GoVolta: The Opportunity to Travel Between Amsterdam and Berlin for 10 Euros

🌎 A new wind is blowing in Europe's train travel market. Dutch startup GoVolta aims to become the "easyJet of the railways" by offering tickets from Amsterdam to Berlin and Hamburg for as low as 10 Euros when it launches services in 2026. This move could pave the way for sustainable and economical travel.

✅ The Promise of Affordable Prices, Guaranteed Seats, and Direct Routes

GoVolta's core promise is threefold:affordable prices, a guaranteed seat with every ticket, and direct connections without transfers. Co-founder Hessel Winkelman states that people's complaints about international trains are usually the same, saying, "You spend hours researching, pay a high fee, and then it's uncertain whether you'll even have a seat. We want to change that." Currently, a standard Amsterdam-Hamburg Deutsche Bahn (ICE) ticket costs between 34-59 Euros and may require 1 to 4 transfers. Seat reservation is an additional 5.70 Euros. GoVolta, however, has set the first 100 tickets for each train at 10 Euros, with the average regular price being around 30 Euros.

✅ The Balance Between Speed and Comfort

Of course,these low prices come with a trade-off. GoVolta trains can reach a maximum speed of 160 km/h. This is lower compared to ICE or Eurostar trains, which can reach speeds of 300 km/h. As a result, travel time between Amsterdam and Berlin could be about an hour longer, and the planned Amsterdam-Paris service could take almost twice as long as the Eurostar. However, the company focuses on offering a comfortable travel experience. The trains, with a total of 11 carriages and approximately 820 seats, will include a lounge carriage serving hot/cold drinks and snacks. Two class options will be available: Economy and "Comfort," which promises quieter, more spacious seating. Economy passengers can reserve the seat opposite them for an additional fee to create more space. Each ticket includes two pieces of hand luggage, while extra luggage will require an additional fee.

✅ Other Budget Train Initiatives in Europe

GoVolta is not the only initiative aiming to popularize low cost train travel in Europe.Companies like Ouigo in France, Avlo in Spain, and Lumo in the UK are also challenging the monopoly of national railway operators and low-cost airlines. Furthermore, Dutch-Belgian startup European Sleeper, which launched in 2023, is expanding its affordable night train options by adding new routes from Brussels and Amsterdam to Milan via Switzerland in June 2026. As part of this movement, GoVolta plans to launch its Amsterdam Paris line in December 2026.

📌 Potential Impact on Travel Trends and the Environment

GoVolta's initiative could garner significant interest,especially among budget conscious travelers, city trippers, and environmentally aware passengers. Its claim to make train travel as accessible and simple as flying could shift transportation preferences within Europe. Offering travel packages (train + hotel) could also become an attractive option for those planning city breaks.

In conclusion, GoVolta's market entry could mean more competition, lower prices, and making train travel more attractive in Europe. In today's world where the search for sustainable transportation is increasing, such initiatives could reshape our travel habits and the connections between European cities.