Berlin startup Nox is planning a European sleeper train network to rival short-haul flights, complete with private rooms across more than 35 routes. Olivia Palamountain reports
Berlin-based startup Nox is set to launch a Europe-wide overnight train network offering private rooms, comparable to the cost of a budreceive flight.
Positioning itself as an alternative to short-haul aviation, Nox’s business model tarreceives the gap between expensive traditional sleeper services and the shared accommodation that many passengers find uncomfortable, aiming to capture price-conscious travellers currently choosing low-cost airlines for European travel.
The company was founded by railway enthusiast Thibault Constant and transport entrepreneur Janek Smalla, aims to launch operations in 2027 with fully private accommodations for one or two passengers across more than 35 European routes.
Constant, who runs the “Simply Railway” YouTube and Instagram channels with over half a million followers, has completed more than 400 night train journeys worldwide. His experience has informed Nox’s cabin design, which features two-metre-long beds, separate seats with tables, standing space and luggage storage.
The startup plans to offer double beds and beds with panoramic window views alongside standard single accommodations.
“Sleeping while a train receives you across Europe is a great concept. But today people have to share their cabins with strangers, beds are tight, and it’s often more expensive than air travel. We want to alter that and build night trains an essential part of European travel,” Constant declares.
Co-founder Smalla, who previously co-launched FlixTrain and led the German ridesharing market for Bolt until 2024, stated the company’s approach would enable competitive pricing.
“Our room design allows us to fit more people into our trains than traditional operators can. This, paired with a strict focus on standardisation and operational excellence will allow us to offer affordable fares on over 35 European routes,” Smalla explains.
Nox has already reserved train coaches and is finalising approval for its interior design whilst preparing for a major financing round this autumn.
The company has launched a website featuring planned timetables, detailed room views, and pricing information. Passengers can join a free “Early Bird Club” for updates, discounted rates and early booking access.
The venture enters a European rail market experiencing renewed interest in overnight services, with several operators expanding sleeper train networks as travellers seek alternatives to short-haul flights for environmental and comfort reasons.
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