Strategizing smart travels during Ascension weekend through overnight trains could be an intelligent option.
Overnight train travel in France is experiencing a significant rise in popularity, with over a million passengers utilizing sleeper services in 2024. This surge signals a record year for overnight trains, reflecting a 23% increase from 2023 and a doubling of usage compared to 2019.
The growing enthusiasm for this mode of transport has led the French government to support the revival of overnight train services, asking the SNCF to expand the offer for travelers. As a result, several internal links have been reopened since 2021, including Paris-Nice and Paris-Tarbes, and more recently, the Paris-Aurillac line.
The attraction of overnight trains lies in their convenience, offering travelers time-saving opportunities and the opportunity to rest during their journey. One traveling passenger noted, "This way, I can go for the whole weekend, I won't lose half a day or a day in transportation." Tickets for these journeys have been selling briskly, with some passengers finding it challenging to secure a seat, especially on the women's couchette.
The Climate Action Network has urged the French state to order new couchette cars to address the rising demand, with plans for around 180 new cars to be introduced soon, aiming to reach a total of 300 trains by 2029. However, obstacles to further development persist. The trains currently in service are from the 1980s, which can pose issues in securing replacement parts, and they are limited to running exclusively at night, making track maintenance work more accessible.
In addition to the growing popularity, overnight trains are also recognized for their ecological and economic benefits compared to air travel. Leisure and business travelers alike are drawn to the appeal of scenic routes, comfort, and convenience. The expansion of new routes such as the winter night train from Paris to the Alps and seasonal services like the Rome-Marseille Espresso Riviera have further contributed to the popularity of overnight trains as a sustainable travel option.
While challenges remain, including insufficient rolling stock and operational difficulties on international routes, the growth of overnight trains in France reflects a shift towards more eco-friendly and efficient travel options for the future.
The French government's support for the revival of overnight train services has led to the expansion of new routes, such as the Paris-Aurillac line, indicating a convergence of transport industry and finance. This growth in train travel is also influencing lifestyle changes, with more people opting for train transportation as a means of sustainable travel, which poses a challenge for the air travel industry. With the introduction of new couchette cars, the Climate Action Network envisions a total of 300 trains by 2029, promoting finance and investment in this sustainable transport sector.
