døgntrafik

Døgntrafik, or 24-hour traffic, is the term used for transport services that operate continuously over a 24-hour cycle, including late night and early morning hours. It covers passenger transport—such as buses, trains, trams, and ferries—and, in some contexts, 24-hour freight and logistics operations that support the continuous movement of people and goods.

In practice, døgntrafik requires round-the-clock rostering, maintenance planning, and safety provisions. Night services generally experience lower demand than daytime services, but they are essential for workers with non-standard hours, students, travelers, and emergency responders. Operators balance reliability, coverage, and cost by designing schedules that maximize reach while minimizing gaps.

Operational considerations include security, lighting, comfort, and staffing, as well as stricter driver fatigue management. Because operating costs per trip are higher at night, døgntrafik is often subsidized by public authorities to ensure universal mobility, especially in urban cores and rural regions with limited daytime demand.

In urban networks, some cities run 24-hour services on select lines or during weekends, while rural areas may offer limited after-hours coverage or on-demand services. Beyond passenger transport, døgntrafik is also used to describe 24/7 freight operations required for critical supply chains, manufacturing, healthcare, and other industries.