European Sleeper's first passenger ride!

European Sleeper is a Dutch startup created in 2021 with plans to run European night trains. Formed by Elmer van Buuren and Chris Engelsman, the train operator ran their first passenger service on 25th May 2023, from Berlin to Brussels, through Amsterdam, Rotterdam and Antwerp. From 2024, European Sleeper also plans on expanding past Berlin to Dresden and Prague.

Since earlier 2022, I’ve been closely following the progress made by European Sleeper, anticipating their first ride. Although not a passenger myself yet, I was thrilled that this new train connection allows holidaymakers more sustainable, time efficient and dare I say entertaining travel opportunities. The Man in Seat 61 highlights some interesting travel connections that could be made using through the European Sleeper.

After issues financing and leasing sleeper coaches, the initial target of April 2022 was push backed, European Sleeper managed to secure 11 carriages with spares. The startup currently offers sleepers, couchettes and seat options, with reservations for bicycle storage spaces. After their test ride with their team, investors and supporters on 22nd May 2023, it was time for passengers three days later.

When hearing about their launch trip, I was set on seeing it, even if that meant waking up egregiously early to make it to Amsterdam CS by 6:31. On the morning of, I managed to get to the station by 6:00 with my Albert Heijn To Go sourced breakfast in hand. It turned out the arrival was delayed due to congestion on the Germany part of the trip, so I spent the remainder of the time watching the other trains.

At 6:50, after a short announcement directing passenger to the platform for the European Sleeper, the train arrived at platform 5. The 11 carriages were hauled by a Bombardier TRAXX MS23. I definitely wasn’t the only person recording, but the excitement at the station was clear, I managed to catch the arrival and departure at Amsterdam Centraal.

doc7austin filmed the entire trip and impressively managed to upload the video on the same day with informational annotations. Trainviking also covered the journey with some footage from the press event and test ride as well.

It was definitely worth making it out early in the morning to see all the excitement and buzz at the station on the European Sleeper’s arrival. I’ll be keeping an eye out for further development in their schedules and hopefully ride one day.

: )