A new night train operator has entered the fray and plans to put its trains on the tracks starting next year. After DB discontinued its own nighttime service, the Austrian company Nightjet expanded into Germany and has dominated the market ever since. Now, competition has emerged from the German company Nox Mobility. Starting in the spring of 2027, it plans to launch its night train from Munich to Hamburg, shaking up the industry.
New competition for Nightjet and air travel
Since the end of DB’s City Night Line 10 years ago, the German night train segment has fallen into the hands of ÖBB from the neighboring country. ÖBB has continuously expanded its offerings over the past decade and is now the number one provider of long-distance night service throughout Europe. That is set to change starting next year—at least if this Berlin-based startup has its way. Nox Mobility was founded in 2025 and unveiled its first completed railcar this year at the InnoTrans rail trade show.
Starting in March 2027, this train will travel through Germany, serving—just like the Nightjet—the route from Munich to Hamburg and back. Along the way, it will stop in Augsburg and Bremen, taking its time. The trains are expected to travel at an average speed of 70 km/h, with a two-hour buffer built in. The service is intended to be a genuine alternative to flying, which could make it particularly attractive to business travelers. A one-way trip costs €65 , and tickets are already on sale.
On the night train from Munich to Hamburg
The Nox night train runs three times a week from Munich to Hamburg, taking you from A to B in just under 11 hours. On Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, you’ll depart from Munich Central Station at 9:20 p.m. and arrive in Hamburg by 8:27 a.m. at the latest. The return trip departs on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays at 9:22 p.m. Despite its affordable price, Nox prioritizes comfort. So you could board the train in Munich on Friday and return on Sunday to spend the weekend in Hamburg. At the same time, you’ll save money on two nights’ lodging.
In the so-called Nox Suite, you’ll enjoy privacy despite sharing a compartment. Instead of benches that convert into beds, you’ll have a single seat that can be turned into a two-meter-long recliner. There are partitions between the seats, and you’ll have a small table at your seat, as well as power outlets and storage space for luggage. There are no first- and second-class sections; currently, the same fare applies to everyone. Starting in 2029, single and double cabins will also be available starting at 75€. By 2035, the startup plans to continuously expand its route network and, in addition to the night train from Munich to Hamburg, offer trips to Berlin and other German cities.
📅 Departure days:
- Munich–Hamburg: Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, departing at 9:20 p.m.
- Hamburg–Munich: Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays, departing at 9:22 p.m.
💶 Pricing information: starting at €65 for the Nox Suite
