New Dutch Rail Service to Launch €10 Train Routes Across Europe

A new Dutch rail company, GoVolta, is poised to revolutionize European travel with affordable train connections starting as low as €10 between Amsterdam and major German cities, including Berlin and Hamburg. Scheduled to launch in March 2026, this service aims to make long-distance travel more accessible and cost-effective for passengers across Europe.

GoVolta’s direct train service to Berlin will commence on March 19, 2026, followed by Hamburg on March 20. Initially, both routes will operate three times a week, with plans to increase frequency to daily departures by summer 2026. The trains will also stop at key Dutch cities such as Amersfoort, Deventer, and Hengelo, catering to a wider range of travelers.

The pricing structure is designed to attract a diverse customer base. The first 100 tickets for each route will be available at the promotional price of €10, while the average fare for the Amsterdam to Berlin journey is expected to be around €30. This pricing strategy offers a significant saving compared to current options provided by NS and Deutsche Bahn, which typically start at approximately €38.

Future Expansion Plans

GoVolta is also looking to expand its network with a proposed route from Amsterdam to Paris by December 2026. This service is expected to take a less conventional route through Ghent, subject to approval from Belgian authorities. The travel time for this connection is anticipated to be around seven hours, making it a viable, budget-friendly alternative to the Eurostar, which completes the journey in approximately 3.5 hours.

Trains will operate at a maximum speed of 99 mph, meaning the trip to Berlin will take approximately seven hours, slightly longer than the fastest services currently offered by Deutsche Bahn. GoVolta co-founders Hessel Winkelman and Maarten Bastian believe that the combination of affordability and convenience will entice passengers who might otherwise choose to drive, take a bus, or fly.

Each train will feature 11 wagons with a total capacity of around 820 seats. Passengers will have the option of traveling in either Economy or Comfort classes, with special features such as “XL Duo Seats” in Economy for those seeking extra space. Additionally, the service will include a lounge wagon offering snacks and beverages, as well as clear luggage policies to enhance comfort and avoid overcrowding.

Expanding the Vision

Looking beyond its initial routes, GoVolta plans to further expand its network to include other popular destinations such as Frankfurt, Munich, Copenhagen, Bruges, and Basel. With this ambitious plan, GoVolta aims to reshape the landscape of European rail travel, making it a more attractive option for travelers seeking budget-friendly alternatives without compromising on comfort or convenience.

As GoVolta prepares for its first services, the travel industry is watching closely to see how this new entrant will impact existing rail operators and alter the dynamics of cross-border travel in Europe.