European rail travel is set for a huge expansion in 2025 with new direct connections between major cities, meaning good news for Britons travelling between European hotspots this year. A daytime service will link Berlin and Paris in just over eight hours, complementing existing night trains.
Amsterdam and Munich will gain a direct route with stops in Cologne, Frankfurt and Stuttgart with train company Eurail. Baltic rail connections have been streamlined, enabling same-day travel between Vilnius, Riga and Tallinn.
Poland's Koleje Małopolskie network has joined the Eurail system, opening southern Poland including Kraków and Zakopane to pass holders across the 33-country network.
Eurail is offering a 20 per cent discount on all Global Passes purchased before July 3, valid for travel from September 1, 2025. The promotion targets autumn European travel, when visitor numbers drop and temperatures remain comfortable.
Amsterdam and Munich will gain a direct route with stops in Cologne, Frankfurt and Stuttgart
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The passes enable train travel across 33 European countries, from Mediterranean coastlines to Baltic capitals. Eurail describes late summer and early autumn as "a sensational time to explore Europe," citing opportunities to attend seasonal festivals whilst avoiding peak-season crowds.
The timing coincides with what Eurail calls "pure magic" after summer's peak, when travellers can enjoy "crisp sunsets on the Adriatic" and island-hopping in Greece - "minus the high-season mania."
September and October offer ideal conditions for exploring Europe's cities and countryside. The rail network provides comfortable alternatives to flying, with new trip-planning tools helping passengers map routes and share itineraries.
Eurail emphasised that autumn travel allows visitors to experience "bucket-list-worthy autumnal festivals" whilst benefiting from quieter destinations and pleasant weather conditions across the continent.
Eurail has highlighted specific autumn itineraries including Slovenia and Croatia's Adriatic coastline, featuring "glittering coastlines, alpine lakes and storybook cities". The route includes a 24-kilometre cave system and trains running alongside the Adriatic Sea.
Greek Islands Pass holders can explore lesser-known Aegean destinations beyond typical cruise routes, promising "sea breezes, quiet tavernas and no races to score the last sun lounger."
The company's updated web-based trip planner now enables route mapping, pass selection and itinerary sharing between travellers.
Looking ahead to 2027, Berlin-based startup Nox plans to revolutionise overnight rail travel with trains featuring exclusively private cabins. The service will connect major European destinations including Copenhagen, Amsterdam, Paris, Milan, Vienna and Barcelona.
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GETTYPrices will start from £64, positioning the service as a competitive alternative to short-haul flights. The company aims to address current limitations in night train travel by offering personal cabins for one or two passengers across popular holiday routes throughout Europe.
In more rail news, Eurostar has rolled out a new summer menu by Michelin-starred chef. This is available on trains now.
The menu gives a welcome refresh for summer travel and includes options like baked salmon with grilled red peppers and aubergine, or peppered green bean salad with spiced tomato, pepper and caper sauce.
Two Michelin-starred chef Jeremy Chan, serving as Eurostar Premier Head Chef, has created starters and main courses featuring light, vibrant dishes with his characteristic bold flavour combinations.
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