Lifestyle

5 new train journeys we’re excited about in 2023


Right now in the UK and some parts of Europe, when you hear the word “train”, you probably think of “strike”.

Indeed, there was severe disruption to UK rail sporadically since last summer, and some of this unrest has stretched from Christmas and into the first days of January. The strikes are mainly due to an ongoing dispute between unions representing railway workers and train companies.

In general, however, trains have a lot to offer travelers, especially when exploring Europe. The Caledonian Sleeper, for example, can get you quickly from Scotland to London overnight. From London, it’s pretty easy to catch a flight european star and to France, Belgium or the Netherlands, where you can easily connect to more of continental Europe by rail.

Some people may find a train ride welcome from airport security lines and jet delays. Traveling by train is understandable if you’re worried about your carbon footprint. Catch the right train and you’ll be rewarded with some breathtaking views – just check out the most beautiful rides on the planet.

On the train? Here’s an overview of some of the most exciting new trains of 2023.

GoldenPass Express — Montreux to Interlaken, Switzerland

GoldenPass Express of Switzerland. CROWD

For more than 100 years, a direct rail link between the Swiss destinations of Montreux and Interlaken, via Gstaad, was discussed. As of December 13, 2022, it’s no longer a dream: The route offers daily itineraries in each direction, with four itineraries per day scheduled for June.

Passengers can now depart from Montreux – located on Lake Geneva and perhaps best known for its annual jazz festival – and stop at Gstaad or Zweisimmen before arriving at the postcard-perfect town of Interlaken in just three hours and 15 minutes. Along the way, enjoy sweeping views of the Swiss Riviera and the towering, snow-covered Swiss Alps.

Based on Railway technology, this train journey is groundbreaking because the train converts gauge (from metric to standard) midway through the journey at Zweisimmen Station, to accommodate the two types of tracks used by different types of trains. This is the first train in the world to achieve this.

To learn more or make a reservation, visit GoldenPass Express website.

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Sleep Europe – Brussels to Berlin

SPREEPHOTO.DE/GETTY IMAGES

In 2021, rail companies Moonlight Express and European Sleeper have joined to form a “community-based” partnership to protect sleeper trains in Europe.

Its first offering is an overnight trip from the Belgian capital to the German capital that will pass through Antwerp, Belgium and Rotterdam, Amsterdam and Deventer in the Netherlands. This train, called the Good Night Train, will begin its maiden voyage on May 25. Tickets will go on sale on February 20. Prices start at 49 euros (about $53) for a single ride. seats and 79 euros (about 85 dollars) for a seat. one bed, initially with three services per week.

Related: European startup aims to make overnight train travel a luxury experience

By 2024, European Sleeper plans to run daily trains and extend the service to Dresden, Germany and Prague. Its website also mentions future plans for sleeper trains in Scandinavia and Southern Europe. Interesting, really.

To learn more or get booking information, visit european bed website.

Indonesian bullet train — Jakarta to Bandung

Jakarta, the capital city of Indonesia. IMAGE NALA_Rinaldo/GETTY

Indonesia is set to launch a new high-speed train line on the island of Java, from Jakarta to Bandung – the first of its kind in the country and in Southeast Asia, according to the report. Euronews.

Set to reach speeds of up to 217 mph, journey times between cities will be just 36 minutes, instead of three hours. This will make it easier for locals (and tourists) to travel between Jakarta – the vast, culturally rich capital – and Bandung in West Java, known for its nature, surrounding volcanoes and architecture colonial architecture.

Currently, the planned launch date is in June, and as of October 2022, this part of the line is nearing completion. Finally, there are plans to expand the service to Surabaya in East Java — as it currently takes about nine hours to reach Surabaya by train from Jakarta.

To learn more about Indonesia, visit Official travel website.

Nightjet extended routes — Vienna/Munich to Genoa, Italy

A Nightjet train on the platform in Vienna. HARALD EISENBERGER/OBB

Nightjet, a subsidiary of the Austrian railway company OBB, will be familiar to anyone starting an overnight train journey in Europe. As of 2023, it offers itineraries to 25 destinations in Europe.

One route — starting from Munich or from the Austrian cities of Vienna and Salzburg — has now expanded beyond its original Italian destination, Milan. It goes to the port city of Genoa and La Spezia — both in the Liguria region of Italy and serve as the starting point of the world-famous Cinque Terre National Park.

Related: 4 European roads you should take the train instead of the plane

Another route, taking a total of 15 hours, will connect Stuttgart, Germany, with Croatian city of Rijeka. Previously, the route started in Munich and it often connected with destinations such as Venice, Italy; Budapest, Hungary; and Ljubljana, Slovenia.

New, custom-built trains are also being rolled out for international routes.

To learn more or book now, visit jet plane website.

Amtrak’s new Acela trains – Northeast Corridor, USA

BENJI STAWSKI/THE POINT

In the fall, the American train company amtrak prepares to launch new Acela trains, serving the route along the Northeast Corridor between Boston and Philadelphia. Stops in between include Providence, Rhode Island and New Haven, Connecticut, as well as stations in New York and New Jersey. The train then continued on to Washington, DC

While the route is not new (current Acela trains in operation are said to be over 20 years old), the journey and how travelers make money Amtrak khách Guest Reward will be noticeably smoother.

TPG reported back in May 2022 that the new Acela trains are equipped with new seats, winged headrests and in first class a separate armrest. Passengers can also expect “more convenient catering” and faster Wi-Fi on board. Not to mention, travelers will typically get from A to B a bit faster, as upgraded Acela trains can go 10 mph faster than existing trains.

To learn more, visit amtrak website.

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