New European Trains Arriving in 2026 and Beyond
The Rise of Train Travel in the UK and Europe
Train travel is experiencing a remarkable revival across the UK and Europe, as more travelers are choosing interrailing and Eurostar journeys over long-haul flights. This shift reflects a growing interest in sustainable and scenic travel options.
In recent times, there has been an extensive exploration of the best new British train journeys, but the excitement is not limited to the UK. Europe is also witnessing a surge in innovative rail routes that promise to transform how people travel across the continent.
2026 is shaping up to be a pivotal year for rail travel in Europe, with several exciting developments on the horizon. Here’s a look at what's coming.
The ‘European Tube’ – A Game-Changer for Sustainable Travel
One of the most anticipated projects is the 'European Tube' or Starline network. This ambitious initiative by a Copenhagen-based think tank aims to connect 39 destinations across European countries, including the UK, Turkey, and Ukraine. The goal is to create a seamless rail network that functions similarly to a city's underground system.
Starline's primary objective is to significantly reduce emissions by replacing short-haul flights with high-speed trains. The plan includes five main routes, such as from Helsinki in Finland to Berlin in Germany. Currently, this journey takes one full day, but Starline aims to cut it down to three hours. By 2040, the core trains could reach speeds of up to 100 miles per hour, making travel faster and more efficient.
Comeback Kid: The Paris-Berlin Sleeper Train
After the discontinuation of Nightjet services between Paris, Vienna, and Berlin by French operator SNCF, the popular Paris-Berlin night train is set for a comeback. European Sleeper will revive the service starting in 2026, offering three weekly departures.
The first journey is scheduled for Thursday, 26 March 2026. The route will pass through Brussels, creating a six-times weekly Brussels-Berlin service alongside its existing connections between Brussels, Amsterdam, Berlin, and Prague. British travelers can connect to this service via Eurostar in the Belgian capital.
The Eurostar Rival That Wants to Reach Eastern Europe
A new player in the rail industry, Gemini Trains, is planning to launch a Eurostar rival in partnership with Uber. This startup aims to challenge the Eurostar monopoly on the Channel Tunnel by using Stratford International as its gateway to the continent, potentially as early as 2029.
The company plans to offer services from Stratford to Paris, Lille, and Brussels, eventually expanding to Cologne, the gateway to Germany and eastern Europe.
New Sleeper Train Linking Four Countries
Before the end of the year, a new winter night train will begin operating in central Europe. The EuroNight EN Carpatia will connect Poland, Austria, Slovakia, Hungary, and southern Germany, providing direct sleeper options for travelers who prefer trains over short-haul flights.
This train departs from Przemyśl, southeastern Poland, and travels through cities like Rzeszów, Kraków, and Katowice before continuing into Czechia and Austria. Passengers can reach the capitals of three European countries and Bavaria from Poland on a single overnight service without changing trains.
A Direct Train from Switzerland to Sweden
A direct night train from Basel in Switzerland to Copenhagen in Denmark and Malmö in Sweden is set to launch towards the end of spring 2026. The EuroNight train, which requires Swiss parliamentary approval for a budget, is expected to run three times a week from April 15, 2026.
Tickets for this service are expected to go on sale on November 4, 2025. While night trains are popular across the continent, they often face financial challenges due to high operational costs.
New Train Connecting Seven Cities – £99 for a 21-Hour Trip
The European Sleeper offers a new train service connecting seven European cities over 15 stops. The route runs from Brussels to Venice, stopping in cities such as Eindhoven, Cologne, Munich, Innsbruck, and Verona.
This service provides a sustainable travel option between cities and allows passengers to experience a variety of cultures in one trip. The cheapest tickets are £99 (€119) for a 21-hour journey, making it an affordable option for travelers.
‘Ambitious’ New Sleeper Train Connecting 100 European Cities
Nox, a Berlin-based startup, is creating an alternative European travel option with a sleeper train that aims to cost the same as a plane ticket. The company plans to connect popular cities like Amsterdam, Copenhagen, Milan, Paris, Warsaw, Frankfurt, and Brussels.
Passengers can choose between single and double private rooms, starting at £67 (€79) and £127 (€149), respectively. Nox aims to launch the first route by 2027, with the goal of connecting over 100 European cities by 2035.
New £40 Train Spanning 745 Miles Across Five European Countries
The Warsaw to Rijeka sleeper train is already operational and running. Starting in the Polish capital, this route is the first to span five European countries, ending in Rijeka, a coastal city in Croatia known for its beaches, waterfalls, and historical castles.
The train covers 745 miles and passes through notable cities such as Opoczno, Katowice, Rybnik, Chałupki, Vienna, Ljubljana, Postojna, and Opatija. Tickets are affordable, with prices starting around 200 Polish złoty (£39.53).
Poland’s Double-Decker Plans
Poland’s state rail operator has signed the largest contract for rolling stock in Polish history, ordering 42 double-decker trains. These trains, built in Chorzów, can travel at speeds of up to 200 km/h and have 550 seats each.
The first train is set to be ready in 2029, with the rest following by 2032. The plan is to use these trains on routes between Warsaw and cities such as Gdańsk, Łódź, Olsztyn, Wrocław, Kraków, Białystok, and Terespol.
Popular European Train Routes Cancelled for Good
While some routes are being revived, others are being discontinued. Austrian national rail company ÖBB confirmed that two of its sleeper services will cease to run in the new year. The night trains between Vienna and Paris, and Berlin and Paris, will make their final calls on December 14.
However, there is still time to book tickets online, starting at €79.90 (£69.58) for a standard seat on the Vienna-Paris route, and €99.90 (£87.00) for a bed inside a couchette carriage.
Latest UK and European Train News
As the rail landscape continues to evolve, travelers are encouraged to stay informed about the latest developments. From new routes to cancellations, the world of train travel is constantly changing, offering exciting opportunities for adventure and exploration.
