The Railway Renaissance: Why 2024 is an exciting year for train travel

Fueled by a unique confluence of nostalgia, cutting-edge innovation, and sustainability, train travel is undoubtedly the hottest mode of transport in 2024. With more travelers yearning for the slowness and glamour of a bygone era, luxury trains are back in full force with new routes added and reimagined experiences. Meanwhile, city residents are ditching traffic jams for more seamless railway commutes.

Here are the railway developments that we're most excited about this year.

Southeast Asia’s vintage revival

Nostalgia meets opulence as Singapore's legendary Eastern & Oriental Express embarks on a Southeast Asian odyssey for the first time in four years. Passengers will be whisked back to a bygone era of teakwood paneling, velvet upholstery, and personalized butler service. Onboard, there’ll be menus by Michelin-starred chef André Chiang and an observation deck.

Read more about it here: https://secretsingapore.co/eastern-oriental-express-train-belmond/

Europe’s futuristic Hyperloop plans

Europe is gearing up for the first supersonic Hyperloop lines, promising journeys like Amsterdam to Paris in less than 30 minutes. This ambitious undertaking where high-speed meets sustainability with an innovative tube system that will include connections to other major cities in Germany like Frankfurt and Düsseldorf.

While the launch dates have yet to be confirmed, testing is set to commence early in 2024.

Read more about it here: https://secretamsterdam.com/hyperloop-train-amsterdam-paris/

London’s Overground overhaul

Transport for London is planning a ￡4 million brand identity makeover for the six lines that make up the Overground. The new names and colors have just been revealed and the rebrand will be unveiled in the autumn of 2024.

The names chosen will honor and celebrate different parts of London’s unique local history and culture.

Read more about it here: https://secretldn.com/london-overground-new-names/

New York’s Historic train returns for another season

The 20th Century Limited train, which premiered in 1948 and was once known as "The Most Famous Train in the World," is returning to NYC for yet another spring.

Riders will get to hop aboard the legendary vintage train for the Hudson River Rail Excursion. This two-and-a-half-hour trip up to the state capital of Albany comes with panoramic views served with impeccable food and wine.

Read more here: https://secretnyc.co/20th-century-limited-train-ride-nyc/

Nightjet’s Paris-Berlin revival

Austria’s Nightjet sleeper services are making a major comeback this year with the iconic Paris-Berlin route taking center stage.

This exciting mode of travel with state-of-the-art interior design will expand to more European cities and will even include a Zürich-Barcelona route.

Read more about it here: https://barcelonasecreta.com/nightjet-barcelona/

Venice Simplon-Orient-Express welcomes passengers

The timeless charm of the “Orient Express La Dolce Vita” will invite guests aboard to snake through the Alps in ultra-luxury in 2024. Passengers will be immersed in jaw-dropping interiors, channeling Italian décor, art and architecture of the 1960s while taking in the country’s breathtaking scenery.