If you want to travel by train between Amsterdam and Barcelona, two of the most culturally rich coastal cities in Europe, it can be a complete hassle. The two capitals of the Netherlands and Catalonia are not very well connected, requiring multiple train connections and approximately 17 hours of travel.
However, Dutch-Belgian railway company European Sleeper has announced plans to change that in 2023 by launching a direct overnight train route between Amsterdam and Barcelona. And to our delight, the plan has received official support from the European Commission. In other words, “The Dam-Barsa route has become a reality!”
A direct overnight train link between Amsterdam and Barcelona is exciting for many reasons. Foodies will love Poferce and Patatas Bravas, both just a train ride away. For clubbers, two of the continent's best nightlife spots are now within easy reach. And are you an art lover? Now you can easily travel between a city filled with Van Gogh and Rembrandt and one filled with Picasso, Miro and Gaudi.
European Sleeper's new Amsterdam-Barcelona line will eventually stop in Rotterdam, Antwerp, Brussels, Lille, Avignon, Montpellier, Perpignan, Figueres and Girona.
However, the service was originally scheduled to launch in 2025, but several recent issues have derailed the project. European Sleeper's CEO said there were “significant challenges” in launching the new service, announcing in September that the launch would be pushed back to 2026, but then again to 2027.
Wait a minute, okay? In the meantime, check out all the new sleeper trains we can't wait to ride in 2025.
Did you know that touring Italy by train will soon be much easier?
Additionally, Germany is expanding its long-distance rail lines to reach “hundreds” more cities.
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