European Sleeper: how the Dutch cooperative wants to reinvent the night train

Written by Sophie Renassia

Published today

Do you love falling asleep in one city and waking up in another? If you want to explore Europe without flying, you should love European Sleeper. In the latest episode of Je t’offre un rail ? (the podcast that will get you hooked on train travel), Benjamin interviews Anne Dubost, Head of Strategy and Business Development at European Sleeper.

A riveting conversation about cooperative business models, operating night trains without subsidies, the Brussels-Berlin and Brussels-Prague routes, seasonality, distribution, rolling stock, and of course, the highly anticipated Paris-Berlin line. Here’s everything you need to know.

European Sleeper: A Newcomer Redefining the Night Train Experience

A Cooperative Born in 2021, With a Clear Mission

European Sleeper is unlike any other operator because it is a cooperative. Founded in 2021 by two Dutch rail enthusiasts, Chris Engelsman and Elmer van Buuren, its mission is crystal clear: to connect European cities through comfortable and accessible night trains.

Initially funded by its co-owner members (including Anne herself, who bought “two European Sleeper shares” before even applying), the cooperative quickly grew into an international team of around 20–25 people.

A Model Built on a Partner Ecosystem

Unlike the major historical operators, European Sleeper does not yet own its own rolling stock. As Anne explains:
“We don’t own our wagons, cars or depots today; we lease everything from partners.”

To operate trains without owning equipment, the cooperative relies on:

• partners for traction (locomotive + drivers)
• partners for network access in each country
• several leasing companies for night-train coaches

It’s an agile yet complex model—especially when opening routes crossing multiple countries.

A Community at the Heart of the Project

European Sleeper cultivates strong ties with its members:
“We have members who help us on rolling-stock acquisition… We’re well supported not only publicly, but also by the community and by the travellers on board.”

With already 230,000 passengers carried, the cooperative draws strength from:

• its co-owner members
• its travellers
• and even the European Commission, which selected their Amsterdam–Barcelona project as a pilot

A major asset in a sector where innovation depends heavily on collaboration.

Brussels-Berlin, Then Brussels-Prague: Their First Major Achievement

The cooperative’s first permanent line launched in May 2023: three weekly round trips between Brussels and Berlin. Less than a year later, in March 2024, the service was extended to Prague, still three round trips per week, via Amsterdam and Berlin.

© European Sleeper

European Sleeper has been steadily increasing its occupancy rate. Anne shares that the company is nearing break-even: “We’re getting closer, we’re not quite there yet to be fully transparent… but during high and mid-season months, we reach equilibrium.” The real challenge: low-season months, when revenue still doesn’t cover costs.

A “Test & Learn” Approach, But a Cautious One

In early 2024, European Sleeper also tested a seasonal Brussels–Venice line. It won’t be renewed, as it was too demanding for a small team and too complex (crossing five countries).

But the experience was invaluable: testing restaurant cars, operational learnings, new countries where the company is now applying for network access, schedule analysis… A true pilot approach, fully embraced.

A Financial Model Designed to Operate Without Permanent Subsidies

Proving That Profitability Is Possible

European Sleeper aims to show that night trains can be economically viable without long-term subsidies.

“We want to prove that a night-train line can reach economic balance. And that it is possible to offer night-train services without permanent subsidies.”
- Anne Dubost | European Sleeper

Some lines, however, will always need public support (she cites Paris–Aurillac as an example). But for Brussels–Prague or Paris–Berlin, Anne believes profitability is achievable.

Demand: The Core of the Model

Occupancy is crucial: a night train doesn’t break even from month one, ramp-up takes time. And high season only partially offsets low season, the true difficulty.

Distribution is another key lever: tickets are sold on their website, but also via Trainline, Omio, SNCB and Czech Railways.

“For us, it’s an opportunity to be visible where users are already used to buying tickets.” - Anne Dubost

An Offer for Every Budget

Where Midnight Trains aimed for premium, European Sleeper offers multiple comfort levels—a more mass-market, accessible approach.

“We offer several comfort classes… We target small budgets with seat compartments from €30, and then we have couchettes and sleeper compartments.” - Anne Dubost

Paris–Berlin: A (Realistic) Challenge for the Cooperative

An Iconic Route, but Economically Demanding

Paris–Berlin isn’t just another long-distance line: it’s a symbol of the revival of European night trains, and a strategic link between two major capitals.

For Anne, it ticks all the boxes:

• ideal distance (1000–1500 km)
• stops clustered in the evening and morning
• no commercial stops between midnight and 6 a.m., preserving comfort and safety

But she insists: launching a new route “is no trivial matter.” It requires a solid economic model, strong communication, and a gradual increase in occupancy.

© European Sleeper

A Turbulent European Context—But a Clear Strategy

While several operators reduce night-train services due to lack of subsidies (Nightjet’s Paris-Vienna and Paris-Berlin adjustments, Stockholm–Berlin…), European Sleeper stays the course.

Anne’s message is clear: yes, the context is challenging, and yes, night trains need startup support; but no, they shouldn’t depend on subsidies forever if the offer is smartly designed.

European Sleeper wants to prove the model works—starting with the strongest routes, including the Paris-Berlin.

Exclusive Offer for HOURRAIL! Club Members

European Sleeper offers an exclusive discount for all HOURRAIL! Club members: 20% off all journeys (Paris–Berlin, Brussels–Prague...) in 2026!

👉 Want to enjoy the discount? Join the HOURRAIL! Club and get early access to our app by supporting our crowdfunding campaign on Ulule.

The offer is valid until 31 December 2025 for all members. Meaning you can already enjoy:

• 20% off Brussels–Prague tickets right now
• 20% off Paris–Berlin tickets from 16 December when sales open

By supporting our Ulule campaign, you not only contribute to the development of our app, you also unlock many exclusive benefits like this one.

In summary, European Sleeper is an ambitious and agile cooperative, clear-eyed about its challenges, and convinced that night trains can be popular, comfortable, and profitable. Brussels-Prague is only the beginning. And Paris–Berlin could well become one of the flagship routes of a new generation of operators reconnecting Europe… while you sleep.

Written by Sophie Renassia

Issue du monde de la communication et des médias, Sophie est Responsable éditoriale chez HOURRAIL ! depuis août 2024. Elle est notamment derrière le contenu éditorial du site ainsi que La Locomissive (de l'inspiration voyage bas carbone et des bons plans, un jeudi sur deux, gratuitement dans ta boîte mail !).

Convaincue que les changements d’habitude passent par la transformation de nos imaginaires, elle s’attache à montrer qu’il est possible de voyager autrement, de manière plus consciente, plus lente et plus joyeuse. Son objectif : rendre le slow travel accessible à toutes et tous, à travers des astuces, des décryptages et surtout, de nouveaux récits.

Linkedin