Europe’s Rail Renaissance: New Routes Set to Transform Continental Travel in 2026

In a promising development for sustainable travel, train journeys across Europe are poised for a significant revival in 2026. A recent Hitachi Rail survey of 11,000 respondents reveals growing enthusiasm for rail travel, with one-third of participants expecting to increase their train journeys in the coming year. This trend strengthens over time, with 40% anticipating more train travel across countries and 49% within cities over the next five years. This shift in travel preferences aligns perfectly with the upcoming launch of five exciting new train routes scheduled to begin operations in 2026. From revived overnight services to brand-new international connections, these routes represent a meaningful step toward a more connected and environmentally conscious Europe. The timing couldn’t be better, as travelers increasingly seek alternatives to air travel that offer both comfort and reduced carbon footprints.

The romantic Paris-Berlin night train will make a welcome return in spring 2026, thanks to European Sleeper stepping in after Austrian operator ÖBB discontinued the service following the French government’s withdrawal of funding. Beginning March 26, 2026, this overnight journey will operate three times weekly, with departures likely scheduled from Paris Gare du Nord on Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday evenings, while return services from Berlin will run on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. This revival preserves a crucial cross-continental link that allows travelers to maximize their vacation time by traveling while they sleep. Meanwhile, another Franco-German connection is in development with a new high-speed service linking Paris and Munich slated for late 2026. Operated jointly by Germany’s Deutsche Bahn and France’s SNCF, this route promises faster and more frequent service than the current single daily TGV train, though specific timetables and pricing details have yet to be announced. These connections will strengthen the transportation backbone between Europe’s two largest economies while offering travelers scenic alternatives to short-haul flights.

A groundbreaking collaboration between German, Danish, and Czech railway companies will introduce a direct daytime connection from Prague to Copenhagen via Berlin, launching on May 1, 2026. This year-round service represents a significant advancement in European rail connectivity, offering journey times of just seven hours between Copenhagen and Berlin, and approximately eleven hours for the complete Prague-Copenhagen route. The operators will also extend a summer season night train that currently connects Hamburg and Copenhagen to continue onward to Prague, providing travelers with both daytime and overnight options. Additional stops are planned in key cities including Dresden and Hamburg, making this new service a versatile option for exploring multiple destinations across Central and Northern Europe. This multi-national cooperation demonstrates how European rail operators are increasingly working together to create seamless cross-border travel experiences that challenge the dominance of short-haul flights.

The Prague-Copenhagen route will showcase Czech Railways’ innovative new ComfortJet trains, which promise to elevate the rail travel experience with passenger-focused amenities. These modern trains will accommodate 555 passengers and offer a variety of thoughtful features including an on-board restaurant, complimentary Wi-Fi, and dedicated bicycle storage—perfect for travelers planning to explore their destinations on two wheels. Accessibility has been prioritized with wheelchair lifts, while families will appreciate the children’s cinema that helps keep younger passengers entertained during longer journeys. The trains even feature radio-transparent windows, a technical innovation that improves mobile connectivity and reception throughout the journey. These enhancements reflect a broader trend in European rail travel: the recognition that the journey itself should be an enjoyable part of the travel experience rather than merely transportation between destinations.

Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) has ambitious plans to launch a new overnight service connecting Basel with Copenhagen and Malmö, pending government financial approval. The proposed EuroNight train, already available for booking with a planned inaugural journey on April 15, 2026, would operate three times weekly in both directions. This extensive 1,400-kilometer route will serve numerous stops across Switzerland, Germany, and Denmark, including Freiburg, Frankfurt, Hamburg, and Copenhagen Airport. Though the service won’t stop at Copenhagen Central Station due to scheduling constraints, travelers can easily reach the Danish capital via a quick 15-minute connection from either Høje Taastrup or Copenhagen Airport. Designed to accommodate approximately 350 passengers, the train will offer various accommodation options including sleeping cabins, couchette compartments, and standard seating, catering to different comfort preferences and budget requirements. This ambitious cross-continental service represents the kind of bold investment in overnight rail travel that many climate-conscious travelers have been advocating for.

Even the United Kingdom is participating in this rail renaissance, with low-cost operator Lumo planning a new connection between London and the historic Scottish city of Stirling by mid-2026. Departing from London Euston station, this service will introduce travelers to a destination often overshadowed by Edinburgh and Glasgow but rich in Scottish heritage and scenic beauty. Stirling boasts an impressive medieval castle dramatically situated on a volcanic outcrop and the National Wallace Monument dedicated to Scotland’s national hero, Sir William Wallace. The journey will include stops at Lockerbie, Carlisle, Preston, and Nuneaton, creating new travel possibilities for those wishing to explore beyond Britain’s most visited cities. This development reflects a growing interest in rail journeys that unlock less-frequented destinations and offer travelers authentic experiences away from overtourism hotspots. As these five diverse rail projects move toward their 2026 launches, they collectively signal a promising future for European train travel—one that combines improved connectivity, enhanced passenger comfort, and more sustainable mobility options across the continent.