Are you ready to zip across Europe at lightning speed? Forget about the hassles of airports and the monotony of long road trips. Europe’s high-speed rail network is expanding faster than ever, offering you thrilling new ways to explore the continent. Let’s hop aboard and discover seven of the most exciting new routes that are revolutionizing train travel in Europe.
1. Spain’s Mountain Express: Madrid to Gijón
Spain has been leading the charge in high-speed rail for years, and they’re not slowing down anytime soon. The new Madrid-Gijón line is a testament to human engineering and determination. Imagine racing through the rugged Cantabrian Mountains at speeds up to 200mph, passing through a mind-boggling 15-mile-long tunnel. This 213-mile journey now takes just 3 hours and 42 minutes, whisking you from the bustling capital to the charming coastal city of Gijón in no time.
Want to try it out? Hop on a Renfe Avlo train for a budget-friendly ride starting at just £44. With experts predicting a massive increase in visitors to Asturias, you might want to book your trip soon!
2. France’s Wine Express: Paris to Bordeaux
Calling all wine enthusiasts! The LGV Sud Europe Atlantique line has been a game-changer for trips to France’s renowned southwest wine region. Since its opening in 2017, you can now travel from Paris to Bordeaux in a mere 2 hours and 3 minutes. That’s 50 minutes faster than before – more time for wine tasting!
Choose between SNCF inOui’s premium service (from £45) or the budget-friendly Ouigo (from £17). Just remember, if you opt for Ouigo, you’ll trade some comforts for those wallet-friendly prices. But hey, that just means more euros for buying wine, right?
3. Spain’s Galician Gateway: Madrid to Ourense
After two decades of anticipation, the Madrid-Galicia line finally opened in 2021, connecting Spain’s capital to the historic city of Ourense. This 270-mile marvel of engineering boasts 32 viaducts and 31 tunnels in its final stretch alone. At speeds reaching 205mph, you’ll arrive in just 2 hours and 30 minutes – that’s a whopping 1 hour and 28 minutes faster than before!
The cherry on top? You’ll be riding in style on the new Talgo Avril trains, complete with seat-back entertainment and a buffet car. Just be prepared for the somewhat controversial “ironing board” seats – they’re an experience in themselves!
4. Germany’s Capital Connection: Berlin to Munich
Germany’s ambitious VDE 8 project has transformed travel between Berlin and Munich. With over 143 miles of new track, 27 tunnels, and 37 viaducts, this route now connects the two cities in less than four hours. That’s 2 hours and 30 minutes faster than before!
Hop on an ICE train and enjoy the ride with dining cars, a bar counter, and Wi-Fi. It’s the perfect way to see Germany’s diverse landscapes without the stress of driving.
5. Turkey’s Anatolian Arrow: Ankara to Sivas
Turkey is quickly becoming a high-speed rail powerhouse, and the new Ankara-Sivas line is proof. Opened last year, this 250-mile route slashes travel time from almost six hours to just 2 hours and 30 minutes. With 49 tunnels and 53 viaducts, it’s an engineering marvel that lets you experience the heart of Anatolia in comfort and style.
The new Siemens Velaro trains offer first, business, and economy classes, plus a bistro and seat-back entertainment in first class. It’s like flying, but with much better views!
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6. Spain’s Southern Streak: Madrid to Córdoba/Seville
Competition is heating up on Spain’s rails, and that’s great news for travelers! Iryo, a newcomer to the scene, is now offering services from Madrid to Córdoba (1 hour 47 minutes) and Seville (2 hours 33 minutes). Partly owned by Italy’s Trenitalia, Iryo uses the sleek Frecciarossa trains and has earned praise for its onboard tapas and Spanish wine selection.
With tickets starting at just £20, it’s an affordable way to experience the charm of southern Spain. Plus, the competition is helping to drive down prices across the board!
7. France’s Ski Express: London to the Alps
Good news for ski enthusiasts! Eurostar is bringing back more of its ski train services this winter. While not quite at pre-pandemic levels, it’s a step in the right direction for sustainable travel to the slopes.
You’ll board in London, change trains in Lille, and then zoom straight to the heart of the French Alps. In about seven hours, you’ll arrive at stations serving major ski areas like the Three Valleys and Paradiski. It’s a relaxing alternative to flying, and with tickets from £139, it won’t break the bank.
Europe’s high-speed rail network is expanding at an exhilarating pace, offering travelers new and exciting ways to explore the continent. From Spain’s mountain-piercing tunnels to Turkey’s Anatolian express, these new routes are not just about getting from A to B – they’re about enjoying the journey itself.
So, the next time you’re planning a European adventure, why not leave the car at home and skip the airport queues? With these high-speed options, you can sit back, relax, and watch the diverse landscapes of Europe unfold before your eyes.
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