New train lines in Europe: connections expected in 2026

Written by Sophie Renassia

Published yesterday

Long-distance night trains, new cross-border connections, the arrival of low-cost rail operators, strengthened services to Italy, Scandinavia and Central Europe… After a year 2025 already rich in announcements and new routes, 2026 is shaping up to be another big year for European rail.

In short, even if progress can still feel too slow (especially for night trains in Europe) and ticket prices remain far from fair, rail seems to be steadily gaining ground on aviation. And that, obviously, we love.

In this article, we take you on a tour of the new train lines announced for 2026 in Europe. For each, you’ll find the project and its context, the announced launch date (when available), planned stops, and of course a note of caution when information is still uncertain or dependent on public funding. All aboard.

Between low-cost rail and the great return (and battles) of night trains

GO VOLTA: the “easyJet of rail” arrives in Europe

We start strong with GoVolta, the Dutch start-up dreaming of becoming the easyJet of European rail. Its bet? Offering very low-cost long-distance journeys (from €10 announced), even if that means being a little slower than high-speed trains.

GoVolta want to launch three routes for 2026:

• Amsterdam – Berlin: from 19 March 2026
• Amsterdam – Hamburg: from 20 March 2026 (3 times a week initially, ramping up to daily service in summer 2026)
• Amsterdam – Paris: announced for December 2026

© GoVolta

The model is clear: slower trains, optimised costs, and rock-bottom prices. An approach that could further democratise international rail travel—if the project delivers on its promises.

The return of the Paris – Berlin night train (European Sleeper), from 26 March 2026

European Sleeper continues its expansion. After Brussels–Berlin–Dresden–Prague, the operator recently announced a new Paris–Berlin night train. This follows the cancellation of the former Paris–Berlin night service operated by ÖBB and SNCF Voyageurs, due to insufficient French state subsidies. After massive mobilisation (nearly 100,000 signatures on the “Oui au train de nuit” petition), the Belgian-Dutch company stepped in as an alternative.

• When? Launch announced for 26 March 2026 (tickets on sale since December 2025)
• Frequency? 3 round trips per week

© European Sleeper

For more information: see our dedicated article “Paris-Berlin night train: European Sleeper announces the relaunch of the line for March 2026.”

Brussels / Amsterdam – Milan (European Sleeper), June 2026

Another major announcement from European Sleeper: a night train from Amsterdam – Brussels – Milan, via Germany (Cologne) and Switzerland (Bern). In other words, you’ll be able to fall asleep in Brussels (easily reachable from Paris with OUIGO from €10, for example) and wake up in Germany, Switzerland or Italy!

© European Sleeper

• When? Launch announced for 18 June 2026
• Route? Netherlands → Belgium → Germany → Switzerland → Italy

A strategic link reconnecting northern Europe to Italy overnight, with huge potential for low-carbon tourism.

And to go further, don’t miss our interview with European Sleeper.

France – Switzerland: Marseille – Geneva / Lausanne (TGV Lyria), service strengthened in 2026

TGV Lyria launched a seasonal summer service between French-speaking Switzerland and Marseille in 2025. Good news: the offer is being reinforced in 2026.

• When? From 16 April to 2 November 2026 (instead of late June to late August)
• Frequency? Daily in July/August, Thursday to Monday outside peak season

Great news to make Switzerland–Mediterranean trips by train even easier.

Switzerland – Italy: new direct connections

Zurich – Florence / Livorno (SBB/CFF), 2026

SBB/CFF and Trenitalia have confirmed their intention to launch direct daytime services from Zurich to Florence and Livorno.

• When? Announced target: 2026 (no precise date yet)

A major step forward for transalpine connections without transfers.

Zurich – Rome (SBB/CFF), under study for 2026

The same logic applies to a direct Zurich–Rome daytime service, announced as a goal to reach by 2026. A project aligned with the rollout of Frecciarossa services to Austria and Germany.

That said, SBB currently mention rolling stock constraints. So: to be followed closely.

Italy – Germany: Milan – Munich & Rome – Munich (Trenitalia, DB and ÖBB), December 2026

Yes, Trenitalia, Deutsche Bahn and ÖBB have announced Frecciarossa high-speed services between Munich and Milan, and Munich and Rome.

• When? Initially announced for December 2026, but some specialised sources now mention a possible delay to early 2027
• Frequency? Daily services announced
• Route? Via the Brenner Pass

Announced journey times:

• Milan – Munich: ~6h30
• Rome – Munich: ~8h30

A real revolution for transalpine travel—and a serious competitor to air travel.

France – Italy: return of the vintage Marseille – Rome night train, 2026

The return of the Espresso Riviera Marseille – Rome

After its success in summer 2025, the seasonal night train Espresso Riviera is expected back in summer 2026.

• When? Likely from June 2026, with at least two round trips per week (including one at the weekend), but the timetable is still to be confirmed.

And the Espresso Monaco Rome – Munich?

Espresso Riviera has a little brother since late 2025: Espresso Monaco, linking Rome and Munich. Operated by FS Treni Turistici Italiani, this tourist night train was launched for Oktoberfest and Christmas markets 2025. For now, it remains an event-based service. No confirmation yet for 2026, but an announcement could come closer to autumn 2026.

Germany – Belgium: Cologne – Brussels – Antwerp (Deutsche Bahn), September 2026

A new direct ICE service between Cologne and Antwerp (via Brussels Airport) has been announced by Deutsche Bahn.

• When? Commercial launch announced for 7 September 2026, subject to Belgian approvals
• Frequency? Two round trips per day

A much-awaited line to strengthen the Rhine–Benelux axis.

Central Europe – Scandinavia: Prague – Berlin – Hamburg – Copenhagen (ČD, DB, DSB), May 2026

A new direct daytime service Prague – Berlin – Hamburg – Copenhagen, operated jointly by ČD, DB and DSB with ComfortJet trains, has been announced for spring 2026.

• When? 1 May 2026, once major works on the Berlin–Hamburg line are completed
• Frequency? Two daily round trips year-round
• Journey times: ~7h Berlin–Copenhagen, ~11h Prague–Copenhagen

A true north–south continuity through Central Europe.

And that's not all: in addition to the new connections, the Hamburg–Copenhagen line, the backbone of rail transport to Scandinavia, is also benefiting from significant investment in rolling stock.

Germany–Denmark: Hamburg–Copenhagen is being modernized with new EuroCity trains

A major rail link between continental Europe and Scandinavia, the Hamburg–Copenhagen route is undergoing a significant upgrade. Since the end of 2025, new EuroCity Talgo 230 trains have been gradually introduced by Danish operator DSB on this route.

These new trains offer increased capacity, modern interiors (Wi-Fi, power sockets, accessibility, luggage/bike storage) and greater comfort for long-distance international journeys. This is very good news for the attractiveness of daytime train travel to Scandinavia.

• When will this happen? The first trains will enter service in early November 2025, with the fleet being rolled out gradually in 2026.
• How often will they run? Initially, there will be two return trips per day.
• Which destinations will be served? Hamburg – Schleswig – Padborg – Kolding – Odense – Ringsted – Copenhagen.

This modernization is part of a broader effort to strengthen the Germany-Scandinavia axis, which will be further transformed in the medium term with the opening of the Fehmarnbelt tunnel scheduled for 2029.

The opinion of Marc, our CPO: “Having taken the old 6-hour train with no power outlets or bar car, this is a very welcome investment!”

Expansion of the Polish network, April 2026

A new private player could shake up the Polish market: RegioJet, which launched Kraków–Warsaw in September 2025. In 2026, the operator plans a full commercial rollout including:

• Warsaw
• Gdańsk / Gdynia
• Other major axes

In parallel, new international and night services involving Poland are also announced for 2026.

Hungary – Serbia: Budapest – Belgrade finally back in service?

The long-awaited Budapest–Belgrade line, under construction for years, is expected to reopen in early 2026.

• When? The Serbian section has been in service since October 2025; the Hungarian part is expected to be completed by 20 February 2026, according to the Hungarian minister. Most sources, however, speak more cautiously of “sometime in 2026”.
• Frequency? Several daily direct trains announced (3 to 6 from spring 2026 according to sources, but still to be confirmed)

Also: lines announced but uncertain or cancelled

Paris – Vienna night train: still in limbo

Despite nearly 100,000 signatures opposing its cancellation, no operator has yet officially committed to relaunching the Paris–Vienna night train.

Basel – Copenhagen – Malmö (SBB/CFF): cancelled due to lack of funding

Announced as the first direct night train between Switzerland and Scandinavia, this EuroNight project made headlines… before hitting budget reality. €47 million in subsidies were required. In October 2025, SBB confirmed the service would not be launched due to lack of approved funding.

A textbook case of night trains’ dependence on public subsidies.

And after 2026?

Some projects won’t be ready in 2026, but they will completely reshape European rail in the years that follow.

Fehmarnbelt Tunnel (Denmark – Germany): opening planned for 2029

An 18 km immersed tunnel linking Denmark and Germany, combining rail and road. Travel time Hamburg–Copenhagen will drop from ~4h30 to ~2h30, making rail far more competitive than air.

Brenner Base Tunnel (Austria – Italy): horizon 2032

A 64 km tunnel between Innsbruck and Fortezza. A key project to increase capacity and speed on the north–south axis and make Germany–Italy rail truly competitive.

Lyon – Turin base tunnel: horizon 2033

A highly controversial project in France, aiming to cross the Alps at low altitude with minimal gradients.

ÖBB Rome – Berlin (2027) / Naples – Berlin (2028)

An extremely ambitious project by ÖBB with DB and Trenitalia, aiming for continuous high-speed north–south services over 1,000 km.

And in France, where do we stand?

While Italy, Switzerland, Austria and Germany multiply cross-border announcements, France is mostly focused on rolling stock renewal and optimising existing services.

Arrival of the new TGV M

SNCF continues the rollout of the new TGV M (Avelia Horizon), more capacious, energy-efficient and modular. Good news for the domestic network, which we discuss in more detail in this article.

Inside new TGV M - © SNCF Voyageurs

Return of the “Train des Merveilles”

The iconic scenic line between Nice and Tende is back after more than a year of works.

• When? Back in service since 15 December 2025, with at least two weekday and three weekend round trips.

New Ouigo Lyon – Bordeaux

Ouigo is coming to the Lyon–Bordeaux axis in mid-2027, one daily round trip, offering a credible alternative to car and plane. More infos in this article.

Written by Sophie Renassia

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.

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