October train travel news: European Sleeper launch plans, Orient Express unveils digital design, and more

28 October: The countdown begins for an attempt to run the world’s longest passenger train in Switzerland

To help celebrate the 175th anniversary of Switzerland's railway system, the Swiss Rhaetian Railway will attempt to run the world's longest passenger train this weekend.

Spread over 100 carriages, 25 of which are the brand-new Capricorn model, the train boasts over 4,550 seats and will be nearly 2km long. It will snake its way through Switzerland's most scenic train routes – including the UNESCO World Heritage Albula/Bernina passage from Preda to Alvaneu and over the Landwasser Viaduct.

The world record attempt will be a technical marvel. A field telephone has been set up along the 1910-meter-long train and will have seven drivers and 21 technicians. Considering the massive weight of the train, approximately 3,000 tonnes, it will impact the duration of the journey slowing the trains to a speed of 35 km/h. The longest passenger train in the world record attempt will be live-streamed tomorrow, Saturday, October 29 on Blick TV at 14:00.

25 October: Cosy up to European Sleeper trains in 2023

A new kind of night train, European Sleeper will connect travellers to many of the continent's capitals while they catch some shut-eye. While there was a previous delay to launch, European Sleeper suggests they should be ready to start trips on its Brussels to Prague line next year.

Designed with comfort in mind, the company is working to acquire renovated second-hand coaches and brand-new train carriages for their European night trains. The focus will be on providing more space and luxury than the current standard of sleeper trains, as they plan to offer three tiers, including luxury sleepers that come complete with ensuite bathrooms, family-friendly couchettes, and cabins designed for solo travellers or couples.

20 October: The return of Orient Express luxury trains 

Orient Express has unveiled designs of their exquisitely revamped trains in an immersive exhibition in Paris. Reimagined by architect Maxime d'Angeac, he brilliantly brings together the rich history of the past with the luxurious touches of today. He describes the process as, "the reinterpretation of a legendary train, conceived as a new embassy of French luxury".

Travel on the Orient Express isn't slated to begin in 2025, but you can experience the beauty of the digital reproductions at Design Miami in South Beach, Florida, from 30 November to 4 December. And, while we eagerly await the opening of the original route, the Orient Express La Dolce Vita will welcome its first passengers on their luxury trains next year with picturesque journeys from Northern to Southern Italy.

Image Credit: Elimende Inagella on Unsplash

18 October: The good times return with The Light Spectacular Express

Perfect for little and big kids alike, there is a lot to love about North Yorkshire Moors Railway's The Light Spectacular Express. The eye-catching experience features one of NYMR's most-beloved stream trains, decorated with many colourful LED lights. The hour-long journey through the Yorkshire Dales is full of lots of music, karaoke, and even TV's 'Voiceover Man' Peter Dickson (you may have heard him on The X Factor and Britain's Got Talent). Trains depart each evening from Pickering Station from October 22 – 30 at 18:00 and 19:45. 

Swap to train and save the planet one journey at a time

Swapping to train is one of the biggest impacts you can make on your carbon footprint¹, and we think that’s pretty amazing. So, join us in moving just one journey a year you would otherwise have taken by car or plane, to rail.

Header Image Credit: Getty Images. Header Image Location: Landwasser Viaduct