Sweden orders new night trains from Spanish Talgo

Sweden is buying new night trains from Spanish manufacturer Talgo, according to Trafikverket, the Swedish transport administration. The contract was signed on 20th April 2026, as reported by multiple sources. The new trains will replace the current fleet, which is around 40 years old and worn out. Trafikverket stated that the award decision can be appealed for ten more days.

The order includes 10 locomotives and a number of cars, though the exact count is disputed. Trafikverket initially reported 91 cars but later corrected the figure to 162 cars after Talgo's announcement. According to Trafikverket, the order consists of 11 night train sets with 9 cars each and 9 day train sets with 7 cars each, totaling 162 cars. However, some sources still cite 91 cars, leading to confusion. The total procurement cost is 8.2 billion SEK, according to Trafikverket, but other figures of 5.5 billion SEK or 5.2 billion SEK have also appeared in reports. The contract value in euros is similarly unclear, with figures of 756 million euros and 485 million euros both cited. The discrepancies may stem from different scopes, such as whether maintenance costs are included. Major media outlets have calculated the price per car at around 29 million SEK after the correction.

The new trains are designed to operate at temperatures down to -40°C, Trafikverket said. They are based on the Talgo 230 platform, also used in Germany and Denmark, according to research. Talgo claims experience in night trains for extreme cold from previous projects in Russia. The trains will also meet requirements for operation under extreme heat, drawing on experience in Russia, Uzbekistan, and Saudi Arabia. The night train section has 9 coaches with 21 reclining seats, 12 four-bed couchettes, 10 two-bed sleepers with WC and shower, 2 PRM sleepers, and 31 single cabins, according to research. The single cabins are a custom design by Lundberg design. The day train section has 7 coaches with 112 second class and 14 first class seats, a bistro car, PRM seats, a playing area, and space for bikes and skis. Trafikverket said the trains will have family compartments and premium compartments with private showers. According to Rikard Granlund of Trafikverket, the trains will have four-bed compartments, two-bed premium compartments, and single-bed compartments. Trafikverket also confirmed the trains will be accessible for passengers with disabilities. The current three-bed sleepers and six-bed couchettes will be replaced, Granlund told SVT Nyheter. According to SVT Nyheter, Granlund described the new trains as a huge improvement in comfort and noise level. According to Expressen, Granlund said Trafikverket has high demands on comfort and function.

The procurement includes 10 years of maintenance with spare parts and special tools, Trafikverket said. The trains are expected to last 30-40 years, according to Roberto Maiorana of Trafikverket. Trafikverket requires at least one daily round trip Stockholm–Narvik and one daily round trip Stockholm–Umeå, according to Trafikverket. According to Lennart Kalander of Trafikverket, the risk distribution in the new solution means Trafikverket takes greater responsibility for the aging fleet. The contract also includes 10 Siemens Vectron locomotives and 91 coaches for overnight trains, according to research.

This is Talgo's third major order in recent months, following deals in Saudi Arabia (€1.33 billion) and Uzbekistan (€80 million), according to research. Talgo's order book is at a record €6.5 billion, and the company plans to invest €90 million in its Rivabellosa and Las Matas plants. Talgo is under joint control of SEPI, the Basque Government, and private shareholders since November, according to research.

The current night trains are around 40 years old and worn out, Trafikverket said. The new trains will operate in Sweden and Norway with a maximum speed of 200 km/h, according to research. According to Aftonbladet, Mark Smith described being disappointed with the Swedish purchase, saying it will make passengers hesitant to take the night train. According to Aftonbladet, Smith also said night trains are making a comeback in Europe, but odds are against them. According to Aftonbladet, Infrastructure Minister Andreas Carlson described the new trains as modern, robust, and future-proof. According to Göteborgs-Posten, Roberto Maiorana described the trains as a step towards modern, sustainable, and future-proof night train traffic.

Several uncertainties remain. The exact total cost of the procurement and what is included (trains, maintenance, etc.) is unclear. The number of cars ordered is disputed, with figures of 91, 162, or another number appearing in different sources. The exact contract value in euros and SEK also differs among sources. It is unknown whether the new trains will be profitable or require subsidies, given expert criticism about pricing. The timeline for delivery and full service entry beyond the 2030 start date has not been confirmed.