Deutsche Bahn Adds New International Rail Links This Summer

International rail travel is booming across Europe, with Deutsche Bahn reporting a sharp rise in passengers choosing trains over cars and short-haul flights.

According to DB long-distance transport chief Michael Peterson, around 25 million passengers travelled on cross-border long-distance rail services last year – a 30% increase compared with 2019.

Deutsche Bahn Sees Strong Growth In Cross-Border Travel

Peterson said travellers are increasingly attracted by the convenience of city-centre to city-centre rail journeys, particularly as rising fuel prices and airport disruption continue to impact other forms of transport.

He also noted that passengers are now more willing to spend longer periods on trains than before the pandemic.

New European Routes Planned

From mid-June, the direct route between Copenhagen and Prague via Hamburg and Berlin will double to two daily train pairs.

Between June and the end of August, weekend ICE services from Cologne to Brussels will continue onward to Ghent, Bruges and the Belgian coast.

A new Saturday direct service between Frankfurt and Bordeaux will launch during the summer season.

From September, four daily ICE trains are scheduled to operate between Cologne and Antwerp, including a new stop at Brussels Airport.

Munich To Rome Route Planned For 2027

For 2027, Deutsche Bahn is working with Trenitalia and Austrian Federal Railways on a direct service linking Munich, Milan and Rome.

The railway operator is also considering adding a second daily train between Berlin and Paris in partnership with SNCF after strong passenger demand for the current eight-hour service.

Direct London Link Still Faces Obstacles

A direct train connection between Germany and London remains more complicated.

Although technically feasible, Britain’s position outside the Schengen Area means dedicated border and security infrastructure would be required at stations.

Peterson said a joint taskforce involving Eurostar is examining options, but warned that a direct London-Germany rail connection is still several years away.