Železničná spoločnosť Slovensko (ZSSK) has presented the first modernised sleeping coach for its night train fleet at Rail Business Days 2026 in Ostrava.
The Slovak national passenger operator plans to introduce the first modernised coaches during 2026, mainly on the routes Humenné – Košice – Žilina – Prague and Humenné – Košice – Žilina – Bratislava.
The project responds to the age of ZSSK’s current night train fleet. The operator now has 30 sleeping coaches, most of them built in the 1980s. Some are not air-conditioned, while several are approaching the end of their technical life. ZSSK plans to gradually withdraw around 20 of the oldest coaches.
The programme covers 10 modernised sleeping coaches, with an option for additional vehicles. The coaches are being rebuilt from existing rolling stock and will receive new interiors and technical equipment.
“Night trains still have their place in European transport. If we want to keep night services in the future, we must gradually renew them,” said Miroslav Klich, Member of the Board of Directors and Director of the Maintenance and Repairs Section at ZSSK.
The modernisation is being carried out by ŽOS Vrútky.
The renewed coaches will also be used on international services between Slovakia and Czechia, in cooperation with České dráhy.
