FROM today, Brits will be able to travel as far as Prague without having to board a plane.
Later this evening, a new 15-hour night train is set to depart from Brussels to Prague for the first time.
AlamyA brand new sleeper service will launch between Brussels and Prague from today[/caption]
Getty – ContributorThe new train service will take 15 hours[/caption]
The sleeper service will then stop at Antwerp, Rotterdam, Amsterdam, Berlin and Dresden before arriving in Prague.
Operated by European Sleeper, the new route has been designed with sustainable travel in mind.
European Sleeper co-founder, Elmer Van Buuren told Euronews: “Our goal is to add a new route each year so we can continue to contribute to a more integrated and sustainable European transportation network.
Those Brits who want to travel to Prague without boarding a plane, will be able to take a Eurostar service from London St Pancras to Brussels, which takes just under two hours.
Passengers can then connect to the second train, where they will travel overnight.
The best service would be the 3:04pm from London St Pancras, which arrives at 6:05pm in Brussels – giving enough time to connect to the sleeper train.
The new European Sleeper service will depart Brussels at 7:22pm before arriving in Prague at 10:56am the following morning.
Departures will take place on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, with return journeys on Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday.
Sun Online Travel have found seats on the service for €129 (£110) per person, while a bed in a three-person compartment costs €219 (£187) per person.
Elmer Van Buuren added: “There needs to be a good alternative to flying or using your car.”
While Martin Kupka, the Czech Minister of Transport added: “Night trains are now making a comeback all over Europe and I am very glad that the Czech Republic is not left behind.”
Other new routes
Meanwhile, another new train route could soon link two European countries by rail for the first time in 16 years.
From as early as next month, Venice and Ljubljana (the Slovenian capital) could be linked by a new train service.
While it is not known which train company will operate the cross-border route, the Italian train company Trenitalia tested out the proposed route on Monday (December 11, 2023).
the test run departed from Venice Mestre train station and stopped at Portogruaro, Monfalcone, and Bivio Aurisina before arriving at the border.
From Villa Opicina (a train station on the Italian and Slovenia border), the train then headed through into Slovenia calling at Ljubljana and Sesana.
Another route could connect Amsterdam to Barcelona by 2025.
This means Brits would be able to travel by train to the Spanish hotspot, with Eurostar services to Amsterdam.
European Sleeper previously said in a statement: “The Amsterdam-Barcelona night train will strongly improve Europe’s quality of north-south rail connections.”
Here are two other train routes hoping to launch in the UK.
London to Basel
Swiss National Railways (SBB) has proposed new routes between London St Pancras and Basel.
The five-hour trip would use the Channel Tunnel and Eurostar trains.
The direct route would make it much easier to visit, which currently requires three trains from the UK.
London to Paris
While Eurostar currently operates between the UK and France, a new start-up wants to offer similar routes.
Evolyn has revealed plans to connect London St Pancras and Paris Nord by 2025.
If it goes ahead, it would be the first competitor to Eurostar since it first started 30 years ago.
Three scenic train journeys you can take in the UK
The UK is full of great train journeys, including some with scenic views.
The West Highland Line in Scotland has previously been dubbed the best rail journey in the world, thanks to its breathtaking views overlooking mountain landscapes, serene lochs and wistful moors. Tickets start from £19.50.
The East Coast Main Line from Durham to Edinburgh is another popular railway route. Passengers on this train will be treated to views of Durham Cathedral, the Angel of the North, and the King Edward VII Railway Bridge. Tickets start from £24.50.
The train from St Erth to St Ives only has one stop on its route, which is complete with sea views. Tickets start from £3.
AlamyTickets on the new night train start from £110[/caption]“}]]