Nightjet launches Amsterdam-Vienna route
On May 28, ÖBB’s new Nightjet trains were used to launch a route between the Netherlands and the Austrian cities of Vienna and Innsbruck.
The overnight train now connects Amsterdam and Vienna with a journey time of 13 hours and 49 minutes. Ticket prices start at €30 (R406).
Stops along the route include Utrecht and Arnhem, Düsseldorf, Cologne, Bonn, Koblenz, Mainz and Frankfurt am Main, and Linz in Austria.
The trains are equipped with seats, couchettes and sleeping cars, as well as private compartments.
Chile announces airport metro route
Chile has announced the construction of a metro line that will directly connect to Santiago Airport.
This new underground extension, known as Line 7A, will depart from Huelén station, which is currently under construction. Services are expected to be fully operational by 2028
Chile will become the first country in South America with a direct metro connection to its main international airport, according to Aviacionline.
Germany to integrate ticketing systems
Germany’s national rail operator, Deutsche Bahn (DB), will begin rolling out a new digital infrastructure that will help integrate European rail ticketing systems.
From European autumn, DB will adopt a new data-sharing standard known as OSDM (Open Sales and Distribution Model), giving European rail operators instant access to each other’s ticketing systems.
DB will initially integrate with Austria’s ÖBB and Switzerland’s SBB, with other operators to follow. DB aims to expand to all major European railways by the end of 2026.
The new system will not offer a single ticket for international travel but rather an easier way to stitch together tickets from different operators, reports Euronews.
Eurostar opens redesigned Premier Lounge
Eurostar has reopened its Premier Lounge outside Paris Gare du Nord for passengers travelling on continental routes across the Eurostar network.
The Premier Lounge is open to Eurostar Premier passengers, and Carte Blanche or Etoile members of the Club Eurostar loyalty programme.
The lounge on Rue de Dunkerque draws inspiration from Parisian cafés, complete with black-and-white tiled floors, oak panelling and marble pillars.
It also features a cocktail bar, along with seating areas, free Wi-Fi, snacks throughout the day, and a selection of complimentary newspapers and magazines.
Travellers can access the lounges up to two hours before their scheduled departure, subject to capacity restrictions.
German FlixTrain expands fleet
The German open-access rail operator, FlixTrain, has placed an order for 65 new high-speed trains to address growing demand for rail travel in Germany and Europe.
The new high-speed trains, capable of travelling up to 230km/h, will feature accessible boarding designs, air-conditioning and free Wi-Fi.
At present, FlixTrain operates services to around 50 domestic cities, competing with national operator Deutsche Bahn.
With the new fleet, FlixTrain plans to expand into cross-border European operations.
