This thesis concerns the last decade’s considerable decline in western European night train traffic. First, the context of the study is presented with a brief overview of climate challenges, liberalization of the railway market within the European Union and theoretical aspects of demand for night train traffic. A historical overview of night train traffic in general is made, whereafter several factors believed to be contributing to the decline are presented and evaluated. Some of the most important contributing factors are high operating costs, competition from high-speed trains and low-cost airlines, disadvantageous policies and regulations as well as old rolling stock. The decision of the Austrian railways to take over some of the German night train services is analyzed in particular. Thereafter the present role and niches of night trains are studied, and an outlook is made, examining the development of Very Long-Distance Night Trains using high-speed rolling stock. Possible success factors are evaluated and presented in a synthesis, of which the most important are integrated booking service, higher comfort, using modern multiple units and/or high-speed night trains and lower price. Some of the most important recommendations and lessons learned collected from interviewees and literature are to harmonize VAT regulations and climate fees between the different modes of transport, categorize night trains as a special traffic segment and enable the EU to create a night-wagon pool from which the operators could rent vehicles
