The Most Beautiful New Train Journeys to Experience in 2026

Rail travel is experiencing a vibrant resurgence, blending sustainability, comfort, and captivating landscapes to deliver journeys that are as rewarding as the destinations themselves. The year 2026 promises to be a landmark one for rail lovers, with a suite of new scenic routes, luxurious night trains, and cutting-edge high-speed lines set to launch worldwide, transforming the way we explore.

One of the most anticipated experiences is the Al Andalus luxury train in Spain, featuring a seven-day journey between Seville and Madrid. This route combines historic and cultural exploration with unmatched onboard luxury. Travellers will visit UNESCO World Heritage sites such as Toledo while indulging in vintage carriages formerly used by British royalty. The Al Andalus offers elegant lounges, a sophisticated bar atmosphere, and two haute cuisine restaurants that showcase the finest Spanish gastronomy, setting a unique standard for train travel as a five-star hotel on rails.

The United Kingdom is poised for a night train revolution as the famed Caledonian Sleeper expands its Highlander route to Birmingham starting January 2026. This extension enables greater accessibility to Scotland’s breathtaking lochs, castles, and countryside.

Offering a variety of accommodation options, including private cabins with en-suite showers and reclining seats, the night train lets passengers wake up ready to immerse themselves in Scotland’s iconic landscapes without the hassle of airport transfers.

In Central Europe, a new high-speed rail corridor linking Prague, Berlin, and Copenhagen will launch in May 2026. Trains running at speeds up to 230 km/h will offer modern amenities such as dining cars and onboard cinemas, accommodating up to 555 passengers with first-class seating options. This line invites travellers to explore diverse cultures within a single trip, seamlessly connecting three vibrant capitals renowned for their architecture, history, and culinary scenes.

By the end of 2026, the high-speed line connecting Paris to Munich will debut, enabling swift day trips or extended journeys between two cultural and gastronomic hotspots. This line promises to enhance business travel and leisure trips, offering travellers the chance to enjoy a Parisian croissant in the morning and Bavarian beer at a Munich brewery by afternoon.

Europe’s night train offerings will also expand with the anticipated launch of European Sleeper services connecting Brussels to Barcelona and Milan. Operating three times per week, these routes will provide an ecological and evocative way for travellers to traverse the continent while enjoying the comfort and intimacy of night travel.

Beyond Europe, 2026 will see innovative rail journeys like the Adriatic Express crossing Central Europe, the Golden Eagle Silk Road Express tracing historic trade routes from China to Uzbekistan, and luxury train services debuting in North America and Asia. These new routes highlight the global momentum towards sustainable, experiential travel by rail.

Passenger amenities across these new services emphasise modern comfort, with spacious seating, gourmet dining, entertainment options, and wellness facilities becoming standard on many lines. Night trains, in particular, are reintroducing the romance and convenience of overnight travel while meeting contemporary expectations for privacy and luxury.

2026’s new train journeys offer varied options for travellers seeking to explore in style—whether craving the glamour of vintage luxury, the convenience of high-speed transport, or the immersive experience of traversing stunning natural and urban landscapes. These rail innovations signal a bright future where train travel remains a key part of sustainable and enriching global exploration.

Train travel continues to captivate travellers worldwide, blending sustainability, comfort, and breathtaking scenery into unforgettable journeys. With 2026 on the horizon, rail enthusiasts have an exciting year ahead as new scenic routes, night trains, and high-speed connections are set to launch, revolutionising how we explore regions by rail.

One jewel of 2026 is the Al Andalus luxury train in Spain, offering a seven-day, five-star journey between Seville and Madrid that includes stops at historic sites like Toledo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Passengers experience vintage carriages once used by British royalty, elegant lounges, a bar, and gourmet dining serving traditional Spanish cuisine.

In the UK, the iconic Caledonian Sleeper night train will extend its Highlander route to Birmingham from January 2026. With options ranging from single berths to double cabins with private showers, travellers can wake up immersed in Scotland’s stunning lochs and castles.

Europe is also enhancing connectivity with a new high-speed rail line linking Prague, Berlin, and Copenhagen starting in May 2026. Trains will travel at speeds up to 230 km/h, offering 555 seats including first class, with amenities such as dining cars and cinema areas, ideal for experiencing three vibrant capitals in one trip.

By year-end, the Paris to Munich high-speed rail service will debut, making it perfect for combining quick city breaks with cultural and gastronomic adventures. Meanwhile, the European Sleeper service plans to extend its routes from Brussels to Barcelona and Milan, offering frequent night train options to travel comfortably and sustainably across Europe.

Other notable launches include the Adriatic Express through central Europe, the Golden Eagle Silk Road Express between China and Uzbekistan, and luxury new trains in North America and Asia, all showcasing the growing allure and innovation in rail travel for 2026.

Whether you seek luxury, adventure, or eco-friendly travel, 2026’s new train journeys offer remarkable ways to explore stunning landscapes and historic cities with the comfort and romance that only rail can provide.