Switzerland Joins Germany, Denmark, and Sweden for the Highly Anticipated Basel to Malmö Night Train in 2026, Promising the Ultimate European Adventure for All!

Published on November 30, 2025

In April 2026, rail enthusiasts and sustainable travellers will get the chance to embark on an exciting overnight journey spanning four European countries. A new EuroNight sleeper train will connect Basel (Switzerland) with Malmö (Sweden), passing through Germany and Denmark, offering passengers an eco‑friendly and scenic travel option across Northern and Central Europe.

This 1,400 km route, set to launch on April 15, 2026, will transform how travellers experience European rail travel, combining convenience, comfort, and environmental consciousness.

Uniting Four Countries: A Night Train Like No Other

This new EuroNight train service will run three times per week in each direction, allowing travellers to enjoy a seamless journey from Switzerland to Scandinavia. The trains will depart from Basel SBB in Switzerland, making stops in major German cities such as Frankfurt, Karlsruhe, Hamburg, and Freiburg. The route will also pass through Odense and Copenhagen in Denmark, before reaching its final destination in Malmö, Sweden.

Passengers can expect a range of comfortable travel options, from sleeper compartments to couchettes and seated cars, making the trip suitable for both budget and luxury travellers. With 350 total seats, the train offers ample space for tourists heading to different parts of Europe.

The Journey: Timetable and Route Details

Basel to Malmö: Northbound Schedule

The trains will leave Basel SBB at 17:35 (5:35 pm) on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays, reaching Malmö Central Station at 09:35 am the following morning. This will be a direct overnight route that will take passengers through beautiful landscapes of Germany and Denmark.

Malmö to Basel: Southbound Schedule

On the return leg, the trains will depart from Malmö Central at 18:57 (6:57 pm) on Thursdays, Saturdays, and Mondays, arriving back at Basel SBB at 11:30 am the next day. This schedule provides a quick turnaround for passengers who want to explore both Scandinavia and Central Europe.

Key stops along the way will include Hamburg, Frankfurt, and Odense, with a brief stop at Copenhagen Airport or Høje Taastrup station in Denmark. Although the train doesn’t stop at Copenhagen Central Station, it remains easily accessible by S-train connections from either of these stations.

Travel in Comfort: A Range of Options for Passengers

The EuroNight Basel–Malmö will provide several travel classes to suit different budgets and preferences.

• Sleeper Compartments: Passengers can book private single, double, or triple compartments with fresh sheets, a personal washbasin, and breakfast included. For added comfort, there are deluxe compartments featuring a private toilet and shower, plus towels and toiletries for an enhanced experience.
• Couchettes: Shared-berth options (couchettes) will also be available, ideal for those on a budget or looking for a more communal travel experience.
• Seated Cars: For travellers who prefer sitting during their journey, there will be a choice of comfortable seated compartments for the overnight ride.

Breakfast will be included in all ticket categories, with a bistro car serving additional snacks and drinks for those who want something extra during the journey.

The Environmental Impact: A Sustainable Alternative to Air Travel

This new night train service is part of a broader European effort to reduce carbon emissions and offer more sustainable transportation alternatives. The direct rail connection between Switzerland, Germany, Denmark, and Sweden will give travellers the opportunity to enjoy a relaxing journey across four countries, while helping reduce the carbon footprint of international travel.

SBB and RDC Deutschland aim to create an environmentally friendly option for tourists who wish to explore Europe without the need to fly. The EuroNight train offers a carbon-efficient alternative for travellers seeking a greener way to move between major cities in Central and Northern Europe.

This is a significant step in the ongoing European initiative to promote night trains as a sustainable and comfortable way to travel across the continent.

Boosting European Tourism: Connecting Major Destinations

For the tourism industry, this new rail service will make it easier for travellers to visit several countries in a short period. Passengers can now easily journey from Basel, one of Switzerland’s key cultural hubs, through Germany’s iconic cities like Frankfurt and Hamburg, down to Copenhagen, and onwards to Malmö and Stockholm. This makes it an attractive option for international tourists who wish to experience multiple destinations in a seamless, comfortable, and eco-friendly manner.

From a marketing perspective, this rail route creates a new travel corridor between some of Europe’s most popular tourism regions: from the historical charm of Basel, through Germany’s romantic cities, to the cosmopolitan capital of Copenhagen, and the unique charm of Scandinavia in Sweden.

Funding and Approval: A Pending Step for Final Confirmation

While the EuroNight service is set to launch on April 15, 2026, the final approval of the Swiss government’s funding remains essential for the project’s implementation. The service is contingent on the approval of a CHF 47 million budget under the Swiss CO₂ Act, which is designed to support sustainable transport projects.

If the funding is approved, the service will go ahead as planned. However, if the budget fails to pass, the project may be delayed or cancelled, and passengers who have already booked tickets will be refunded. The final decision will come in the first quarter of 2026.

A Step Toward Reviving European Night Trains

The introduction of the Basel–Malmö EuroNight service is an exciting step forward in Europe’s efforts to revitalize night train travel. With a renewed focus on reducing air travel and fostering more sustainable tourism options, this new route provides travellers with an eco‑conscious way to explore Europe.

If the project receives full government backing, it will be one of the most important rail links between Central Europe and Scandinavia, offering passengers a convenient, scenic, and low‑carbon alternative to flying.

The EuroNight Basel–Malmö sleeper service promises to not only reshape European rail travel but also enhance the tourism experience for visitors who want to explore the beauty of four European countries in one relaxing overnight journey.