Rail Europe Expands Routes Across Benelux, Eastern Europe, and Denmark

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Rail Europe, a trusted name in European rail travel for over 90 years, has announced an exciting expansion to its network, adding new domestic and international routes across Belgium, the Netherlands, Luxembourg (Benelux), as well as key destinations in Eastern Europe and Denmark. With these new routes, Rail Europe’s platform offers a broader range of travel options, making it easier than ever for passengers to explore Europe by train.

As Europe’s leading distributor of train tickets, Rail Europe connects travellers with seamless access to Europe’s vast and sustainable rail network, providing options for both short domestic routes and long-haul journeys across multiple countries. This latest expansion enhances connectivity in regions that have grown increasingly popular in recent years, enabling passengers to explore iconic destinations from the scenic towns of Eastern Europe to the cultural hubs of Denmark.

Who is Rail Europe?

Rail Europe has been a pillar of European train travel for nearly a century, helping travellers book rail journeys across the continent with ease. As the global reference brand for European train booking, Rail Europe provides technology solutions, customer care, and seamless booking services to over 25,000 partners in more than 70 countries. Each year, Rail Europe sells approximately 5 million train tickets, offering access to 200 rail providers, including SNCF, SBB, Eurostar, Trenitalia, DB, Renfe, ÖBB, and more.

With headquarters in Paris and offices worldwide, Rail Europe’s mission is to make European rail travel accessible, convenient, and sustainable. In addition to individual train tickets, Rail Europe provides a range of popular rail passes, such as the Swiss Travel Pass and the Eurail Pass, allowing travellers flexible access to numerous rail networks across Europe.

New Routes and Expanded Coverage

Rail Europe’s latest expansion opens up significant new travel options across the Benelux region, Eastern Europe, and Denmark. These routes are available through Rail Europe’s widely used platforms—RailAPI, RailFlash, and RailPortal—allowing travel agencies and partners easy access to book these routes on behalf of their customers.

The new routes add depth to Rail Europe’s already comprehensive network, covering key destinations and creating opportunities for travellers to explore both familiar and off-the-beaten-path locations.

Highlights of the Expanded Network

Benelux Region: Belgium, Netherlands, and Luxembourg

The Benelux region is central to European rail travel, and Rail Europe’s expanded coverage now includes greater access to both domestic routes within these countries and cross-border connections to popular destinations. Some of the new travel options include:

Domestic Belgian Routes: Enhanced connections between major cities like Brussels, Bruges, Antwerp, and Ghent make it easy to experience the culture, history, and architecture of Belgium.
Dutch Domestic Routes: Journeys from Amsterdam to Maastricht, The Hague, and Rotterdam are now readily available, giving travellers flexibility to explore the Netherlands in comfort.
Cross-Border Routes: Key cross-border routes such as Maastricht to Brussels and Bruges to Amsterdam are now offered, facilitating smooth travel between Belgium, the Netherlands, and beyond.

The Benelux region’s compact geography and highly developed rail infrastructure make it ideal for travellers who want to see multiple cities in a single trip. The region is also a gateway to high-speed rail services operated by Eurostar, SNCF, and Deutsche Bahn, with direct connections from Amsterdam and Brussels to London, Paris, Cologne, and other major European cities.

New Eastern Europe Routes: Czech Republic and Hungary

Eastern Europe has seen a surge in popularity among travellers, and Rail Europe is responding by expanding its routes within the Czech Republic and Hungary. This addition provides greater accessibility to some of the most picturesque and culturally rich cities in Europe, such as:

Czech Republic: With popular routes connecting Prague to cities like Brno, Ostrava, and Plzeň, travellers can easily experience the beauty of the Czech Republic’s cities, castles, and landscapes.
Hungary: Routes connecting Budapest to other cities, including Debrecen, Szeged, and Pécs, make it easier to explore Hungary’s architectural marvels and diverse landscapes.

These routes enable travellers to immerse themselves in the charm of Eastern Europe, with seamless connections available through Rail Europe’s platforms.

Denmark: Expanding Nordic Connections

Denmark, renowned for its modern cities and scenic countryside, is also part of Rail Europe’s expanded coverage. New routes within Denmark make it easier for travellers to explore this Scandinavian nation:

Copenhagen to Aarhus, Odense, and Aalborg: These popular domestic routes connect travellers to Denmark’s major cities, providing an ideal opportunity to explore the blend of tradition and innovation that defines Danish culture.

The inclusion of Danish routes further cements Rail Europe’s role in offering comprehensive travel options across Northern Europe, making it easier for passengers to visit key Nordic destinations with Rail Europe’s user-friendly platforms.

Why the Benelux Region is Central to European Rail Travel

The Benelux region, comprising Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg, is often regarded as a hub for European rail travel. Its central location, advanced infrastructure, and high-speed rail connections make it one of the most accessible regions for travellers. The region’s efficient network of domestic routes allows tourists to visit multiple cities in a short period, while direct cross-border services connect Benelux with neighbouring countries, including France, Germany, and the UK.

Starting in mid-December 2024, Amsterdam will introduce a new direct daytime link to Munich, further enhancing travel options for those using Rail Europe’s platform. These multi-carrier connections allow travellers to plan trips seamlessly across borders, combining high-speed and regional services for a more flexible and eco-friendly way to see Europe.

Meeting Demand for Sustainable and Comfortable Travel

The expansion of Rail Europe’s routes is a testament to the growing demand for sustainable travel options. Train travel remains one of the most eco-friendly modes of transportation, offering a low-carbon alternative to air travel. With Europe’s ambitious environmental goals, Rail Europe is committed to supporting the shift towards more sustainable tourism by making rail travel as accessible and convenient as possible.

As Jürgen Witte, Chief Product and Technology Officer of Rail Europe, notes:

“We are thrilled to welcome the Benelux region as well as additional routes in Eastern Europe and Denmark into RailAPI, RailFlash, and RailPortal. The integration of their extensive fare options and routes further enables us to offer more flexibility and choice for our customers, reinforcing our commitment to making rail travel in Europe the most sustainable and comfortable way to explore the continent.”

Rail Europe’s platform allows customers to select from various rail carriers, offering a single booking interface for a multitude of routes and fare options. This approach simplifies the booking process for travellers and allows them to choose the best journey for their needs, whether they prioritise speed, scenic routes, or cost.

How to Access Rail Europe’s New Routes

Rail Europe’s newly expanded route offerings are available through its three main platforms:

RailAPI: This API integration allows travel agencies to directly access Rail Europe’s extensive route options, making it easy to incorporate European rail travel into broader travel packages.
RailFlash: Designed for quick access to rail fares and schedules, RailFlash provides partners with instant rail booking options, offering customers flexible and comprehensive travel choices.
RailPortal: An intuitive booking portal that allows partners to access and book Rail Europe’s full range of products, from single-journey tickets to multi-country rail passes.

These platforms are built to simplify the experience for Rail Europe’s 25,000+ travel agency partners worldwide, helping them meet the diverse needs of international travellers seeking a reliable and sustainable way to explore Europe.

A Commitment to Convenience and Accessibility in Rail Travel

Rail Europe’s mission has always been to make rail travel accessible and straightforward for travellers around the globe. By expanding its route coverage across Belgium, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, the Czech Republic, Hungary, and Denmark, Rail Europe is meeting the needs of modern travellers who value convenience, flexibility, and sustainability.

With more choices for domestic and cross-border routes, Rail Europe’s customers can now enjoy an enhanced travel experience that offers connections to both popular tourist destinations and lesser-known gems across Europe. Whether embarking on a short city-to-city trip or an extended journey across multiple countries, Rail Europe’s expanded network provides the tools and options to make every trip memorable.

Plan Your Next European Adventure with Rail Europe

Rail Europe’s new routes across Benelux, Eastern Europe, and Denmark offer travellers an unparalleled way to explore the diversity of Europe. By combining high-speed trains, scenic regional routes, and international connections, Rail Europe brings the best of European rail travel into one easy-to-navigate platform.

For more information on the latest routes, booking options, and to plan your next European adventure by rail, visit Rail Europe’s website at www.raileurope.com. With their commitment to quality service, sustainability, and a seamless booking experience, Rail Europe is ready to make your next journey across Europe truly unforgettable.