Key Takeaways:
- Deutsche Bahn reports a 30% increase in cross-border passengers since 2019.
- New summer routes include Copenhagen to Prague, Cologne to Ghent/Bruges, and Frankfurt to Bordeaux.
- From September, four daily ICE trains will run between Cologne and Antwerp, with a stop at Brussels Airport.
- High fuel prices are driving more travelers to trains, which run on 100% green electricity.
Why International Rail Travel Is Booming
With fuel prices soaring and airlines struggling with shortages, more Europeans are turning to trains for cross-border trips. Deutsche Bahn (DB) has seen a sharp rise in demand: last year, 25 million of its 140 million long-distance passengers traveled internationally—30% more than in 2019.
Michael Peterson, DB’s board member for long-distance transport, expects this trend to continue. "International rail transport has become more attractive for many people," he told the German Press Agency, noting that city-center-to-city-center travel offers a clear advantage over airport transfers.
Where DB Is Adding Services This Summer
From mid-June, the direct Copenhagen–Prague connection via Hamburg and Berlin will double to two daily trains. This follows the successful launch of a new route in May that revived a decade-old link.
In July and August, DB is also offering a Saturday direct service from Frankfurt to Bordeaux—perfect for wine lovers and summer travelers. On weekends, the Cologne–Brussels ICE will extend to Ghent, Bruges, and the Belgian coast.
From September 7, a major upgrade: four daily ICE trains between Cologne and Antwerp, with a first-time stop at Brussels Airport, easing connections for air-rail intermodal travel.
Looking Ahead: Munich to Rome and Paris to Berlin
DB’s long-term goals include a 2027 direct connection from Munich to Milan and Rome, in partnership with Italian Trenitalia and Austrian Federal Railways. Meanwhile, the Berlin–Paris direct route (about eight hours via Frankfurt) may see more trains due to high demand.
Hurdles remain for a direct London link, as the UK’s non-Schengen status requires dedicated security terminals. For now, travelers from Frankfurt or Cologne must change trains in Brussels.
Fuel Crisis Makes Rail a Smarter Choice
The Iran conflict has driven up fossil fuel prices, but DB’s long-distance trains run on 100% green electricity, insulating them from oil shocks. "On individual days, we record up to ten percent more demand," Peterson said. DB has also hedged against price increases for 2026 and secured electricity contracts through 2027.
Punctuality: Still a Work in Progress
While demand rises, DB’s notorious delays remain a challenge. The company aims for 60% punctuality in 2026—up from lows of around 40% last June. April hit 64.4%, but February managed only 59.4% and January just 52%. Major infrastructure upgrades aim to improve reliability.
In short: This summer, traveling by train across Europe is not just greener—it’s also becoming more practical and affordable. DB’s expansion signals a shift toward rail as the backbone of continental travel.