Roundup (1 February 2026): The Latest Railway and Train Travel News
This roundup brings you the latest railway and train travel news from Europe and beyond
From major timetable changes and infrastructure projects to new train services and industry developments, this roundup highlights the stories shaping rail travel today.
** Swedish Sleeper, Regional Services Under Threat **
The Swedish government has approved budget cuts for Trafikverket, the Swedish Transport Administration, which will affect the procurement of Public Service Obligation (PSO) train services.
Although the budget cuts are relatively small, local media report that they will affect the operation of night trains in Sweden, as operating costs have risen sharply and some services are expected to run at a loss in 2026.
Reports suggest that night train services between Stockholm and northern Sweden could be reduced by half, while some regional routes may see their timetables cut back.
** Temporary closure of Nuremberg-Regensburg railway line **
The 88-kilometre railway line between Nuremberg and Regensburg is set to undergo a major overhaul, during which the line will be temporarily closed to train services.
From 6 February until 14 June, Deutsche Bahn will carry out extensive infrastructure upgrades, including the replacement of tracks, the installation of new switches, and the modernisation of stations along the route.
As a result of the works, major cities and junction stations such as Regensburg, Passau, Straubing, and Plattling will see reduced rail services.
Long-distance trains using the Nuremberg-Regensburg route, including ICE services linking Frankfurt with Vienna, will be rerouted, adding around an hour to journey times.
AndyB says: “In some ways, this is the best approach for carrying out major works, rather than relying on ad-hoc disruptions.
“Having clearly planned diversions and replacement bus services in place is the right way to handle large projects – and something the UK could certainly learn from.”
** New Milan Malpensa Airport rail link opens **
A new rail link between Milan Malpensa Airport and Gallarate has opened, cutting travel times from around half an hour to just eight minutes for Terminal 2 and fifteen minutes for Terminal 1.
From 23 January, all Trenord Malpensa Express services now run via both terminals at Milan Malpensa Airport to Gallarate, and vice versa.
The new connection improves links between Milan Malpensa Airport and the far north of Italy, and is particularly useful for travellers heading from the airport towards Lake Maggiore or Switzerland.
** SNCF to introduce child-free travel class on TGV trains **
French national railway company SNCF will introduce a new rule banning children under 12 from its Optimum Plus class on select TGV services.
The controversial new rule has drawn criticism from some in France, although SNCF says it is necessary to “ensure maximum comfort” and to tailor the travel class to the needs of business passengers.
AndyB says: “I see the merits of this policy, as it gives rail an advantage for those who want to work or travel in peace.
“The remainder of the train is still available for passengers under 12.”
** Joint border checks introduced on trains between Hungary and Serbia **
Hungary and Serbia are set to introduce joint border checks on cross-border trains from the end of February or early March, according to Hungarian media.
The joint border controls for passenger services will be carried out on Hungarian territory at the railway station of Kelebia.
Ljubisa Pejicic, Acting Director of Srbijavoz, the Serbian national rail operator, has confirmed earlier reports that eight cross-border trains will soon run on the newly renovated line from Subotica to Budapest, including two through services between Belgrade and Vienna.
AndyB says: “This is how border controls should be handled: as a joint operation.
“It makes train travel far more attractive by saving time and, particularly on sleeper trains, avoiding a disrupted night’s sleep, as is currently the case on Sofia-Istanbul services.”
** Deutsche Bahn to improve safety and cleanliness at railway stations **
German national rail operator Deutsche Bahn has launched a special action programme to address cleanliness and security issues at some stations across the country.
The initiative was unveiled by Deutsche Bahn CEO Evelyn Palla and German Federal Transport Minister Patrick Schnieder.
Around €50 million has been allocated to the programme, which will initially focus on 25 stations.
Measures to be introduced include the deployment of additional security staff, expanded video surveillance in cooperation with the police, and more frequent cleaning.
AndyB says: “This cannot come soon enough.
“Many German stations are unwelcoming and downright dirty, so any effort to address this is more than welcome.”
