A new chapter in European rail travel began on March 19 as GoVolta, a Dutch open-access operator, launched its first international passenger service. Departing Amsterdam Centraal at 08:34, the inaugural train to Berlin carried more than 600 passengers, with tickets completely sold out. The strong demand was evident even before departure, with over 40,000 tickets sold in advance.
The launch event at Amsterdam Centraal brought together key figures from across the rail industry, including co-founders Maarten Bastian and Hessel Winkelman, alongside representatives from ProRail and other transport bodies. A ceremonial ribbon-cutting marked the departure of the first train, signalling the arrival of a new competitor in the European rail market.
GoVolta begins operations with two routes running three times weekly: Amsterdam–Berlin via cities including Hanover and Osnabrück, and Amsterdam–Hamburg via Bremen. From July 1, the Berlin service will become daily. With fares starting at just €19 and averaging around €30, the company aims to make international rail travel accessible to a broader audience, offering both Economy and Comfort classes.
Looking ahead, GoVolta plans to expand rapidly. A direct Amsterdam–Paris service is scheduled for December 2026, with further routes to Basel and Munich under consideration. The company’s ambition is clear: to build a wide-reaching network of affordable, direct European rail connections.
