GoVolta: The ‘EasyJet of Rail’ Launches Inaugural European Journeys with Budget Fares
A new player has entered the European rail scene, aiming to revolutionise international travel with a focus on affordability and convenience. GoVolta, a Dutch startup, has officially commenced its operations, embarking on its maiden voyages this week. The company, often dubbed the ‘easyJet of the railways,’ is betting that significantly cheaper fares will entice passengers to swap their planes and cars for the train.
Initial routes connect Amsterdam with both Hamburg and Berlin, with tickets starting at an attractive €19. This budget-friendly approach is designed to make European city breaks more accessible and sustainable. Beyond just train tickets, GoVolta is also offering city break packages that bundle travel with hotel accommodation, simplifying the planning process for travellers. The company has ambitious expansion plans, with a new Amsterdam-Paris line slated to launch in December 2026.
Affordable Routes and Direct Connections: GoVolta’s Core Promises
GoVolta has initially launched two international services: Amsterdam–Berlin and Amsterdam–Hamburg. Both routes are currently operating three times per week. From July 1, 2026, the Amsterdam–Berlin service is set to increase its frequency to daily, catering to growing demand.
The specific stops along these routes are designed for accessibility and convenience within the regions they serve:
- Amsterdam–Berlin Route: This service includes stops at Amersfoort, Deventer, Hengelo, Bad Bentheim, Osnabrück, and Hannover.
- Amsterdam–Hamburg Route: This route travels via Amersfoort, Deventer, Hengelo, and Bremen.
GoVolta’s strategy to disrupt Europe’s international rail market hinges on three key promises:
- Affordable Prices: Significantly lower ticket costs compared to traditional operators.
- Guaranteed Seating: Every ticket purchased will come with a reserved seat.
- Direct Connections: Minimising the need for multiple changes, streamlining the journey.
Hessel Winkelman, a co-founder of GoVolta, highlighted the frustrations travellers currently face. “If you ask people about international trains, you always hear the same story,” he explained. “You spend ages searching, you pay a premium, and then it’s questionable whether you even have a seat. We want to change that.”
The Price of Affordability: Slower Speeds for Lower Fares
Currently, standard tickets for a journey from Amsterdam to Hamburg in March on Deutsche Bahn’s ICE trains can range from €34 to €59. These journeys often involve one to four changes, and a seat reservation incurs an additional cost of €5.70. In contrast, GoVolta is advertising average one-way ticket prices around €30, with fares starting as low as €19.
However, this low-cost model does come with a compromise. GoVolta’s trains are designed to operate at a maximum speed of 160 km/h. This is considerably slower than the potential 300 km/h speeds achievable by competitors like ICE and Eurostar. Consequently, journey times are expected to be longer. The Amsterdam to Berlin trip, for instance, is anticipated to be roughly an hour longer than current offerings. The planned Amsterdam to Paris route could potentially take twice as long as a Eurostar service.
Striving for Sustainable and Accessible Travel
GoVolta’s overarching mission is to make “travelling to Europe by train as easy and affordable as flying.” This ambition aligns with broader European goals for sustainable transportation.
Jeroen Wesdorp, Programme Manager International Rail at ProRail, commented in a press release, “The more affordable and attractive connections there are, the easier it becomes to switch from car and plane to rail. That is essential for the climate and for European connectivity.”
GoVolta is not the first budget rail operator to champion sustainable travel and challenge the dominance of low-cost airlines. It follows in the wake of other innovative startups:
- European Sleeper: This Dutch-Belgian company, which began offering affordable night trains in 2023, is expanding its network. In June 2026, new routes from Brussels and Amsterdam to Milan, with a stop in Switzerland, will be introduced.
- Other Budget Operators: Companies like Ouigo in France, Avlo in Spain, and Lumo in the UK are also actively working to break the monopolies of national train operators and offer competitive low-cost, high-speed rail options to passengers.
Onboard GoVolta: Comfort and Options for Every Traveller
GoVolta’s trains are configured to accommodate approximately 820 passengers, spread across 11 carriages. A dedicated lounge car is available, serving a selection of hot and cold beverages, snacks, and light meals, providing a space for passengers to relax during their journey.
Travellers have the choice between two distinct ticket classes:
- Economy: This standard option provides an affordable way to travel. Passengers in Economy can opt to upgrade their ticket by reserving the seat opposite them at a reduced rate. This offers a simple way to gain more personal space during the trip.
- Comfort: This premium class is designed for passengers seeking a quieter environment and more spacious seating arrangements.
Standard tickets include allowances for two pieces of hand luggage. For passengers with larger bags or who require additional luggage space, these can be booked separately as an add-on service.
