13 Of The Most Exciting New Train Routes Launching In 2026, Canada Reviews

It’s been quite the year in train travel. In Europe, new overnight services have taken off across the continent (even though some were sadly axed). North America’s famous Rocky Mountaineer train was named the world’s best rail journey, while over in Asia, China and Vietnam were finally connected by sleeper train after a five-year hiatus.

Travelling by train is climate-friendly, offers unparalleled views, and makes the journey itself sometimes more impressive than the destination. Passengers are spoilt for choice with luxury carriages to sleeper trains (where you also save on a night’s accommodation) and everything in between.

The good news is that train travel is only picking up steam, rather than slowing down, next year. All sorts of new routes, from Europe and the UK, to Canada and the UAE, are set to leave the station for the very first time. From five-star trips to the Amalfi Coast to a new coastal connection in Cornwall, here are 13 of the most exciting new train routes launching in 2026.

The UAE

It’s been a long time coming, but next year a passenger train will finally connect all seven emirates. The 900km-long Ethiad Rail will travel through 11 cities and regions across the UAE – from Al Sila in the west to Fujairah in the east – passing through Ruwais, Al Mirfa, Sharjah, Al Dhaid, Abu Dhabi, and Dubai. Comfort is key, with each train offering a range of amenities and entertainment, from an advanced air-conditioning system to charging stations. But fear not, it doesn’t necessarily come with a high price tag as there are options for every type of budget and traveller with three different classes: economy, family and first class.

Seville to Madrid

Fancy a bit of luxury? Then book yourself onto the Al Andalus train, where you can enjoy the splendour of the Spanish countryside from your opulent carriage, previously used by the British Royal Family. The 7-day journey from Seville to Madrid next spring includes bucket-list destinations, like the UNESCO World Heritage city of Toledo and charming villages. That’s if you can bear to peel yourself away from the train, which doubles as a five-star hotel with a glamorous salon to sip the finest cocktails, a fully kitted-out games bar and two high-end restaurants serving traditional Spanish cuisine. 

Paris to the Amalfi Coast

The Venice-Simplon-Orient Express is in a league of its own. Synonymous with opulence and old-world glamour, they’ve managed to top themselves with a new luxury route from Paris (chic) to the Amalfi Coast (even chicer). Starting from May 2, 2026, the once-in-a-lifetime journey will include stops in Pompeii and the lavish Caruso hotel in Positano for a two-night stay. Of course, all the Orient Express’ signature flourishes will be present and correct, including painstakingly preserved 1920s carriages and world-class service. A word of warning: you might just need to win the lottery to snag a ticket, as it will set you back around £8,600. 

Alberta and British Columbia in Canada

One of the best trains in the world has got even better for 2026. That’s right, the Rocky Mountaineer is rolling out a new route next year, which ventures through the Canadian provinces of Alberta and British Columbia, rather than the typical journey through the West Coast. Expect jaw-dropping scenery, from glacial lakes to deep valleys, all visible from the Mountaineer’s unrivalled panoramic glass roof. Stops, meanwhile, include the picture-perfect alpine towns, Banff and Jasper. You’ll want to be quick, though, as the limited edition route is only available to book for June and July. 

Birmingham to Scotland

Options for sleeper trains are limited in the UK – currently, there are only two services – but that’s about to change next year. For the first time, the Caledonian Sleeper has announced it will extend its Highlander route to Birmingham; previously, it shuttled from Scotland to London. On board, you can choose from a single bunk bed, a reclining chair or a luxurious double bed with an en-suite and on-board shower. The best bit? The timetable, which kicks in from January 15, 2026, is the opposite of restricted, with journeys running five nights a week, except Saturday, and organised passengers can book trips up to a year in advance.

Prague, Berlin and Copenhagen

For the ultimate European jaunt, look no further than the new route from Czech Railways, Deutsche Bahn, and Danish State Railways, which is hitting the tracks from as soon as May 1, 2026. The service is connecting Europe’s three coolest capitals – Prague, Berlin and Copenhagen – so you can stock up on Danish smørrebrød, meander around Prague Castle and hit up Berlin’s infamous club Berghain all in one trip. The trains themselves can travel up to 230km per hour and seat 555 people, with 99 of those in first class. On board, passengers will find a dining car and even a cinema area for a truly unforgettable journey. 

Boston to New York

Travellers hoping to travel from Boston to Manhattan by rail currently have two options, both with caveats: a fast, but expensive train or one that’s cheaper but slower. That tough decision will be no more, though, with AmeriStarRail’s proposed LibertyLiner250, a high-speed train that’s easy on the wallet. Slated to launch next year, the LibertyLiner250 would include hourly express runs between Boston, New York and Washington D.C., plus free seats for kids under 18 travelling with an adult or senior. For more indulgence, there are first-class seats too, which come with massage chairs to melt your knots away. Basically, it’s a winner all round. 

Paris to Munich

Another European train service? Yes please. The rail revival in Europe is here to stay, with yet another route to entice passengers, launching by the end of 2026. This time, a high-speed train will connect Paris to the Bavarian capital of Munich. That means passengers can indulge in a croissant and black coffee in the French capital in the morning before heading to one of Munich’s famed beer halls to cheers a stein (or two) later on in the day. It really sounds like the perfect day – and all you need is a train ticket.  

Kuala Lumpur to Bangkok

At the end of this year, a long-awaited direct train linking two of Asia’s finest capitals – Kuala Lumpur and Bangkok – is hitting the tracks. The route will link Kuala Lumpur, Butterworth, Padang Besar and Bangkok, but there are also talks of extending the line from Su-ngai Kolok on the Thailand border with two places in Malaysia: Rantau Panjand and Pasir Mas. Long story short, 2026 will be the year for a rail jaunt around Asia.

Basel to Malmö

Next spring, Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) is launching a brand-new sleeper service between Basel, Copenhagen, and the Swedish city of Malmö. The route between Scandinavia and Switzerland is set to change the game in Northern European travel, with space for 350 people across beds and seats. Trains will leave Basel at 5.35pm every Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday, and will arrive at their final destination (Malmö) at 9.35am the next day. The service is launching on April 16, 2026.

Falmouth to Newquay

The UK has yet to reach the zenith of European train travel, but it’s giving it a good stab in the coming year. Case in point: a new train service will soon link two of Cornwall’s most popular beach towns, Falmouth and Newquay. This is a big deal as Cornish transport has a reputation for being, well, a bit non-existent. The current alternative is multiple trains and buses, totalling more than two and a half hours. Essential for locals, and excellent for tourists, this new route will make journeying through Cornwall an absolute breeze rather than a dark storm. 

Brussels, Barcelona and Milan

We weren’t joking when we said European train routes are spreading like wildflowers. So, here are another two for you in 2026. Plans are currently underway for the European Sleeper to launch services from Brussels to Barcelona and from Brussels to Milan. It’s not clear yet which will come first, but European Sleeper co-founder Chris Engelsman said one will likely run at the end of 2026, while the other will launch in 2027. Eventually, both sleepers will depart three times a week. Fingers crossed things stay on track for an epic double grand opening. 

Stirling to London

Stirling, the historic Scottish city, is about to become even easier to visit thanks to a new route from London Euston. Operated by low-cost rail company Lumo, the service is set to launch from mid-2026 and will be a more price-friendly option than the Caledonian Sleeper. En route, stops will include the likes of Lockerbie, Carlisle, Preston and Nuneaton, plus a whole host more, meaning a truck-load (or carriage-load?) of passengers will be able to jump on board to explore the delights of hidden gem Stirling. 

These are the world’s most beautiful train stations, according to a prestigious architecture award.