A Dutch startup GoVolta is preparing to roll out international train services in 2026, attracting passengers with low introductory fares. The company started selling tickets for its inaugural route between Amsterdam and Hamburg via Berlin. Prices start at just €10 (£8.70). Journeys are expected to start in March next year, with the lowest fares limited to the first 100 tickets on each train.
The company's co-founder, Hessel Winkelman, said: “You spend ages searching, you pay a premium, and then it's questionable whether you even have a seat. We want to change that.”
Standard Deutsche Bahn ICE tickets on the Amsterdam-Hamburg route in March are currently priced between €34 and €59, with some journeys involving up to four changes and seat reservations costing an additional €5.70.
GoVolta will also offer city break packages combining rail travel and hotels, and plans to add an Amsterdam-Paris route in December 2026.
However, the rail operator's trains will have a top speed of 160 km/h, which is much slower than ICE and Eurostar services, adding around an hour to trips between Amsterdam and Berlin, while journeys to Paris could take roughly twice as long as the Eurostar.
The company follows in the steps of other budget rail operators championing sustainable travel and challenging Europe's budget airlines, such as the European Sleeper, which launched night services in 2023.
GoVolta trains will have capacity for around 820 passengers across 11 carriages, including a lounge car offering drinks, snacks and light meals.
Passengers will be able to choose between economy and comfort classes, with those traveling in economy given the option to reserve the adjacent seat at a discounted rate for additional space.
Tickets will include two items of hand luggage, with larger or extra bags available for an additional charge.