9 exciting new train routes in Europe
From Paris to Madrid and Amsterdam to Austria, these new train connections will make your European summer worthwhile
Europe takes pride in its exceptional railway connections, enabling travellers to explore various corners without the hassles of flying. The railway system is lately experiencing a renaissance, driven by a growing eco-conscious mindset that seeks to reduce carbon emissions. From the enchanting streets of Prague to the snow-covered slopes of Cortina d'Ampezzo, these new networks are making slow travel more achievable, seamless and exciting. Here are some of the most exciting train routes on your next trip to the region.
Brussels to Prague with European Sleeper
Starting March 25, the Brussels - Amsterdam - Berlin night train will be extended to include Prague, with stops in romantic Dresden, the stunning Saxon Switzerland nature reserve and the beautiful Elbe valley. European Sleeper's night train service was initially launched from Brussels to Germany's capital in early 2023. However, it is now expanding its route to Prague, offering a journey time of approximately 15 hours with stops in Amsterdam and Berlin. The “thrifted” trains offer three cabin classes in refurbished train carriages.
Berlin to Paris with ÖBB Nightjet
The ÖBB Nightjet night train, launched in December 2023, will take you from Berlin to Paris in just 14 hours and 6 minutes. It operates three times a week with stops in Halle, Erfurt and Strasbourg in eastern France. The ride will save you a night in a hotel with cabin options ranging from a seat in a standard compartment to slick bunk bed couchettes with room for up to six people and mini cabins for solo and couple travellers. They plan on turning the route into a daily one later this year.
Paris to Madrid with FS Italiane Group
Later this year, Trenitalia, a subsidiary of FS Italiane (Italy's national state-owned railway), is set to launch a high-speed rail service connecting Paris and Barcelona. Already running its flagship Frecciarossa 1000 (Red Arrow) trains between Madrid and Barcelona, this new train will allow travellers to traverse the Spanish and French capitals in under seven hours. Imagine relishing a delightful high-tea experience with breathtaking scenic views for company.
Amsterdam to Austria via Germany with TUI’s Ski Express
Hop on the new TUI’s Ski Express on a Friday evening and wake up in the mountains on Saturday morning. Departing from Amsterdam at 5:30 pm, this winter wonder train stops in Utrecht in the Netherlands before whisking you off to the Austrian slopes via Cologne and Frankfurt. Watch out for the split in Wörgl, though! The carriage divides before stopping at two different skiing hotspots: Austria’s Tyrol and Salzburger Land regions. Enjoy a good night's sleep in comfy couchette cars for three, four or five passengers, and wake up to a breakfast with a mountain view.
Liège to Maastricht with Arriva, SNCB and NS
In December, a collaborative effort among three train companies Arriva, SNBC and Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS) finally materialised with the launch of a tri-country route connecting Belgium, the Netherlands and Germany. Given that Liège and Aachen in Belgium are significant hubs for high-speed trains, this service will provide convenient access to numerous cities such as Cologne, Frankfurt, Berlin, Brussel and Paris.
Brussels to Amsterdam with SNCB and NS
Brussels-Amsterdam being one of Europe’s train routes prompted NS and SNCB to announce direct trains starting in December 2024. This upgraded high-speed InterCity service connecting Brussels-Midi to Amsterdam-Zuid will reduce travel time to approximately only two hours (earlier it was three hours). New trains have been ordered for the route as the number of services will be doubled.
Rome to Cortina d’Ampezzo with FS Treni Turistici Italiani
The Cadore Express overnight train by Italian State Railways (FS Italiane) connecting Rome with Calalzo makes the iconic ski resort Cortina d'Ampezzo accessible. The journey spans approximately 10 hours, with the 220-bed sleeper train departing from Rome every Friday at 9:40pm and reaching Calalzo, just a short bus ride away from Cortina d’Ampezzo, by around 8am. The available cabin options on this new route vary from single-bed cabins to six-person sleepers, and the train is equipped with a dining car and a bar.
Berlin to Brussels with Nightjet
The Nightjet service by ÖBB recently introduced a Brussels to Berlin route, currently offering three weekly trips. The train makes stops at Halle, Erfurt, Cologne, and Aachen in Germany. The service operates on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, with departure from Brussels Midi at 06:48 pm and arrival at Berlin Hbf at 08:26 am.
Paris to Bourg-Saint-Maurice with Ouigo Grande Vitesse
Come December, experience a winter getaway to the Alps with the return of Ouigo's Paris-Bourg train. Depart from Paris Gare du Lyon at 10:42 am and reach Bourg Saint Maurice by 04:27 pm. Bourg is nestled at the base of the Les Arcs skiing region in France, and a quick seven-minute funicular railway journey transports you from the town to the Arc 1600 ski resort.