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5 of the best new rail routes for 2026
From luxury Aussie adventures to European sleeper trains, there’s a renaissance in rail trips this year
1. Passage to the Peaks, Canada
This summer, Canada’s Rocky Mountaineer (pictured main) will connect two iconic towns – Banff and Jasper – in the company’s first inland-only route. Setting off from the blue lakes of Banff, clients can enjoy epic views of peaks and prairies, including Pyramid Falls and Kicking Horse Canyon.
After a night in a hotel in Kamloops, the train journeys to Jasper, passing beneath snow-capped Mount Robson. The two-day journey has a limited season from June 10 to July 10.
Book it: First Class Holidays has a seven-night Passage to the Peaks itinerary from £5,505 per person, based on two sharing. Includes SilverLeaf class on Rocky Mountaineer, transfers and flights from Heathrow departing July 6.
fcholidays.com
2. New Journey Beyond suites, Australia
Luxury rail operator Journey Beyond has added two top-end suite categories to its long-distance train services.
The spacious Aurora (pictured above) and Australis Suites offer art deco accents, butler service, in-suite bars and sofas facing huge windows.
They were rolled out this month on the Indian Pacific route from Perth to Sydney, The Ghan from Darwin to Adelaide and the Great Southern from Adelaide to Brisbane.
Book it: Pure Luxury offers a 17-night Australia itinerary – including four nights in an Aurora Suite on the Indian Pacific – from £15,999 per person, based on two sharing. Includes some meals, excursions and all transfers, with flights from Heathrow departing January 10, 2027.
goldmedal.co.uk
3. Bernina Express Pullman Class, Switzerland
The Bernina Express carries people from Switzerland to Italy in style, and the new Pullman Class package is the cherry on top.
Up to 32 passengers can ride in a glamorous 1930s-style carriage between St Moritz and Tirano. At La Gatta vineyard, they’ll enjoy a tasting, tour and lunch.
Book it: Railbookers’ 10-night Gems of Switzerland costs from £5,121 per person, based on two sharing. Includes hotel accommodation with breakfast, an eight-day Swiss Pass, a one-way trip on the Bernina Express in Pullman Class and flights departing September 7.
railbookers.com
4. European Sleeper, Brussels to Milan
From September 9, a Brussels to Milan European Sleeper train will go from the Low Countries to the High Alps three times a week.
Leaving Brussels just before 6pm, the train zips to Zurich early the next morning, calling in Como at 10.45am then arriving at Milano Centrale before lunch. Clients can either share – with women-only carriages available – or plump for a private compartment.
Book it: Ffestiniog Travel sells a three-night Milan break from £1,500 per person, based on two sharing. Includes hotel accommodation with breakfast, return Eurostar travel to Brussels and a European Sleeper compartment for two.
ffestiniogtravel.com
5. Al-Andalus, Spain
Spain’s Al-Andalus train celebrates its 40th anniversary this year, and is marking the ruby jubilee with a route connecting Madrid to Seville.
After time in the capital, clients join the train south of the city to relax in its Belle Époque lounge car.
They’ll stop in Toledo, crowned by its Alcázar fortification, followed by the storied region of La Mancha and Roman city of Mérida before reaching the cheese, wine and sherry factories of Andalusia.
Book it: Kirker Holidays has an eight-night Al-Andalus itinerary from £7,879 per person based on two sharing, including six nights on the train and two pre and posttour nights. Includes most meals, transfers and flights.
kirkerholidays.com
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