Stockholm–Berlin night train confirmed for September 2026 as EuroNight route is secured
The Stockholm–Berlin night train has been formally secured for continued operation from September 2026, despite Sweden’s decision to cut subsidies for international rail services. This is reported by the NewsToday24 editorial team, citing confirmation from RDC Deutschland, the German operating partner of SJ (Swedish Railways). The decision ensures that the EuroNight Stockholm–Berlin corridor remains one of the few direct overnight rail links connecting Scandinavia with Germany’s capital and the wider European rail network.
Demand for the sleeper train from Stockholm to Berlin has risen sharply over the past three years as airline fares between Northern Europe and Germany have increased and corporate travel policies have shifted toward lower-carbon transport. The route has become a key part of the European night-train revival, driven by climate targets, congestion at major airports and a growing preference for city-centre-to-city-centre travel.
Operators and commercial structure
The EuroNight Stockholm–Berlin service is operated under a commercial partnership between SJ and RDC Deutschland, a private German rail company specialising in long-distance and cross-border night trains. SJ controls branding, ticketing and customer relations in Scandinavia, while RDC provides rolling stock, operational licences and track access in Germany. According to RDC, operating contracts have now been secured through at least the 2026–2027 European timetable period, guaranteeing continuity for passengers and travel platforms.
This structure allows the route to operate with significantly lower public subsidy than traditional state-run international trains, relying instead on commercial demand for Stockholm Berlin night train tickets.
Launch date and service frequency
The renewed service will begin in September 2026, aligned with Europe’s annual rail timetable change. From that point, the route will operate three to four nights per week in each direction, with additional services scheduled during summer, school holidays and major travel periods. This frequency is designed to support both leisure and business travel, positioning the EuroNight Stockholm Berlin train as a practical alternative to short-haul flights.
Journey time and rail corridor
The full journey between Stockholm and Berlin takes approximately 15 to 16 hours, running via southern Sweden, Denmark and northern Germany, with Hamburg as the main operational corridor. This alignment connects directly into Germany’s high-capacity long-distance rail network, enabling smooth arrivals into Berlin Hauptbahnhof early the following morning. For travellers, this means boarding in Stockholm after work and arriving in Berlin in time for business meetings or onward connections.
Timetable windows
While the final timetable will be published when ticket sales open, the operators have confirmed that the service will follow standard European night-train scheduling:
- Stockholm → Berlin:
Departure 17:30–19:00, arrival 08:00–10:00 - Berlin → Stockholm:
Departure 19:00–21:00, arrival the next morning
These windows allow full overnight travel without sacrificing a working day.
Ticket prices and cabin options
Pricing for the Stockholm–Berlin sleeper train will follow dynamic European night-train models. Based on current EuroNight pricing across comparable routes, passengers should expect:
- Seat: from €49–€79
- Couchette (shared sleeping cabin): from €79–€129
- Private sleeper cabin: from €129–€249
The sleeper train Stockholm Berlin category is expected to sell out first, especially during weekends and summer.
Booking and sales channels
Tickets will be sold through:
- SJ’s official booking system
- bahn.de (Deutsche Bahn)
- leading European rail platforms
Sales are expected to open approximately 180 days before departure, meaning bookings for autumn 2026 will likely begin in spring 2026.
Why Sweden protected this route
Despite reducing international rail subsidies, Sweden classified the Stockholm–Berlin corridor as a strategic climate and trade route. The line delivers:
- measurable reductions in aviation emissions
- strong passenger demand
- a direct link between two of Northern Europe’s most important capitals
Load factors on previous services regularly exceeded 70%, making the route commercially viable even with reduced state support.
The confirmation of the EuroNight Stockholm–Berlin service reinforces a wider European shift toward overnight rail. Routes such as Vienna–Paris, Zurich–Berlin and Brussels–Berlin now operate at near-capacity, as passengers prioritise comfort, sustainability and direct city-centre access over short-haul flights. By securing the Stockholm–Berlin night train into 2026 and beyond, Sweden and Germany are anchoring one of the most important north–south rail corridors in the European transport system.
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