Night train. Car-carrying train. A vacation from the very start.
Urlaubs-Express (UEX) is a German provider of night and car-carrying trains and a brand of the Train4you Group, headquartered in Cologne.
Our trains connect northern and western Germany with attractive destinations in southern Germany and Austria. Depending on the route, our passengers can travel with or without their own vehicle—in comfort, whether in a seating car, reclining car, or sleeper car. Cars and motorcycles can easily be transported on many routes. While our guests travel relaxed overnight, they cover a large portion of the journey while they sleep and arrive at their destination the next morning feeling much more refreshed.
Experience in Rail Transportation
The roots of our corporate group date back to 2002. For many years, we have been organizing and operating special trains, night trains, car trains, and charter services in Germany and Europe. On May 12, 2017, the first “Urlaubs-Express” departed from Hamburg for Verona. Since 2021, Train4you has held the status of an independent rail transport company (EVU). Today, we develop night trains and car-carrying trains as well as special trains, charter services, and custom train projects.
Our Trains
The corporate group operates an extensive fleet of various passenger rail cars. These include seating cars, couchette cars, and sleeper cars; BordBistro cars; car and motorcycle transport cars; baggage cars; and other vehicles for special and charter trains. This enables us to implement a wide variety of train concepts—from classic night trains and car-carrying trains to complete special trains.
Traveling with or without a vehicle
The Urlaubs-Express has long been more than just a traditional car train. On many routes, our night trains can also be used without a car or motorcycle. Passengers who bring their vehicles along can avoid long highway drives. Passengers traveling without a vehicle can use the Urlaubs-Express just like a traditional night train. Depending on the route, seating cars, couchette cars, and sleeper cars are available. On many trips, we also offer an onboard bistro, beverages, and snacks, as well as an optional onboard breakfast that can be booked in advance.
People Who Build Railroads
Behind our trains are about 70 employees. Our ServiceCenter is located in Cologne, and we also have operational sites in Hamburg and Düsseldorf, among other places. Our teams handle train preparation, vehicle loading, on-board service, and customer support, as well as logistics, technical support, maintenance, traction, and rail operations. We handle many key areas ourselves or manage them directly. This ensures efficiency, expertise, and quality—all from a single source.
More Than Just Vacation Trips
For us, rail travel is about more than just Urlaubs-Express trains. For many years, we have also been planning and operating special and charter trains—from ski, party, and event trains to custom-designed train projects for event organizers, companies, and tour operators. From the initial idea through planning to operational implementation, we can bring complete train projects to life.
Strong partners. Our own ideas.
Rail travel only works when we work together. That’s why we’ve been collaborating for many years with transit companies, infrastructure operators, tourist regions, tour operators, and numerous other partners. We focus on long-term partnerships and personal points of contact—while remaining open to new and even unusual ideas. After all, many of our current train services began with a simple question: “Couldn’t we create a train that…?” Our response to that is quite often: Let’s talk about it.
Why Cologne, anyway?
It’s no coincidence that Train4you and MSM are based in Cologne. We’re from Cologne. What does that mean exactly? Maybe a little pragmatic. Maybe a little unconventional. And pretty convinced that good ideas don’t always have to be complicated. The best thing is to just find out for yourself.
Welcome to the Urlaubs-Express.