German rail provider Deutsche Bahn (DB) has announced a revamp of its night train services across Europe.
CityNightLine (CNL) is the single brand name that all DB night trains will operate under from 9 December, with considerable changes also affecting the night service timetable and routes offered (see map, pictured above).
”International services will be further developed,” said DB chairman Dr Nickolaus Breuel ”As of December, we will offer 29 connections to nine European countries.”
Amsterdam ” alongside Munich and Zurich ” will form the hub of CNL, with connections from Copenhagen, Prague, Vienna and Milan set to extend to the Dutch capital. UK customers will be able to travel to these cities from Cologne.
The focus is on standardising the night service, by using identical uniforms, providing the same meal options, and maintaining an equal level of service and comfort across the different trains.
DB has also transformed the exterior of its night trains, with a new white and red CNL livery (pictured right) used across all European services.
Business travellers without first class tickets will be able to reserve sleeper compartments for single use. However, deluxe compartments with shower and toilet are available to first class customers only.
Reservation facilities will also be upgraded, with the option of booking all through-journeys by night train across Europe online, with the exception of services to/from France, Belgium and Italy.
Fares will start from ”49.70 ($100) for a berth in a sleeper compartment, from ”35.30 ($71) for a berth in a couchette compartment, and ”20.90 ($42) for a regular seat.