{"id":3896,"date":"2025-06-10T15:58:52","date_gmt":"2025-06-10T14:58:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.uantwerpen.be\/pintra-en\/?p=3896"},"modified":"2025-08-20T10:04:11","modified_gmt":"2025-08-20T09:04:11","slug":"to-budapest-by-night-train-sustainable-comfortable-and-efficient-travel","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog.uantwerpen.be\/pintra-en\/to-budapest-by-night-train-sustainable-comfortable-and-efficient-travel\/","title":{"rendered":"To Budapest by night train: sustainable, comfortable and efficient travel"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

If you travel within Europe for work, you know the rule by now: if your destination can be reached by train within eight hours, UAntwerp asks you to avoid flying. But even for cities further afield, the train is often worthwhile \u2013 especially if you opt for a night train. Researchers Katrien Danhieux (Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences) and Kathleen Andries (Faculty of Business and Economics) demonstrated just that last spring on their trip to Budapest. They share their insights on sustainable travel, practical tips and the comfort of a moving hotel room.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why the night train?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Both researchers deliberately chose the train, despite the longer distance. \u201cI had a full work week ahead and was able to sleep on the train,\u201d says Katrien. \u201cThat way I arrived fresh and didn\u2019t lose any working time.<\/strong>\u201d Kathleen confirms: \u201cThe flight options were poorly timed, and in the end the night train was cheaper because I saved two hotel nights<\/strong>. And it\u2019s ecologically responsible.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Kathleen Andries: you have enough space and I liked the exclusive women’s cabin.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Katrien Danhieux: the night train with sleeper cabin can be more economical than flying with extra hotel nights.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Comfort on wheels<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The travel experience was surprisingly positive. \u201cThe sleeper cabin was clean, with a real bed, duvet and even a sink,\u201d says Katrien. \u201cBreakfast was well organised, and I could charge my laptop.\u201d Kathleen stayed in a shared cabin: \u201cThere was enough space, and I appreciated the option of an exclusive women-only cabin.<\/strong> I also enjoyed the conversations with fellow travelers. The gentle rocking of the train helped me sleep well.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A realistic alternative to flying?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Both researchers emphasise the efficiency: travelling and sleeping at the same time<\/strong>. \u201cYou arrive in the city centre, without security checks or transfers,\u201d says Kathleen. \u201cAnd financially it often makes sense too: the night train with a sleeper cabin can be cheaper than flying combined with extra hotel nights.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Booking stress: room for improvement<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Not everything went smoothly, however. \u201cTravel agencies often only offered flights by default,<\/strong>\u201d says Kathleen. \u201cI had to help search for good train connections myself<\/strong>.\u201d Katrien, on the other hand, encountered issues with FWO\u2019s reimbursement policy: \u201cA sleeper cabin was initially refused because it was more expensive than a regular seat. But you can\u2019t just sit upright all night on a night train. Only after I showed that the total cost was lower than flying did it get approving.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Their recommendation?<\/strong> Make sleeper cabins the default for night train travel, and encourage travel agencies to better integrate rail travel into their offerings. Their message is clear: sustainable travel requires policy that considers both the traveler\u2019s reality and the broader societal interest.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Would they recommend it?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAbsolutely,\u201d they answer in unison. \u201cThe peace, the comfort, and the sustainable nature outweigh the occasional delay. You arrive fresh and well-rested<\/strong>. It\u2019s a different way of travelling where you can combine sleep and work.\u201d Kathleen: \u201cI think more people would consider this option if they knew how comfortable and practical it really is. Plus, this way of travelling perfectly aligns with UAntwerp\u2019s vision on sustainability.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Benefist and areas of improvement a a glance<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Sustainable travel pays off<\/strong>
The night train is a comfortable, ecological and often financially advantageous alternative to flying, as you save on hotel nights.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Practical and time-efficient<\/strong>
Travelling by night train means no lost days or nights, since you sleep during the journey and arrive well-rested.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

More flexibility needed in booking procedures<\/strong>
Travel agencies and funders should take better account of the total financial picture of a night train trip and consider sleeper cabins as standard.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Did you know\u2026<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n