5 new train journeys we’re excited about in 2023
Right now in the United Kingdom and parts of Europe, when you hear the word "train," you probably think "strike."
Indeed, there have been severe disruptions to the U.K.’s railways sporadically since last summer, and some of this unrest has carried over from Christmas and into the first days of January. Strikes have been largely due to ongoing disputes between unions representing rail workers and train companies.
Generally speaking though, trains have a lot to offer travelers, particularly when it comes to exploring Europe. The Caledonian Sleeper, for example, can take you swiftly from Scotland to London overnight. From London, it’s fairly straightforward to hop on the Eurostar and reach France, Belgium or the Netherlands, where you can easily connect to more of mainland Europe by rail.
Some may find a train trip a welcome reprieve from airport security lines and pesky jet lag. Train travel is a no-brainer if you're concerned about your carbon footprint. Catch the right train, and you’ll be rewarded with some spectacularly immersive views — just take a peek at the planet’s most scenic rides.
On board? Here’s a look at some of 2023’s most exciting new train journeys.
GoldenPass Express — Montreux to Interlaken, Switzerland
For more than 100 years, a direct rail route between Swiss destinations Montreux and Interlaken, via Gstaad, has been in discussion. As of Dec. 13, 2022, it’s no longer the stuff of dreams: The route offers a daily journey in each direction, with four journeys per day planned by June.
Passengers can now depart Montreux — which sits on Lake Geneva and is perhaps best known for its annual jazz festival — and stop in Gstaad or Zweisimmen before reaching the postcard-perfect town of Interlaken in just three hours and 15 minutes. Along the way, there are sweeping panoramic views of the Swiss Riviera and the towering, snowcapped Swiss Alps.
According to RailTech, this train journey is groundbreaking because the train switches gauges (from metric to standard) midjourney at Zweisimmen Station, to accommodate two types of tracks used by different types of trains. It is the first train in the world to achieve this.
To learn more or book, visit the GoldenPass Express website.
European Sleeper — Brussels to Berlin
In 2021, rail companies Moonlight Express and European Sleeper combined to form a "community-based" cooperative championing sleeper trains in Europe.
Its first offering is an overnight ride from the Belgian capital to the German capital that will pass through Antwerp, Belgium, and Rotterdam, Amsterdam and Deventer in the Netherlands. This train, called The Good Night Train, will embark on its maiden journey May 25. Tickets go on sale Feb. 20. Rates are set to start at 49 euros (around $53) for a seat, and 79 euros (around $85) for a bed, with three services per week initially.
Related: European startup aims to make overnight train travel a luxury experience
By 2024, European Sleeper plans to run the train daily, and extend the service to Dresden, Germany, and Prague. Its website also mentions future plans for sleeper trains in Scandinavia and southern Europe. Exciting, indeed.
To learn more or get booking information, visit the European Sleeper website.
Indonesia's high-speed train — Jakarta to Bandung
Indonesia is set to launch a new high-speed train on the island of Java, from Jakarta to Bandung — the first of its kind in the country and in Southeast Asia, according to Euronews.
Set to hit speeds of up to 217 miles per hour, the journey time between the cities will be just 36 minutes, rather than three hours. This will make it much easier for locals (and travelers) to commute between Jakarta — the sprawling, culture-rich capital — and Bandung in West Java, best known for its nature, surrounding volcanoes and colonial architecture.
Currently, the planned launch date is in June, and as of October 2022, this part of the line was reportedly near completion. There are plans to eventually expand the service to reach Surabaya in East Java — as it currently takes around nine hours to reach Surabaya by train from Jakarta.
To find out more about Indonesia, visit its official tourism website.
Nightjet’s extended routes — Vienna/Munich to Genoa, Italy
Nightjet, an offshoot of Austrian rail company OBB, will already be familiar to anyone who has embarked on an overnight train journey in Europe. As of 2023, it offers journeys to 25 destinations in Europe.
One route — which either starts from Munich or from the Austrian cities of Vienna and Salzburg — now extends beyond its original Italian destination, Milan. It goes to the port city of Genoa and La Spezia — both of which are in the Liguria region of Italy and act as jumping-off points for the world-famous Cinque Terre National Park.
Related: 4 European routes where you should take a train instead of a plane
Another route, which takes 15 hours total, will seasonally connect Stuttgart, Germany, to the Croatian city of Rijeka. Previously, the route began in Munich, and it typically connects to destinations such as Venice, Italy; Budapest, Hungary; and Ljubljana, Slovenia.
New, custom-built trains are also on the way for international routes, too.
To learn more or book now, visit the Nightjet website.
Amtrak’s new Acela trains — Northeast Corridor, US
In the fall, U.S. train company Amtrak is set to launch new Acela trains, serving the route along the Northeast Corridor between Boston and Philadelphia. In-between stops include Providence, Rhode Island, and New Haven, Connecticut, as well as stations in New York and New Jersey. The train then carries on to Washington, D.C.
While this route is far from new (the current Acela trains operating are reportedly more than 20 years old), the journey and the way travelers earn Amtrak Guest Rewards will be significantly smoother.
TPG reported back in May 2022 that the new Acela trains are outfitted with new seats, winged headrests and, in first class, individual armrests. Passengers can also expect "more convenient food service" and faster Wi-Fi on board. Not to mention, travelers will generally get from A to B a bit quicker, as the upgraded Acela trains can go 10 mph faster than the existing trains.
To learn more, visit the Amtrak website.
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Rewards
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro offer
Annual Fee
Recommended Credit
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.