New Night Train Service by Moonlight Express: A Green and Magical Journey Across Europe
Enhances Night Train Travel: Fresh Berlin-Brussels Link Established
Hop on board the eco-friendly train ride of a lifetime with Moonlight Express, a fresh Belgian venture set to revolutionize night train travel! The dynamic duo behind this venture, Louis Lammertyn and Louis De Jaeger, have announced their second night train service connecting Brussels and Berlin via Liege, planned for launch in April 2022, joining the European Sleeper's Brussels-Berlin route.
These ambitious entrepreneurs, who share a passion for responsible and pleasurable travel, established Moonlight Express a year ago, with a vision to create enchanting travel experiences on night trains. De Jaeger shares, "We see a night train as a time machine!"
Moonlight Express plans to outshine European Sleeper by offering alternative operating hours and targeting the British market by syncing with Eurostar trains between Brussels and London. Additionally, there are plans to connect Belgium with the south of France and Barcelona.
When speaking with IRJ, De Jaeger revealed that Moonlight Express will act as a service integrator, with its own team onboard, and is in discussions with multiple partners to operate these services. The goal is to compete in the market not just on speed or price but by offering unparalleled traveling experiences. Tickets for a berth in a shared compartment will start at an affordable €49 per person.
De Jaeger emphasizes the ecological commitment behind this new venture. "The train offers a great alternative for people who want to travel with a clear conscience," he explains. "Instead of competing purely on speed or price, we focus on affordable and quality travel time."
Looking beyond the Berlin-Brussels line, Moonlight Express is aiming for expansion towards Prague, offering more opportunities for Central European connections. The long-term vision includes developingroutes between Amsterdam and Barcelona, aligning with broader European efforts to enhance night train networks and cross-border rail services. With plans to upgrade the passenger experience by introducing dining cars and new rolling stock, Moonlight Express is here to elevate your night train journey like never before.
Moonlight Express is putting its money where its mouth is, with significant fundraising efforts: after initial rounds, a third round in June 2023 raised €3 million to finance technical ticketing integration, service improvements, and expansion plans. Later, in early 2025, they raised an additional €1.5 million in loan stock to further support this growth.
So, get ready to step aboard the time machine and embark on tonight's magical and eco-friendly adventure with Moonlight Express! Who knows where this green journey will take you?
- Moonlight Express, a Belgian business in the travel industry, is focusing on offering eco-friendly and culturally enriching journeys through its night train services.
- The finance sector has recognized the potential in Moonlight Express, as demonstrated by successful fundraising rounds totaling €4.5 million for technical integration, service improvements, and expansion.
- The transportation sector will see Moonlight Express's growth, as they aim to introduce dining cars and new rolling stock to enhance the passenger experience, and extend their routes to Prague, Amsterdam, and beyond.
- In the broader context of the European eco-tourism industry, Moonlight Express's initiatives align with efforts to enhance night train networks and cross-border rail services, creating more sustainable travel options for tourists and local residents alike.
