The first Nightjet night train from Berlin arrived in Brussels on Tuesday morning, marking a historic step in the redevelopment of the night train network linking Brussels to other major European cities.
Already serviced by the European Sleeper (which continues operations), Austrian train operator ÖBB will now also run the nocturnal route between the cities three times a week.
However, unlike the European Sleeper, the Nightjet will continue beyond Brussels to extend its final destination to Paris. For this, ÖBB is working with Belgian rail company SNCB, as well as German rail operator DB and French rail operator SNCF.
"Trains make us dream, and the launch of the new Nightjet Brussels-Berlin makes the dream a reality. The offer is increasing step by step," said Federal Mobility Minister Georges Gilkinet on Tuesday morning.
Credit: Belga/Laurie Dieffembacq
From Brussels-Midi, a Nightjet will depart for Berlin (via Cologne) every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday (at 19:03), arriving the next morning at Berlin Hauptbahnhof at 08:26.
On Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays (at 20:18), the train departs from Berlin, arriving in Brussels the following morning at 09:56.
"Night trains have always been an integral part of Belgian railway history, ever since Georges Nagelmackers, the founder of the mythical 'Compagnie des Wagon-Lits,'" said Sophie Dutordoir, CEO of SNCB. "And because of its geographical location, Belgium has always been at the heart of the European rail network."
The very first #Nightjet arrival in Paris-Est from Berlin 🇩🇪🚆🇫🇷
Such an historical moment#Trainsbeforeplanes pic.twitter.com/FnlSPFvJhd — Simply Railway (@Simply_Railway) December 12, 2023
When ÖBB relaunched night trains in early 2020, SNCB was only too happy to join the initiative – connecting more European (capital) cities to Brussels via long-distance trains, both by day and by night.
"SNCB offers maintenance services, deploys train crews on the Belgian part of the route and sells tickets through its own sales channels."
Credit: Belga/Laurie Dieffembacq
For the connection to Brussels, ÖBB cooperates with SNCB: SNCB train crews are used on the Belgian network. SNCB will also provide maintenance services and is already selling Nightjet tickets through its own sales channels.
Tickets are available for seats (from €34.90), couchette cars (from €49.90) and sleeping cars (from €79.90). Tickets can be purchased via the SNCB website and www.nightjet.com.
