New Rail Firm Launches Exciting New Services to Berlin Hamburg and Paris
GoVolta, a new rail company, is set to revolutionize train travel between Amsterdam, Berlin, and Hamburg. Scheduled to launch in late March, the service will offer three trains per week to each city, marking a substantial shift in intercity travel options.
New Rail Services to Berlin and Hamburg
GoVolta’s introduction of direct daytime train services will challenge the current dominance of NS and Deutsche Bahn (DB), the existing providers on these routes. Currently, DB operates seven daily services between Amsterdam and Berlin. The inclusion of Hamburg as a direct destination is particularly significant, as passengers currently need to make at least one transfer when traveling with NS or DB.
Partnership with Keolis
GoVolta, which is privately owned, is collaborating with Keolis for its operations. Keolis is known for managing various regional rail and bus routes in the Netherlands. This partnership aims to enhance the travel experience for passengers and leverage existing regional infrastructure.
Affordability and Convenience
Regulatory changes have paved the way for new operators like GoVolta to enter the market. The company is intent on attracting travelers who typically prefer flying or driving. Co-founder Maarten Bastian noted the need to make train travel more accessible and less complicated.
- Average one-way fare to Berlin: €30
- First 100 seats available at €10
- Large luggage fees similar to airlines
Journey Times and Amenities
Though GoVolta offers competitive pricing, the journey times will be longer than those currently offered by NS and DB. Passengers can expect the following times:
| Route | Journey Time |
|---|---|
| Amsterdam to Berlin | 6 hours 35 minutes |
| Berlin to Amsterdam | 7 hours 45 minutes |
In contrast, the NS service takes just under six hours. Another consideration for passengers is the lack of onboard Wi-Fi service.
Future Plans
Looking ahead, GoVolta has ambitious plans to increase service frequency to daily trains for both destinations by next summer. Additionally, the company aims to introduce a route connecting Amsterdam to Paris by December 2026, although travel times will be slower compared to existing Eurostar services.
With these new offerings, GoVolta aims to reshape the landscape of rail travel in Europe, making it a more viable choice for long-distance journeys.
