Railway professionals want to revolutionize the night train

A Berlin-based startup is shaking up Europe's mobility market: Starting in 2027, Nox plans to run comfortable night trains with private sleeping compartments across Europe – for the price of an airline ticket. Behind this ambitious project are experienced founders: Thibault Constant, known on YouTube as «Simply Railway», and Janek Smalla, who co-founded Flixtrain, among others.

What does Nox want to do differently from existing night train providers? Above all, it's about space, privacy, and pricing. «Today, you have to share a compartment with strangers, the beds are cramped, and it's often more expensive than flying,» says Constant. Nox wants to remedy this – with single and double rooms, two-meter-long beds, natural light, plenty of storage space, and even panoramic views.

All three room types will have their own seating area with a table, charging facilities, and space to stand up – an offering that, according to Smalla, can be operated economically through intelligent use of space and standardized processes. The company plans to offer competitive prices on more than 35 European routes: single rooms from €79, double rooms from €149, according to the Nox website.

Zurich is also included on the planned route map – alongside other popular destinations such as Paris, Rome, Barcelona, ​​Amsterdam, Copenhagen and Warsaw. By 2035, Nox plans to travel to up to 100 cities, with a focus on direct night connections.

In addition to the quality of sleep, Nox also promises on-board dining options, space for bicycles, and barrier-free access for travelers with limited mobility. The startup plans a major funding round this year – the first vehicles have already been secured, and the interior design is nearing completion.