New Trains in 2026: Paris, Berlin, Marseille, Lyon, Olbia, and More Destinations Get Exciting Rail Upgrades

France’s rail network is set to undergo significant expansions and improvements in 2026, offering travelers new routes, faster connections, and more comfort. Whether you are looking for high-speed travel, overnight sleeper trains, or regional services connecting French cities with the rest of Europe, 2026 is shaping up to be an exciting year for rail travel in France. Here’s a complete guide to the new trains and rail services launching in France in 2026.

1. Paris–Berlin Night Train (European Sleeper)

One of the most anticipated rail developments for 2026 is thereturn of the Paris–Berlin night train. Operated by the Belgian-Dutch companyEuropean Sleeper, this iconic overnight service will resume onMarch 26, 2026, offeringthree round trips per week. This route had been discontinued, but the growing demand for sustainable travel and the revival of sleeper trains across Europe has led to its return. The night train will connect Paris with Berlin via Brussels, Aachen, and other stops, providing a comfortable and eco-friendly travel option for passengers looking to journey between the two capitals. This service is set to be a popular choice for travelers who prefer overnight journeys that save on both time and accommodation costs.

• Service Type: Night train
• Frequency: Three times weekly
• Route: Paris Brussels Aachen Berlin

2. TGV Lyria Service: Marseille to Geneva and Lausanne

TheTGV Lyriaservice, which connects France with Switzerland, will undergo significant enhancements in 2026. New services betweenMarseilleand Swiss cities such asGenevaandLausannewill be extended, running for a longer period than before. This service will operate frommid-April to early November 2026, catering to travelers looking for high-speed connections between the French South and Switzerland. The expansion of TGV Lyria is expected to make cross-border travel more convenient, offering more frequency during the summer months, which will benefit both business and leisure passengers.

• Service Type: High-speed cross-border TGV
• Route: Marseille Geneva/Lausanne
• Season: Mid-April to early November 2026

3. Roissy–Picardie Link: Connecting Paris with Northern France

In 2026, the newRoissy–Picardie Linkwill be inaugurated, improving regional connectivity fromCharles de Gaulle Airport (CDG)to towns in thePicardieregion. This newregional rail linkis designed to ease travel for passengers heading to northern France and offer a faster alternative to traveling by car. This connection will be especially beneficial for tourists flying into Paris, providing a more efficient route to the northern regions of the country. The link will serve passengers traveling to towns and cities in the Picardie region, offering quicker access to the airport from the northern suburbs.

• Service Type: Regional rail connection
• Route: CDG Airport Survilliers – Fosses
• Status: Planned opening in 2026

4. Next-Generation TGV M (Avelia Horizon)

2026 will also see the launch of thenext-generation TGV high-speed trains, known asAvelia Horizon, branded asTGV M. These new trains are designed to offer more capacity, increased energy efficiency, and greater passenger comfort. The TGV M trains will enter service starting inmid-2026, initially operating on key high-speed routes such asParis–Lyon–Marseille. The new trains will feature modular interiors, allowing for more flexibility and comfort for passengers, along with improved accessibility features for those with reduced mobility. These trains will also be environmentally friendly, with lower energy consumption and noise levels compared to older models.

• Service Type: High-speed TGV
• Route: Paris Lyon Marseille
• Start Date: Mid-2026

5. Ouigo Network Expansion

The low-cost rail brandOuigo, which is part of SNCF, will expand its services in 2026.Ouigowill introduce new high-speed connections from Paris to cities such asLilleand additional services toLyon, Strasbourg, and Occitanie. This expansion is part of Ouigo’s strategy to increase the accessibility of France’s high-speed network for budget-conscious travelers. The new routes will offer affordable, efficient connections to several major French cities, further enhancing the availability of low-cost travel across the country. Ouigo will also strengthen its presence on existing routes by adding more trains during peak times.

• Service Type: Low-cost high-speed trains
• Routes: Paris Lille, Lyon, Strasbourg, Occitanie
• Frequency: New connections and expanded services in 2026

6. SNCF Service Enhancements and Capacity Increases

SNCF will continue to enhance its services in 2026 by increasing the capacity of itsTGVandTERnetworks. The expansion includes adding more seats to high-demand routes, particularly on theTGV Atlantique, connecting Paris to cities such asNantesandLoire-Atlantique. These additional seats will help alleviate overcrowding, particularly during peak travel times. SNCF is also adding more trains to high-traffic regional routes, improving overall service and making travel more comfortable for passengers across the country.

• Service Type: High-speed and regional trains
• Routes: TGV Atlantique and other popular corridors
• Goal: Increased capacity by ~600,000 seats in 2026

7. Night Train Revival Across Europe

In addition to the Paris–Berlin night train, France will see the expansion of severalnight train servicesconnecting the country to other European destinations. This resurgence is part of the broader trend in Europe to revitalize sleeper trains as an eco-friendly and comfortable alternative to flying. Passengers will be able to travel overnight between cities likeParis, Milan, and Vienna, making long-distance travel more sustainable and providing an attractive alternative to air travel.

8. Urban Rail and Grand Paris Express

Although not strictly “new trains,” major urban rail projects will continue to shape the rail landscape in France in 2026. TheGrand Paris Expressproject will make significant progress in 2026, with some new lines scheduled to open beyond 2026. The extension of the Paris Metro network will provide more seamless connections between key areas in Paris and its suburbs, helping to ease congestion in the city and improve accessibility for commuters and tourists alike.

Conclusion

With these new train services and infrastructure improvements, 2026 is set to be an exciting year for rail travel in France. From high-speed connections to new regional and cross-border links, travelers will have more options than ever before. Whether you are looking to explore France’s stunning countryside, head to a European destination, or enjoy a comfortable overnight journey, the new rail services will make traveling across France and beyond easier, faster, and more sustainable. The introduction of modern trains, enhanced services, and expanded networks will ensure that rail travel remains a key component of France’s transport system in 2026 and beyond.

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