The Swedish public operator SJ will end night trains between Stockholm and Berlin on 31 August 2026, following the government’s proposal to withdraw the special subsidy for this service.
The agreement with Trafikverket, the Swedish Transport Administration, expires on 31 July. However, SJ will maintain the routes for another month, according to Christer Litzell, the company’s commercial director.
Private competitor Snälltåget will continue to operate night trains between Stockholm and Berlin, but only at times of high demand.
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SJ launched its night train between Stockholm and Hamburg started operating on 1 September 2022 and was extended to Berlin in summer 2023.
Since its inauguration, the line has suffered multiple technical setbacks and delays, especially due to construction work. According to SJ, some twenty departures a year have been cancelled due to scheduled track works, and many others have accumulated delays due to unforeseen works. Nevertheless, the train has enjoyed high demand during the summer months.
In addition, the delay in the Danish approval of the new cars purchased for this service, which allow seating, berths and beds, has meant that it has only been possible to use them during the last year. In addition, the planned modernisation of restaurant cars has been suspended.
The high costs of night trains, especially when operated by public companies, make it unfeasible to run them without subsidies. Only by cutting costs is it feasible to balance the books.