California has been known to put its foot in its mouth, which makes sense with the growing yoga craze, but not when it comes to false promises.
As a 10-year California resident, I’ve learned to take any exciting news in the “Golden State” with a grain of salt, not knowing if it will ever come to fruition or if it will simply remain a headline etched in time.
Take the newly-opened Gaylord Resort in my hometown of Chula Vista, for example. It’s the last place in San Diego County you’d expect a waterfront oasis, but it did actually open (albeit to a mixed bag of reviews).
California has been promising thrilling new train routes for years, but where are they?
Local sources in Los Angeles have released new details for a high-speed route that’s promised to connect the outskirts of LA, taking travelers across the desert at blazing speeds to reach “Sin City”.
Though, many questions remain, we at Travel Off Path are stoked to reveal all 4 stops slated for Brightline’s new venture, helping you decide if hopping aboard a train from LA to Las Vegas is worth it, or if the quick flight or 4-hour drive are more suitable.
The Full Route: Where Brightline’s New Train Will Supposedly Go
Ever heard of Brightline? The relative newbie in the rail industry made a name for itself in recent years by connecting some of Florida’s most popular locales.
While Japan is the undisputed king of so-called “bullet trains”, Brightline has given American travelers hope to follow suit as the only true U.S. high-speed operator.
That’s not to say Amtrak’s time is up, especially since the iconic brand is launching new routes too, but Brightline is ready to set the West Coast abuzz with the task of cutting through California’s notorious red-tape stalemates.
That may be why travelers will have to wait a few years before the train is supposedly launched in December 2028.
Another downside is that the train will not go to LA proper — you know, Hollywood, Rodeo Drive, etc. — it departs from Rancho Cucamonga near Ontario, which is mostly known for being home to a great alternative airport to LAX.
From the LA outskirts toward Nevada, the whole route is set for launch as follows:
Rancho Cucamonga
Hesperia
Victor Valley
Las Vegas
To reach the LA city limits for typical tourist attractions, there will be an option to connect from Rancho Cucamonga by MetroLink.
Is The New Train Really Necessary?
There’s no shortage of travelers going back and forth from the bright lights of Hollywood to the even brighter lights of the neon-lit Strip.
Factoring in expected max speeds of 218 mph, plus 2 stops in between, the train tops out at roughly half the speed of a commercial jet.
While you may not have to deal with the hassle of TSA at train stations, California to Vegas is also a popular road trip, though traffic is notoriously bad in both major cities.
So, let’s lay out the options here:
Amtrak does not service Las Vegas
The drive from LA to Vegas takes roughly 4 hours (without headache-inducing traffic)
Direct flights are frequent from every Southern California airport, lasting roughly an hour in the air
Budget travelers can also hop aboard numerous buses to ride across the desert
Then there will be Brightline, claiming to connect this pair of iconic cities in 2 hours and 10 minutes, but most tourists will find themselves bored in the ‘burbs upon arriving in Rancho Cucamonga.
There’s also the well-documented aspect that both LA and Las Vegas are struggling to draw visitors right now, which begs the question if these are the right cities to connect when there are ample ways to reach either city, neither of which is living up to their usual vacation hotspot reputation.
Expected Ticket Prices
Here’s another doozy to consider — weighing costs has to come into consideration, too, when factoring in logistics.
While it’s tough to predict airfare 3 years from now, a quick Google search showed the cheapest LA-Vegas flight this weekend goes for $94 (Frontier).
You would get to Vegas in about an hour and pay less than what’s being reported.
Sam, our Lead Writer & Journalist based in San Diego has visited 36 countries and written over 1000 articles with a focus on sharing his own travel experiences and shining a light on lesser-known gems.
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Spain has never been more popular and locals are up in arms across the country wanting to have their beloved country back.
Overtourism has been a real concern, especially in such places as Barcelona, but that’s not stopping travelers from visiting this world-renowned city, or country for that matter.
Whether it be Spain’s stunning islands, sprawling urban jungles, or hidden gems to escape the crowds, there’s no doubt you’ll find your little slice of paradise when visiting.
Making Spain even more enticing, a new high-speed train was just announced to hit the rails this winter, just in time to make use of your Christmas vacation days.
Connecting 2 of Spain’s most fascinating cities, with 5 stops total, get ready for the train adventure of a lifetime as you zoom through one of Europe’s hottest destinations!
Explore Spain By Train: First Stop – Malaga
Spain may be mostly known for Barcelona, Madrid, and the multitude of gorgeous islands off the mainland’s scenic coast, but there’s one city boasting intriguing museums, beautiful beaches, and eye-popping castles and fortresses.
That’s right. Pablo Picasso’s hometown of Malaga is a perfect gateway to begin your Spanish excursions and will soon be the starting point for a thrilling new train ride.
The full journey will last 5 and a half hours should you not depart before ultimately reaching the vast wonders of Spain’s shining star, Barcelona.
Operated by budget rail line, Iryo, there will be 2 departures per day (one outward, one returning) so keep in mind you can also flip the script and take this train in reverse order if you’re in another city.
Plus, if you time it right, promos during the first week of the initial launch are super affordable with fares as low as $26.50 one-way, depending on which class selection you choose for weekdays.
Prices are a tick higher on weekends. The first train is set to depart December 15, 2024.
3 Exciting Stops Before Barcelona
You can’t really go wrong in Spain, can you?
Although, we don’t recommend Ibiza unless you’re into the party scene.
But hey, trains don’t cross the Balearic Sea, so you can enjoy a few other much more enjoyable stops before reaching Barcelona.
If you want to pack in as much of Spain as possible in one trip, Iryo’s new train is the way to go, literally.
Whether you start or end in Barcelona, you have three other cities to explore if you choose to hop off, and one of them is another of Spain’s icons!
Travelers aboard this route can also check out Zaragoza, Cordoba, and Madrid, adding 2 lesser-known cultural cities as well as another of Spain’s legendary getaways.
Albeit, Madrid and Barcelona are the main destinations where locals have been frustrated, to say the least, regarding tourists flooding their hometown.
If you want to feel a bit more welcomed, Malaga, Zaragoza, and Cordoba may be more suitable, but on the flip side, Barcelona and Madrid may just be too good to pass up.
Zaragoza and Cordoba are unique in their own right, offering a different vibe than Spain’s famous cities, with attractions like Zaragoza’s vibrant Plaza de Pilar and Cordoba’s picturesque whitewashed Jewish Quarter.
Tip: Should you choose to stop in Madrid, the layover is only 20 minutes. You will need to reroute for an extended stay.
Last Stop – Barcelona
Circling back, you can definitely make your starting point in Barcelona, as it’s probably the most connected city in Spain, including another of Iryo’s popular routes departing from Seville.
For this new route, however, trains will depart Barcelona at 11:50am and arrive in Malaga at 5:42pm. Conversely, the train will leave Malaga at 11:35am and arrive in Barcelona at 5:37pm.
Here in Barcelona you’ll find a bustling city brimming with immaculate architecture, world-class Spanish cuisine, the whimsical Instagram-worthy Park Guell, and access to gorgeous beaches in close reach.
Although, locals swear by the nearby town of Tarragona as a way to escape the city’s crowds for spacious beautiful beaches.
Sam, our Lead Writer & Journalist based in San Diego has visited 30 countries and written over 400 articles with a focus on sharing his own travel experiences and shining a light on lesser-known gems.
Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.
Train travel is backen vogue in Europe, with numerous train routes launching simultaneously and demand for the railway having increased significantly.
It seems as if travelers have had it with airports in general: from the stressful security check-up, to the long wait in line, and even the super-strict luggage rules low-cost carriers impose, it’s no wonder they’re flocking into the nearest train station instead.
Not only are they a (far more) scenic experience, but trains can literally be hotels on wheels.
Europe’s new fleet of Nightjet trains cover long distances overnight, and with their lie-flat seats and incredible onboard catering, you hardly ever notice the passing of time.
If you’re fed up with the airport chaos yourself, and you’re not on a rush to be anywhere on vacation, you’ll be ecstatic to learn there are 3 new Nightjet sleepers launching in the Old Continent this fall––and they will be connecting 6 completely unique destinations:
New Trains Launching Between Austria, Germany And Italy
In the latest expansion of its Nightjet service, Austrian operator ÖBB will start operation between six cities across Austria, Germany and Italy from September 10, 2024.
The Nightjet is ÖBB’s overnight service, with each train being seven cars long, including two sleeper cars with private cabins, three couchette cars, equipped with 28 compartments, a multi-functional car with both seating and accessible sleeper arrangements, and a seats-only car.
Traveling on the Nightjet, tickets for a standard seat start from only €29.90, or around US$33 based on the current exchange rate. A couchette, or a seat in a shared sleeper cabin costs around $85, while private cabins can go as high as US$192 on some routes.
Editor’s Note: We took a Nightjet train last year and it is an excellent experience (pictured above). Very comfortable and top-notch service!
The list of amenities in the latter category is quite extensive, with guests having enjoying both a seating area and a bed (with softer mattresses and pillows), a private washbasin, adjustable temperature control, multicolored mood lighting, and breakfast the following morning.
For those in ‘comfort plus’, cabins even come with a shower cubicle.
In general, seats are for travelers covering shorter distances, who won’t be traveling the whole extent of the Nightjet, the couchette cars are perfect for families and groups of friends, as it accommodates up to four people, and the private cabins are reserved for solo travelers or couples expecting privacy.
Now that you know what to expect from the Nightjet, let’s move on to the most important part: where can you go this fall?
Munich to Bologna
Munich is a major German city, capital of the state of Bavaria, and a cultural hotspot of the first order, with a central square (Marienplatz) flanked by historical landmarks, and a thriving brewery scene––to our fellow beer buffs out there, it’s also where the traditional Oktoberfest originated.
If you’re visiting Munich this fall, other than signing up for this $68.76 Bavarian Beer and Food Evening Tour, you can now go on a little weekend escapade to Italy––more specifically, the romantic Bologna, an offbeat gem often bypassed by first-time visitors.
Leaving from Hauptbahnhof (the Central Station) in the evening, the Nightjet crosses the state of Bavaria, and the whole of Austria overnight before reaching Italy, for a total travel duration of 10h28 (don’t worry, you’ll be fast asleep in your comfy couchette bed before you even notice).
Arriving in Bologna, you can go on a gastronomic tour guided by a local, packed with cheese boards, freshly-baked bread and homemade tagliatelle pasta, for only $87.62, or simply admire the city’s stunning architecture:
Bologna is famous for its Renaissance-era monuments, picturesque piazze surrounded by arched colonnades and casual historic cafes, and its twin Asinelli and Garisenda Towers, which similarly to Pisa, have also leaned forward over the years.
Outbound
Departing from Munich 8:15 p.m.
Arriving to Bologna 5:39 a.m.
Return
Departing from Bologna 10:54 p.m.
Arriving to Munich 9:22 a.m.
Salzburg to Florence
Austria’s famous alpine city, Salzburg has become a popular alternative for travelers keen on escaping the scorching Mediterranean heat this year, thanks to its milder mid-year temperatures and most importantly, inestimable cultural value:
With its perfectly preserved Old Town, dotted with domes and towering church spires, winding cobbled streets, and lush green gardens, set against the backdrop of snow-capped peaks, it is often called Rome of the North.
The Italy associations don’t stop there: from September 10, you can go to sleep in the ÖBB Nightjet in Salzburg and wake up the next morning in Florence, one of Europe’s prettiest cities, and the birthplace of the cultural and intellectual movement that was the Renaissance.
Florence is best-known for its UNESCO-listed Historic Center, dominated by a red-colored Brunelleschi Duomo, that rises above a maze of medieval streets––in the midst of it, there are museums housing iconic Western art, from Michelangelo’s David to Botticelli’s Birth of Venus.
Besides being a cultural behemoth, Florence is a renowned foodie hotspot, and in case you’re looking for an authentic restaurant, we’d warmly suggest La Buchetta: a bistro with a timeless interior, it has a near-perfect 4.7 rate on Google Reviews (and it’s where we had the best gnocchi ever).
Outbound
Departing from Salzburg 10:02 p.m.
Arriving to Florence 6:42 a.m.
Return
Departing from Florence 9:48 p.m.
Arriving to Salzburg 6:49 a.m.
Vienna to Rome
Habsburg-era palaces, sprawling lush gardens dotted with ornate fountains and postcardy gazebos, and essentially a stately Baroque monument per square mile (not literally, but it surely feels like it): Vienna is the quintessential European city.
The Austrian capital is notorious for its State Opera, considered one of the best in the world, glazed tile-roofed Stephansdom, a Gothic wonder rising 447.5 feet tall, and artsy coffee shops––our favorite, and one tourists often miss when visiting if they’re inattentive, is Fenster.
They’re nothing but a window opening onto a cobbled street where you can only get takeout coffee, and our go-to order has to be the milk espresso served in an ice cream cone; some say it’s overrated because it costs $12, but the presentation is cute, and it is really high-quality stuff.
If you’re coming all the way to Vienna for the culture and the coffee, you might as well add a little side trip to a fellow capital that’s developed a solid reputation entirely on those exact two things–of course, we’re talking about Rome, now linked to Austria via the Nightjet.
More than just great coffee and ancient sites, however, Rome is a vibrant metropolis with a jovial atmosphere and diverse tourist offer.
Unlike New York, it does go to sleep eventually, but if you know where to go, you can still have an enjoyable time.
Be it the endless streets of Trastevere, with its local-owned osteria and hidden courtyards, or the lively San Lorenzo, a student quarter full of bars, your Sunday evenings in Rome don’t have to be spent in a museum, or admiring Roman ruins if, you know, you’re in need of a Bohemian weekend away.
Outbound
Departing from Vienna 7:18 p.m.
Arriving to Rome 11:05 a.m.
Return
Departing from Rome 5:40 p.m.
Arriving to Vienna 9:04 a.m.
Why Take A Sleeper Train Instead Of Just Flying?
If you’ve never taken a sleeper train before, you may be wondering how exactly it’s any better than flying, and why would people choose to deliberately be in a train for 8 hours or longer when they could simply take the quickest, ‘easiest’ route.
Environmental wiffle-waffle aside, have you ever stopped to think how long you actually spend traveling by plane?
Sure, flights are mostly short-distance, particularly in Europe where it normally takes a maximum 3 hours to get anywhere, but how about the airport commute and wait?
If you’re flying from Paris Beauvais, an airport a whopping 41 miles outside the city of Paris itself, you’re advised to leave for the airport between five and three hours in advance, as the transfer time can take as long as 1h30, and there’s usually big lines at security.
However short that flight is, and let’s say it’s roughly 2 hours, your overall travel time has already bumped up to at least 7 hours, airport commute, wait time and actual flight included––and we haven’t even factored commuting upon arrival.
Most major international airports in Europe are located miles out of the city center, or even the city they serve, which is the case with Beauvais, and for that reason, flying typically takes up the best part of a travel day, if not the entire day.
Sleeper trains take between 8 to 10 hours to complete their journey, which is either equivalent or slightly longer, the difference being that you’re traveling overnight, going to bed at your departure point, and magically waking up at your destination.
No stress, no hopping on and off airport shuttles and trams in between, no sitting up straight.
Are Trains Really That Much More Expensive?
Lie-flat cabins are pretty expensive, sure, but have you pondered it’s almost as if you’re combining the cost of accommodation and travel into a single booking?
Think about it: if you choose to stay another night in a three-star hotel in Rome, basic amenities, only to fly to Vienna in the morning, you’ll be set back by $93–$146 this season, plus the flight tickets: booked through Austrian Airlines, that’s as high as $128 on certain dates.
We haven’t even added the cost of airport transfers, hold luggage (which is free on trains), whether it’s Ubers or trains, nor the usual airport expenses––who can resist a cheeky KFC as they wait for their gate to open, or browsing through DutyFree?
It’s not that airports are bad (not at all), but is $192 for a private sleeper cabin, or even $85 for a couchette in a shared compartment really that expensive?
Not to mention the scenic views, ability to take a walk and stretch your legs without being told off by overly-strict flight attendants, and comfy seating.
Lastly, trains don’t arrive miles outside a city.
Instead, they take you straight to the city center, probably in proximity of your hotel, making getting around much easier. Sleeper trains are perfect if you’re not in a rush to be somewhere, but if you’re actually smart about it, they’re rarely ever not the best choice.
Vini, our senior lead writer at Travel Off Path, has over 60+ countries under his belt (and currently weaving tales from Paris!), and a knack for turning off-the-beaten-path experiences into informative stories that will have you packing your bags.
Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.
Train travel in Europe is becoming an incredibly popular trend. Not only is it more environmentally friendly, it is also a great way to see fantastic views that you might otherwise miss.
In May of this year The European Sleeper launched a new night train. This train travels from Brussels to Amsterdam and then to Berlin.
The route has been incredibly successful, and now The European Sleeper is planning to extend its route and connect 4 European capital cities.
These are the cities you can visit:
Which Cities Can You Visit?
From March 25 2024 the night train route will not only visit Brussels, Amsterdam, and Berlin. It will also be extended to Dresden and Prague.
This means that the service will connect 4 European capital cities giving travelers more options. The new service will make 18 stops in total.
It will depart from Brussels at 19.22 on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays and arrive in the Czech Republic at 10.56 the following day.
It will depart from Prague at 18.04 on Sundays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays. It will then arrive in Brussels at 09.27 the following day.
European Sleeper are preparing to launch several other new night train routes if this new route is successful. They have plans to expand their network both in the short and the long term.
The Good Night Train
The European Sleeper train is also known as The Good Night Train. It offers 3 different sleeping options depending on your budget.
The most comfortable and expensive option is the sleeper carriage. There are a maximum of 3 beds in each compartment and compartments can be booked as single, double, or triple options.
Each compartment includes a washbasin, seats and table, a comfortable mattress, wake-up calls, breakfast, and a welcome drink.
The Couchette carriages are the mid-level option. These carriages are multifunctional, containing seats during the day that fold down to 6 comfortable couchettes at night.
These compartments can be booked as a 6-person, 4-person, or private compartment. Breakfast and mineral water are included.
The most affordable option for budget travelers is the seating carriages. These have 6 seats in each compartment and can be booked individually or as a private compartment for parties of 6.
Why Travel In Europe By Train?
If you want to travel from country to country in Europe, it can be tempting just to book an airline ticket. But there are a huge number of benefits to traveling by train instead.
Traveling in Europe by train is easy, comfortable, scenic, and efficient. Train seats tend to be much wider and more comfortable than plane seats which is particularly important if you’re traveling overnight.
There are also very few luggage restrictions if you travel by train which means you won’t be stung with excess luggage charges if you’re carrying oversized bags.
You can take advantage of amazing views and more space to stretch your legs. And even during the dusk of a sleeper train, you’ll be amazed by how many of the countries you pass through that you’ll actually get to see.
One of the best benefits of intercity train travel in Europe is that train stations tend to be in the heart of the city center, while airports tend to be out of the city and in the suburbs. This will make it easy to get to your accommodation quickly without any hassle, queues in baggage reclaim, or expensive transfers.
It’s also worth noting that if you’re traveling on a budget, then the night you spend on a sleeper train is a night of hotel accommodation that you don’t need to pay for. Meaning that traveling by train really is a win-win!
How The Netherlands Shift Might Affect Your Travel Around Europe
The Netherlands is set to transform its air travel sector in the wake of the announcement that Schiphol Airport will be operating under a cap from 2023. The decision is multi-faceted, attempting to tackle both climate change and a shift from the airport’s reputation as a transfer hub.
Schiphol Airport, the Netherlands’ busiest airport and one of the busiest in the world, announced last month that it would begin capping the number of flights flying to and from the hub. The figure released suggested that no more than 440 thousand flights a year would be allowed to leave from Schiphol.
The move is mainly geared at climate change, and the figure corresponds to an approximate twenty percent decrease in the airport’s pre-pandemic figures and is a first for any major airport in the world. The decision was met with celebration from environmental activists but frustration by several airlines and other airports who will now feel pressure to react in a similar manner.
In a direct manner, passengers may be affected by sudden rising costs as the supply decreases, but the decision is also part of a broader change in direction from the Dutch Government.
Schiphol is known for its calculated role as a connection hub airport. Millions of passengers move through the airport every year, attracted by comparatively low costs and high connectivity. Recent figures place it as one of the most connected airports in the world.
Many travelers purposely reroute their travel through Schiphol instead of taking direct flights from their home airports or routing through other major airports that are often more expensive. The UK, in particular, uses the Dutch hub as a cheap alternative to Heathrow, owing to its close proximity to the country. A tourist traveling from a city like Newcastle in the north of England would see far more value in a cheap flight across the channel than dealing with Heathrow.
KLM, the largest airline presence at Schiphol, says this position is now untenable in light of the caps.
It appears the move was a government-wide plan, as country officials have already raised the flight tax for the Netherlands. Schiphol took similar measures and increased taxes for the airlines themselves, putting more pressure on airlines to avoid cheap routes and maximize the type of flight they offer. One member of parliament said of the taxes, “Through these measures, you know that Schiphol will no longer be a cheap island.”
How quickly changes are likely to be seen is hard to tell, but regular travelers who often utilize Schiphol should anticipate a shift in its connectivity, especially for cheaper short-distance flights around Western Europe or for longer-haul flights connecting through the airport.
The airport is also currently operating under a separate, unrelated cap owing to the travel chaos seen across the world. Again, Schiphol’s hub reputation has made the problems more acute, with massive lines, significant delays, and baggage problems forcing the airport’s hand. American Airlines even made the decision to stop operating in Schiphol Airport until the problems lessen.
It joins Heathrow, Gatwick, and Frankfurt in capping summer flights in an attempt to alleviate the pressure on handling staff while they attempt to fill positions vacated during the pandemic. The cap being brought in 2023 will be a larger one.
Although Schiphol is the first major airport to change its policies so drastically for environmental reasons, changes are being seen across the industry. In 2021, France took the bold step of banning short-haul flights if a bus or train was available as an alternative.
Under the rule, any flight where someone could get a bus or train to the destination in two and a half hours or under was no longer allowed. Other countries are mulling similar rules but will most likely wait until the industry has settled into a more typical routine once again.
Routes between 3000km and 5000km are generally viewed as the best for the environment.
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Disclaimer: Current travel rules and restrictions can change without notice. The decision to travel is ultimately your responsibility. Contact your consulate and/or local authorities to confirm your nationality’s entry and/or any changes to travel requirements before traveling. Travel Off Path does not endorse traveling against government advisories
