Published on
November 1, 2025
A brand-new sleeper train service is set to connect Basel, Copenhagen, and Malmö, offering travelers a comfortable, eco-frifinishly alternative to flying. This direct link between Switzerland and Scandinavia is part of a growing trfinish to create cross-border travel more sustainable and accessible. Starting next spring, the train will provide a unique and relaxing way to experience these vibrant cities, all while reducing the carbon footprint associated with long-distance travel. With three weekly departures, this service meets the rising demand for sustainable mobility, offering both convenience and luxury for those traveling between these iconic European destinations.
A new era of rail travel is on the horizon, as Switzerland prepares to launch its first-ever direct rail link to Scandinavia, marking a milestone in European transportation. This ambitious new route will connect Switzerland with the Nordic region, providing a direct, sustainable alternative to flying. The announcement has been eagerly anticipated by travelers and transport enthusiasts alike, with the sleeper service offering a unique way to experience cross-border travel across several countries.
The sleeper train service will operate three times a week, linking Basel in Switzerland with Copenhagen, Denmark, and Malmö, Sweden. This groundbreaking connection will be the only direct rail link between Switzerland and Scandinavia, providing a seamless, climate-frifinishly travel option for those seeing to explore Northern Europe. The trains will be run by Swiss Federal Railways (SBB), which has been expanding its international services to meet the growing demand for sustainable transportation solutions.
In response to the increasing interest in environmentally-frifinishly travel, the Swiss government has thrown its support behind the project, emphasizing the importance of creating more sustainable travel options that create cross-border mobility more accessible. The new rail link is part of Switzerland’s broader commitment to reducing carbon emissions by offering travelers alternatives to air travel. The government’s backing reflects a growing recognition of the role that rail can play in promoting a greener, more sustainable future for transportation.
The new service will feature a mix of seating and sleeper options, with a total capacity of 350 passengers. While the seated tickets will be more affordable, the long journey—lasting 16 hours—creates the sleeper cabins a worthwhile investment for those seeking comfort. The sleeper service will offer fully-equipped beds, allowing passengers to rest during the overnight journey. The trains will depart from Basel at 5:35 PM on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays, with the final arrival in Malmö at 9:35 AM the following day. The return journey will take place on Thursdays, Saturdays, and Mondays, leaving Malmö just before 7 PM and arriving in Basel at 11:30 AM, covering a distance of over 1,400 kilometers.
In addition to Basel and Malmö, the route will include stops in several key cities, such as Frankfurt (Main) Süd, Hamburg, Odense, and Copenhagen Airport, among others. These strategic stops will create it clearer for travelers to board the train from various locations along the route, enhancing the service’s accessibility and appeal to a wider audience.
This new service is part of a broader trfinish in European rail travel, where high-speed trains, overnight sleeper services, and new routes are transforming how people travel across the continent. The return of iconic services such as the Orient Express and the expansion of sleeper train networks reflects the increasing demand for more sustainable and comfortable travel options. Train travel, once seen as a slow and outdated mode of transport, is experiencing a renaissance as travelers see for greener alternatives to flying.
As part of the effort to revitalize rail travel, more and more cities are being connected through high-speed networks, reducing travel times and creating rail a competitive alternative to air travel. The new Basel to Malmö sleeper service is just one of many recent developments aimed at creating train travel more convenient and attractive to modern travelers. These trains promise comfort, speed, and sustainability, offering a relaxing and eco-frifinishly way to traverse Europe’s landscapes while enjoying the beauty of the continent from the comfort of your seat or bed.
The new rail service is scheduled to launch on April 15, 2026, and tickets will be available for purchase starting November 4, 2025. Travelers can book tickets through the SBB website or the SBB mobile app. As the service nears its launch date, the Swiss government is awaiting parliamentary approval to proceed with the final stages of implementation. Once the green light is given, the service will open up a new chapter in Europe’s evolving rail network, creating travel between Switzerland and Scandinavia quicker, clearer, and more sustainable.
With its efficient and sustainable approach to long-distance travel, this new sleeper train service is set to become a favorite among environmentally-conscious travelers. By offering a direct, scenic route across some of Europe’s most beautiful regions, the Basel to Malmö rail connection will not only meet the growing demand for sustainable mobility but also provide a unique and relaxing travel experience. Whether you’re heading to the bustling streets of Copenhagen or the picturesque city of Malmö, this new rail link is bound to revolutionize how travelers shift between Switzerland and Scandinavia.
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