting at €79 and doubles at €149

Planned onboard amenities include a food and drink service, bicycle storage, and wheelchair-accessible coaches.

Travellers can already browse route ideas and sample prices on the Nox website, and those who join the free Early Bird Club will receive updates, discounts, and priority access once booking opens.