Brussels welcomes the first Nightjet (ÖBB) night train from Berlin.

The first Nightjet night train from Berlin arrived in Brussels on Tuesday morning. This link is a further step in the development of an environmentally-friendly, comfortable night train service from Brussels to other major European cities. It is also another success for the collaboration between four rail operators: ÖBB, SNCB, SNCF and DB.

This week, night trains operated by Austrian rail operator ÖBB began running between Berlin and Brussels, and Berlin and Paris three times a week. ÖBB works with SNCB and the German operator DB, as well as with DB and the French operator SNCF.

Georges Gilkinet, Belgian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Mobility: "Trains inspire dreams. With the launch of the new Nightjet route from Brussels to Berlin, this dream has become a reality. The Belgian government is actively involved in the ongoing development of rail services, offering financial assistance to every railway undertaking that runs night trains to towns and cities in Belgium. Today, rail is the most environmentally friendly alternative. As Minister for Mobility, I am delighted to see this new line open. "

Sophie Dutordoir, CEO of SNCB: "Night trains have been part of Belgian railway history ever since Georges Nagelmackers, founder of the legendary Compagnie des Wagons-Lits. Geographically, Belgium lies at the heart of the European rail network. When ÖBB decided to bring back night trains at the start of 2020, it was essential for SNCB to join the initiative and connect more European capitals and cities to Brussels, day and night. SNCB is actively involved in the project, particularly by carrying out maintenance work on the equipment, providing support staff on the Belgian sections and marketing the tickets through its sales channels. "

Leonore Gewessler, Austrian Federal Minister of Transport: "Taking the train means protecting the climate. This is particularly true of night trains, which are also a convenient and comfortable way to travel; you board the train in the evening and wake up the next morning in another European capital. The new Nightjet lines bring Europe's major cities closer together, making it even easier to travel through Europe in a climate-friendly way. I am convinced that this is the future of mobility, as the train is the ideal means of transport for short and medium-distance journeys in Europe. "

Andreas Matthä, CEO of ÖBB: "With these new international routes, we are resolutely pursuing the development of our night train business and consolidating our position at the forefront of this market. The ÖBB Nightjet has become a symbol of a united Europe. Cooperation between our four railway companies has enabled us to create an attractive new range of overnight services for climate-friendly travel between Berlin, Brussels and Paris. "

Volker Wissing, German Federal Minister for Digital Affairs and Transport: "This is a great day for all occasional and daily rail travellers; in future, everyone will benefit from new connections between different European capitals. This new offer is the result of close cooperation between all parties. Together, they have succeeded in forming a true alliance for night trains and translating our TEE 2.0 concept into concrete rail services. I am convinced that Europe needs more rail cooperation so that rail can compete with other modes of transport and become even more attractive. The Austrian, French, Belgian and German railways are leading the way by joining forces to offer a night train service. "

Richard Lutz, CEO of Deutsche Bahn: "Together with our partners, we have set ourselves the goal of making the train even more attractive to our customers in Europe. The night train embodies an awareness of ecological issues in a mobile, interconnected and borderless Europe. These values are also at the heart of our Strong Rail strategy. At Deutsche Bahn, we are proud to be part of the European night train alliance. " From now on, a Nightjet train will depart from Brussels every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday (at 7.03pm) to Berlin (via Cologne), arriving at Berlin Hauptbahnhof at 8.26am the following morning. The train will depart from Berlin on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays (at 8.18pm) and arrive in Brussels the following morning at 9.56am.

ÖBB collaborates with SNCB on its link with Brussels, as SNCB staff are on duty when the trains run on the Belgian network. SNCB provides maintenance services and sells Nightjet tickets through its own sales channels.

Travelling by Nightjet is not only good for the environment, it is also comfortable and economically competitive since travelling at night saves a night's hotel accommodation as well as time. Tickets are available for seats (from EUR 34.9 per person per route), sleeper cars (from EUR 49.90) and sleeping cars (from EUR 79.90). Tickets can be purchased on the SNCB website and at www.nightjet.com/en/#/home.

The Nightjet service to and from Brussels began in 2020 with night trains to Vienna. Since then, this route has been expanded from two to three services a week.