Hop aboard new European train jaunts
Noteworthy routes help travelers see continent’s finest
Europe’s expansive rail network is constantly evolving, and at the end of each year, new connections and services appear on schedules across the continent for the calendar year ahead. These new train journeys often reflect travel trends or technological advances, offering passengers more direct or frequent connections between European destinations.
The following are some of the new noteworthy routes for this year.
Berlin-Paris
After a 10-year hiatus, there is once again a night train connecting the German and French capitals, and it’s the only direct rail connection between the cities, period. Launched in early December by OBB (Austrian Railways) under their Nightjet range, this overnight service will initially run three times a week in both directions, with the expectation of graduating to a nightly service by the end of 2024.
Madrid-Oviedo
The result of a massive infrastructure project that took nearly two decades, Spain has launched highspeed trains between the nation’s capital and the gorgeous (and relatively undiscovered) Asturias region. The sleek trains whisk travelers through scores of tunnels between the capital and the lovely cathedral city of Oviedo, famed for its atmospheric streets, gastronomic delights and tasty cider.
Brussels-Prague
Last summer came the long-awaited debut of the startup night train company European Sleeper. Now, the brand has announced an extension of its Brussels-to-Berlin night train to Prague, which runs three times a week.
Zurich-Munich
These two cities are already well-connected by smart, speedy trains that take travelers from Bavaria to the heart of Switzerland in just over 3½ hours. Starting in April, there will be added departures on the line Fridays and Sundays.
Munich-Warsaw
Instead of going straight north, this night train will head from Munich into Austria before it curls up toward Poland. Along the way, it will make stops at A-list tourist destinations like Salzburg and Krakow, providing a key transport link for travelers exploring Central Europe.
Amsterdam-Berlin
A rail connection between the Dutch and German capitals has a long history, but the time it takes to get between them will now be a half-hour shorter, thanks to technological advances and creative route management. The ride is now 5 hours and 52 minutes instead of 6 hours and 20 minutes. When you factor in check-ins and transportation from the city center to outlying airports, this method compares favorably to buying airplane tickets.
Vilnius-Riga
Up north, these two picturesque Baltic capitals will soon be connected by rail for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic. The journey between Lithuania and Latvia takes just over 4 hours and will make it possible to explore the entire length and breadth of this special corner of the continent by train.
Hamburg to Vienna and Innsbruck
Separate night trains have departed the northern port city of Hamburg headed for Austria for a while now (and vice-versa), but they received improvements in December. This route is the first in Europe to experience OBB’s brandnew Nightjet trains, which feature sleek modern interiors, technological comforts (think mood lighting and USB charging stations), mini-cabins for solo travelers, and showers and bathrooms in every sleeping compartment. Eventually, they will roll out all over Europe, but right now, this route is your only chance to experience the “future” European night trains.