Dutch Startup GoVolta to Offer €10 Train Tickets from Amsterdam to Berlin
Amsterdam, Wednesday, 10 December 2025.
GoVolta will launch an affordable train service in 2026, starting with €10 tickets between Amsterdam and Berlin. The initiative aims to promote sustainable travel and expand across Europe.
Introduction to GoVolta’s Ambitious Plans
Dutch startup GoVolta is set to revolutionize travel between Amsterdam and Berlin by offering train tickets starting at just €10. This initiative is aimed at promoting sustainable travel and is poised to launch in March 2026. GoVolta plans to provide an affordable, eco-friendly alternative to traditional travel methods, addressing climate change concerns by attracting more passengers to use rail services instead of flights or cars [1][2].
The Vision Behind GoVolta
Co-founded by Hessel Winkelman and Maarten Bastian, GoVolta emerges as a contender against established train operators like NS and Deutsche Bahn. By focusing on affordability and convenience, GoVolta seeks to simplify the complexities often associated with international train travel. Bastian emphasizes the company’s dedication to making train travel as easy and cost-effective as flying, while Winkelman highlights the common grievances of train passengers, such as high costs and uncertain seat availability, which GoVolta aims to address [1][3][5].
Route Expansion and Future Prospects
Initially, the service will run three times a week, with plans to expand to daily operations by the summer of 2026. GoVolta intends to extend its network to include routes from Amsterdam to Hamburg and Paris by the end of 2026. The Amsterdam-Paris line is expected to offer direct services without the necessity of transfers, simplifying cross-border travel and making it more accessible [1][3][4].
Innovative Features and Competitive Edge
GoVolta’s trains will feature 820 seats across 11 carriages, including a lounge car offering drinks and snacks. The company will provide two classes of tickets: economy and comfort, with the latter offering more spacious seating and a quieter environment. Despite a lower maximum speed of 160 km/h compared to high-speed trains like the ICE or Eurostar, GoVolta aims to compete through its pricing strategy, significantly undercutting existing fare prices [2][4][5].
Conclusion and Impact on European Rail Travel
GoVolta’s entry into the European rail market is set to challenge the monopoly of national train operators and low-cost airlines. By offering an attractive alternative that balances cost, convenience, and sustainability, GoVolta is positioned to redefine cross-border travel in Europe. This initiative underscores a growing trend towards more sustainable travel options, aligning with broader environmental goals and consumer demand for greener alternatives [1][4].