The Summer 2026 edition of the European Rail Timetable has arrived, bringing hundreds of updates from across the continent as operators introduce new services, adjust schedules and navigate another busy season of engineering work.
This edition reflects the constantly evolving nature of Europe’s rail network, with notable developments ranging from new open-access routes to major infrastructure projects affecting some of the continent’s busiest corridors.
New International Services
One of the biggest developments is the continued expansion of open-access rail across Europe.
GoVolta launched its new Amsterdam – Berlin service in March and, after a successful start, the route will increase to six days a week from June 30 before becoming daily in December. However, its Amsterdam – Hamburg Harburg service will be withdrawn from June 15 due to weaker than expected demand.
European Sleeper continues to expand its overnight network. Its new Paris – Brussels – Berlin route began operation in March, meaning there are now overnight connections between Brussels and Berlin six nights per week. Looking ahead, preparations are underway for the launch of the new Brussels – Milano night train in September, now rerouted via Zürich and the Gotthard route rather than the Simplon line.
There are also several new and enhanced cross-border daytime services featured in the new edition, including:
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New ICE services between Köln and Oostende
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Additional ICE trains between Köln and Antwerpen via Brussels Airport
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New Railjet services between Praha and København
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Seasonal Vy through services between Oslo and Malmö
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Expanded Leo Express international services linking Praha, Warszawa, Kraków and Przemyśl
Great Britain also sees an important addition, with open-access operator Lumo introducing direct London Euston – Stirling services from May 25.
Extensive Engineering Work Across Europe
As always, summer engineering work has a major impact on the timetable.
Germany is particularly affected, with extensive infrastructure upgrades resulting in major timetable changes. The Berlin Stadtbahn closure is affecting long-distance and regional services across the German capital, while the Regensburg – Passau route closure is disrupting international trains between Germany and Austria until December.
Later in the year, the closure of the high-speed line between Berlin and Wolfsburg will significantly alter Amsterdam – Berlin services, with some trains diverted via Hamburg.
Sweden also faces widespread disruption, especially on the Stockholm – Göteborg main line and the northern route towards Narvik. In Finland, buses replace trains on parts of the Helsinki – Turku route during summer works, while Norway continues to recover from infrastructure damage caused by last year’s landslide north of Trondheim.
Travellers in France, Italy and Spain should also pay close attention to amended summer schedules, with many high-speed services retimed, reduced or temporarily suspended due to engineering work.
Spain Sees Major Service Alterations
Spain has some of the most substantial timetable changes in this edition.
Engineering work between Guadalajara-Yebes and Calatayud has extended Madrid – Barcelona journey times by up to 25 minutes, while some late-evening AVE services have been suspended entirely.
The Barcelona – Vigo Alvia has also been substantially altered and no longer divides en route for A Coruña. Meanwhile, infrastructure upgrades in Andalucía are affecting services to Algeciras, Cádiz and Sevilla, with replacement buses operating on several routes.
Elsewhere, significant retimings have been introduced on routes to Galicia and Extremadura.
Seasonal and Summer Services Return
The Summer edition also includes numerous seasonal trains returning for the holiday period.
Among them are the Wien – Split EN service, the Budapest – Split Adria, and the planned return of summer trains linking Budapest, Warszawa, Rijeka and Koper.
Additional summer supplements for France are included in the edition to cover the extensive high-season timetable changes that could not fit into the regular country tables.
Keeping Up With a Changing Railway
The Summer 2026 edition highlights just how Europe’s rail network is changing. New operators continue to enter the market, international links are expanding and infrastructure upgrades are reshaping journeys across the continent.
However, the scale of engineering work taking place this summer also means flexibility remains essential for travellers, particularly on long-distance and cross-border routes where schedules may change at short notice.
As always, the European Rail Timetable remains an essential companion for anyone planning rail journeys across the continent.
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