RDC Deutschland Group has confirmed that it will continue to operate the Berlin-Hamburg-Stockholm night train after the Swedish Government funding ends in summer 2026. The decision secures the future of one of Europe’s key night train routes and reflects the company’s commitment to continuity and sustainable mobility at a time of change in the European rail landscape.

The Swedish Transport Administration or Trafikverket previously announced that the current subsidy for the Hamburg-Stockholm route would cease in 2026 and that the contract with SJ for the EuroNight service would not be renewed. SJ later confirmed that it would withdraw from the service after 31 May 2026, raising concerns about the route’s future. RDC Deutschland’s decision now ensures that passengers will continue to have a night train connection linking the capitals of Germany and Sweden.

Continuity

RDC Deutschland, which currently operates the service jointly with SJ, said it regretted the end of the Swedish start-up funding but viewed the development as an opportunity. 

Chief executive Markus Hunkel stated that, together with SJ, the company had proven that international night trains could operate successfully even under challenging conditions. He described the Berlin–Hamburg–Stockholm route as an important link in the European night train network and confirmed that RDC would continue the connection beyond 2026.

The company emphasised that, as one of the few German railway operators specialising in night trains, it possesses the necessary experience and infrastructure to manage the service independently. It regards the route as an attractive, climate-friendly, and comfortable alternative to air travel, particularly as sustainable mobility gains traction across Europe. 

For RDC’s employees, the decision offers job security and continuity.

2022

The Berlin-Stockholm service, operating under the EuroNight numbers EN 345/346, has been running since September 2022 and was extended to Berlin in March 2023. It currently stops at major stations including Copenhagen Airport, Malmö, and Lund, offering up to 390 seats across sleeping cars, couchettes, and standard seating. 

The Swedish private operator Snälltåget will continue to run its own seasonal night train on the same route from March 2026, ensuring additional capacity between the two capitals.

RDC Deutschland acknowledged that operational adjustments might be necessary once it assumes full responsibility for the service. Spokesperson Nicole Pizzuti told Berliner Zeitung that the train may not run daily or year-round, with plans under discussion to maintain around half of the current service days.

In its statement, the company reiterated its belief in the long-term future of international night train travel. 

Hunkel described RDC’s approach as driven by entrepreneurial thinking in the railway sector, with a focus on finding solutions when market conditions change. He said the company aimed to secure and further develop cross-border night train connections such as this one for the long term.

RDC also acknowledged the financial and competitive pressures of maintaining night train services, noting that they are cost-intensive and must compete with both other rail operators and airlines. Nonetheless, it expressed confidence in its expertise, operational experience, and product offering.

The company extended its thanks to all employees and partners for their continued commitment and trust, stating that together they would lead the Berlin–Hamburg–Stockholm night train into a stable and successful future. The route, it said, will remain a symbol of sustainable travel and a modern, connected Europe.

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