by It’s getting easier to travel around Europe without flying, thanks to several new train routes launched at a time when some governments are making every effort to reduce aviation-related emissions. France, for example, has banned domestic flights where rail journeys of less than two and a half hours are possible, and the EU plans to double its spending on high-speed rail by 2030.
Among the new routes to be launched in 2024 are intercity services making holidays to two European centers a breeze to sleeper trains that provide easy access to world-class ski resorts in cities such as Amsterdam. On this occasion, we focus on routes between destinations on the continent, although we will soon benefit from new rail links in the UK – Eurostar rival Evolyn recently announced plans for a high-speed Tunnel rail service Launch of a channel between London St Pancras and Paris Nord in 2025.
Here are the current hot tickets for anyone planning to ride the rails in 2024.
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Brussels to Prague to sleep Europe
Launch date: 25 March 2024
A European Sleeper night train service launched from Brussels in early 2023 but rail infrastructure work meant it could only reach the German capital – until now. From March 2024 it will run from Brussels to Prague, with a journey time of around 15 hours and will stop in Amsterdam and Berlin. Keep an eye out for more European Sleep routes – including ones between the Netherlands and the French Alps, and Amsterdam and Barcelona – in 2025. A word of warning – don’t expect takeaway services and chocolates on your pillow. There are three classes of cabins, and the trains are best described as favorite trains – European Sleeper relied heavily on decommissioned train carriages that were given a quick spruce up and brought back to life. On the plus side, the company has promised new trains – and maybe even chocolate on your pillow – in the near future.
Berlin to Paris with ÖBB Nightjet
Launch date: 11 December 2023
If a decommissioned German train carriage doesn’t do it for you, the next option may be more appealing. In early December 2023, ÖBB Nightjet launched its new Berlin to Paris route, which operates three times a week and stops in Strasbourg, eastern France. Cabin options range from a standard compartment seat to slick bunkbed couchettes with space for up to six people and, at the top end, mini cabins for solos and couples. It is also worth noting that ÖBB Nightjet plans to turn the route into a daily route in late 2024.
Amsterdam to Austria via Germany with Ski Express TUI
Launch date: 23 December 2023
This winter it will be even easier to get to the ski slopes of Austria, thanks to the new TUI ski service, which connects Amsterdam to Austria via Cologne and Frankfurt. Cabin options range from economy to private comfort – one of these reservations includes the perks of a sink (okay, not necessarily the most exciting amenities, admittedly) and butler service. But a word of warning for those who might miss their stop – if you’re bound for Austria, it’s worth remembering that the train splits in the Austrian city of Wörgl before serving two different ski resorts: the Tyrol regions and Salzburger of Austria in Austria.
Liège to Maastricht via Aachen with Arriva, SNCB and NS
Launch date: December 2023
This particular train, which will operate a tri-country route between Belgium, the Netherlands and Germany, and is a collaboration between three train companies, has been a long time coming. The route was unveiled in 2019 but Belgian authorities scrapped plans for it to pass through the country due to safety concerns – in particular, the insistence that all trains would need a European safety system called ETCS. It is finally being rolled out in December 2023, and Liège and Aachen’s status as major high-speed rail hubs means that it will be much easier for travelers to access a large number of additional cities, including Cologne, Frankfurt, Berlin, Brussels and Paris. .
Brussels to Amsterdam with SNCB and NS
Launch date: December 2024
Full disclosure – this one has been around for a while, but its status as one of Europe’s most popular train routes is why train companies Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS) and Belgian carrier SNCB have announced that the number of services will be doubled this time next year. . New trains have also been ordered for the route, with shorter journey times and fewer stops on the additional services which will launch in December 2024. Passengers can expect to travel between the two cities in just under two an hour, cutting 45 minutes off the current journey time.
Rome to Cortina d’Ampezzo with FS Treni Turistici Italiani
Launch date: 15 December 2023
Italy’s powder stashes are a lot easier to get to from winter 2023, thanks to a new night train connecting Rome to Cortina d’Ampezzo, one of Italy’s most snow-sure ski resorts. The new route has a range of cabin options from single berth cabins to six sleepers, and there is a dining car and bar on the train. The 220-bed sleeper train will leave Rome at 9.40pm every Friday, arriving at Calalzo, a short bus ride from Cortina d’Ampezzo, around 8am the following morning (this early start is why we recommend against the grappa-fuelled nights). at the bar of the train).
Paris to Madrid with FS Italiane Group
Launch date: end of 2024
The exact launch date of this new service has not yet been confirmed, although we do know that it is currently scheduled to launch in late 2024 and will be run by Italy’s state-owned national railway, Trenitalia – a subsidiary of FS Italiane Group. Trenitalia’s high-speed Frecciarossa (meaning red arrow) trains will be used for the route and with a top speed of 249mph, journey times are thought to come in at just under seven hours. Brioche for breakfast and broken at tea time? Sounds like a no-brainer.
Northern and Southern Italy with Orient Express
Launch date: end of 2024
First of all, to clear things up: this Orient Express is not the Orient Express company that became Belmond in 2014 but a separate entity (owned by hotel behemoths Accor) that specializes in luxury trains and will hotels soon. Confused? Us too. But back to the important stuff. Orient Express will launch a new super luxurious train, The Dolce Vitain 2024. The exact dates are yet to be confirmed, but there will be six routes available and this luxury train line is not about high-speed train travel, but about carefully curated itineraries that loop between northern and southern destinations. Italy, including Rome and Venice, where the Orient Express group will unveil its first hotels in 2024.
Read more on our selection of rail journeys
