GoVolta, a new startup, is set to revolutionize the European rail market with its promise of affordable, direct train travel. Dubbed the 'easyJet of the railways', GoVolta aims to make international train travel as accessible and cost-effective as flying. With its inaugural route between Amsterdam and Hamburg via Berlin, GoVolta is offering tickets as low as €10, a significant discount compared to standard tickets on Deutsche Bahn's ICE trains. These tickets are available for journeys starting in March 2026. Additionally, GoVolta provides city break packages that include train tickets and hotels, making it a one-stop solution for travelers. The company plans to expand its services with an Amsterdam-Paris line starting in December 2026.
GoVolta's key promises include affordable prices, guaranteed seating with every ticket, and direct connections. Co-founder Hessel Winkelman emphasizes the current challenges of international train travel, where passengers often face lengthy search processes, premium prices, and uncertain seating availability. GoVolta aims to address these issues by offering a more straightforward and cost-effective alternative.
However, GoVolta's low prices come with a trade-off: its trains have a top speed of 160 km/h, significantly lower than the 300 km/h potential of ICE and Eurostar trains. This results in longer journey times, with travel between Amsterdam and Berlin taking around an hour longer, and the Paris trip potentially taking twice as long as the Eurostar. Despite this, GoVolta's focus on affordability and direct routes challenges the dominance of national train operators and low-cost airlines in Europe.
GoVolta's trains will feature approximately 820 seats across 11 carriages, with a lounge car offering refreshments, snacks, and light meals. Passengers can choose between economy and comfort classes, with the latter providing a quieter environment and more spacious seating. Economy passengers can also upgrade their tickets to reserve the seat opposite for additional space at a reduced rate. Hand luggage is included as standard, while larger or additional luggage can be booked separately.
GoVolta's entry into the market follows the footsteps of other budget train operators like European Sleeper, Ouigo, Avlo, and Lumo, which have been challenging the monopoly of national train operators and low-cost airlines by offering affordable, high-speed train travel in Europe.
