Jean Castex and the future of night trains: is the revival (finally) on track?

Written by Sophie Renassia

Published yesterday

Cheaper and more eco-friendly than flying, night trains are already winning over thousands of French and European travellers every year — just look at the success of the Rome–Marseille sleeper train this summer, which is set to return (and possibly expand) in 2026. Yet in France, as elsewhere, night trains still too often take a back seat.

But a new player could change that: Jean Castex, whose appointment as CEO of SNCF has just been confirmed. Approved by Parliament at the end of October, his arrival brings a genuine glimmer of hope. During his parliamentary hearings, the former Prime Minister stated that reviving night trains would be one of his top priorities, even telling the National Assembly on October 22 that the Paris–Berlin and Paris–Vienna routes would be “among his first subjects” as soon as he takes office.

And for good reason: these international routes are currently under threat (with the potential suspension of the Paris–Berlin and Paris–Vienna services), while on the domestic front, the offer remains limited and overcrowded due to a lack of sleeping cars. So, will Jean-Pierre Farandou’s successor get night trains back on track? And more importantly, how can you help tip the balance? Let’s break it down.

A New Political Direction for Night Trains

Jean Castex’s appointment as head of the SNCF Group, officially confirmed by an Élysée decree on September 26, 2025, sends a strong signal to the rail sector. During his parliamentary hearing, he reiterated that reviving night trains would be one of his top priorities.

This comes at a crucial time. Back in 2020, as Prime Minister, Castex had already supported the relaunch of night train services. His experience with the issue and his long-term vision could mark the start of a new investment phase — provided that citizen momentum keeps up the pressure. Because political signals alone won’t be enough: real change requires funding, budgetary decisions, and public pressure to turn promises into rails.

The Immediate Challenge: Saving the Paris–Berlin and Paris–Vienna Lines

Timing is critical. The Paris–Berlin and Paris–Vienna night trains, operated jointly by ÖBB and SNCF Voyageurs, could stop running on December 14, 2025. But not all hope is lost. The French Ministry of Transport has left the door open for a budget discussion in Parliament: an additional €5 million in funding could be enough to save these lines.

“Now is the time — everything is being decided as we speak,”
says Alexis Chailloux from the Réseau Action Climat (Climate Action Network).
“If Parliament restores the subsidy in the 2026 budget, the trains could be running again as early as the start of 2026, avoiding a long service gap.”

That scenario isn’t so far-fetched — the Berlin–Stockholm night train, for example, was saved at the last minute by private operator RDC Deutschland Group after the Swedish government pulled out.

“It’s an encouraging case,” adds Chailloux, “because it shows that international routes can be profitable — something the French Ministry of Transport’s 2021 report had already highlighted. Still, we believe it’s essential for the French State to maintain its subsidies, at least to help these lines restart. And in the long term, the European Union must develop a real public policy to strengthen the continent’s night train network.”

👉 For a full deep dive into the situation of these two routes, read our article: “Paris–Berlin and Paris–Vienna Night Trains: Can They Still Be Saved?”

In France: A Still-Timid Revival

While the international battle continues, there’s another challenge closer to home. The potential of night trains within France is undeniable. In 2024, more than one million passengers took a night service — proof that demand is strong. Yet the supply remains far too limited, mainly because the number of sleeping cars is still too low to sustain a real network.

The government recently launched a tender for 180 new sleeping cars, meant to replace aging equipment. The problem? That’s barely enough to maintain current routes.

However, the tender includes an option to double the order to 340 cars — a move that could unlock new routes such as:

• Paris–Barcelona
• Nice–Bordeaux
• Nice–Strasbourg–Luxembourg

During his hearing before the National Assembly, Jean Castex expressed his wish for the State to move forward with this expanded order as soon as possible — a key step to decentralize the network from Paris, reconnect regions, and build a true national night rail system.

But for that to happen, a clear political will — and citizen mobilisation — is essential.

That’s precisely the goal of the petition launched by Réseau Action Climat, already backed by over 55,000 signatories:
👉 “Let’s build 600 sleeping cars to relaunch 30 night train routes!”

For more context on the current state of France’s night train network, its strengths and weaknesses, check out our article:
“Night Trains in France: Where Do We Stand? A Deep Dive into the Latest Climate Action Network Report.”

Citizen Mobilisation: The Real Driver of Change

Railway history proves it: citizen mobilisation can change everything. In 2021, it helped bring back the Paris–Tarbes route after months of suspension. In 2024, the Paris–Perpignan–Portbou line was saved at the last minute after a surge of signatures and media attention.

And today, this same energy is keeping up the pressure for Paris–Berlin and Paris–Vienna, with more than 85,000 people already mobilised.

Because the battle for the rails is fought as much in Parliament as it is in the streets and online, every signature, every share counts. Making travellers’ voices heard means influencing political decisions.

“The next two months will be decisive for the future of night trains in France and across Europe,” reminds Alexis Chailloux.

In France, another petition calls for the construction of 600 sleeping cars to relaunch around 30 domestic night routes.

Yes, there’s urgency. Yes, there are still obstacles. But no, it’s not too late for France and Europe to give their night trains a second life. With Jean Castex’s appointment, a decisive budget calendar, and growing citizen momentum, the conditions for change are coming together.

So if you believe that travelling differently — slower, fairer, and more consciously — is still possible:
hop on board this movement and sign both petitions today!

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.