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Train Travel in Europe 2027: New Routes from Germany and Classic Journeys for Your List

· 5 min read · Laura & Giuseppe

Train Travel in Europe 2027: New Routes from Germany and Classic Journeys for Your List

Taking the train on holiday means the trip starts the moment you board: no security queues, no luggage limits, just scenery out of the window and arrival right in the city centre. Train travel in Europe is also getting easier, with several rail companies announcing new direct routes for 2027 – some of them starting in Germany.

Here’s our overview of what’s due to arrive in 2027, which classics are still worth it and where to stay at the other end. One caveat: new routes are the railways’ plans, and dates can still slip.

New from Germany: Munich to Rome direct

The most exciting addition for travellers in southern Germany: from summer 2027, Frecciarossa high-speed trains are due to run directly from Munich to Rome and to Milan, thanks to a partnership between Deutsche Bahn, ÖBB and Trenitalia. The journey to Rome is set to take around eight and a half hours, stopping in Innsbruck, Bolzano, Trento, Rovereto, Verona, Bologna and Florence. The launch depends on the new trains being approved in time; test runs are already under way.

Faster journeys will come later: the Brenner Base Tunnel is currently scheduled to open at the end of 2032 and should cut about an hour off the trip.

Our tip: the route works well in stages. A stop in Bolzano or Verona turns the journey itself into part of the holiday.

New heading north: Hamburg to Copenhagen, and soon Oslo

From December 2027, new ICE L trains are due to run between Hamburg and Copenhagen. It’s the first step towards something bigger: from summer 2028, DB, Denmark’s DSB and Norway’s Vy plan a daily direct service from Berlin via Hamburg, Copenhagen, Malmö and Gothenburg to Oslo, taking around 14 to 15 hours end to end.

Copenhagen makes an ideal weekend destination: Nyhavn, cycle lanes, design and restaurants are all close together, and much of the city is walkable from the central station.

New in Italy: high-speed trains from Turin to Venice

If you want to explore Italy by rail, there’s another option from autumn 2027. French operator SNCF plans to run its own high-speed trains in Italy under the Ouigo brand, on a Turin–Milan–Rome–Naples line and a Turin–Venice line with stops including Brescia, Verona and Padua. More operators on the same routes could help prices; by how much remains to be seen.

New in the west: Brussels to Basel at weekends

From July 2027, the existing Brussels–Strasbourg TGV service will be extended to Basel as a pilot, with one train a day in each direction on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. For travellers in south-west Germany, around Freiburg for instance, Brussels becomes reachable without changing trains from Basel – ideal for a long weekend.

Classics that are always worth it

The Riviera: from Nice to Liguria

Not new, but one of Europe’s most beautiful rail lines: regional trains run from Nice via Monaco to Ventimiglia, and from there Italian trains continue towards Sanremo and Genoa. Much of the line runs right along the sea. Hop off wherever you like – regional trains don’t need a reservation.

Andalusia by luxury train

For something truly special, there’s Renfe’s Al Ándalus. Since 2026, its route links Madrid and Seville over seven days, calling at Aranjuez, Toledo, Cáceres, Mérida, Córdoba, Jerez and Cádiz. The carriages date from the late 1920s. It isn’t a budget holiday, but it’s a journey you won’t forget.

By night train

For longer distances, a night train is still a great choice: you save a hotel night and arrive rested in the morning. ÖBB’s Nightjet runs a large network from Germany, including to Vienna, Italy and Switzerland.

Where to stay at the other end

Station or old town? On a rail city break, a hotel within walking distance of the station or the centre pays off. A few addresses that suit the new routes:

Rome: Hotel Hassler sits at the top of the Spanish Steps – classic Rome with views over the rooftops.

Hotel Hassler Roma: Book now*

Venice: The Gritti Palace stands right on the Grand Canal, not far from St Mark’s Square.

The Gritti Palace: Book now*

Munich: If you spend a night in Munich before heading to Rome, Hotel Bayerischer Hof is in the heart of the old town on Promenadeplatz.

Hotel Bayerischer Hof: Book now*

Tips for train travel in Europe

  1. Book early for saver fares: as with flights, early tickets are often cheaper. New routes usually go on sale a few months before launch.
  2. Check reservations: many international high-speed trains require a seat reservation; regional trains usually don’t.
  3. Allow time for connections: with separately booked tickets, a delay doesn’t entitle you to the next connection. Where possible, book one ticket for the whole journey.
  4. Consider Interrail: if you’re visiting several countries, an Interrail pass often gives more flexibility – but reservation fees come on top.

Conclusion: 2027 looks like a good year for rail travellers

With Munich–Rome, Hamburg–Copenhagen and new high-speed trains in Italy, train travel in Europe is set to become much more attractive in 2027 – provided the plans go ahead as announced. Until then, the classics on the Riviera, in Andalusia or by night train are well worth it.

For more ideas on travelling more sustainably, read our article on sustainable travel and digital hotel tours. And if you’d like to see your hotel on video before you go, explore our hotel tours.

Sources

* Affiliate link: if you book through it, we receive a small commission. Your price stays the same.

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