All aboard! Europe’s rail renaissance is about to take luxury travel to new heights. As we look to the horizon of 2024 and beyond, a thrilling array of opulent train journeys are set to crisscross the continent, offering travelers a chance to rediscover the romance of the rails in unparalleled style. From the snow-capped Alps to sun-drenched Mediterranean coastlines, these 20 upcoming luxury train routes promise to redefine the art of slow travel, blending modern comfort with timeless elegance. Let’s embark on a whistle-stop tour of the most anticipated luxury rail experiences that will soon be weaving their way through Europe’s stunning landscapes and historic cities.
1. The Grand European Odyssey: Brussels to Berlin via Amsterdam
Imagine waking up to the gentle sway of a train carriage as you glide from the heart of Belgium to Germany’s vibrant capital. The European Sleeper is set to make this dream a reality, launching a route that connects Brussels to Berlin via Amsterdam. Starting in March 2024, this service will extend to Dresden and Prague, creating a luxurious corridor through Central Europe.
“This isn’t just a train journey; it’s a bridge between cultures, connecting the beer halls of Brussels with the avant-garde art scene of Berlin,” says Elise Dubois, a European travel expert.
For those seeking to extend their adventure, connections to Paris, London, and Warsaw will be available, turning a simple trip into a grand tour of Europe’s most iconic cities. This route is perfect for digital nomads looking to explore multiple European hubs while enjoying the comfort of luxury rail travel.
2. Midnight Express: Paris to Berlin
Night owls and romantics alike will rejoice at the new Nightjet service connecting the City of Light with the German capital. Initially running on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, this nocturnal journey will transport you from the banks of the Seine to the remnants of the Berlin Wall by morning. Come October 2024, daily services will commence, offering even more flexibility for luxury travelers.
As you drift off to sleep in your plush cabin, the countryside of Northern France and Germany will slip by in a dreamy blur. Wake up refreshed and ready to explore Berlin’s world-class museums or dive into its legendary nightlife. This route is not just a means of transport; it’s a time machine that saves a day of travel and starts your German adventure on the right track.
3. The Three-Country Express: Liège to Aachen and Maastricht
For those who love to collect passport stamps, the new three-country train service linking Aachen in Germany, Liège in Belgium, and Maastricht in the Netherlands is a dream come true. This route offers a unique opportunity to experience three distinct cultures in a single day, all from the comfort of a luxurious train carriage.
Indulge in Belgian chocolates as you depart Liège, sip on German beer as you pass through Aachen, and arrive in Maastricht ready to explore its charming Dutch streets. This service is perfect for those who want to maximize their European experience without the hassle of multiple bookings and check-ins.
4. The Iberian Connection: Paris to Madrid
Trenitalia is set to revolutionize travel between France and Spain with its new high-speed Frecciarossa train connection. Launching in late 2024, this service will whisk passengers from the Eiffel Tower to the Plaza Mayor in record time, all while cocooned in Italian-designed luxury.
“This new route will not only bring Paris and Madrid closer together but will also pave the way for extended journeys connecting Spain with Italy via France,” explains Rafael Gonzalez, a rail industry analyst.
Imagine starting your day with a croissant in Paris and ending it with tapas in Madrid. This route promises to make such culinary and cultural leaps not just possible, but pleasurable.
5. Coastal Chic: Paris to Barcelona
Building on the success of the existing high-speed service to Madrid, the new Paris to Barcelona route will offer travelers a direct line to the Catalan capital. This journey will take you from the sophisticated boulevards of Paris to the sun-soaked beaches of Barcelona in a single, stylish bound.
As the train speeds south, you’ll witness the landscape transform from the rolling hills of France to the rugged coast of Spain. This route is ideal for those looking to combine city breaks with beach escapes, offering a taste of Mediterranean luxury at the end of the line.
6. The Midnight Marvel: Paris to Venice
Starting in 2025, Midnight Trains will introduce a new nocturnal service connecting Paris with Venice via Milan. This French startup aims to revolutionize overnight train travel, making it faster and more convenient for UK travelers to reach Italy by rail.
Picture yourself drifting off to sleep as the train departs Paris and waking up to the sight of gondolas gliding along Venetian canals. This route not only saves time but also adds an element of romance to your journey, allowing you to arrive in the heart of Venice refreshed and ready to explore.
7. The Balkan Explorer: Stuttgart to Zagreb and Rijeka
Nightjet has extended its sleeper train service from Munich to Venice, Ljubljana, and Zagreb, now originating in Stuttgart, Germany. This 15-hour journey takes you through some of Europe’s most stunning landscapes, from the Black Forest to the Adriatic coast.
During the summer months, the service extends to the coastal Croatian city of Rijeka, offering travelers a direct link between German efficiency and Croatian relaxation. This route is perfect for those looking to combine Central European charm with Balkan beauty, all while enjoying the comfort of a luxury sleeper train.
8. The Eastern Connection: Munich to Warsaw
Set to launch in 2024, ÖBB Nightjet’s Munich to Warsaw service will connect Bavaria’s capital with Poland’s bustling metropolis. The journey takes you through a string of historic cities including Rosenheim, Salzburg, Linz, Vienna, and Krakow.
This route offers a unique opportunity to traverse Central Europe’s cultural heartland in a single trip. From the beer gardens of Munich to the Gothic spires of Warsaw, each stop along the way tells a chapter of European history. It’s an ideal choice for history buffs and culture vultures alike.
9. The Alpine-Mediterranean Link: Zurich to Barcelona
While the launch date is yet to be announced, Nightjet’s planned route from Zurich to Barcelona promises to be a game-changer. This service will connect Switzerland’s financial hub with Spain’s Catalan jewel, calling at cities like Basel, Berlin, Brussels, Cologne, Florence, Hamburg, and Milan along the way.
Imagine starting your journey in the shadow of the Swiss Alps and ending it on the sunny shores of the Mediterranean. This route will offer unparalleled variety, taking you through the heart of Europe’s diverse landscapes and cultures.
10. The Legendary Orient Express: Venice to Paris
No list of luxury European train journeys would be complete without mentioning the iconic Venice Simplon-Orient-Express. While not new, this legendary service continues to set the standard for opulent rail travel, offering journeys that include stops in stunning locations like Venice, Milan, and Lake Como.
“Traveling on the Orient Express isn’t just a journey; it’s a step back in time to the golden age of rail travel,” says Sophia Laurent, a luxury travel consultant.
With its Art Deco interiors, gourmet dining, and white-glove service, the Orient Express remains the pinnacle of railway luxury, perfect for those seeking a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience.
11. The Royal Treatment: Belmond British Pullman
Belmond’s British Pullman offers a taste of bygone elegance with its day trips and short breaks from London. While not a cross-continental journey, this luxury train provides an unparalleled experience of the British countryside, complete with afternoon tea and visits to historic venues.
From murder mystery lunches to Christmas-themed excursions, the British Pullman offers a variety of themed journeys that turn a simple day trip into an extraordinary adventure. It’s an ideal option for those looking to add a touch of luxury to their British sojourn.
12. The Highland Fling: Belmond Royal Scotsman
For those yearning to explore the rugged beauty of Scotland in style, the Belmond Royal Scotsman offers an unmatched experience. This luxury sleeper train takes you through the heart of the Scottish Highlands, offering breathtaking views of lochs, glens, and castles.
With its mahogany-clad cars, plaid furnishings, and on-board spa, the Royal Scotsman is a moving five-star hotel. It’s perfect for those who want to combine outdoor adventures with Scotland’s stunning hiking trails and the height of luxury.
13. The Iberian Jewel: Al Andalus
While not a new route, the Al Andalus luxury train in Spain deserves a mention for its upcoming renovations and expanded itineraries. This Belle Époque-style train takes you through the heart of Andalusia, offering a luxurious way to explore Spain’s southern region.
From the Alhambra in Granada to the beaches of Cádiz, the Al Andalus provides a rolling five-star hotel experience through some of Spain’s most picturesque landscapes. It’s an ideal choice for those looking to delve deep into Spanish culture and history without sacrificing comfort.
14. The Alpine Adventure: Glacier Express Excellence Class
Switzerland’s Glacier Express, often called the slowest express train in the world, has recently introduced its Excellence Class, taking luxury to new heights. This panoramic journey through the Swiss Alps offers unparalleled views of mountains, glaciers, and picturesque villages.
With only 20 seats available in Excellence Class, passengers enjoy a truly exclusive experience, complete with a five-course meal, unlimited champagne, and a dedicated concierge. It’s perfect for those seeking to combine breathtaking natural beauty with the pinnacle of Swiss hospitality.
15. The Danube Express: Budapest to Istanbul
The Golden Eagle Danube Express is set to expand its offerings with new luxury routes connecting Central Europe with Turkey. The journey from Budapest to Istanbul takes you through the heart of the Balkans, offering a unique perspective on this historically rich and diverse region.
As you traverse countries like Romania, Bulgaria, and Turkey, you’ll enjoy gourmet meals, comfortable sleeping cabins, and guided excursions at each stop. This route is ideal for history enthusiasts and those looking to explore the less-traveled parts of Europe in style.
16. The Arctic Circle Express: Stockholm to Narvik
For those seeking a truly unique luxury rail experience, the upcoming Arctic Circle Express will offer a journey from Stockholm, Sweden, to Narvik, Norway, crossing into the Arctic Circle. This route promises to showcase the stunning landscapes of Scandinavia, from lush forests to snow-capped mountains.
Planned amenities include panoramic viewing cars, Northern Lights viewing platforms, and cuisine featuring local Arctic ingredients. It’s an ideal choice for adventure seekers looking to combine luxury with the raw beauty of the far north.
17. The Sicilian Circuit: Palermo to Catania
Italy’s state railway company is developing plans for a luxury train service that will circle the island of Sicily, connecting major cities like Palermo, Catania, and Syracuse. This upcoming route will offer travelers a chance to experience Sicily’s rich history, stunning coastlines, and famous cuisine, all from the comfort of a luxury train.
With stops at UNESCO World Heritage sites and opportunities to sample local delicacies, this journey promises to be a feast for all senses. It’s perfect for those looking to explore Italy beyond the mainland in style.
18. The Balkan Odyssey: Venice to Istanbul
Building on the success of existing routes, luxury train operators are eyeing a new service that would connect Venice with Istanbul, traversing the Balkan Peninsula. This journey would take passengers through countries like Slovenia, Croatia, Serbia, Bulgaria, and finally Turkey.
Planned to be a multi-day experience, this route would offer a unique way to explore the diverse cultures, landscapes, and cuisines of the Balkans. It’s an ideal choice for those looking to delve deep into a region often overlooked by traditional luxury travel.
19. The Celtic Explorer: Dublin to Edinburgh
A new luxury train service is in the planning stages to connect Dublin with Edinburgh, offering a unique way to experience the Celtic nations. This route would include a ferry crossing of the Irish Sea, adding a maritime element to the rail journey.
Passengers would enjoy Irish whiskey tastings, Scottish Highland excursions, and the opportunity to explore castles and ancient sites along the way. It’s perfect for those looking to dive deep into Celtic culture and history while enjoying top-notch comfort.
20. The Grand Tour: 59 Days Across Four Continents
For the ultimate luxury train experience, Railbookers offers an epic 59-day journey that spans four continents, 12 countries, and over 20 cities. This grand tour includes travel on seven of the world’s most prestigious trains, including the Belmond Royal Scotsman and the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express.
Priced at €116,000 per person, this journey is the epitome of luxury rail travel, offering not just transportation but a life-changing experience. From the Scottish Highlands to the lighthouses of Canada, and the Australian Outback, this trip is for those who truly want to see the world in unparalleled style.
A New Golden Age of Rail Travel
As we look to the future of luxury train travel in Europe, it’s clear that we’re entering a new golden age. These upcoming routes offer more than just a means of getting from A to B; they provide a journey through history, culture, and stunning landscapes, all while cocooned in the height of luxury.
Whether you’re drawn to the romance of overnight journeys, the excitement of cross-continental adventures, or the exclusivity of gourmet dining cars, these new and upcoming luxury train routes in Europe offer something for every discerning traveler. As the world increasingly values sustainable and immersive travel experiences, these rail journeys stand ready to meet the demand, proving that sometimes the journey truly is as important as the destination.
“The future of luxury travel isn’t about speed, it’s about the experience. These train journeys allow us to slow down, appreciate the world around us, and rediscover the joy of the journey itself,” concludes travel writer and rail enthusiast, James Thornton.
So, as you plan your next European adventure, consider swapping the stress of airports for the elegance of a luxury train carriage. With these 20 upcoming routes, the continent is quite literally your oyster, ready to be explored in unparalleled style and comfort. All aboard for the adventure of a lifetime!