Europe’s night train revival is gaining speed, and Switzerland is stepping up with an exciting new route. Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) has announced a EuroNight service connecting Basel with Copenhagen and Malmö, expected to start in April 2026. The project is part of Switzerland’s plan to expand eco-friendly transport across borders and make long-distance rail a practical option again for travelers heading north.
Long Ride with Scenic Stops
Image via Facebook/SBB CFF FFS
The Basel–Copenhagen–Malmö service will run three times a week in both directions. Trains depart from Basel at 5:35 p.m. on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays, arriving in Malmö at 9:35 a.m. after a 16-hour journey.
Return trips from Malmö will depart at 6:57 p.m. on Thursdays, Saturdays, and Mondays, arriving in Basel at 11:30 a.m. The route spans roughly 1,400 kilometers, passing through key cities in Germany and Denmark, including Frankfurt, Hamburg, Padborg, and Kolding.
Although it won’t stop at Copenhagen Central Station due to scheduling limits, passengers can easily reach the city from nearby Høje Taastrup or Copenhagen Airport in about 15 minutes using the S-Bahn. The train will seat around 350 passengers and include sleeping cabins, couchettes, and standard compartments. It’s designed for travelers who want comfort and convenience while avoiding the hassle of airport transfers and security lines.
Backed by Swiss Funding
The Swiss Federal Office of Transport (FOT) has placed this line high on its agenda. It plans to spend CHF 1.2 million in 2025 to prepare for launch and subsidize operations with CHF 47 million through 2030. The support, drawn from Switzerland’s CO2 law, covers running costs like energy, track access, and staff wages. No new trains will be purchased, as SBB will utilize existing carriages from the Zurich–Amsterdam route.
Switzerland is financing the project independently, as neither Denmark nor Sweden will provide subsidies. Final approval rests with the Swiss Parliament during the 2026 budget session; however, the FOT states that the route remains a national priority for reducing emissions. Officials describe the initiative as part of a broader effort to promote sustainable, long-distance travel across Europe while meeting Switzerland’s carbon-reduction goals.
Greener Alternative for Travelers
Image via Canva/Slonme
Night trains are making a strong comeback as travelers seek ways to reduce their carbon footprint without compromising comfort. They allow passengers to skip short flights and offer a whole night’s rest between destinations. The Basel–Malmö sleeper fits neatly into that shift.
Running the service won’t be easy. Operators across Europe face high costs and tight margins. Austria’s ÖBB recently discontinued its Paris–Vienna–Berlin night train after funding was withdrawn. SBB has made clear that if Parliament rejects the subsidy, the route will not operate and all booked tickets will be refunded. The company expects ticket sales to open on November 4, pending official approval.
What It Means for Europe’s Rail Revival
If funding goes through, the Basel–Copenhagen–Malmö route will become a vital addition to Europe’s growing night train network. It will provide travelers with an affordable, low-emission alternative to flying, while linking some of the continent’s busiest rail corridors. Switzerland’s investment also demonstrates how governments can maintain sustainable transport viability with targeted support, rather than relying solely on market forces.