In a significant change for night travellers, the Nightjet service connecting Berlin and Brussels will cease operations from the end of March 2024. This discontinuation, effective 26 March for departures from Berlin and 27 March from Brussels, stems from unexpected construction work in Germany, Austria, and France, as well as diminished demand on that route. Passengers are encouraged to reach out to Nightjet’s customer service for refunds.
Austrian Railways (ÖBB) operates the Nightjet, which connects 25 destinations, including Paris and Rome, with accommodations ranging from sleeper cabins to couchettes. However, aside from the Berlin-Brussels line being cancelled, other routes will also see alterations due to trackwork. Specific cancellations include services between Vienna and Paris and various connections from Zurich, Amsterdam, and Prague between 13 and 28 April.
The spokesperson from ÖBB remarked, “Unfortunately, we have to discontinue the Berlin – Brussels connection. The reason for this is the complex construction site situation, but also there is a lower demand on this connection.” The spokesperson reassured passengers that alternatives continue to be available, such as daytime routes via Cologne. Rail expert Mark Smith noted that the cancellations are linked to scheduling overlaps with the European Sleeper service.
As for other impacted connections, changes will occur for the Zurich to Berlin route between 14 April and 27 April, and certain stops will be cancelled. ÖBB has directed passengers needing to adjust their travel to contact customer service for hassle-free rebooking or cancellations. The extensive list of cancellations reflects the intense reworking of schedules required due to these new construction operations.
The Nightjet service between Berlin and Brussels is set to stop running effective 26 March 2024, due to unforeseen construction and low demand. Passengers can seek refunds through customer service. Other night train routes in Europe are also experiencing cancellations and changes, particularly between April and May 2024 due to ongoing construction work.
The cancellation of the Nightjet service between Berlin and Brussels highlights the impact of unexpected construction work on travel routes. As the disruption unfolds, passengers will need to make alternative arrangements, while ÖBB continues to support them through customer service channels. With a focus on reliability, the rail landscape is shifting, urging travellers to stay informed of changes affecting their journeys.
Original Source: www.independent.co.uk
