Amsterdam to Barcelona Sleeper Train: Launching in 2025
Two of Europe’s biggest nightlife cities are set to be linked by a new sleeper train when the Amsterdam to Barcelona night route launches in spring 2025. Pushed aside by the rise of low-cost airlines, sleeper services are experiencing a significant resurgence in Europe. This trend is attributed to a growing interest in slow travel and energy-efficient modes of transport.
Why is it Happening?
This announcement is particularly significant because there is currently no direct rail service between Amsterdam and Barcelona. The journey typically takes about 17 hours, often requiring an inconvenient switch of trains in Paris. The Dutch-Belgian start-up aims to streamline this travel process. With recent official backing from the European Union, the plan is to improve north-south rail connections effectively.
The new overnight train will depart Amsterdam in the evening, stopping at several cities along the way, including Rotterdam, Antwerp, Brussels, Lille, Avignon, Montpellier, Perpignan, Figueres, and Girona before reaching Barcelona the following day. Although the exact travel time hasn’t been determined, it is projected to be lengthy, offering ample opportunities for sleeping and sightseeing from your carriage.
Amsterdam to Barcelona Night Train Itinerary
The new service promises to be a convenient option for travelers wishing to explore two of Europe’s most dynamic cities through a slower and more sustainable mode of transport. Visitors can begin their journey in the picturesque canals and vibrant coffee houses of Amsterdam and conclude it with the sun-soaked beaches, delectable tapas, and impressive modernist architecture of Barcelona.
If you’re inclined to break your journey into manageable segments, each stop along the route presents a destination rich in art and culture. Rotterdam boasts remarkable contemporary architecture, while Antwerp offers the newly-renovated Museum of Fine Arts. Medieval Avignon is just a stone’s throw from UNESCO-listed Arles, renowned for its historic charm. Finally, Figueres—the birthplace of Salvador Dalí—hosts the iconic Theatre-Museum dedicated to the artist.
When Will the Service Launch?
Although the service was initially slated to launch in December 2023, it has been confirmed that the project will only commence in 2025. In the meantime, a new sleeper service connecting Berlin and Amsterdam is set to be introduced on May 25, 2023, with a planned extension to Prague in December 2023. This new service will facilitate easy travel to cities like London, Paris, and Warsaw, requiring only one change of train.
Ticket prices are expected to start from €49 for a seat and €159 for a bed in a single-bed sleeper, with various options in between to cater to different budget preferences.
