8 train routes in Europe to launch this year
Traveling by train in Europe (collage by RBC-Ukraine)
Train travel in Europe is becoming increasingly popular. Such trips are associated with comfort, environmental friendliness, and impressions of the scenery outside the window. In 2024, there will be new rail routes connecting different countries, according to traveloffpath.com.
- From Paris to Madrid in 7 hours
Thanks to the new route, traveling between French and Spanish cities is now more comfortable and faster than ever. The high-speed train between Paris and Barcelona will take passengers in less than 7 hours.
Although Spain has one of the best rail networks in the world, the new route will be operated by the Italian state railroad FS Italiane.
The opportunity to visit both popular cities by rail may be of interest to many tourists traveling in Europe.
Photo: FS Italiane trains in France (instagram.com/fsitaliane)
- Route from Brussels will be extended to Prague
The European Sleeper train route between Brussels, Amsterdam, and Berlin is already in operation. But starting March 25, it will be extended to include night trains to Prague.
The travel time from Brussels to Prague will take about 15 hours, which is enough time to get a good night's sleep.
The train will run three times a week. The route includes stations in Antwerp, Rotterdam, Amsterdam, Berlin and Dresden.
Photo: Prague train station (pixabay.com)
- From Amsterdam to Austria for ski vacation
The new TUI Ski Express route is a weekly direct service from Amsterdam to the Austrian Alps. Passengers bring their luggage free of charge, get a good night's sleep, and enjoy breakfast in the morning while looking out the panoramic windows at the snow-capped mountains.
The train will depart from Amsterdam at 17:30 on Friday, stopping in Utrecht, Cologne, and Frankfurt before arriving in the Austrian Alps. You can choose one of two regions as the end point of your trip: Tyrol or Salzburg.
This route is worth the trip if only for the snowy landscapes.
Photo: Night train to a ski resort (tuigroup.com)
- From Brussels to Amsterdam - updated high-speed routes
There are train travel options between Brussels and Amsterdam, but in December 2024, the NS and SNCB rail lines will launch updated direct high-speed routes between the two cities.
The number of flights on this route will also double, which is good news for those planning to visit two cities in one trip.
- From Berlin to Brussels - another overnight route
Brussels is a popular destination for new European rail connections in 2024.
The OBB night train will make several stops in Germany, including Halle, Erfurt, Cologne, and Aachen.
This train will run three days a week and will be a useful option for tourists hoping to explore Europe.
- From Liège to Maastricht through three countries
An important route will connect Belgium with Germany and the Netherlands from December 2023. The train will pass through Liege and Aachen, major high-speed train hubs. This means a wide range of connecting options for those traveling across Europe.
At the same time, the Belgian city of Liege and the Dutch city of Maastricht are beautiful and popular tourist destinations worth seeing while traveling.
Photo: A train among snow-capped mountains (pixabay.com)
- From Paris to Bourg St. Maurice for mountain lovers
A railway route with breathtaking views will be launched in December 2024.
The Ouigo train will depart from Paris and arrive in the French city of Bourg St. Maurice in the popular Les Arcs ski region in France.
The journey through the French Alps already promises incredible views, and some of the best ski slopes await passengers at their destination.
- The Rome - Cortina d'Ampezzo train will also take you to the mountains
The new night express train between Rome and Cortina d'Ampezzo will be operated by the Italian state railroad (FS Italiene).
Cortina d'Ampezzo is a luxurious ski resort in the Italian Alps. It will be more convenient to get there. The journey on this night train will last 10 hours and depart every Friday evening. This is a great option for those who want to go skiing during their trip to Italy.
It will be a comfortable train ride with compartments that can have either one or six beds. There is also a restaurant car and a bar on board.
