photo: Ministerie van Defensie / CC0 / Wikimedia Commons/Amsrerdam MS; Illustrative photo
A train ticket cheaper than a cup of coffee? That’s what GoVolta is promising as it prepares to shake up European rail travel. With fares starting at just EUR 10, the Dutch start-up is taking aim at traditional operators on the Amsterdam-Berlin route.
Europe’s rail industry is undergoing a major transformation, and a new player is set to shake up the status quo. Dutch start-up GoVolta has announced its plan to launch a low-cost train service between Amsterdam and Berlin, offering fares starting at just EUR 10. As reported by TimeOut, the service is expected to begin operations in September 2025.
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GoVolta Designs a New Route for Accessibility and Cost Efficiency
Positioning itself as the "easyJet of rail travel," GoVolta aims to challenge traditional operators like Deutsche Bahn, whose standard ticket prices for this route range from EUR 37.90 to EUR 257, depending on class and booking time. The new service, however, will operate on an eight-hour schedule, which is longer than Deutsche Bahn’s six-hour high-speed alternative. Despite this, the dramatic price reduction may prove to be a game-changer for budget-conscious travelers, students, and digital nomads. According to TTW, a GoVolta spokesperson said this initiative is not only about pricing but also about expanding accessibility to train travel for those who previously found it too expensive. The company has committed to reserving at least 110 tickets per train at the EUR 10 price point, ensuring that affordability is at the heart of this new service.
GoVolta’s Amsterdam-Berlin route will begin at Amsterdam Central Station and terminate at Berlin Hauptbahnhof, passing through Deventer, Bad Bentheim, Osnabrück, and Hannover. The morning departures from Amsterdam will allow travelers to reach Berlin by late afternoon, making the service suitable for short-term visitors and budget tourists. To ensure cost efficiency, GoVolta will share tracks with FlixTrain in Berlin and operate maintenance at Amsterdam’s Westhaven station. This strategy, as detailed by TTW, enables the company to keep ticket prices low while maintaining operational independence.
A Growing Demand for Affordable Rail Travel
The introduction of GoVolta’s budget-friendly model aligns with a trend across European rail travel. As reported by TTW, the EU recorded over 8 billion train passengers in 2023, a clear indicator that demand for sustainable and cost-effective transport options is surging and train travel is becoming an increasingly viable alternative to short-haul flights, particularly as climate-conscious travelers seek greener options. This shift is further encouraged by the European Green Deal, which promotes rail over aviation as a means of reducing carbon emissions.
Industry Disruption, Challenges, and Financial Uncertainty
The arrival of GoVolta into the Amsterdam-Berlin corridor is expected to challenge traditional operators, particularly Deutsche Bahn and Thalys, which focus on premium services and high-speed rail travel. While these operators offer faster journeys, GoVolta prioritizes affordability and high passenger volume, a model that could significantly reshape consumer preferences. As TTW pointed out, the entry of a low-cost competitor could force existing rail operators to reconsider their pricing strategies, and the shift toward budget-friendly rail services could lead to wider market changes, similar to how budget airlines disrupted the aviation industry.
However, despite its ambitious vision, GoVolta has faced financial hurdles. The company recently suffered a setback when Rabobank declined to provide necessary funding, as reported by TripByTrip. This has temporarily delayed plans for rolling stock procurement and other operational investments. Nevertheless, GoVolta has assured stakeholders that it remains committed to launching in September 2025, actively seeking alternative investors to secure its long-term financial stability. Industry analysts, quoted by TripByTrip, stress that the company’s success will hinge on securing sustainable financial backing and ensuring smooth operational execution.
Broader Rail Trends: GoVolta and the Future of European Travel
The rise of low-cost rail travel is not occurring in isolation. Other major developments are shaping the future of European railway networks. As previously reported by RAILTARGET, the introduction of the Berlin-Paris high-speed ICE service is another significant milestone in the effort to promote sustainable, long-distance rail travel.
Inaugurated in December 2024, the service offers a direct connection between the two capitals with a journey time of approximately eight hours. The project, backed by Deutsche Bahn and SNCF, is intended to reduce reliance on short-haul flights and enhance cross-border connectivity. Speaking at the launch, Deutsche Bahn CEO Richard Lutz described the Berlin-Paris ICE as a symbol of Franco-German cooperation and pointed out the growing shift toward eco-friendly travel choices. Similarly, France’s ambassador to Germany, François Delattre, called the service a "testament to Europe’s commitment to sustainability".
The Future of Budget Rail Travel: Is There Any?
With its ultra-low fares, expansion ambitions, and cost-efficient model, GoVolta has the potential to revolutionize European rail travel. However, several critical questions remain:
- Can GoVolta maintain its pricing model while covering operational costs?
- Will financial backing come through to sustain the project?
- How will competing operators respond to this low-cost threat?
As the company prepares for its September 2025 launch, the European rail industry will be closely watching. If GoVolta succeeds, it could pave the way for a new wave of budget-friendly, sustainable rail services, reshaping how people move across the continent.
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Source: TimeOut; TTW; RAILTARGET; TripByTrip