European Sleeper has acquired GreenCityTrip, a sustainable travel brand previously operated by Flywise Travel, as part of its strategy to expand into night train package holidays and appeal to a wider market of rail travellers.

Known for its Brussels – Amsterdam – Berlin – Prague night train route, European Sleeper has already transported more than 200,000 passengers in its first two years. 

The company plans to extend its services to Barcelona and/or Milan by 2026. The acquisition, expected to be finalised in the coming weeks, follows a successful collaboration between European Sleeper and Flywise Travel launched in early 2024. The move supports European Sleeper’s broader mission to revive and grow Europe’s night train network.

Founded in October 2021, GreenCityTrip offers short-stay city breaks by night train, targeting travellers who prefer sustainable and affordable alternatives to air travel. The brand has worked with major Dutch retailers such as Albert Heijn, HEMA, and Kruidvat, helping to bring rail travel to a mainstream audience.

‘Perfect complement’

European Sleeper co-founder Chris Engelsman described the acquisition as a natural fit: “This acquisition offers many synergies for our company. GreenCityTrip’s package holidays are a perfect complement to our international train services and reach a customer segment where European Sleeper is not yet strongly represented.”

Recently appointed Managing Director of GreenCityTrip, Pascal van de Sande, highlighted the brand’s potential under its new ownership: “GreenCityTrip has already shown how attractive and accessible sustainable rail travel can be. Under the European Sleeper umbrella, we will build on that success—developing new travel concepts that make it easier for travellers to include the night train as part of their holiday experience.”

What changes for travellers?

GreenCityTrip will continue to operate as an independent brand within European Sleeper. From 27 February 2024, travellers in Belgium and the Netherlands will be able to book package holidays to Berlin, Dresden, and Prague on the European Sleeper night train via the GreenCityTrip website.

Existing packages will remain available, while Flywise Travel will exit the night train market to focus on other types of package holidays.

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