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In a nutshell: Deutsche Bahn is connecting Europe like never before in 2026 — with new routes to Belgium, Bordeaux, and expanded Scandinavia services. And the big headline: a direct Berlin–Oslo train arrives in 2028, the first in over 20 years. Here’s everything you need to know about DB’s international expansion.
Deutsche Bahn International 2026: What’s New
25 million passengers used Deutsche Bahn’s international services last year. Over 8,000 international destinations are now bookable via the DB Navigator app and bahn.de. The 2026 timetable adds several exciting new routes.
New International Routes 2026
| Route | From | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Prague – Berlin – Hamburg – Copenhagen | Mid-June 2026 | 2× daily |
| Cologne – Bruges – Ostend / Belgian Coast | Seasonal Jun–Aug | Weekends only |
| Frankfurt – Bordeaux | Seasonal Jul–Aug | Saturdays only |
| Cologne – Antwerp (via Brussels) | New from Sep 2026 | 4× daily |
| Berlin – Paris | Year-round | Daily |
Prague–Berlin–Hamburg–Copenhagen: 2× Daily from June
Starting mid-June 2026, a new twice-daily service links four capital cities in a single train: Prague, Berlin, Hamburg, and Copenhagen. This is a major step for rail travel between Central Europe and Scandinavia — no complex connections needed.
Belgian Coast: Cologne Direct to Ostend from June
On weekends between June and August, trains run directly from Cologne via Bruges to Ostend and the Belgian coast. A beach day by rail — no car needed, no parking stress.
Frankfurt to Bordeaux: Every Saturday in Summer
A new seasonal service runs every Saturday in July and August connecting Frankfurt with Bordeaux. Southwest France’s famous wine region is now reachable by direct train from Germany for the first time.
Cologne–Antwerp: 4× Daily from September
From September 2026, a new daily service connects Cologne with Antwerp via Brussels four times a day. Belgium’s port city becomes an easy day trip from the Rhineland.
The Big One: Direct Berlin–Oslo Train from 2028
The most ambitious project in DB’s recent history: starting summer 2028, a direct train will link Berlin and Oslo for the first time in over 20 years — via Hamburg, Copenhagen, and Gothenburg.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Launch | Summer 2028 |
| Route | Berlin → Hamburg → Copenhagen → Gothenburg → Oslo |
| Journey time | ~14–15 hours |
| Frequency | 2× daily, year-round |
| Train | ICE-L (Talgo, 256m, 562 seats, low-floor boarding) |
| Partners | Deutsche Bahn + DSB (Denmark) + Vy (Norway) |
| Context | EU-funded pilot project | First direct service in 20+ years |
Preview: The ICE-L launches Hamburg–Copenhagen service from December 2027. And from June 15, 2026, an Oslo–Malmö direct connection is already operating as the first step on this corridor.
DB International by the Numbers
- 25 million passengers on international DB services in 2025
- 300+ daily connections to international destinations
- 8,000+ destinations bookable via DB Navigator and bahn.de
→ Find cheap international train tickets from Germany
FAQ: Deutsche Bahn International 2026
When does the Berlin–Oslo direct train start?
Summer 2028, operated jointly by DB, DSB (Denmark), and Norwegian Vy. The ICE-L will run Hamburg–Copenhagen from December 2027, with Oslo extension following in summer 2028.
Can I travel directly from Berlin to Copenhagen in 2026?
Yes — from mid-June 2026, twice-daily direct services run Prague–Berlin–Hamburg–Copenhagen.
How do I book international DB tickets?
Via the DB Navigator app or bahn.de. Over 8,000 international destinations are available, including France, Belgium, Austria, Switzerland, Netherlands, and Scandinavia.
Is the Frankfurt–Bordeaux route a new service?
Yes — it’s a new seasonal connection running every Saturday in July and August 2026. It’s the first time Frankfurt and Bordeaux have been connected by direct train.
Conclusion: Europe by Train Has Never Been Better
From the Belgian coast to Bordeaux, from Berlin to Copenhagen and Oslo — Deutsche Bahn is making European rail travel more connected, more convenient, and more attractive than ever. 2026 brings new summer routes, while 2028 delivers a historic connection to Scandinavia. Book early with a Sparpreis Europa ticket to get the best fares.