Friends of the Rail Forum

Five years ago, sleeper trains were on the way out. Now they're seen as the future of short-haul travel between cities...

RDC Germany successfully operated the inaugural Sylt – Salzburg Alpen-Sylt overnight train on July 5, carrying 120 passengers.

The train is operating on Thursdays and Saturdays from Westerland/Sylt via Hamburg, Frankfurt/Main and Munich to Salzburg, returning on Fridays and Sundays. The train comprises 10-11 coaches and is offering journeys times of 16-19 hours. The inaugural service arrived in Salzburg at noon on July 6.

“We believe in the successful renaissance of night trains in Europe,” says Dr Markus Hunkel, managing director of RDC Germany. “The offer fulfils the desire of holidaymakers and business travellers for sustainable travel.”

Tickets for a single couchette ticket (including one adult and one child up to age 14) cost €99...