As flight-free travel gains momentum, European train journeys are experiencing a renaissance. With countries across the EU investing in railways, travelers now have better and faster options for exploring Europe by train. Not only does train travel provide a more sustainable alternative to flying, but it also offers scenic routes and the opportunity to experience the charm of various cities along the way. Here is a detailed list of new European train routes planned for 2023 and 2024, categorized by country.

Austria

Vienna to Paris with Nightjet

Austrian national rail firm ÖBB has been at the forefront of Europe's sleeper train revival with its Nightjet service since 2016. In late 2021, ÖBB launched a new route between Vienna and Paris, connecting the two cities via Salzburg and Munich. The journey takes approximately 14 hours and operates three times a week in both directions. Prices range from around €30 for a seat to €120 and up for a private compartment. In summer 2023, Nightjet plans to introduce new-generation trains that offer first-class flight-like comfort, including amenities such as wireless charging stations, free Wi-Fi, bicycle and snow sports equipment storage, and private compartments with showers and toilets.

Vienna to Genoa and La Spezia with Nightjet

Nightjet's new 2023 timetable includes an extension of its Vienna/Munich service to Milan, Genoa, and La Spezia in Italy. From these cities, travelers can continue their journey to destinations like Monaco, Nice, and Cinque Terre.

Belgium

Brussels to Berlin via Amsterdam with European Sleeper

The long-anticipated European Sleeper, a Belgian-Dutch social cooperative, launched its first route from Brussels to Berlin via Amsterdam on 25 May. Passengers can conveniently travel from Brussels to other major European cities like Paris, London, Prague, and Warsaw with just one change. The European Sleeper aims to extend its service to Dresden and Prague by 2024.

Liège to Aachen and Maastricht with Arriva, SNCB, and NS (December 2023)

A new three-country train service will link Aachen in Germany, Liège in Belgium, and Maastricht in the Netherlands. This collaboration between Arriva, SNCB, and NS will provide improved connectivity and seamless travel options for passengers in the region.

Czech Republic

Prague to Zurich with ČD

České dráhy (ČD), the Czech Republic's national rail operator, launched a new sleeper service in December 2022, connecting Prague to Zurich with stops at Frankfurt and Basel along the way. The overnight journey takes just under 14 hours and offers various fare options, ranging from six-bed couchettes to deluxe sleeper compartments with en-suite toilets and showers. Prices for a berth in a six-bed couchette start from €49.90.

France

Paris to Aurillac with SNCF (December 2023)

The Paris-Aurillac night train, which ceased operations in the early 2000s, is set to make a comeback later this year. SNCF Voyageurs has announced that Le Pyrénéen and L'Occitan night trains will connect the French capital with the south-central commune of Aurillac from 10 December 2023. The service will operate daily during holiday periods and on Friday and Sunday evenings in each direction during other times. This initiative is part of a wider plan to relaunch night trains in France, including the Paris-Nice and Paris-Lourdes services.

Paris to Berlin with TGV (2024)

France and Germany have announced the launch of a new TGV train route between Paris and Berlin, scheduled to start running in 2024. This high-speed link will significantly reduce travel time and allow passengers to complete the journey in around seven hours, eliminating the need to change trains at intermediate stations such as Cologne or Frankfurt.

Paris to Venice with Midnight Trains (2025)

French startup Midnight Trains, supported by the European Commission, plans to introduce a new night train service from Paris to Venice via Milan starting in 2025. This connection will make it faster and more convenient for UK travelers to reach Italy by train.

Paris to Madrid with Trenitalia (starts late 2024)

FS Italiane Group, the owner of Italy's national state-owned railway Trenitalia, has announced plans for a new high-speed Frecciarossa train connection between Paris and Madrid. The service is projected to launch in late 2024 and will link Paris with Barcelona, where an existing high-speed service already operates to the Spanish capital. There are hints of additional services in the future, potentially connecting Madrid with Italy via France.

Germany

Berlin to Stockholm with Snälltåget

Swedish railway company Snälltåget has rerouted its Berlin to Malmö train service through Hamburg and Denmark, extending it all the way to Stockholm. The full journey takes just under 17 hours, with prices starting from around €50 for the direct service.

Munich to Genoa and La Spezia with Nightjet

Nightjet's new 2023 timetable extends its Vienna/Munich service to Genoa and La Spezia in Italy. From these cities, travelers can continue their journey to popular destinations like Monaco, Nice, and Cinque Terre.

Stuttgart to Zagreb and Rijeka with Nightjet and EuroNight

Nightjet has expanded its sleeper train service from Munich to Venice, Ljubljana, and Zagreb to now include Stuttgart, Germany, in its 2023 timetable. Seasonally, the route will also run to the coastal Croatian city of Rijeka, offering a total journey time of approximately 15 hours. The Nightjet train to Venice travels via Munich, Salzburg, and Treviso, while the service to the Croatian and Slovenian capitals is operated by Croatian Railways HŽ and Slovenian Railways SŽ under ÖBB's EuroNight brand.

Brussels to Berlin with European Sleeper

Details mentioned above.

Liège to Aachen and Maastricht with Arriva, SNCB, and NS (December 2023)

Details mentioned above.

Italy

Genoa to Naples with NTV Italo

Italian high-speed rail company NTV Italo launched a new service in late 2021, connecting Genoa in Italy's northwest to Naples in the south. The journey takes just under seven hours, and return tickets start from around €80.

Milan to Paris with Frecciarossa

In late 2021, Frecciarossa, the high-speed arm of Italian national train operator Trenitalia, introduced a new train service between Milan and Paris. This swanky new train offers a faster and more luxurious travel experience compared to previous services on this route, with a journey time of just under seven hours. Tickets are available from as low as €29, but travelers can opt for an "executive" fare for a more comfortable experience in a plush armchair.

Portugal

Porto to Lisbon and Vigo with the Iberian high-speed rail network (construction starting in 2024)

Portugal has approved plans for a high-speed rail line connecting Lisbon, Porto, and Vigo in Spain. This new line, part of the wider Iberian high-speed rail network, will significantly reduce travel time between Porto and Lisbon to just 1 hour and 15 minutes, compared to the current journey of nearly 3 hours. The new rail link will enhance connectivity within Portugal and facilitate travel between the Portuguese cities and Vigo in Spain.

Netherlands

Amsterdam to Austria with TUI's Ski Express

Snow sports enthusiasts can look forward to a new overnight train service between Amsterdam and several of Austria's popular ski resorts. TUI's "Ski Express" will depart from Amsterdam every Friday night between 23 December and 31 March. The train will make stops at Utrecht before heading directly to Austria, offering a convenient and sustainable transportation option for winter sports enthusiasts.

Amsterdam to Zurich with Nightjet

Austrian-led night train pioneer Nightjet launched a route between Amsterdam and Zurich in late 2021. Departing at 8:30 pm, the train arrives in Zurich at 8:05 am the next morning. Passengers can choose from various sleeping options, including couchettes starting from around €60 and sleeper cabins starting from around €120.

Liège to Aachen and Maastricht with Arriva, SNCB, and NS (December 2023)

Details mentioned above.

Amsterdam to Barcelona with European Sleeper (Spring 2025)

Dutch-Belgian train operator European Sleeper plans to introduce a new night train service from Amsterdam to Barcelona in spring 2025. This new route will significantly improve north-south rail connections in Europe, providing travelers with a comfortable and sustainable alternative to flying.

Amsterdam to Berlin with Qbuzz (January 2027)

Qbuzz, taking advantage of the EU's "open access" railway package, has applied for three new train connections: Amsterdam to Eindhoven, Amsterdam to Berlin, and Amsterdam to Paris. Pending approval by the Netherlands Authority for Consumers and Markets (ACM), these routes could become operational from January 2027, enhancing rail connectivity between these major European cities.

Spain

Madrid to Alicante and Valencia with Ouigo, Avlo, and Iryo

SNCF-owned Ouigo launched a new high-speed, low-cost route between Madrid and Valencia in November 2022. From summer 2023, the service will be extended to Alicante. tickets will cost around €30 after the launch period. Renfe's Aryo is set to compete with Ouigo by launching its own Madrid to Alicante service on 27 March, with fares starting at just €7. Additionally, Iryo will launch a similar service on 2 June. Ouigo plans to expand its service further to Cordoba, Seville, Malaga, and the Costa del Sol in 2023 and 2024.

Barcelona to Madrid with Iryo

In November 2022, Iryo, a consortium between Spanish airline Air Nostrum and Italian train company Trenitalia, introduced a new high-speed rail service between Barcelona and Madrid. With 16 return trains daily, the journey between the two cities takes as little as 2.5 hours each way and costs just €18. Starting from 31 March 2023, Iryo will also operate a service between Malaga, Madrid, and Cordoba, further improving travel options in southern Spain. Renfe's Avlo will join the market in June 2023, linking Madrid with Malaga and Seville.

Madrid to Marseille via Barcelona with Renfe (mid 2023)

Spain's state-owned rail network, Renfe, plans to launch new high-speed AVE services to France in 2023. Trains are expected to initially operate on alternate days, with an eventual increase to twice a day. This new route will provide a convenient and efficient connection between Madrid, Barcelona, and Marseille.

Barcelona to Lyon via Montpellier and Nimes with Renfe (mid 2023)

Renfe's expansion into France includes another new route set to launch later this year, connecting Barcelona and Lyon. This service will further enhance rail travel options between Spain and France, promoting sustainable and convenient cross-border travel. Additional routes to Paris are expected to be introduced by the end of the year.

Slovenia

Ljubljana to Budapest with Hungarian Railways

Launched in December 2021, the Hungarian Railways train from Ljubljana, Slovenia, to Budapest, Hungary, offers a scenic ride through Graz, Austria. The journey takes approximately 7.5 hours, and ticket prices start as low as €16 each way, making it an affordable and picturesque way to travel between these two European capitals.

Sweden

Stockholm to Hamburg with SJ EuroNight

Launched in September 2022, the Stockholm Central to Hamburg-Altona night train is powered by renewable energy. Departing daily at 5:30 pm, it arrives at 6:30 am the next morning, passing through Copenhagen along the way. Travelers can choose from various options, including seats in a carriage starting from €25, beds in shared compartments starting at €45, and private compartments for two people with a sink starting at €165. Private compartments for one-to-three people come with their own shower, toilet, and breakfast, with prices starting from around €205. Pet-friendly train compartments are also available. Combined with existing Eurostar and Deutsche Bahn services, this train can be used to travel from London to Stockholm in less than 24 hours.

Switzerland

Zurich to Rome with Nightjet

Nightjet announced in a 2020 press conference its plan to launch a new night train service between Zurich and Rome in winter 2022. This connection will expand Nightjet's existing routes, which currently include Vienna, Salzburg, Villach, and Munich, and provide travelers with an exciting overnight option to explore both Switzerland and Italy.

United Kingdom

London to Bordeaux with HS1 (approximately 2026)

High Speed 1 (HS1), the operator of the Channel Tunnel railway line in the UK, is preparing to launch a new route from London to Bordeaux. Currently, passengers traveling from London to Bordeaux must pass through Paris, resulting in a journey time of almost six hours. The new line will bypass the French capital and reduce travel time to approximately five hours, offering a more efficient and direct connection between London and the renowned wine region of Bordeaux.

With these new European train routes, travelers have a plethora of exciting flight-free travel options to explore in 2023 and 2024. Whether it's enjoying the comfort of a sleeper train, experiencing breathtaking scenic routes, or discovering the charm of European cities along the way, train travel continues to provide an eco-friendly and convenient way to explore the continent.