Train Travel Is Surging for 2027—and Bookings for These European Destinations Are Up as Much as 250%
Railbookers reports an over 100% increase in train travel to places like Canada, Spain, and Portugal.
Scenic view of a train through Lake Louise, Canada. Credit: Peter Jiang/Getty Images.
By Evie Carrick, Travel + Leisure
Published on September 29, 2026
With the slow travel trend still going strong, global vacationers are embracing train journeys that evoke a simpler era with leisurely days culminating in arrivals in charming European cities or breathtaking national parks.
Bookings for 2027 train trips in Canada, for example, have seen a 131 percent year-over-year increase compared to this year, according to data from tour operator Railbookers. In Europe, train trips in Switzerland and Italy have seen increases of 45 and 42 percent, respectively.
And it doesn’t stop there. Historically less-popular routes and destinations have seen huge growth. The company’s bookings to Spain and Portugal, for instance, have increased 250 percent, while trips in the Czech Republic are up 233 percent. Overall, when compared to 2026, Railbookers is tracking 47 percent busier for next year.
“The destinations leading demand for 2027 all speak to what makes rail travel so compelling,” Frank Marini, the president and CEO of Railbookers, said in a statement shared with Travel + Leisure. “Travelers want iconic destinations, unforgettable scenery, and the ability to experience more along the way, whether that means crossing the Canadian Rockies, traveling through Switzerland or exploring Europe beyond its traditional gateways.”
In the United States, Railbookers reported business for its sister brand, Amtrak Vacations, was up 71 percent compared to this time last year. Alaska remains the primary destination for U.S. train travel, but there has also been a growing interest in train routes that wind through national parks, like Amtrak’s Empire Builder route that runs into Montana’s Glacier National Park.
The increased interest in scenic and nature-focused routes is also present outside the U.S. Railbookers reported renewed attention for train travel to Canada’s Banff and Lake Louise, as well as in Swiss excursions like to Mount Pilatus near Lucerne and aboard the Gornergrat Railway, which travels to over 10,000 feet and boasts views of the Matterhorn along the way.
The luxury sector is another area that has seen a major boost. Railbookers reported a 67 percent increase in bookings on iconic trains that feature both historical appeal and a fresh, opulent look, often paired with fine dining on board. Popular luxury routes include the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, which connects some of Europe’s most quintessential cities, along with the food-and-wine-focused Rovos Rail in South Africa. Railbookers also handles bookings for luxury trains like Spain’s renowned El Transcantábrico Gran Luji and India’s Maharajas’ Express train, where guests are treated to high-end, opulent meals, around-the-clock valet service, and more.
