Train station in Denmark. Photo: Shutterstock Renaissance of Night Trains in Europe: A significant boost for the night train renaissance in Europe is set to happen. Starting April 16, 2026, a new EuroNight line will link Malmö and Copenhagen in Northern Europe to Basel, Switzerland.
The Swiss National Railway Company (SBB), in collaboration with RDC, will run the line three times a week (Mondays, Thursdays, Saturdays) throughout the year.
According to SBB's official announcement, this initiative aims to provide an efficient, comfortable, and sustainable alternative to short-haul flights, maintaining high service standards and a peaceful travel experience. The project is supported by the Swiss federal government under the CO₂ law, which promotes greener public transport and reduces carbon emissions.
Basel was chosen as the southern terminal due to its status as an international railway hub. Arriving in the morning, passengers can conveniently continue to other Swiss destinations, such as Zurich, Lucerne, Interlaken, Bern, Montreux, Zermatt, and St. Moritz, facilitated by the precise Swiss timetable, which ensures a smooth transition from the night train to SBB's internal lines.
Full service details, types of carriages, sleeping compartments, and additional services will be published when sales open to the public on November 4.
The designed standard will focus on comfort, privacy, and meticulous planning, “according to the Swiss DNA,” said the company.
The train offers a new solution for four main groups of passengers:
families wanting to skip short flights and complicated logistics, couples seeking a romantic overnight experience with an authentic Swiss morning, eco-conscious travelers looking to reduce their carbon footprint, and business travelers aiming to arrive at morning meetings refreshed.
This launch is part of a broader European trend of renewing and introducing international night routes, like Vienna-Brussels and Paris-Berlin, designed to provide a restful and energy-efficient journey across the continent.
According to SBB, “The new EuroNight exemplifies Switzerland's commitment to smart travel and ‘Swisstainable’ tourism, offering responsible, comfortable, and accessible public transport.”
Ticket sales will start on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, with the service officially launching on April 16, 2026. Passengers will be able to board the train in the evening in Malmö or Copenhagen and wake up in the morning in Basel, in the heart of Switzerland.