10 new train routes for 2026

The year 2025 was a landmark for rail travel: new night trains rolled out across Europe, the Rocky Mountaineer in North America was named the world’s best train journey, and Asia saw the long-awaited return of a sleeper train linking China and Vietnam. Train travel is more popular than ever—climate-friendly, comfortable, and offering unparalleled views of the landscape.

And the momentum continues in 2026. From Europe to Canada and the United Arab Emirates, a host of new routes are set to debut, as highlighted by «Time Out magazine». Here are the ten most exciting new train journeys to look forward to in 2026:

Across the United Arab Emirates

Etihad Rail will launch its first passenger train service in 2026, connecting all seven emirates. The train will travel through eleven cities and regions of the United Arab Emirates – from Al Sila in the west to Fujairah in the east – stopping in Ruwais, Al Mirfa, Sharjah, Al Dhaid, Abu Dhabi, and Dubai. Along its 900-kilometer network, Etihad Rail will offer a range of amenities and entertainment options, as well as three different classes to suit every budget.

From Seville to Madrid

The «Al Andalus» train, once used by the British royal family, now carries its passengers through the Spanish countryside in luxurious carriages. Starting next spring, a 7-day journey from Seville to Madrid will include a stop at the UNESCO World Heritage city of Toledo. The five-star train boasts a glamorous lounge, a fully equipped games bar, and two upscale restaurants serving traditional Spanish cuisine.

On the Orient Express to the Amalfi Coast

It is synonymous with opulence and old-world glamour: the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express. On May 2, 2026, the luxury train departs from Paris and travels for a unique journey via Pompeii and the luxurious Caruso Hotel in Positano to the Amalfi Coast. Passengers on the Orient-Express experience exceptional service in meticulously preserved carriages from the 1920s. A ticket costs approximately 9,200 Swiss francs.

Through Alberta and British Columbia

The Rocky Mountaineer is widely regarded as one of the world’s finest train journeys, and in 2026 it's raising the bar even higher: A new route will be added, no longer following the West Coast as usual, but instead traveling through the Canadian provinces of Alberta and British Columbia, past glacial lakes and deep valleys. Stops include the picturesque Alpine towns of Banff and Jasper. However, this limited-capacity route can only be booked for June and July.

From Basel to Malmö

Next spring, Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) plans to offer a new night train service between Basel, Copenhagen, and the Swedish city of Malmö. The trains will have capacity for 350 passengers in beds and seats and are scheduled to depart Basel at 5:35 p.m. on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays, arriving at their destination at 9:35 a.m. the following day. The service is slated to begin on April 15, 2026 (Travelnews reported). However, since the Swiss government has withdrawn its funding for the new rail connection, hat, it remains unclear whether the train will actually operate between Switzerland and Sweden starting in April.

Prague, Berlin and Copenhagen

Anyone wanting to travel across Europe in 2026 will have the opportunity to do so on the new route operated by Czech Railways, Deutsche Bahn, and Danish State Railways, starting May 1st. This route connects three of Europe's most exciting capital cities – Prague, Berlin, and Copenhagen. The train reaches speeds of up to 230 km/h and offers space for 555 passengers, 99 of whom can travel in first class. On board, passengers will find a dining car and even a cinema area.

Between Stirling and London

The historic Scottish city of Stirling will become even easier to reach thanks to a new service from London Euston. Operated by the low-cost carrier Lumo, the train is scheduled to begin service in mid-2026 and will offer a more affordable alternative to the Caledonian Sleeper, which, incidentally, will extend its original Highlander route between Scotland and London to Birmingham in 2026, running five nights a week. The Lumo train to Stirling will stop at Lockerbie, Carlisle, Preston, and Nuneaton along the way, meaning a large number of passengers can board to explore Stirling.

Extra fast from Boston to New York

The existing two train options between Boston and New York – a fast but expensive train and a cheaper but slower one – will face competition from a low-cost high-speed train. AmeriStarRail's «LibertyLiner250» is scheduled to begin service in 2026 and will offer hourly express service between Boston, New York, and Washington, D.C. Children under 18 traveling with an adult will ride for free. For added comfort, first-class seats with massage chairs will also be available.

Direct from Malaysia to Thailand

At the end of 2025, the long-awaited direct rail link between the two capital cities of Kuala Lumpur and Bangkok opened. The route connects Kuala Lumpur, Butterworth, Padang Besar, and Bangkok. In the future, an extension of the line from Su-ngai Kolok on the Thai border to the two towns of Rantau Panjand and Pasir Mas in Malaysia is also expected.

From Falmouth to Newquay

Two popular seaside resorts in southern England – Falmouth and Newquay – will have a direct train connection in 2026. While currently various trains and buses take more than two and a half hours to travel, the direct train will significantly simplify travel in Cornwall. This new route is not only ideal for tourists, but also for locals.