Originally posted on National Geographic.

Everything you need to know about rail travel in 2026

Train services are seeing a renaissance the world over, with fresh routes, new luxury lines and tour operators increasingly focusing on rail journeys. Here’s the latest for travellers looking to ride the rails in 2026.

By Lauren Keith

January 12, 2026

This article was produced by National Geographic Traveller (UK).

In light of climate change, flygskam (Swedish for flight shame) and the ease of arriving at a city-centre train station instead of the hassle of a far-flung airport, the world is all aboard for train travel. Adventuring by rail is starting to feel a lot less like a nostalgic throwback and more like stepping into a new era of travel. No matter where in the world your 2026 trips take you, trains are ready to whisk you between capital cities and unforgettably scenic landscapes — here’s everything you should know about rail travel in the year ahead.

Canyon Spirit extends scenic route to Salt Lake City, Utah

Previously called Rocky Mountaineer in the US, Canyon Spirit is expanding its luxury Rockies to the Red Rocks trip from Moab to Salt Lake City on one of the most scenic train routes not just in the country but the world, too. Moab, the gateway town to Arches and Canyonlands national parks, is a fraction of the size of Utah’s capital city and is better connecteced with an international airport and two interstate highways. The new route runs from April onwards.

Visit Salt Lake (VSL) is the private, nonprofit Destination Sales & Experience Organization (DSXO) dedicated to recruiting, retaining, and activating conventions, meetings, sporting events and leisure travel that fuels the region’s visitor economy. In partnership with Salt Lake County, hoteliers, members and public-sector stakeholders, VSL helps generate $6.15 billion in annual visitor spending, $575 million in direct tax revenue and $1,700 in household tax savings while supporting more than 56,000 jobs. By championing Salt Lake's authentic urban-meets-mountain identity, VSL creates transformative experiences that benefit the community and visitors alike. For more information, visit www.VisitSaltLake.com.