Upcoming Thrilling Train Debuts Set for 2025
Upcoming Thrilling Train Debuts Set for 2025
The desire for luxury "land cruise" trains with five-star hotel-style accommodations is growing rapidly. In 2025, numerous new trains will debut on the tracks, providing opportunities to explore Italy, France, Saudi Arabia, and the United Kingdom.
However, luxury train journeys don't always have to break the bank. There's a plethora of budget-friendly train trips available. Here are some key developments to expect in the upcoming year:
Paris to Berlin in 8 Hours
Europe's two iconic capitals, Paris and Berlin, are now linked by a direct high-speed train. Germany's Deutsche Bahn introduced the daytime InterCity Express (ICE) service between Paris and Berlin on December 16, 2023, and plans to add a second route in 2026.
Leveraging its new fleet of 200 mph (322 kph) ICE3neo trains, the service takes around eight hours in each direction, stopping at Strasbourg, Karlsruhe, and Frankfurt during its 546-mile (878-kilometer) journey.
Fares start at approximately $60, and each train can accommodate up to 444 passengers, with 111 enjoying the extra comfort of leather seats and in-seat refreshments in first class.
This is the first direct daytime train between Paris and Berlin since the 1990s and complements the Nightjet sleeper service introduced in 2023. While it may not be as fast as flying, it's a greener and more stylish way to travel across Europe.
The World's Fastest Trains
In just over 15 years, China has built the world's largest high-speed rail network, surpassing pioneers like Japan and France in high-speed rail technology advancements.
New trains, known as CR450s, will set new records in 2025 with the introduction of passenger service. An evolution of the successful Fuxing high-speed train family, these trains have been tested at over 280 mph (450 kph), though their scheduled maximum speed is expected to be around 248 mph (400 kph).
If feasible, these CR450s could reduce the journey time between Beijing and Shanghai from four to two-and-a-half hours, according to the South China Morning Post. However, increasing speeds from the current maximum of 186 to 217 mph comes at a significant cost in energy demands, increased maintenance, and rigorous safety measures. Despite testing trains at extremely high speeds for two decades, France, Spain, and Japan have found that the optimal speed is approximately 185 to 200 mph.
In June 2023, China Railway conducted a trial operation of a CR450 on the Fuqing to Quanzhou section of the Fuzhou-Xiamen line in Fujian Province, China, reaching a top speed of 281 mph.
China already operates several routes at up to 217 mph. If successful in establishing faster operations, it could cement China's position as the global leader in high-speed rail technology.
La Dolce Vita — Italy's New Super Deluxe Train
2025 looks set to be an exciting year for luxury train travel. Accor Hotels group is set to introduce Italy's glorious super-deluxe train, Orient Express - La Dolce Vita, in April 2025.
Targeted at design-conscious travelers, La Dolce Vita departs from the traditional Belle Epoque style of the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, instead celebrating 1960s Italian decor, art, and architecture. The train will cross Italy from north to south on six regular itineraries, showcasing the country's historical treasures and scenic beauty from the Italian Alps to Rome, Matera, and Palermo in the south.
Journeys to Sicily include a memorable ferry crossing of the Strait of Messina, the last passenger train ferry in Europe.
The train features a stylish Bar Car with live music and games, 12 deluxe wood-lined cabins, and 18 master suites with double beds, sofas, armchairs, and en-suite bathrooms. Passengers can enjoy five-star service, savoring Italian cuisine, local and seasonal produce, as well as fine wines.
Prices start at around $2,000 per person for one- or two-night itineraries from Rome. International routes to Paris, Istanbul, and Split, Croatia's Adriatic Coast, will be added later.
Brussels to Venice by Sleeper
Demand for overnight trains in Europe outstrips the number of trains available. Several ambitious start-ups have unveiled plans for exciting new routes in recent years.
One of the most promising is European Sleeper, a Belgian–Dutch co-operative that began operations in 2023. Winning favor with its Brussels-Berlin-Prague overnight train, it is planning new routes in 2025. Despite some difficulties in obtaining long-term schedules and route plans, as well as disruptions caused by short-notice track repairs in Germany, European Sleeper is committed to expanding its services.
During its winter hiatus, it will reposition its sleeper train on the Brussels-Venice route for five return trips, appealing to winter sports enthusiasts and budget city break travelers.
Departing Brussels at 7 p.m., the train stops at various locations, including Munich, Innsbruck, Bolzano, Verona, and Venice before reaching its destination the following day at 2 p.m.
Renewed carriages provide sleeping quarters, couch-style beds, and reclining seats equipped with contemporary amenities such as power outlets and Wi-Fi, catering to travelers from various financial backgrounds.
European Sleeper's station in Brussels offers a convenient gateway for British and French tourists to visit the Alps and northern Italy, offering seamless connections with Eurostar trains in Belgium's capital.
Amtrak's Return to New Orleans
After a 20-year hiatus, Amtrak, the United States' passenger train service, is reviving its train service between Mobile, Alabama, and New Orleans in 2025. Following Hurricane Katrina's devastation of coastal rail lines in August 2005, and subsequent negotiations between rail companies and legislators, the service will resume its operations.
Two daily round trips will operate on the 140-mile Gulf Coast route, stopping at Bay St. Louis, Gulfport, Biloxi, and Pascagoula. This renewed service will link populous urban centers and tourist destinations while creating job opportunities in various industries, including healthcare, education, tourism, gaming, and multiple military bases.
In light of the increased likelihood of severe weather events in a changing climate, the trains also serve as a crucial evacuation route during hurricanes for Gulf Coast communities.
While lacking the opulence of the Orient Express, this train will be a valuable connection across the Southern United States for business travelers, sightseers, and local residents.
Britannic Explorer: England and Wales
For over 3 decades, the Royal Scotsman, the UK's most luxurious hotel train, has provided lavish rail trips in Scotland. By July 2025, the Britannic Explorer—operated by Belmond, the same company behind the Royal Scotsman—will challenge its position as the premier luxury sleeper train.
With just 18 opulent cabins, including 3 grand suites, the Art Deco-inspired accommodation reflects the natural beauty of its destinations. The fully refurbished 1980s carriages—originally used for Belmond's short-lived Hibernian hotel train in Ireland—feature plush velvet sofas, luxurious striped wallpaper, a cocktail bar, observation car, and even an on-board spa for passengers' relaxation.
No luxury hotel train would be complete without an exceptional dining experience, with Michelin-starred chef Simon Rogan designing the seasonal, locally-sourced, and sustainable menus for lunches, dinners, and afternoon teas.
Le Grand Tour France
Each year, Tour de France bike riders complete an arduous circuit of France, traveling through some of its most beautiful landscapes. For those seeking a more leisurely alternative, Le Grand Tour France offers a luxury train journey around France's highlights—visiting the Champagne region, Burgundy, Lake Annecy, Avignon, Arcachon, and the Loire Valley's world-renowned châteaux.
With just 42 guests per trip, the Belle Epoque-styled train aims to immerse visitors in France's rich cultural heritage while showcasing architecture, art, crafts, music, cuisine, and wines.
Le Grand Tour France will be developed by the team behind Puy du Fou historical theme park, featuring immersive shows and gourmet dining for a 2,500-mile journey.
The train will boast 18 deluxe cabins, a Bar Car, and a restaurant car—where three-star Michelin chefs will create exquisite dishes utilizing fresh, local products from the regions visited by the train. Prices for the six-day tour start at around $8,950 per person, with suites costing $16,500, each furnished with their personal butler.
Saudi Arabia's Dream of the Desert
Saudi Arabia is not typically associated with iconic railway journeys, but that may change when the Dream of the Desert luxury train launches in November 2025. This bespoke train, manufactured by Italian craftsmen, will weave through Saudi Arabia's awe-inspiring desert and mountain landscapes during an 800-mile round trip.
Passengers will explore rarely visited sites such as the King Salman Bin Abdulaziz Royal Natural Reserve, offering otherworldly vistas, rugged peaks, and an unforgettable adventure.
Saudi Arabian Railways collaborates with Italy's Arsenale Group, the creators of the Orient Express La Dolce Vita, to develop this $53 million train, promising an unparalleled luxury experience without sacrificing personalized services and exquisite amenities.
As many as 80 privileged travelers may also indulge in an extraordinary culinary experience, featuring a blend of international and local Saudi cuisines, expertly prepared by renowned chefs.
The direct high-speed train service between Paris and Berlin, operated by Germany's Deutsche Bahn, offers an affordable luxury travel option. Fares start at around $60 and the journey takes approximately 8 hours, providing an eco-friendly and stylish way to travel across Europe.
In 2025, Saudi Arabia is set to introduce the Dream of the Desert luxury train, offering passengers an unparalleled experience as they explore the country's awe-inspiring desert and mountain landscapes. This bespoke train, manufactured by Italian craftsmen, promises personalized services, exquisite amenities, and a culinary journey featuring a blend of international and local Saudi cuisines.