RDC Deutschland Group will continue night train Berlin – Hamburg – Stockholm
Even after the end of state funding in Sweden, the company will continue to offer the established connection.
While the European night train landscape is changing, the RDC Deutschland Group is committed to continuity and responsibility. The company will continue to operate the successful night train connection Berlin – Hamburg – Stockholm even after the state funding ends in summer 2026.
The Swedish Transport Administration Trafikverket has announced that the current funding for year-round operation of the route Hamburg – Stockholm will end in summer 2026 and the contract for operating the night train SJ EuroNight with SJ will not be extended.
The RDC Deutschland Group regrets the end of the start-up financing but sees it as an opportunity: “Together with our partner SJ, we have demonstrated that international night trains can be successfully operated even in a challenging environment,” says Markus Hunkel, Chief Executive Officer, RDC Germany. “This connection is an important link in the European night train network – and we will continue it.”
As one of the few railway companies in Germany specialised in night trains, RDC brings the necessary experience and infrastructure to manage the continued operation independently. This keeps the connection an attractive, environmentally friendly, and comfortable alternative to air travel – especially at a time when sustainable mobility is gaining importance across Europe. For the employees, this step primarily means planning security. RDC Germany relies on its experienced teams and numerous partners who have successfully supported night train operations over the past four years. At the same time, the company is aware that continued operation brings challenges. Night trains are costly, and competition with other operators and airlines remains. However, RDC Deutschland trusts in its expertise, the experience from ongoing operations, and its superior product range in the competition.
“We stand for entrepreneurial thinking in the railway sector,” emphasizes Hunkel. “When the market changes, we seek solutions. Our goal is to secure and further develop international night train connections like this in the long term.”
The RDC Deutschland Group would like to express its sincere thanks to all employees and partners for their commitment, motivation, and trust. Together, the night train Berlin – Hamburg – Stockholm should be guided into a stable and successful future – as a symbol of sustainable travel and a modern, connected Europe.
