2026: Two New Train Routes That Will Make Your Heart Race
Meet the Pair of Railways on the Rise
We’re excited to announce two brand‑new train routes launching in 2026 that will transform how you travel—especially if you’re a football fan or simply love a good adventure.
- Route A: A scenic tour that takes you straight to the FIFA World Cup hubs. Picture yourself sipping espresso as the city skyline rolls past, all the while catching the buzz of a global stadium.
- Route B: A coastal commuter track that runs along the shoreline, perfect for those who crave sunshine, breakfast pastries, and a little local charm.
Why You’ll Love These Lines
- Travel Like a Pro: Smart schedules and comfortable seats make your journey a front‑row seat in life.
- Gamers’ Dream: Route A is your ticket to the World Cup, but even if the match isn’t here, the vibe is unforgettable.
- Nature Buffs OK: Route B delivers a breathtaking seaside view that’s perfect for Instagram‑worthy moments.
All Aboard!
Grab your ticket, bring your squad, and get ready to experience new horizons. These trains are more than just rides—they’re journeys that will feel truly alive.
The High‑Speed Dream Trip: Top 5 Luxury Trains You’ll Love
Railways are evolving into the most delightful way to escape the daily grind, offering slicker routes, snazzy upgrades, and brand‑new itineraries. Yet a few of these iron behemoths truly go the extra mile.
Five Riveting Trains That Are Worth the Ticket
- Panoramic Marvels – Swing on windows that let you see the world in a new shade of wonder.
- Opulent Sleeper Suites – Where plush beds and whisper-quiet ambiance meet velvet night skies.
- Historic Chariots – Experience the stories of yesteryears aboard rolling masterpieces.
- Future‑Forward Express – Where cutting‑edge tech bends comfort into a breath‑taking journey.
- Eco‑Conscious Journeys – Green locomotion wrapped in luxury for the planet‑smart explorer.
Upcoming Routes in 2026
Two of these stellar trains are already mapping fresh paths that will dazzle passport‑holders and train‑junkies alike.
Explore evergreen forests and glacial lakes on this panoramic Canadian route
All‑About Those Scenic Trains
Readers of Travel + Leisure have done their research, and we’re proud to unveil the top five high‑class trams that turn every commute into a mini‑adventure. Think of them as the VIP lounge on rails, complete with breathtaking views and a sprinkle of luxury.
#1 – The Rocky Mountaineer
Picture this: Canadian Rockies skyrocketing past your window, then those same majestic peaks swooping into the American imagination as you cross into Colorado and Utah. The Rocky Mountaineer is no ordinary train—it’s a ticket to the sky, literally. Its cabin design is all talking glass: full‑paneled walls and a roof that lets you soak in canyon walls that look like they were carved by an ancient artist, and mountain tops that keep your head in the clouds and hot coffee in your hand.
- Breathtaking Canadian vistas
- Colorado and Utah’s rugged charm
- 100% glass view—no need for binoculars!
Why Trenches (a.k.a. Windows) First?
The designers put the glass before the seats, so you’ll never feel the need to close the blinds, even if there’s a surprise wind gust. There’re more views than a planetarium, and our reviewers mentioned that each frame felt like a postcard from an epic movie. Say goodbye to “see‑her‑or‑scar‑her” moments; with the Rocky Mountaineer, you get to witness every mechanism of nature in high‑definition.
In Short:
Whether you’re planning your next vacation, a romantic honeymoon, or just need a mind‑blowing break, the Rocky Mountaineer offers a “see‑the‑world” experience that’s so smooth it could be a dream. Buckle up—this is the ride that says “hold on, I’m going to eat the horizon.”
All Aboard the Rocky Railway Adventure
Picture this: crystal‑clear glass panels wrap around the train and its roof, giving you a front‑row seat to the dazzling Canadian Rockies. It’s the star vibe that turns every ride on Rocky Mountaineer into a real show‑stopper.
Why the Glazing Is a Spectacle
- Unobstructed View: No windows, no ruin—just miles of azure sky and tumble‑butt mountains.
- Feels Like a Cloud: The glass panels make the cabin feel airy, almost like traveling inside a giant eye‑catcher.
- Photographer’s Bliss: Every angle is a goldmine for selfies and Instagram‑ready shots.
Vancouver to Banff: A Classic Trail
This route is a mythic pilgrimage, traveling from the bustling West Coast city of Vancouver straight into the heart of Banff’s alpine wonderland. It’s the most beloved journey in the company’s lineup—think of it as the album that never gets old.
New World’s Cup Connection
Mark your calendars: June‑July 2026 will be a wild ride! The train will line up with the biggest soccer fever in the world—FIFA World Cup matches staged in Vancouver. When the crowds are cheering, the rails will be humming, taking you between Banff, Lake Louise, and Jasper.
Passage to the Peaks: A Mountain Getaway
Introducing the “Passage to the Peaks“—the perfect expedition for anyone who loves:
- Evergreen forests that whisper stories of old trees.
- Glacial lakes shining like liquid mirrors.
- Mountains that stand tall and proud.
The company promises unforgettable sights, but they also give you full control over the length of the adventure.
Pack Your Bags
- Two‑day option: hop on, soak up the scenery, and overnight in a cosy hotel.
- Extend it: go the full nine‑night immersion and never leave the high‑altitude joy.
Get ready for a trip that’s a blend of wonder, excitement, and a dash of humor—because nothing beats riding through mountains with a smile and a full capacity for awe.
Travel like royals on the British Pullman in the UK
Chasing the Charm of the Past with British Pullman
Think of British Pullman as the ultimate time‑machine for the modern traveller—except instead of a DeLorean, you’re riding a Belmond train that glides across the UK in the style of the 1920s.
What Makes It Feel Like a Stepping Stone Back in Time
- Carriages that look like they’ve come straight out of a palace – antique marquetry, vintage lights, and upholstery that says, “I’ve seen the royal family, and I’m still comfy.”
- Atmosphere that whispers the ‘golden age of travel’ without shouting.
- Service that tells a story with every puff of steam and every click of the carriage door.
Destinations That Turn Your Trip Into a Chapter From a Travel Romance
- Historic cities that could have been the backdrop of a classic film: Bath and York.
- Stately homes that belong on a postcard: Blenheim Palace and Sandringham.
- Events that feel like a VIP invitation: the Chelsea Flower Show and the Royal Ascot.
So, hop aboard and let the British Pullman turn your ordinary journey into a heart‑warming book of rolling history.
British Pullman Claims Second Place
Second place goes to the British Pullman, run by Belmond.
More than a Train Ride
Don’t just hop on board—you’re stepping into an epicurean escapade where every meal feels like a pit stop at a posh pop‑up. Picture roasted heirloom cauliflower, a con‑fidence‑boosting trout from the Chalkstream, handmade truffles, and a cheeseboard that would make the Crown proud.
Celebrity Passengers Included
- Queen Elizabeth II
- Prince Philip
- Other royal figures who’ve once shared tracks (and forks) with us
So if you’re itching for a sensational travel experience, the British Pullman is the ticket. Grab your seat, buckle up, and let the culinary magic do the rest. Happy riding—and eating!
Sip wine in the most sophisticated surroundings on the Napa Valley Wine Train
Meet the Napa Valley Wine Train: A Classic 3rd‑Place Ride
Since the 1980s, the Napa Valley Wine Train has been a nostalgic cruise through California’s most famous vineyards. Picture this: a 100‑year‑old railcar it’s like stepping back in time, complete with antique chairs, white‑tablecloth dining, and a steady stream of fine wine.
What’s on the Menu?
- Daytime trips: 3‑, 4‑, or 6‑hour rides that pair smoothly with three‑, four‑, or seven‑course meals — or you can opt for a relaxed afternoon tea.
- Wine pairings: From a bold, full‑bodied Cabernet to a finely oak‑aged Chardonnay, all sourced from five of Napa Valley’s top AVAs.
- Evening specials: The same multi‑course dinners re‑imagined, plus a 1920s‑themed Murder Mystery dinner that’ll make you feel like a detective on the rails.
Why It’s a Must‑Try
It’s more than just a meal; it’s an experience. The wagon’s vintage décor, the scenic vineyards, and the smooth chug‑along all combine to create a memorable blend of history, hospitality, and, of course, vino. Whether you’re on a quick afternoon escape or a dreamy nighttime journey, the Wine Train delivers.
Related Adventures
- New train route to link Prague, Berlin and Copenhagen from 2026 – another boost for European travel.
- Polish railways PKP launches direct rail link from Warsaw to the Croatian coast.
Free-flowing champagne and midnight lobster rolls on the Orient Express
All Aboard the VIE: Europe’s Wandering Luxury Train
Picture this: you’re gliding down the rails in a carriage that looks straight out of a 1920s movie set. The Belmond Venice Simplon‑Orient‑Express is the king of this dreamy, midnight-to-morning extravagance, and it’s swinging its doors open for a handful of globe‑trotting overnight routes.
Popular Routes That’ll Make Your Seat Claimer Smile
- Paris Istanbul – a five‑night ride that’s basically a passport to chic history.
- Brussels Venice – a single night of pan‑European romance.
- Paris Rome – one night, two legendary capitals.
Why the VIE Is the Gap‑Year of Rail Travel
It’s not just the route that impresses; it’s the entire mood. The carriages, borrowed straight from the roaring twenties and thirties, are decked out with:
- Refined marquetry carved into every wall.
- René Lalique glassware that glows like a polished night.
- Art Deco fan‑shaped lamps that give off a vintage spotlight.
Every train-ride is a feel‑good, unabashed indulgence that screams “yes, I’ve earned this” without looking back. The Belmond VIE transports passengers not just through time, but through an opulent, perfectly curated experience that will have you laughing at how much you’re willing to pay for a ticket that feels like a luxury hotel on rails.
All aboard the Glamorous Venice Simplon‑Orient‑Express!
Step aboard and feel the royal treatment you never thought you’d receive on a train.
Why this classic locomotive is a dream ride
- Brandy‑scented balconies and 24‑hour butlers – you’ll adore the endless bottles of bubbly and the 24‑hour concierge that elicits a “sir” when you need anything.
- Midnight “lobster rolls” brunch – because a midnight snack that feels like a king’s feast stays true to the train’s opal‑laden history.
- Celebratory soirées – neon lights, live jazz, and parties that outshine most downtown nightclubs.
Chef Jean Imbert’s Whimsically Gourmet Menu
Seasonal galore that will have your taste buds dancing:
- Turbot in Champagne Sauce – the succulent fish braved the Parisian kitchen to reach your plate in a fizzy, glitter‑filled glaze.
- Brioche with Pollen Chantilly Cream – light, airy, and literally “buzzing” the way fruit‑themed desserts should.
- Prime Caviar Selection – for those days when you wish “caviar” felt like a game‑changing punch of the senses.
Dozens of Overnight Routes Around Europe
From the magical streets of Paris to the moonlit canals of Venice, this train glides through landscapes that feel like a postcard set to motion. Let the machinery beneath the warm velvet in your seat carry you on a journey that’s as dramatic in the ride as it is in the dishes served along the way.
Book your adventure, sit back, and let the velvet‑red opera of trains begin!
See Andalusia in sumptuous style on board the Al Ándalus train
Chasing the Dream on Rails: Spain’s Re‑imagined Al Ándalus
Picture this: you hop aboard a 100‑year‑old train that somehow feels like a carriage straight out of a romance novel, but with tongue‑in‑cheek confidence that it can still beat a weekend in any luxury hotel.
From Royal Rings to Silver Track
The original Al Ándalus wagons found their way into Spain’s railyard from none other than the British royal family. Back in 1985, they were christened “Spain’s first luxury train” – a title that should still make your inside of a trombone sing, only this time it’s the sound of velvet plush cabins and clattering rail gauges.
Renfe’s Rejuvenated Ride
Today’s Renfe‑run service is less about moving fast and more about making the journey count. The refurbished carriages march down Andalusia’s scenic tracks, humming stories from the Belle Époque era while lining up tables with Spanish staples.
- Comfortable sleeping cars that feel as cozy as a bubble bath in a 1920s video game.
- Four lounge cars from 1928/1930, each draped in scarlet velvet and illuminated by soft gilded lights that could rival a golden sunrise.
- The on‑board bistro bringing out the best of local flavor: olive oil drizzle, sherry wine frotter, and the immaculate Jabugo Iberian ham that has the taste buds of a choir singing.
2026 Onward: Back to the Capital
Calm down, because the list of new stops for 2026 will add fresh chapters. The train’s first and last stop will be Madrid – a splash of city chic right before or after the lap around Andalusia.
Why you should hop on
Think of it as a single‑track spa day: luxurious, cheeky, and a story you can brag about on social media, all while sipping sherry and listening to the “originalping” of a 100‑year‑old locomotive. Because who said history can’t be funny?
Spain’s Al Ándalus sleeper was one of the country’s first luxury trains when it began operating in 1985.
Renfe
It will run between April and October with trips of seven days and six nights. You can choose to follow the itinerary in either direction, from Madrid to Seville or vice versa.
During the dreamy journey, passengers stop at some of Spain’s most magnificent cities and storied attractions.
In the La Mancha region, there is a visit to an artisanal cheese factory and a wine cellar, while in Jerez de la Frontera, guests attend a famous equestrian ballet set to Spanish music.
Related
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In Aranjuez, you can visit the Royal Palace and its gardens, while in Córdoba, passengers take a tour of the extraordinary Mosque-Cathedral.
The experience on board is a fabulous time-warp. The suites and rooms are inside carriages that were built in France at the beginning of the last century to take the members of the British monarchy between Calais and the Côte d’Azur.
