Midnight Trains Abandons Plans for Luxury Sleeper Network

By Ivan PetrenkoJun 6, 2024 06:00 AMNews
Share:
Railway Station in Paris, France
Railway Station in Paris, France. Source: Photo by Marina Vitale on Unsplash

French start-up Midnight Trains has shelved its plans to develop a network of high-end overnight trains offering hotel-quality accommodation on European routes up to 1,500 km from Paris. This decision comes after the company failed to secure the necessary funding.

 

Co-founder Adrien Aumont criticized the rail sector's competitive landscape, stating that it favors established operators over newcomers and start-ups. A significant issue for night trains, according to Aumont, is that infrastructure managers do not adopt a pan-European perspective.

 

Midnight Trains was founded by Aumont and Romain Payet, who previously created the crowdfunding platform KissKissBankBank. The company unveiled its ambitious plans in June 2021, which included a proposed Paris to Edinburgh route.

 

In March 2022, Midnight Trains informed the French regulator ART of its intention to start daily return services from Paris to Barcelona, Nice, Milan, and Venice. Aumont aimed to attract 2 million passengers annually, noting that existing overnight services are poorly marketed and confusing for potential customers.

 

Aumont believed that for overnight trains to compete with air travel, they must be redesigned to meet modern passengers' expectations, including offering privacy, as sharing accommodation with strangers is no longer acceptable. The envisioned trains would feature various cabin types, high-quality bedding, and excellent sound insulation to ensure 6-7 hours of uninterrupted sleep. Additionally, a restaurant and bar car would be part of the service.

 

However, on May 31, Midnight Trains announced the abandonment of its plans after failing to secure funding for leasing the necessary rolling stock for the initial Paris-Milan-Venice service. While the company initially raised €1.1 million and received non-financial support from the European Commission for cross-border passenger services, it could not raise the additional €5 million needed in the second funding round.

 

Despite this setback, Aumont expressed a willingness to assist others interested in launching a "21st century night train." The AllRail association, representing new rail market entrants, highlighted that Midnight Trains' experience underscores the gap between EU rail market legislation and its practical implementation. AllRail Policy Officer Salim Benkirane urged the new EU parliament and Commission to take action, emphasizing that the failure of promising start-ups like Midnight Trains should prompt a reevaluation of the Single European Railway Area.

Top Articles
Not Just a Suitcase: My Personal Checklist for Smart Travelers in 2025

Not Just a Suitcase: My Personal Checklist for Smart Travelers in 2025

Mar 3, 2025 18:00 PM
Practical Eco-Friendly Travel Solutions for Sustainable Tourism

Practical Eco-Friendly Travel Solutions for Sustainable Tourism

Feb 14, 2025 15:00 PM

Top Tips for Securing Your Luggage and Preventing Loss

Feb 7, 2025 14:00 PM

Your Guide to Hand Luggage and Baggage Rules

Feb 4, 2025 20:00 PM
More News
Traveler relaxing in an airport lounge while watching a plane take off

New Privium Lounge Enhances Travel at Eindhoven Airport

Mar 12, 2025 12:32 PM
Empty train platform with an RFI train in the background, marked with warning signs against crossing the tracks

Milan-Novara Train Suspensions Impact Travel Plans

Mar 12, 2025 10:46 AM

Best Destinations to Explore in July, August and September

Mar 12, 2025 08:29 AM

Enhanced Train Services for Wales v Kazakhstan Match

Mar 12, 2025 06:33 AM
A modern moving walkway at an airport, covered with a glass roof and surrounded by sleek metal railings

Stuttgart Airport Expands Dining Options for Travelers

Mar 12, 2025 04:49 AM
Colorful historic buildings line the waterfront of Porto, Portugal, with traditional boats floating on the Douro River under a bright blue sky

Portugal Enhances Tourism with Accessibility Certification

Mar 12, 2025 02:27 AM
Three people pointing at a laptop screen while browsing online

Hidden Costs in Travel and How Booking Websites Charge You More

Mar 12, 2025 00:31 AM
A vintage steam locomotive emitting smoke while pulling historic green passenger carriages at Swanage Railway

Historic Steam Event to Feature Six Classic Locomotives

Mar 11, 2025 23:46 PM
Aer Lingus aircraft taxiing at Dublin Airport with multiple airline tails in the background

Passenger Traffic Shifts in Ireland’s Airports Amid St Patrick’s Festivities

Mar 11, 2025 21:23 PM

Unveiling Jutland as a Fresh Perspective on Scandinavian Travel

Mar 11, 2025 19:38 PM

Rotterdam The Hague Airport to See Big Renovation for Passenger Comfort

Mar 11, 2025 17:56 PM
Aerial view of a tropical island resort in the Maldives with a speedboat approaching the shore

Football Camp in the Maldives Offers a New Experience for Traveling Families

Mar 10, 2025 22:24 PM
American Airlines Boeing 737 aircraft in flight against a gradient sky

American Airlines Enhances Dining for Travelers with Expanded Menu

Mar 10, 2025 20:49 PM
Registan Square in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, featuring historic madrassahs with intricate tilework and turquoise domes

Uzbekistan Strengthens Legal Protections for Tourists

Mar 10, 2025 18:31 PM
Vietjet aircraft taking off from an international airport, showcasing its red and white livery

Vietjet’s Hanoi-Shanghai Route Expands Travel Opportunities

Mar 10, 2025 16:25 PM

Travel Disruptions Ahead as Cambrian Line Undergoes Major Upgrades

Mar 10, 2025 14:48 PM

AirAsia Announces Lower Fares for 2025 Travelers

Mar 10, 2025 12:32 PM
A person shines a blue beam of light into the starry sky over Mauna Kea, Hawaii, with the Milky Way visible in the background

New Stargazing Destinations in Hawaii Transform Nighttime Travel

Mar 9, 2025 20:48 PM
AirAsia aircraft taking off against a blue sky with clouds

AirAsia Philippines Expands Affordable Travel Options

Mar 9, 2025 16:36 PM
A group of racehorses and jockeys competing on a dirt track, kicking up dust as they round a bend

Cheltenham Festival 2025 Travel Guide for Adventurous Visitors

Mar 8, 2025 23:26 PM
A Delta Air Lines airplane taking off against a cloudy sky

Delta Expands Service to Green Bay with More Flights

Mar 8, 2025 21:32 PM
Rows of European Union flags waving in front of a modern glass building

EU Introduces New Border Procedures Impacting Travelers

Mar 8, 2025 19:55 PM

Air Canada Expands Culinary Offerings on Japan Routes

Mar 7, 2025 23:22 PM

Marriott Expands in Caribbean & Latin America

Mar 7, 2025 21:49 PM
Emirates Boeing 777 aircraft landing at an airport during sunset

Emirates and Trip.com Strengthen Partnership to Enhance Travel Experience

Mar 7, 2025 19:34 PM
TransPennine Express train at a station platform, heading to Manchester Airport

TransPennine Express Introduces Cost-Effective Travel Deals

Mar 7, 2025 17:48 PM