Return of the France-Portugal night train: where do things stand?
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Published on 1/28/25, modified on 10/8/25
Demand for night trains is exploding in Europe, driven by travelers looking for low-carbon alternatives to air travel. Yet the current experience often leaves much to be desired: lack of comfort, high prices, frequent delays... It was this observation that prompted two mobility experts, Thibault Constant and Janek Smalla, to create Nox a new night train company that promises to put sleep and accessibility back at the heart of rail travel.
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Janek and Thibault (left to right), co-founders of Nox
Behind Nox are Thibault Constant known on YouTube and Instagram under the name Simply Railway a benchmark in train travel with over 500,000 subscribers across all its networks. A former project manager with SNCF and Alstom, Thibault has spent over 400 nights on trains around the world.
At his side, Janek Smalla one of the first employees involved in the launch of FlixTrain and former Managing Director of Bolt in Germany, brings a wealth of expertise in operational management and international mobility.
Together, they share a strong conviction: night trains can become a mass-market solution, but only if the customer experience is profoundly transformed.
Unlike conventional night trains, which are often configured with shared cabins, Nox to offer private cabins only for one or two people, at no extra cost for privatization.
A single mezzanine bed, a seat and a table in a spacious cabin.
3D model of the future Single Loft cabin proposed for Nox trains
Same concept with a double bed and two seats.
3D model of the future Double Loft cabin on Nox trains
Two berths with panoramic views, one of which can be converted into a lounge.
3D model of the future Double Vista cab offered on Nox trains
👉 All cabins will be equipped with free Wi-Fi, charging sockets and will offer two pieces of luggage per person. A convivial area will also be available for dining and relaxing in each car.
No more endless journeys with late-night stops and manoeuvres in the middle of the night. Nox relies on short, direct and simplified lines with just a few strategic stops. The aim is to reduce noise, minimize disruption and maximize punctuality, even when unexpected events occur.
This strategy offers a better quality of sleep and enhances the reliability of timetables, often criticized in current night trains.
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Nox plans to connect the major cities of Western and Central Europe. The company targets routes of less than 12 hours, which are still competitive with air travel.
Over time, Nox aims to open 35 national and international routes in Europe.
👉 At this stage, more than 35 viable lines have been identified, and more than 200 could be envisaged if demand is confirmed. Details of the first lines will be revealed shortly.
Nox breaks market prices:
👉 These fares are often lower than airline prices, and save you a night's accommodation.
For this launch phase, several used cars have already been secured for a pilot line. The main challenge now is to demonstrate the interest of the general public. This will raise the funds needed to purchase and refurbish the rolling stock. Helping Nox is easy! You can now visit their website to :
👉 Join the Early Bird Club on noxmobility.com
👉 Don't forget to follow them on Instagram and LinkedIn
The team aims to test its concept on a first line by 2027, before gradually rolling out its network.
The first line is scheduled for 2027.
Reservation details are not yet available.
All cabins are private: Single Loft, Double Loft and Double Vista.
Free registration is open on noxmobility.com to receive exclusive news and introductory offers.
The routes will mainly connect the major cities of Western and Central Europe, with journey times of less than 12 hours.
By reducing night-time stops, operating shorter routes and incorporating hourly safety margins.
With private cabins, low prices, the promise of comfort and punctuality, the Nox project has it all! Their objective is clear: to offer a credible, affordable alternative to short- and medium-haul flights. And we can only hope that it becomes a reality.
However, Nox's success will obviously depend on passenger take-up and initial feedback on the on-board experience. But it will also depend on their ability to find a viable economic equation and attract the interest of major investors. Two major challenges for which they will obviously have our full support!
Benjamin Martinie - aka Tolt en voyage - est réalisateur, Youtubeur et auteur spécialisé dans le voyage depuis plus de 10 ans. Il s’est d’abord fait connaître avec sa série "Don’t go to…”, tournée caméra au poing aux quatre coins du monde. Ces vidéos, visionnées plusieurs millions de fois et saluées par la critique, ont été relayées dans de nombreux médias (France Info, Nat Geo, Le Point...) et distinguées par plusieurs prix ou nominations (Travel Video Awards, Resistance Film Festival...).
En 2019, il prend un virage décisif et renonce à l’avion pour se consacrer au voyage responsable. En 2023, il fonde HOURRAIL !, le média communautaire de référence sur le voyage bas carbone qui rassemble aujourd'hui plus de 500 000 passionnés sur ses différents réseaux sociaux.
A travers ses articles, ses vidéos et interviews d'experts, il décrypte avec rigueur et pédagogie les enjeux liés au tourisme, au climat et au transport ferroviaire. Son objectif : prouver qu’on peut voyager et être heureux, sans prendre l’avion.
