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Long-distance night trains, news cross-border connections, arrival of new low-cost carriers, increased service to Italy, Scandinavia, or Central Europe… After the year 2025 already full of announcements and with new routes, 2026 is also shaping up to be a busy year for European rail. Although it’s regrettable that progress is still sometimes too slow (particularly for Night Trains in Europe) and a prize somewhat unfair, it seems that trains are continuing to gain ground on airplanes!
In this article, we’ll give you an overview of the new train lines announced for 2026 in Europe, including details on each project and its context, the announced date (when known), the planned stops, and, of course, a note of caution when information remains uncertain or depends on public funding. Follow the guide.
We're off to a strong start with GoVolta, the Dutch startup that dreams of becoming easyJet and the railways. His goal: to offer long-distance routes at very low prices (starting at €10, as advertised), even if it means being a little slower than high-speed trains.
GoVolta is targeting three routes for 2026:
© GoVolta
The model is clearly laid out: slower trains, optimized costs, and rock-bottom prices. An approach that could further expand access to international rail travel if the project lives up to its promises.
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European Sleeper continues to expand. Following the Brussels–Berlin–Dresden–Prague route, the operator recently announced a Paris–Berlin overnight service. As a reminder, this news follows the deletion of the Paris–Berlin overnight service, which had previously been operated by ÖBB and SNCF Voyageurs due to a lack of sufficient subsidies from the French government. Following a massive wave of public outcry (nearly 100,000 signatures on the petition from the collective Yes to the Night Train), the Belgian-Dutch company has positioned itself as an alternative.
© European Sleeper
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Paris–Berlin night train: European Sleeper relaunches the route (and adds Hamburg)
Even though the Paris–Vienna route remains up in the air, this new line is great news for night trains in Europe. And for the route to be sustainable, it’s essential that travelers show up. So if Berlin is calling your name, don’t hesitate to subscribe to our newsletter to stay up to date on European Sleeper deals, which we share regularly!
Another major announcement from the company: the Amsterdam–Brussels–Milan overnight route, passing through Germany (Cologne) and Switzerland (Bern). In other words, You'll be able to fall asleep in Brussels (accessible via the OUIGO Paris-Brussels route (starting at 10 €, for example), to wake you up in Germany, Switzerland, or Italy!
© European Sleeper
A strategic partnership that reconnects From Northern Europe to Italy at Night, and which could become a major focus of low-carbon tourism.
And if you'd like to learn more, feel free to check out our interview with European Sleeper.
TGV Lyria had already launched a seasonal service for the summer of 2025 between French-speaking Switzerland and Marseille. Good news: The offering will be expanded in 2026.
Good news that will make the trip easier Switzerland–Mediterranean by Train !
SBB and Trenitalia have confirmed their intention to launch direct daytime flights from Zurich to Florence and Livorno.
A major step forward for direct transalpine connections.
The same logic applies to Zurich – Rome (direct daytime service), which had been announced as a goal to be achieved by 2026. This project is consistent with the expansion of Frecciarossa service to Austria and Germany.
Take this with a grain of salt, though: SBB is currently citing equipment constraints, and the project might not get off the ground until 2027. So, stay tuned?
That's right—Trenitalia, Deutsche Bahn, and ÖBB have announced Frecciarossa high-speed trains between Munich and Milan, and between Munich and Rome!
A true revolution for transalpine travel, and a serious competitor to air travel.
Following its success in the summer of 2025, Espresso Riviera, the seasonal Marseille-Rome night train is expected in the summer of 2026.
But that's not all—since late 2025, the Espresso Riviera has had a little brother: l’Espresso Monaco, which connects Rome and Munich. What is it? A nighttime tourist train also operated by FS Treni Turistici Italiani, and presented as an extension of the strategy launched with the Espresso Riviera, with stops in northern Italy and at the Brenner Pass. Launched to coincide with Oktoberfest 2025 and the 2025 Christmas markets, it is currently a special-event train. Whether it will continue to run has not has not yet been announced for 2026, but an announcement may be in the works as we approach the Fall 2026.
Deutsche Bahn has announced a new direct ICE service between Cologne and Antwerp (via Brussels Airport) for September 2026. This service will complement the existing ICE services between Cologne and Brussels (Brussels-Midi).
A highly anticipated route to strengthen the Rhine–Benelux corridor.
Here's a new private player that could shake up the Polish market : RegioJet, which has already launched the route Krakow – Warsaw, in September 2025. In 2026, the operator expects a full-scale commercial ramp-up with a network that includes, among others:
At the same time, new international and night races involving Poland have been announced for 2026.
The Budapest–Belgrade line, which has been under construction for years, is expected to be ready to reopen early 2026.
Keep in mind, however, that commercial operation will depend on the final Chinese and Hungarian certification of the equipment.
A short story direct daytime connection The Prague–Berlin–Hamburg–Copenhagen route, operated jointly by ČD, DB, and DSB using ComfortJet trains, has been announced for spring 2026.
In short, true north-south continuity in Central Europe!
And that's not all: in addition to the new routes, the Hamburg–Copenhagen corridor—the true backbone of rail service to Scandinavia—is also benefiting from significant investments in rolling stock.
A major rail corridor between continental Europe and Scandinavia, the connection Hamburg – Copenhagen has undergone a significant upgrade. Since late 2025, new Talgo 230 EuroCity trains are gradually being put into service by the Danish operator DSB on this route.
These new trains offer a increased capacity, some modern interiors (Wi-Fi, outlets, accessibility, luggage/bike storage areas) and a greater comfort for international long-distance trips. This is great news for the appeal of daytime train travel to Scandinavia.
This modernization is part of a broader effort to strengthen the Germany–Scandinavia corridor, which will undergo further transformation in the medium term with the opening of the Fehmarn Belt Tunnel. Originally expected in 2029, this project is now planned for at the earliest in 2031, due to technical difficulties encountered during construction.
A note from Marc, our CPO: "Considering that I used to take the old 6 a.m. train, which had no power outlets or dining car, this is a very welcome investment!"
Despite nearly 100,000 signatures to challenge the Cancellation of the Paris–Vienna night train (suspended since December 2025), no operator has yet officially committed to taking over the line.
Billed as the first direct overnight train between Switzerland and Scandinavia, the EuroNight Basel–Copenhagen/Malmö project generated a lot of buzz… before running into budgetary constraints (47 million in subsidies were needed). The date initially announced was April 15, 2026.
But in late October 2025, the SBB announced that the service would ultimately not not launched due to a lack of approved funding.
A textbook example of the the night train's reliance on public subsidies.
Some routes will not be launched in 2026, but they will completely reshuffle the deck in European rail transport in the coming years. These are large-scale, costly projects that take a long time to build… but they will have a massive impact on the shift to public transportation and the coherence of the continental network.
It is one of the largest infrastructure projects currently underway in Europe. The Fehmarn Belt Tunnel will connect Rødby (Denmark) to Puttgarden (Germany) thanks to an 18-km undersea tunnel that combines a railroad and a highway.
Why is this a game-changer? Today, the rail connection between Hamburg and Copenhagen still relies on the ferry between Puttgarden and Rødby. Once the tunnel opens, the rail journey is expected to be significantly shorter, with a target of approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes between Hamburg and Copenhagen, compared with nearly 5 hours today. This new route will also strengthen the Scandinavia–Mediterranean European corridor (TEN-T) and facilitate connections between Germany, Denmark, Sweden, and Central Europe.
When will it be ready? The project is still well underway, but its timeline has been revised. While the launch was initially scheduled for 2029, the Danish project owner Sund & Bælt now provides for an opening in 2031, following technical difficulties encountered during the installation of the first tunnel sections. The company notes, however, that it will seek to make up some of the lost time if possible.
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Another massive undertaking: the Brenner Base Tunnel (BBT), between Innsbruck (Austria) and Fortezza (Italy). With its 64 km, it will be one of the longest railway tunnels in the world.
Why is it absolutely essential for European rail? Today, the Brenner Pass is: a a major problem with truck freight, and that is a rail line constrained by gradient and capacity. The base tunnel will therefore allow for faster, heavier trains (particularly for freight), and a significant increase in capacity North–South. This is the key to making the Germany–Italy, Austria–Italy, and Northern Europe–Mediterranean routes truly competitive.
It's easier to understand why DB, Trenitalia, and ÖBB are already laying the groundwork with the Frecciarossa Munich–Milan/Rome in 2026 : The Brenner is the centerpiece in the medium term.
A highly controversial project in France: the Lyon–Turin Base Tunnel. The goal: to cross the Alps at a low altitude, with a very gentle gradient.
This is likely one of the most ambitious projects in European long-distance rail service. Austrian Federal Railways (ÖBB), together with DB and Trenitalia, have outlined a two-phase rollout:
This would mean: Rome–Berlin in 2027, and Naples–Berlin in 2028 (pending confirmation).
We’re talking here about continuous north–south routes stretching over 1,000 km, with no need to transfer trains, and at high speeds. This would be a real game-changer for European rail, which would finally be able to cover distances comparable to those of air travel.
While Italy, Switzerland, Austria, and Germany are making a flurry of cross-border announcements, on the French side, the focus is mainly on renewing equipment, optimizing existing infrastructure, and a few symbolic reopenings…. But there are few major international developments with set dates.
SNCF is continuing to roll out the TGV M (Avelia Horizon), which are touted as having greater capacity, being more energy-efficient, and offering greater flexibility. A Good news for the domestic network, which we'll tell you more about in this article.
The interior of the new TGV M trains - © SNCF Voyageurs
Good news on the Mountain Rail Lines and Railway Heritage : the Train of Wonders is set to return. A powerful symbol of regional transportation and low-carbon tourism. If you’ve never heard of this historic line, the “Train des Merveilles” is a scenic train that connects Nice to Tende, offering views of both the sea and the mountains. After more than a year of suspension due to construction work, it’s back.
The arrival of Ouigo on the Lyon–Bordeaux route is also an interesting development, both in terms of expanding cross-modal options, lowering prices, and offering a credible alternative to cars and airplanes.
Here's more info in this article.
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Issue du monde de la communication et des médias, Sophie est Responsable éditoriale chez HOURRAIL ! depuis août 2024. Elle est notamment derrière le contenu éditorial du site ainsi que La Locomissive (de l'inspiration voyage bas carbone et des bons plans, un jeudi sur deux, gratuitement dans ta boîte mail !).
Convaincue que les changements d’habitude passent par la transformation de nos imaginaires, elle s’attache à montrer qu’il est possible de voyager autrement, de manière plus consciente, plus lente et plus joyeuse. Son objectif : rendre le slow travel accessible à toutes et tous, à travers des astuces, des décryptages et surtout, de nouveaux récits.
