‘Hotel on wheels’ aims to replace budget flights with rail travel

Midnight Trains is promising comfort, ease of access and trips that are only slightly longer than a flight on many European routes

Spotted: The French startup Midnight Trains seeks to make comfortable, overnight train travel an easy switch for travellers used to queuing up for hours for their budget flights. Rather than fly with a company that offers no in-flight amenities, sleeper trains provide comfort, ease of access and are only slightly longer than a flight on many European routes. 

Train stations are located in city centres, making it easy to get to them and greatly reducing the waiting time before travelling. Midnight Trains will offer private compartments for individuals, duos and larger family groups. All options include a private bathroom and full bar and restaurant access. Every journey will be bookable and managed via an app, and room service will be available as well.  

The company plans to introduce its first line in 2024 with at least 10 total planned to connect a range of cities across the continent including Edinburgh, Berlin, Milan and Porto.  

Alternatives to flying and driving are becoming more commonplace, although much still remains to be done to make the necessary reductions in air pollution. England’s HS2 project is working with local residents to make infrastructure aspects as visually appealing as possible, and in Germany, an autonomous ferry connects bus routes on both sides of a fjord.