Growing demand and new connections: the most interesting trains for travelers in 2024
This year is likely to be the year of the rail renaissance worldwide. This is evidenced by the growing demand among travelers who prefer high-speed trains, luxury land cruises, as well as intercity day and night trains.
According to experts, the relevance and popularity of trains this year may well exceed the figures for 2019. Here's what connections and trains travelers can expect in 2024, as reported by WATCH.
Paris - Berlin Connection by Nightjet Railway
The Austrian Federal Railways anticipate high demand for this route, especially among tourists and business travelers. The train between Paris and Berlin will operate three times a week, both during the night and daytime, starting in the fall of 2024.
Orient Express "La Dolce Vita"
The new Italian super-luxury train, La Dolce Vita, is a creation of the French hotel group Accor. Starting this year, it will travel from north to south of Italy on six regular routes. Travelers will have the opportunity to see the Italian Alps, Venice, Rome, Matera, Palermo, and other interesting places.
Its uniqueness lies in its traditional Italian décor, architecture, and art from the 1960s. This luxurious train will consist of 11 cars, including a bar car with live music and games, 12 deluxe cabins adorned with wood, 18 master suites featuring double beds, a sofa, armchairs, and a bathroom.
The cost of traveling on this train starts at about $2000 per person. Additionally, international routes to Paris, Istanbul, and Split are planned to be added later.
Connection Vienna - Innsbruck - Hamburg by Nightjet
Another intriguing route this year from the Austrian overnight transportation company will run from Vienna and Innsbruck to Hamburg. This route will be the first to utilize new trains capable of reaching speeds of up to 143 mph.
It is noted that by 2025, the company plans to gradually expand these trains to other routes connecting the Austrian capital with Italy, Switzerland, Germany, and France.
Night train Brussels - Prague
European Sleeper is a Belgian-Dutch cooperative that commenced operations in 2023. It operates open-access night trains three times a week between Berlin, Germany, and Brussels. In May 2024, the company intends to extend its Brussels-Berlin train to Dresden and Prague, providing a direct connection between cities in Western and Central Europe.
It is known that the refurbished cars of this train feature sleeping compartments, couchettes with reclining seats, charging points, and Wi-Fi, catering to travelers with varying budgets.
High-speed train to Pompeii
This popular tourist destination attracts travelers with its ancient and infamous history. In 79 AD, the city of Pompeii in southern Italy was destroyed by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius.
From now on, there will be no need to search for alternative routes to reach this place because in 2024, the national railway company Trenitalia will launch a weekly high-speed train from Rome.
Thus, the route will operate once a week at 9 am and 9 pm. The trip will last only 2 hours one way.
High-speed train Madrid - Paris
The dire situation with the railroad connection between Spain and France will be resolved in 2024.
Spain's national rail operator Renfe has already introduced new routes from Madrid and Barcelona to Lyon and Marseille in 2023. However, the Italian train operator Trenitalia has announced new plans for a Paris-Barcelona-Madrid service in 2024. They will be operated by Frecciarossa trains with a speed of 249 mph.
Additionally, Trenitalia emphasized that the new Paris-Barcelona route will provide expanded high-speed travel options on a route currently dominated by airlines due to the lack of fast direct trains.
Around the world in 80 days
Railbookers travel company has compiled a route that includes 13 countries and 7 of the most famous and luxurious trains in the world: Rocky Mountaineer in Canada, The Belmond Royal Scotsman, Venice Simplon-Orient Express, Golden Eagle Danube Express through Central Europe, The Maharajahs' Express in India, Rovos Rail in South Africa, and the train of Southeast Asia - Eastern & Oriental Express.
In general, traveling on this route, you can get a wide range of impressions, seeing more than 20 cities in Europe, India, South Africa, and Malaysia before reaching your final destination in Singapore.
The first train on this route is scheduled to depart from Vancouver on August 28 and lasts 80 days. This tour costs from $119,599 per person.
E&O
The Eastern & Oriental Express Belmond is one of the most popular luxury trains that is back in service and making its way through Malaysia starting from Singapore to Kuala Lumpur.
It is noted that this updated and refurbished train is planned to continue north to Langkawi and Penang. Here, guests will again be able to see the legendary open-air observation balcony at the rear of the train and its piano bar.
There are 3 trips planned for 2024, which will take place in February, November, and December. The cost of such a tour per person starts from USD 3410.
VIP trip to the Matterhorn mountain
This year, travelers will be able to make an exquisite trip to the Swiss Matterhorn Mountain by NostalChic train.
This train from Gornergrat Railway will take 22 guests on a week-long vacation to the highest open railway station in Europe, which is located 10,170 feet above sea level. During the trip, guests will be able to enjoy local drinks, snacks, amazing views, and take photos in a special photo zone.
A standard round trip from Zermatt to Gornergrat costs $115 per person. In addition, Swiss Travel Pass holders receive a 50% discount.
