SJ to Discontinue Night Train Services to Continental Europe

SJ, the Swedish state-owned rail operator, has announced the termination of its night train service connecting Stockholm with Hamburg and Berlin, known as SJ EuroNight. This service, which commenced in 2022, will cease operations from September 1 of next year following the expiration of the current agreement with the Swedish Transport Administration (Trafikverket).

The decision comes as the government has not extended the financial support previously provided through Trafikverket. This support was integral for sustaining the night train line, which is more costly to operate due to lower passenger capacity compared to daytime services. Without continued state funding, SJ determined it would be unfeasible to maintain the route profitably.

Government procurement of public transport services that are not independently profitable is a regular practice, with the 2025 budget allocating 1.055 billion SEK for such contracts. This figure is slightly lower than the current year but higher than the previous year's outcome. The reduction, according to the government, is due to anticipated lower outstanding financial commitments. Additionally, Trafikverket has been tasked with a comprehensive review of night train operations, assessing both needs and funding. This review is partially motivated by the expected increase in costs associated with the procurement of new locomotives and sleeper carriages, estimated at 5.5 billion SEK.

The night train service to continental Europe was initially introduced by the previous government in 2020, with the first departure from Stockholm in September 2022. The current agreement with Trafikverket is set to conclude on July 31 next year, but SJ has stated it will continue operations through August before discontinuation.

Passenger demand for the route is notably high during peak holiday periods such as Christmas, school holidays, Easter, and summer. However, the limited capacity of sleeper carriages and higher operational costs have posed ongoing challenges. SJ confirmed that discontinuing the service will not result in staff layoffs.

Since its launch, the frequency of the SJ EuroNight service has decreased from 244 to 190 days per year due to competition from another operator, Snälltåget, which covers the route on remaining days without state support. Snälltåget currently operates approximately 220 days annually, mainly from spring to autumn, and has expressed intentions to increase its service if SJ withdraws, with plans to extend operations into November and December.

The government has emphasized that the conclusion of the SJ night train is in line with the pre-established timeline and highlighted ongoing investments in new high-speed trains for daytime travel within Scandinavia. Officials argue that increased daytime services offer greater flexibility and more travel options than a single daily night train. The government also stressed the importance of maintaining strong transportation links with neighboring countries, while noting that publicly subsidized services should not impede market-driven competition.

Opposition parties have criticized the reduction in state support for night trains, arguing that it undermines sustainable travel options and connectivity to the continent. Alternative budget proposals have included increased funding for transport contracts, which could have preserved the night train to Berlin.

As SJ prepares to discontinue its EuroNight service, Snälltåget is set to expand its own night train offerings between Stockholm and Hamburg, ensuring continued, though potentially reduced, rail connectivity between Sweden and continental Europe.