Summer is an ideal time to take a rail trip, with pleasant weather and blooming flora enhancing the already prime scenery gliding by passengers’ windows. And this year, there are plenty of new and exciting train routes launching around the world, just in time for a summer vacation. Whether you’re interested in taking a scenic jaunt through the English countryside, cozying up on a night bullet train hurdling between Asia’s busiest capitals, or meandering along the length of Italy to its southern coast, there’s a new route that will suit any type of travel style.
Although a slower mode of transport than flying, rail travel is growing in popularity for its romance and lighter impact on the environment. In fact, many travelers are swearing off short-haul flights on routes where a rail connection is available.
In that spirit, consider incorporating one of these notable new routes into a larger journey you have coming up this season—although several seem like they’ll be worth planning an entire vacation around in their own right. Here are seven of the most exciting new train routes launching in summer 2024.
Colorado’s San Juan mountains on the Highline Express
Take in Colorado’s rugged mountain landscape at golden hour aboard the Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad’s first-ever evening route: The Highline Express. The historic steam engine has operated in Colorado’s San Juan mountains since 1881 and is known for its stunning scenery. This new 3.5-hour trip includes all of the route’s famous sights, like vertiginous views from hundreds of feet above the Animas River, and the Horseshoe Curve, a hairpin turn high above the river gorge. The new evening line, which launches July 1, will also have a strolling musician on board to set the vibe. Tickets start at $81 for adults.
Hong Kong to Beijing or Shanghai on a high-speed sleeper train
Go to sleep aboard a comfortable train in Hong Kong and wake up in either Beijing or Shanghai: It’s now possible with a new high-speed sleeper train service that launched on June 15. The overnight journeys clock in at 12.5 hours to Beijing and an 11-hour trip to Shanghai, both departing Hong Kong’s Kowloon Station. Although rail connections have existed between the cities since the 1990s, the new addition is the only night train option, and is a great option for passengers looking to start their day in a new destination. Passengers can choose from two sleeper car options: standard and deluxe. A standard sleeper room comes with four bunks, while a deluxe cabin has one bunk-bed, a wardrobe, and a sofa.
Minneapolis to Chicago on the Amtrak Borealis
Midwestern tourists have a more relaxing option for regional travel, thanks to a new Amtrak route launched on May 21 from St. Paul-Minneapolis to Chicago via Milwaukee, with windows framing views of the Mississippi River. The new service, called the Borealis train, is a boon for travelers between the largest cities in the area who want more flexibility with departure times. (Although the destinations are connected on other Amtrak lines, including the Empire Builder and Hiawatha services, this is the first option to depart the Twin Cities area at midday.) In addition to the three major cities, Borealis also stops at 10 other stations along the way—eight of which are in Wisconsin, including the picturesque Wisconsin Dells. On board, passengers will find coach and business class cars, plus a café car, and all the usual Amtrak perks, including spacious seats, free Wi-Fi, and electrical outlets. The full route clocks in at a total of 7.5 hours.
Milan to Lecce on a Trenitalia night train
Tourists who don’t want to waste a second of their Italian vacation should take note of a new Trenitalia overnight train route that travels the length of the country from Milan to Lecce. Launching on June 21, the new nine-hour route on the high-speed Frecciarossa train is a great option for efficiently traveling between far-flung cities while catching up on your rest. Aside from the Italian capital, the new line makes stops at Parma, Reggio Emilia, Modena, Bologna Centrale, Foggia, Barletta, Bari Centrale, Monopoli, Fasano, Ostuni, and Brindisi, before pulling into Lecce. Although it operates overnight, the Frecciarossa trains are not outfitted with sleeper cabins, meaning passengers will need to sit upright in a standard seat all night. What it lacks in comfort, the train makes up for in price, with fares starting at about 40 euros ($43). If you can handle the drawback of upright seats, you’ll wake up at 8 a.m. in sunny Lecce, a historic city all the way in the “heel” of Italy’s boot known for its ornate cathedrals, baroque architecture, and nearby Adriatic coastline. Alternatively, the Intercity Notte train also offers overnight service from Milan to Lecce with couchettes and sleeper cars—but the trip will take you approximately 3 hours longer.
Ankara to Diyarbakir on Turkey’s Mesopotamia Express
Explore the ancient history and undulating landscapes of Central Turkey aboard the Mesopotamia Express. Launched in late April, the new rail line runs through the country’s Anatolia region, from the capital city of Ankara to Diyarbakir. Along the way, passengers will stop in several cities, with an opportunity to get out and explore the ancient marvels and natural beauty in each destination. Highlights include Kayseri, an ancient Roman city; Malatya, known for producing Turkey’s famous dried apricots; and Elazığ, known for Lake Hazar, a clear blue mountain lake; before terminating in Diyarbakir, a walled city that’s one of the oldest in the world. On board, there are nine sleeping carriages and a restaurant car offering regional cuisine. The entire journey takes 24 hours, including three to four hours at each stop for passengers to explore. One-way tickets start at €257 (about $275 USD).
Northern England on The Yorkshire Dales Explorer
Step aboard the new Yorkshire Dales Explorer train, and you’ll be treated to a meandering journey through Yorkshire Dales National Park in northern England, with its stunning views of rolling green hills and dramatic moors. Launched on June 8, the new sightseeing train operates twice a day on Saturdays, making it a perfect way to wile away a few peaceful hours for locals and tourists alike. The route runs from Rochdale to Ribblehead, with 18 stops between, including Manchester Victoria, Salford Crescent, Bolton, Blackburn, Clitheroe, Hellifield, and Settle. Once inside the park, travelers can hop off the train to soak up the natural wonders before boarding the return leg of their journey. The dreamy day is within reach for budget travelers, with round-trip tickets starting at £25 (about $31 USD).
Italy, Croatia, and Slovenia on Slovenia Railways
If you have just a couple of hours to spare on your next European trip, you could pack in travel through three countries and eight villages, thanks to a new train route from Slovenia Railways. The train journey, which launched earlier this summer, originates from Trieste in northern Italy and traverses four cities in Slovenia (Sežana, Divača, Pivka, and Ilirska Bistrica) before crossing into Croatia, where it makes four stops (Šapjane, Opatija, Matulji, and Rijeka. Those who ride the entire line will be ferried to the Croatian coastal city of Rijeka, which sits along the Adriatic Sea and is considered a main launch point for exploring the country’s many islands. The new route is a backpacker’s dream, with fares as cheap as eight euros one-way. The seasonal service is already running and will be operational through the summer until September 30.
