Five New Train Routes in Europe Confirmed for 2026

Here’s the Five New Train Routes Confirmed for 2026

1. Paris – Berlin Sleeper (European Sleeper)
- Relaunch scheduled for March 26, 2026.
- Runs three times a week:
- Departures from Paris Gare du Nord: Tuesday, Thursday, Sunday evenings.
- Returns from Berlin Hauptbahnhof/Ostbahnhof: Monday, Wednesday, Friday.
- Revives the route after Austrian ÖBB discontinued it in late 2025.

2. Paris – Munich High-Speed Service (DB & SNCF)
- Launching late 2026.
- Strengthens cross-border connectivity between France and Germany.
- Operated jointly by Deutsche Bahn and SNCF.

3. Prague – Copenhagen Daytime Service
- Brand-new route connecting Central Europe with Scandinavia.
- Designed to boost tourism and business travel between the Czech Republic and Denmark.

4. Scandi Sleeper Expansion
- Extends overnight services deeper into Scandinavia.
- Aimed at eco-conscious travelers preferring rail over short-haul flights.

5. Scottish City Link (Underrated Destination)
- New service connecting an underrated Scottish city to the wider European rail grid.
- Enhances regional accessibility and supports local tourism.

Context & Demand
- A Hitachi Rail survey of 11,000 people found:
- 1/3 expect to travel more by train in the next 12 months.
- Rising to 40% across countries and 49% across cities over the next five years.
- Reflects growing demand for sustainable, cross-border rail travel.

Europe is clearly investing in rail as the backbone of sustainable mobility, with sleeper and high-speed services making international train travel more competitive with air travel.