Eurail celebrates a record year, setting stage for a promising 2024
Eurail is thrilled to announce that 2023 was a record-breaking year for the borderless rail Pass provider. With a surge of travellers worldwide opting for sustainable and flexible travel options, Eurail experienced unprecedented demand for its Passes last year, setting the stage for an exciting and promising 2024.
This surge in popularity reflects a growing preference among travellers for environmentally conscious modes of transportation and the desire for more immersive, flexible travel experiences.
Key highlights from Eurail’s record-breaking year include:
Celebrating One Million Passes Sold
Last year, Eurail achieved a significant milestone – surpassing 1.2 million Eurail and Interrail Passes sold worldwide, representing a +25% growth on 2022 sales. This remarkable achievement represents the diverse and unique stories of over a million travellers. Eurail experienced a substantial increase in the number of passengers utilising its rail Passes, with travellers from around the world embracing the convenience and accessibility offered by travelling on Europe’s rail network.
Substantial Growth in Australian Market
More than 66,000 Eurail Passes were sold in Australia in 2023 – a +148% increase on 2022 sales, and impressively representing +91% growth on pre-COVID (2019) sales. Globally, Australia is the Eurail Pass’s second largest source market of users (after the USA). Australian travellers aged 12-27 and 28-59 were the top two age groups exploring Europe with a Eurail Pass in 2023.
Expansion of Network
Eurail continued to expand its network of participating railways and routes late last year, offering travellers access to even more destinations across Europe. This recent expansion further solidifies Eurail’s position as the premier option for exploring the diverse cultures and landscapes of Europe by train. Recently added destinations and services include:
1. New cross-border train: connecting Subotica, Serbia to Szeged, Hungary – since 28 November 2023, a local train now connects the two destinations, filling a missing gap in the network and making travel in the region significantly more accessible.
2. A new, state-of-the-art night train: connecting Vienna, Innsbruck and Hamburg – these innovative new trains have the potential to revolutionise night train travel, with the concept similar to capsule hotels and a first in Europe. On 10 December 2023, OBB Nightjet began their brand new ‘Nightjet of the new Generation’ connecting Vienna, Innsbruck and Hamburg.
3. The BOB (Berner Oberland Bahn) is now fully included in the Pass – since 10 December 2023, travellers have been able to visit one of the world’s most beautiful valleys with the Eurail Pass. The BOB whisks travellers from Interlaken to Grindelwald and Lauterbrunnen, and the WAB (Wengernalpbahn) bringing them further to Wengen, Switzerland.
4. The classic ‘Metropol’ route is back, connecting Berlin, Dresden, Budapest and Vienna – starting 10 December 2023, the night train ‘Metropol’ from Berlin to Vienna and Budapest resumed operation along its historical route via Dresden and Prague. As a result, the route through Poland is no longer available. This change now allows overnight travel from Dresden to Budapest and Vienna, which was previously not possible.
5. New night trains: Starting from Brussels or Paris to Berlin – the latest addition to OBB Nightjet services now connect Brussels and Paris to Berlin. Operating since 11 December 2023, the new direct night train service between Berlin and Paris, previously known as City Night Line, last operated in 2014. The Brussels to Berlin route runs six days per week, with both the European Sleeper and the Nightjet running three times, each on different days.
6. New cross-border train: connecting Vilnius to Riga – this development is significant for travel within the Baltics, making it once again possible to conveniently travel from Poland through all three Baltic countries. Since 27 December 2023, a new direct train connecting Vilnius, Lithuania and Riga, Latvia, passing through Siauliai, Hungary, commenced service.
2024 will see Eurail introduce additional new routes including:
1. European Sleeper extends to Prague – starting from 25 March 2024, European Sleeper will add the Czech Republic to its current route from Brussels to Berlin, via Amsterdam, extending the service to Prague. This train will also offer other destinations such as Dresden, Bad Schandau and Usti nad Labem.
2. New Railjet on the Brenner route from Munich to Innsbruck to Italy – from April 2024, the popular route from Munich to Italy via Innsbruck will receive an upgrade. The current Eurocity rolling stock will be replaced by brand new OBB Railjet services, ensuring more comfort for passengers.
“Looking at the year ahead, Eurail is poised to build upon the momentum gained in 2023 and continue its mission of connecting travellers to Europe’s most captivating destinations through an extensive network of scenic railway routes, night train services, high-speed and local trains. With a renewed focus on customer experience and innovation, Eurail is well-positioned to meet the evolving needs of today’s discerning travellers and make 2024 another landmark year for rail travel”, commented Dennis Rijntjes, Head of Prospecting Eurail B.V.
“We look forward to once again welcoming our Australian travellers, who we know have a special affinity toward slow travel and travelling at a more leisurely pace and fostering connections with local communities, something that train travel effortlessly facilitates.”
