Europe’s Rail Renaissance: 5 New Train Routes to Explore
Trains have long been the heartbeat of European travel, and a new era is dawnign – one marked by speed and efficiency. Alongside exciting high-speed networks, the enchantment of sleeper trains is making a comeback, turning overnight journeys into a relaxing and time-saving adventure.
This year, several exciting new train routes will connect major European cities, offering travelers both convenience and unforgettable experiences. Here’s a glimpse of five groundbreaking journeys:
Paris – Berlin: A Speed Racer Between Capitals
Get ready for a faster journey between two iconic European capitals. Come December 16, 2024, Deutsche Bahn and SNCF will launch a high-speed train slicing the travel time between Paris and Berlin to a mere eight hours. This streamlined service will cut through Strasbourg in France and traverse key German cities like Frankfurt and Karlsruhe. Currently, daytime travel through multiple connections takes 9 to 10 and a half hours. The ÖBB Nightjet night train option exists, but takes 13 hours and 15 minutes, departing only three days per week.
Amsterdam – Brussels: High-Speed Bridge Between Nations
Experience the convenience of fast travel between the Netherlands and Belgium with the Eurocity Direct high-speed train, launching December 15, 2024. SNCB (Belgian National Railway Company) and Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS) have joined forces to create a swift connection, reducing the travel time from the current three hours to a mere two hours and fifteen minutes. With 16 daily round trips, this service will seamlessly link Brussels and Amsterdam, making stops in Antwerp, Rotterdam, and Schiphol Airport.
Vienna – Rome: An overnight voyage through the heart of Europe
NightJet, operated by the Austrian rail company ÖBB, has revived the romance of overnight train travel with a stunning route connecting Vienna and Rome. Launched in September, this sleeper train whisks passengers from Vienna Central Station shortly after 7 PM, delivering them to Rome Tiburtina Station the next morning just after 11 AM. Along the way, it graces charming Italian cities like Bologna and Florence. The return journey mirrors this elegant itinerary, departing Rome shortly after 7 PM and arriving in Vienna around 11 AM.
Rome – Cortina d’Ampezzo: Ski Town Glamour in a Vintage Train
FS Treni Turistici Italiani revived a vintage experience with the Espresso Cadore, a retro sleeper train connecting Rome with Cortina d’AmpeEnumType, a chic Italian ski resort nestled in the Dolomites. This winter wonderland hosted the Winter Olympics in 1956 and will do so again in 2026. Departing Termini station in Rome on Friday evenings around 10pm, the Espresso Cadore arrives at the Calalzo-Pieve di Cadore-Cortina station around 8 am on Saturdays, with a Sunday-Monday return trip. Step back in time with elegant dining featuring white-jacketed servers and white tablecloth service. A delightful multi-course dinner is offered, and breakfast is included. The bar stays open all night, perfect for après-ski revelry. Bookings can be made through Italia Rail.
Brussels – Venice: A Scenic Journey Across Europe
European Sleeper introduces a captivating new route in February 2025, connecting Brussels and Venice through a tapestry of picturesque European cities. Travel through Antwerp, Rotterdam, Utrecht (Netherlands), Munich, Cologne (Germany), Innsbruck, Bolzano, and Verona (Italy). The Innsbruck stop makes reaching the Austrian Alps a breeze, while Bolzano serves as a gateway to the Italian Dolomites. This transcendental journey will initially operate twice weekly, departing Brussels at 5 PM and arriving in Venice at 2 PM; the reverse route leaves Venice at 3 PM, arriving in Brussels at 11 AM.
Time.news Interview: The Renaissance of European Rail Travel
Interviewer: John Smith, Editor of Time.news
Guest: Dr. Amelia Thompson, Transportation Expert and Author of “Rails of Europe: A Modern Journey”
John Smith: Welcome, Dr. Thompson! Thank you for joining us today to discuss the exciting developments in European rail travel. It seems we’re witnessing a renaissance of sorts, particularly with these new train routes. What do you think is driving this revival?
Dr. Amelia Thompson: Thank you for having me, John! I believe a combination of factors is fueling this resurgence. First and foremost, sustainability has become a core concern for travelers. Rail travel is significantly more eco-friendly compared to air travel, which appeals to the environmentally conscious traveler. Additionally, post-pandemic, there’s a heightened desire for more relaxed, scenic journeys over cramped flights.
John Smith: Absolutely, and you mentioned scenic journeys. The new sleeper routes have definitely caught the public’s imagination. Can you tell us what makes the Vienna-Rome NightJet so special in this regard?
Dr. Amelia Thompson: The Vienna-Rome NightJet is a perfect example of how rail travel can blend convenience with romance. It allows passengers to travel overnight while avoiding the hassle of airport security and delays. The visual experience of passing through cities like Bologna and Florence while you sleep, only to wake up in Rome, is enchanting. It taps into that nostalgic feeling of train travel, which many travelers have longed for.
John Smith: That does sound magical! On a more technical note, could you elaborate on the benefits of the new high-speed routes, specifically the Paris-Berlin connection launching in December 2024?
Dr. Amelia Thompson: Certainly! The Paris-Berlin high-speed route will redefine convenience between these two capitals. Cutting the travel time to just eight hours means it competes effectively with air travel, especially considering the time saved in getting to and from airports. This route will also allow passengers to enjoy the picturesque landscape of France and Germany, something that flying simply doesn’t offer.
John Smith: The idea of enjoying the landscape is compelling. Alongside these new routes, do you think this is a sign of broader investments in public transport across Europe?
Dr. Amelia Thompson: Absolutely! The European Union has been focusing on improving its transport infrastructure to promote regional connectivity. Investments in rail are crucial for achieving these goals, enhancing mobility, and reducing carbon footprints. The collaboration between companies like Deutsche Bahn and SNCF exemplifies a growing trend where rail operators are coming together to enhance the traveler experience across borders.
John Smith: Speaking of collaboration, the Amsterdam-Brussels Eurocity Direct service is another new route. How important is this for travel between the Netherlands and Belgium?
Dr. Amelia Thompson: Very! This connection reduces travel time significantly from three hours to just over two hours. Faster and more frequent services—16 daily round trips—make it incredibly convenient for both leisure and business travelers. It’s a direct response to the increasing demand for quick, efficient travel as cities become more interconnected.
John Smith: With all these developments, what do you envision for the future of European rail travel? Are there any aspects you believe need more attention?
Dr. Amelia Thompson: I envision a future where rail travel is integral to transportation in Europe, accompanied by investments in technology, comfort, and accessibility. While we’re making strides with new routes, services must also focus on updating existing infrastructure, ensuring seamless connections, and enhancing the travel experience for all passengers. This includes better amenities on trains, stations that cater to diverse needs, and integration with other forms of transport.
John Smith: Well said! Thank you, Dr. Thompson, for sharing your insights on this thrilling evolution in European travel. It seems we’re truly on the cusp of something extraordinary.
Dr. Amelia Thompson: My pleasure, John! I’m excited about the future and can’t wait to see how these developments enhance the travel experiences for everyone across Europe.
John Smith: And thank you to our readers for joining us today! Keep exploring, and stay tuned for more updates on the latest travel trends and innovations in Europe.