All Aboard: The Most Anticipated New Train Journeys of 2026
Rail travel continues to evolve rapidly across the globe. The year 2026 will bring an exciting array of new train journeys. These range from new high-speed routes to luxurious sleeper adventures.
From revived European connections to desert luxury in Saudi Arabia, 2026 offers something for every traveler. Here is a look at the most anticipated new rail offerings launching next year.
Europe: Faster Connections and New Night Trains
Europe will see significant upgrades to its international network. A major project is the return of the Belgrade to Budapest train line. This Chinese-backed line will offer six direct services daily from March 2026, with stops in Vienna.
Journey times will shrink on other key routes. A collaboration between Czech, Danish, and German railways will launch new ComfortJet trains. They will cut travel time by three hours on the Prague to Copenhagen route. Additionally, European Sleeper will launch a new thrice-weekly Paris–Berlin night train via Amsterdam and Brussels from March.
Italian high-speed operator Frecciarossa is also seeking to expand. It has applied for licenses to run services in Germany. Future plans even include potential cross-Channel services to the UK via the Eurotunnel.
Middle East: Luxury and High-Speed Debuts
The Middle East will welcome two landmark projects. Saudi Arabia will launch the ultra-luxurious “Dream of the Desert” train. This custom-built, 41-cabin train will take passengers on a 1,200-km journey from Riyadh to the Jordanian border.
The United Arab Emirates will inaugurate the first section of its Etihad Rail network. This high-speed, heat-resistant line will connect Dubai and Abu Dhabi in just 57 minutes. The full 900-km network will eventually link all seven emirates.
North America and Asia: Iconic Expansions
In North America, the famous Rocky Mountaineer is expanding its seasonal offerings. It will add new “Passage to the Peaks” itineraries through the Canadian Rockies for June and July 2026. These trips include hotel stays and guided excursions.
Asia will see the launch of one of the world’s most exclusive trains. Japan’s “Seven Stars in Kyushu” luxury sleeper will begin service in March 2026. It offers multi-day itineraries exploring Kyushu island. Demand is already extraordinary, with the train reportedly booked out until February 2027.
2026 promises to be a transformative year for train travel. These new journeys will redefine connectivity, luxury, and adventure on rails across continents.
