The great European rail revival is in full swing thanks to a new surge of interest when it comes to train travel.

Travel between major European cities has never been more luxurious and cost-effective, offering an alternative to seeing some of your favourite destinations in the comfort of a sleeper train.

One such route allows an intrepid traveller to journey between Amsterdam and Barcelona on a direct route.The journey starts at Amsterdam’s Van Gogh and ends at Barcelona’ Gaudi. 

Here’s why the European Sleeper should be on your radar and well deserves a spot on your next adventure bucket list.

Dutch-Belgian company, European Sleeper, is a somewhat newcomer in the train world with its most eagerly anticipated service commencing soon.

The route travels between Europe’s most popular cities including Amsterdam and Barcelona, meaning you can fall asleep with Van Gogh and wake up in Gaudi.

Currently, travel between these two culture-packed coastal cities is not easy and involves a number of trains making it roughly 17 hours of travel to get to the two capitals of the Netherlands and Catalonia.

European Sleeper looks to change all that with its new direct train route with fares for its seats, bunks and beds starting at £41 per person.

The route will also include stops at Rotterdam, Antwerp, Brussels, Lille, Avignon, Montpellier, Perpignan, Figueras and Girona – making it a European dream journey like no other. 

“I’m beyond excited about the new train routes coming to Europe in 2025,” said luxury travel influencer Christina Tan.

“Train travel just makes the journey as memorable as the destination!”

“I have a soft spot for night sleeper trains, and with Amsterdam and Barcelona being two of my favourite cities, I can’t wait to experience that route.”

European Sleeper’s Amsterdam-Barcelona route was set to launch in 2025 however a few delays meant this has now been pushed back.

Co-founder of European Sleeper, Chris Engelsman still remains hopeful of the new train’s launch.

Engelsman said in September 2024 that due to “significant challenges” this new service will be launched in 2026.

Despite official support from the European Commission, the European Sleeper’s Amsterdam-Barcelona route has now been pushed again to 2027.