Enjoy seamless travel across Europe with the launch of a new sleeper train connecting Basel, Copenhagen and Malmö this spring

Posted on November 1, 2025

A brand-new sleeper train service is set to connect Basel, Copenhagen and Malmö, offering travelers a comfortable and environmentally friendly alternative to flying. This direct link between Switzerland and Scandinavia is part of a growing trend to make cross-border travel more sustainable and easier. Starting next spring, the train will provide a unique and convenient way to experience these vibrant cities, all while reducing the carbon footprint associated with long-distance travel. With three weekly departures, this service meets the growing demand for sustainable mobility, providing comfort and luxury to travelers between these popular European destinations.

A new era of rail travel is on the horizon, as Switzerland prepares to launch its first-ever direct railway line to Scandinavia, marking a major milestone in European transport. This ambitious new route will connect Switzerland to the Nordic region, providing a direct and sustainable alternative to flying. The announcement has been eagerly awaited by travelers and transport enthusiasts alike, as the sleeper service offers a unique way to experience cross-border travel across multiple countries.

The sleeper train service will operate three times a week, linking the city of Basel in Switzerland to Copenhagen in Denmark, and Malmö in Sweden. This pioneering connection will be the only direct rail link between Switzerland and Scandinavia, providing a seamless and climate-friendly travel option for those looking to explore Northern Europe. The trains will be operated by Swiss Federal Railways (SBB), which is expanding its international services to meet growing demand for sustainable transport solutions.

In response to the growing interest in environmentally friendly travel, the Swiss government lent its support to the project, stressing the importance of creating more sustainable travel options that make cross-border movement easier. The new railway line is part of Switzerland’s wider commitment to reducing carbon emissions by offering travelers alternatives to air travel. The government’s support reflects a growing recognition of the role railways can play in promoting a greener and more sustainable future for transport.

The new service will feature a mix of seating and sleeping options, with a total capacity of up to 350 passengers. While seated tickets will be affordable, the long flight – taking 16 hours – makes a sleeper cabin a worthwhile investment for those looking for comfort. The sleeper service will provide fully equipped beds, allowing passengers to rest comfortably during the overnight flight. Trains will depart from Basel at 5:35pm on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays, arriving finally in Malmö at 9:35am the following day. The return journey will take place on Thursdays, Saturdays and Mondays, departing Malmö before 7pm and arriving in Basel at 11:30am, covering a distance of over 1,400km.

In addition to Basel and Malmo, the route will include stops in several major cities, such as Frankfurt (Main) Süd, Hamburg, Odense, Copenhagen Airport, and others. These strategic stations will make it easier for passengers to board the train from various locations along the route, enhancing the service’s accessibility and appeal to a wider audience.

The new service is part of a wider trend in European rail travel, as high-speed trains, overnight sleeper services and new routes change the way people travel across the continent. The return of premium services such as the Orient Express and the expansion of sleeper train networks reflect the growing demand for more sustainable and comfortable travel options. Train travel, once viewed as a slow and outdated mode of transport, is experiencing a renaissance as travelers look for greener alternatives to flying.

As part of efforts to revitalize rail travel, more and more cities are being connected by high-speed networks, reducing travel times and making rail a competitive alternative to air travel. The new sleeper service from Basel to Malmö is just one of many recent developments aimed at making train travel more convenient and attractive for modern travellers. Promising comfort, speed and sustainability, these trains offer a comfortable and environmentally friendly way to traverse Europe’s landscapes while enjoying the beauty of the continent from the comfort of your seat or bed.

The new rail service is scheduled to begin on April 15, 2026, and tickets will be available for purchase starting November 4, 2025. Passengers can book tickets through the SBB website or the SBB mobile app. As the service launch date approaches, the Swiss government is awaiting parliamentary approval to begin the final stages of implementation. Once given the green light, the service will open a new chapter in Europe’s evolving rail network, making travel between Switzerland and Scandinavia faster, easier and more sustainable.

Thanks to its efficient and sustainable approach to long-distance travel, this new sleeper train service is set to become a favorite among environmentally conscious travellers. Offering a direct, scenic route through some of the most beautiful regions in Europe, the Basel to Malmö railway will not only meet the growing demand for sustainable mobility, but will also provide a unique and convenient travel experience. Whether you’re heading to the bustling streets of Copenhagen or the picturesque city of Malmö, this new railway line is sure to revolutionize how travelers travel between Switzerland and Scandinavia.