Railbookers, the leading travel company offering independent rail vacations, has unveiled early booking data and expert insights for 2026, revealing the destinations and travel styles that are shaping the year ahead. With legendary scenic trains and rising interest in routes across Europe, the year is poised to be a defining year for rail-based exploration.
According to Railbookers' 2026 booking data, the company’s entire portfolio of destinations spanning six continents has seen year-over-year increases, underscoring the continued surge in demand for rail travel worldwide. The United Kingdom leads with a 186% increase in passengers, while Germany and France have also experienced triple-digit growth. Italy and Switzerland remain top sellers, with Italy alone seeing a remarkable 98% increase in bookings for 2026. Beyond the traditional hot spot destinations, Eastern Europe has seen an upward tick in growth, with destinations including Hungary, Croatia and the Czech Republic emerging as fast-rising rail travel hotspots.
“Last year was a banner year for rail travel, with 2026 poised to surpass it as demand continues to surge,” said Frank Marini, President and CEO of Railbookers. “From the dramatic growth we’re seeing in Italy, the U.K., and Switzerland to the increasing interest in destinations like Hungary and the Czech Republic, it’s clear that travelers are embracing rail not just as transportation, but as a fully customizable and immersive way to experience the world.”
Additional key travel and booking trends from Railbookers in 2026 include:
Railbookers is a leading provider of independent rail vacations, offering travelers the freedom to explore the globe by train across six continents. As a remote company made up of seasoned travel experts, Railbookers specializes in creating flexible and customized itineraries that bring people to iconic destinations around the world. For more information, visit www.railbookers.com.
