Sweden Orders Talgo Nighttrains
11 hours ago
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- Swedish Transport Administration signed a contract with a Spanish manufacturer on April 20, 2026, for new night trains, including 11 night compositions, 10 locomotives, 9 daytime compositions, and 10-year maintenance, totaling €756 million.
- The new trains, based on the Talgo 230 platform, will operate in Sweden and Norway at up to 200 km/h, with potential for speeds up to 230 km/h for connections to Central Europe, and are designed for temperatures as low as -40°C.
- Capacity details: a 9-coach night train segment includes 21 reclining seats, 12 4-bed couchettes, 10 2-bed sleeper compartments, two PRM-sleeper compartments, and 31 new Single Cabins, accommodating up to 124 sleeping passengers.
- The 7-coach day train section offers 112 second class and 14 first class seats, a bistro car, PRM seats, a play area, and space for at least 4 bikes and dozens of skis, with a total capacity of 252 passengers for both sections.
- Single Cabins, custom-designed by Lundberg Design, feature privacy, luggage space, a full-length bed (minimum 2 meters), and conversion to a seat for daytime use, resembling ÖBB's Mini Cabins but aligned with train direction.
- Economic analysis estimates the rolling stock purchase value at approximately €450 million after deducting maintenance costs and locomotive values, with each combination of sections costing around €45 million.
- Compared to ÖBB's Nightjets purchased in 2021 for €25 million per 7-coach trainset (€30.5 million in 2026), Swedish trains are more expensive due to lower unit numbers, comfort features like a bistro and playground, and climate requirements.
- Night train traffic in Sweden will rely on state subsidies and government preferences, as the high costs make it dependent on external support, unlike more economical operations in Central Europe.