Germany’s reputation for precision and efficiency has long been symbolized by its railways, with Deutsche Bahn at the heart of the country’s transportation network. But in recent years, that image has taken a hit. According to NPR, the German train system is now among the least punctual in Europe, and the numbers paint a sobering picture: in October 2025, only about half of Deutsche Bahn’s long-distance trains arrived on time. This marks a low point for a service once held up as a model across the continent.
For passengers, the experience has become all too familiar. Delays have become routine, and the frustrations run deeper than just late arrivals. Travelers frequently face unreliable or non-existent Wi-Fi, seat reservation headaches, missing train cars, and a host of vague technical difficulties. Elisabeth Eisel, who commutes from Bern to Berlin, told NPR that the difference in punctuality between Swiss and German trains is striking. "It’s just not the same experience," she explained, echoing the sentiments of many riders who have watched the system decline.
The German government, recognizing the seriousness of the situation, has stepped in with a massive commitment: €100 billion earmarked for rail infrastructure upgrades. Yet, experts caution that money alone won’t fix the underlying problems. Lukas Iffländer, from the passenger advocacy group Pro Bahn, argues that Deutsche Bahn is suffering from deep-seated organizational issues. "There’s a shortage of operational staff, but too many management positions," he said, noting that the company’s decision-making processes are notoriously slow and convoluted. The result? Even well-intentioned reforms get bogged down before they reach the tracks.
Concerns about management practices have also made headlines. A report in Der Spiegel suggested that Deutsche Bahn might be canceling trains to artificially boost its punctuality statistics—a claim the company has firmly denied, insisting that the allegations are based on hearsay rather than hard evidence. Still, the suspicion lingers, feeding into a broader sense of mistrust among the public.
On a recent journey from Munich to Berlin, the fallout from these issues was on full display. After a last-minute train cancellation, passengers found themselves packed into the remaining cars, standing shoulder-to-shoulder in crowded aisles. Despite the discomfort, there was a surprising sense of camaraderie. French traveler Catherine Launay remarked that such a scene would have sparked outrage in France, but here, passengers seemed to take it in stride—perhaps a sign of resignation, or maybe just a testament to German good humor in the face of adversity.
In an effort to lighten the mood and perhaps distract from the daily frustrations, Deutsche Bahn has taken to social media with a comedic video series. Shared on TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube, these skits depict train staff navigating the very challenges that have become all too real for passengers. The irony isn’t lost on viewers, especially since the on-board Wi-Fi often isn’t strong enough to stream the very videos meant to entertain them.
Federal Transport Minister Patrick Schnieder has sounded a note of warning, suggesting that the rail system’s woes may be symptomatic of broader issues within the German state. The appointment of Evelyn Palla as Deutsche Bahn’s new CEO has brought cautious optimism, with Palla pledging to pursue structural changes aimed at boosting efficiency. Still, she’s been frank about the challenges ahead, cautioning that restoring the rail service to its former glory will be a gradual process. "It won’t happen overnight," she admitted, underscoring the complexity of the task.
While Deutsche Bahn grapples with its internal struggles, elsewhere in Europe, ambitious new projects are gathering steam. One such initiative is the European Sleeper night train, set to launch in June 2025. This new service will connect Milan, Brussels, Amsterdam, and Berne three times a week, offering travelers a comfortable and efficient way to traverse north-western Europe and northern Italy overnight. According to the company’s announcement, the route will include scenic stops in Cologne, Brig, and Stresa near Lake Maggiore, and will follow the historic Simplon route through Switzerland—promising breathtaking views of the Alps for those lucky enough to snag a window seat.
But even this promising venture faces its own set of logistical hurdles. For the night train to operate through Switzerland, European Sleeper must establish a cooperation agreement with a Swiss railroad company, as required by the Swiss Federal Office of Transport. Talks are ongoing, and co-founder Chris Engelsman has expressed optimism that the necessary permissions will be secured soon. Ticket sales are expected to open in January or February 2025, giving travelers plenty of time to plan their journeys.
European Sleeper’s efforts are part of a broader trend toward sustainable, eco-friendly travel. Launched in 2023, the company already offers overnight connections from Belgium and the Netherlands to cities like Berlin, Dresden, and Prague. The new Milan-Brussels-Amsterdam-Berne route will expand its network, providing a greener alternative to air travel and catering to the growing demand for overnight rail options. As the Federal Office of Transport noted, an updated overland transport agreement between Switzerland and the European Union—currently in the ratification process—could soon make it easier for foreign trains to operate without needing a Swiss partner, potentially opening the door to even more international connections.
Night trains are enjoying a renaissance across Europe, driven by their sustainability, convenience, and the unique experience they offer. For travelers, the appeal is clear: the chance to sleep in a comfortable cabin, wake up in a new city, and reduce both their carbon footprint and hotel bills along the way. The Milan-Brussels-Amsterdam-Berne service is just one example of how rail travel is evolving to meet the needs of a changing continent.
As European Sleeper and other operators expand their networks, the vision of a seamless, interconnected European rail system is gradually taking shape. The journey isn’t without its bumps—be they bureaucratic, technical, or simply the quirks of old infrastructure—but the momentum is unmistakable. For Deutsche Bahn, the challenge is to recapture the reliability and efficiency that once made it an icon. For newcomers like European Sleeper, the opportunity lies in offering travelers a compelling alternative, blending comfort, sustainability, and a dash of old-world romance.
In the end, Europe’s railways are at a crossroads. Whether it’s the woes of Deutsche Bahn or the promise of new night trains rolling across borders, the future of train travel on the continent will depend on the ability of operators, governments, and passengers to adapt—and perhaps even rediscover the joy of the journey itself.
