The year 2026 is set to be a landmark period for rail travel, with a significant expansion of sleeper train services across the UK and Europe. As travellers increasingly seek sustainable alternatives to short-haul flights, railway operators are responding with a host of new overnight routes that promise adventure, luxury, and convenience.
UK and European Routes Get a Major Boost
Several anticipated services are poised to transform long-distance travel. A key development is the expansion of Scotland's iconic Caledonian Sleeper. As of 15 January 2026, its 'Highlander' service now collects passengers from Birmingham International en route from London Euston to the Scottish Highlands. This change bridges a major travel gap for the West Midlands, offering direct overnight access to destinations like Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Glasgow, and Fort William.
On the continent, European Sleeper is launching a direct night connection from Amsterdam and Brussels to Milan from 18 June 2026. This service will operate three times weekly, with stops in Berne, Switzerland, and Stresa on Lago Maggiore. Ticket sales for this much-anticipated route are scheduled to open in early 2026.
Luxury and Epic Journeys on the Horizon
For those seeking opulence on rails, 2026 delivers in spectacular fashion. The legendary Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, operated by Belmond, inaugurates a lavish four-day journey from Paris to the Amalfi Coast on 4 May. This immersive trip includes a scenic boat tour, a private visit to Pompeii, and cooking classes, with prices starting from approximately €10,000 (£8,700) per person.
Meanwhile, The Luxury Train Travel Company will debut 'Le Grand Tour', a six-day, 4,000km Belle Époque-styled journey through France. Departing from Paris Gare de l'Est, it will stop at locations including Épernay, Reims, and Annecy before concluding at the Puy du Fou theme park, with fares from £6,210 per person.
In Spain, the luxurious Al Ándalus train service has redesigned its itinerary for the 2026 season. Its seven-day voyage will now begin and end in Madrid, running from April to October and featuring new destinations in Extremadura and Castilla-La Mancha. Prices range from €6,600 (£5,700) for a Grand Class room to €7,900 (£6,840) for a Deluxe Suite.
Epic Cross-Continental Adventures
The most ambitious new offering comes from Golden Eagle Luxury Trains, which will launch a 22-day 'Grand Silk Road' journey from Beijing to Tashkent from September 2026. This epic trip on a brand-new luxury train will traverse ancient Silk Road routes, visiting UNESCO-listed sites across Central Asia. Prices for this unparalleled experience start from $53,200 (£39,748) for 2027 departures.
The collective rollout of these diverse services signals a robust revival in sleeper train travel, driven by demand for slower, more sustainable tourism and unique experiential journeys. Whether it's a budget-friendly trip from Birmingham to the Highlands or a once-in-a-lifetime luxury traverse of continents, 2026 offers a new golden age of rail travel.
