Tourist Trains Return Summer 2026 with New Routes & Schedules

Rail travel renaissance brings sleek upgrades, direct connections, and summer specials across Europe and the U.S.

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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The world is rediscovering the joys of train travel, fueled by concerns about climate change and a desire for more convenient, comfortable journeys. As air travel faces increasing scrutiny, rail services are experiencing a renaissance, with fresh routes, luxury options, and a renewed focus on scenic experiences. Europe is leading the charge in revitalizing rail travel, with a high-speed network aiming to connect the continent's capitals by 2040 and a resurgence in popular night train services. Beyond Europe, the Baltic states, Northern Portugal, Serbia, Montenegro, and Spain are becoming more accessible by rail. In the United States, Amtrak offers a cost-effective way to see the country, with cross-country fares starting as low as $199 and scenic routes like the California Zephyr. The trend of expanding rail options is expected to continue throughout 2026, with sleek upgrades, direct connections, and summer specials returning.

Why it matters

The resurgence of rail travel reflects a growing desire for sustainable, comfortable, and scenic journeys. As train networks expand and new routes emerge, more travelers are choosing to embrace the romance and convenience of the rails, reducing their carbon footprint and enjoying unique experiences along the way.

The details

Europe is leading the charge in revitalizing rail travel, with a high-speed network aiming to connect the continent's capitals by 2040 and a resurgence in popular night train services. A key route linking Paris, Berlin, and Vienna, previously threatened with cancellation due to funding issues, has been secured by European Sleeper, a Dutch-Belgian railway company founded in 2021. The company will take over the route starting in March 2026 and will also launch new night train services between Amsterdam, Brussels, Bern, and Milan in June 2026. In the United Kingdom, the Caledonian Sleeper is introducing a new overnight route from Birmingham to the Scottish Highlands in January 2026, marking the first addition of a calling point in over 30 years. England is also seeing the arrival of its first luxury sleeper train, the Britannic Explorer. Beyond Europe, the Baltic states are becoming increasingly accessible by train, with improved connections and optimized timetables. Travelers can now journey from Vilnius, Lithuania, through Latvia and Estonia, reaching Tallinn in approximately 10 hours. In the United States, Amtrak offers a cost-effective way to see the country, with cross-country fares starting as low as $199 and scenic routes like the California Zephyr.

  • In March 2026, European Sleeper will take over the Paris-Berlin-Vienna route.
  • In June 2026, European Sleeper will launch new night train services between Amsterdam, Brussels, Bern, and Milan.
  • In January 2026, the Caledonian Sleeper will introduce a new overnight route from Birmingham to the Scottish Highlands.
  • In January 2026, ELRON is expected to launch a direct train linking Tallinn to Tartu and Riga.

The players

European Sleeper

A Dutch-Belgian railway company founded in 2021 that will take over the Paris-Berlin-Vienna route in March 2026 and launch new night train services between Amsterdam, Brussels, Bern, and Milan in June 2026.

Caledonian Sleeper

A train service in the United Kingdom that is introducing a new overnight route from Birmingham to the Scottish Highlands in January 2026, marking the first addition of a calling point in over 30 years.

ELRON

A rail operator expected to launch a direct train linking Tallinn to Tartu and Riga in January 2026, further enhancing connectivity in the Baltic region.

Amtrak

The national passenger railroad service of the United States, offering a cost-effective way to see the country with cross-country fares starting as low as $199 and scenic routes like the California Zephyr.

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What’s next

The trend of expanding rail options is expected to continue throughout 2026, with sleek upgrades, direct connections, and summer specials returning to offer travelers even more opportunities to experience the world by train.

The takeaway

As air travel faces increasing scrutiny, the renaissance in rail travel provides a more sustainable, comfortable, and scenic alternative for travelers seeking to explore the world. With new routes, luxury options, and a focus on the journey itself, the resurgence of train travel reflects a growing desire for a more mindful and immersive travel experience.