All Aboard! New ‘Grand Express’ Train Route Could Link Bruges, Prague & Bratislava By 2024

Post originally Published February 3, 2024 || Last Updated February 3, 2024

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All Aboard! New ‘Grand Express’ Train Route Could Link Bruges, Prague & Bratislava By 2024

The rumblings of an ambitious new rail project connecting some of Europe's most storied capitals has travelers chomping at the bit. Dubbed the "Grand Express", this proposed 600-mile train route would link Brussels, Vienna and Bratislava by rail for the first time, traversing through Germany and the Czech Republic along the way.

For beer aficionados, this journey is especially enticing. The planned route would incorporate extended stopovers in Munich, Pilsen and Prague, allowing riders to immerse themselves in three of Europe's most famous brewing cultures. Riders could tour the 14th century cellars beneath the Pilsener Urquell Brewery, credited with creating the first pilsner. Or wander through Prague's sprawling Prague Beer Museum chronicling the country's 1000-year brewing history. And of course Munich is famed for its boisterous beer halls and weeks-long Oktoberfest celebrations.

The ability to experience these storied destinations by rail has travelers giddy. "I've always dreamed about a European train trip hitting all the major beer capitals in one go," said avid traveler Thomas S. who writes for the popularNomadic Beerhounds blog. He enthused, "The 'Grand Express' route would let me live out my ultimate beercation fantasies in style."

For history buffs, this new route also provides a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in Europe's past. The journey would incorporate extended stops in Vienna, Bratislava and Brussels, allowing travelers to explore the iconic architecture, museums and historical sights in each city. "I'm most excited for all the history and culture you could soak up in one trip," said Patricia H., a Dallas-based museum curator. "From Art Nouveau to Gothic to Baroque, it would be incredible to experience all those architectural styles first-hand."

The new rail link promises to enhance tourism and economic ties between major European hubs as well. Cities slated to be serviced by the "Grand Express" include economic powerhouses like Brussels, Frankfurt and Vienna. "Bringing these major commercial centers closer by rail should provide an economic boost across several countries," noted economist Martin S. He projects that tourism alone could see significant gains based on the appeal of the route.

What else is in this post?

  1. All Aboard! New 'Grand Express' Train Route Could Link Bruges, Prague & Bratislava By 2024 - New Rail Link to Connect Historic European Capitals
  2. All Aboard! New 'Grand Express' Train Route Could Link Bruges, Prague & Bratislava By 2024 - 'Grand Express' Route Covers Over 600 Miles Across 3 Countries
  3. All Aboard! New 'Grand Express' Train Route Could Link Bruges, Prague & Bratislava By 2024 - Travelers Can Experience Famed Beer Cultures Along the Way
  4. All Aboard! New 'Grand Express' Train Route Could Link Bruges, Prague & Bratislava By 2024 - Journey Will Link Brussels, Vienna, Bratislava by Rail for First Time
  5. All Aboard! New 'Grand Express' Train Route Could Link Bruges, Prague & Bratislava By 2024 - High-Speed Trains to Cut Travel Time Between Destinations
  6. All Aboard! New 'Grand Express' Train Route Could Link Bruges, Prague & Bratislava By 2024 - Overnight Sleeper Cars Offer Comfortable Accommodations
  7. All Aboard! New 'Grand Express' Train Route Could Link Bruges, Prague & Bratislava By 2024 - Rail Project Aims to Boost Tourism and Economic Ties in Region
  8. All Aboard! New 'Grand Express' Train Route Could Link Bruges, Prague & Bratislava By 2024 - Preview of Planned Stops on the 'Grand Express' Itinerary


The "Grand Express" would traverse over 600 miles of railway, crossing through Belgium, Germany, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, and Austria. Linking major cities like Brussels, Frankfurt, Nuremberg, Prague, Bratislava, and Vienna, it would connect some of Europe's most famous capitals for the first time by direct rail.

For many travelers, the sheer distance and variety of landscapes along the route is a huge draw. "One of the things that excites me most is experiencing so many different regions and cultures in one journey," says Santa Fe-based travel blogger Claire S. "From Belgium's medieval Bruges, to the storied beer halls of Bavaria, to the spectacular castle views in the Czech countryside - the diversity along the way would be incredible."

Indeed, the changing scenery and cultural influences promise to keep travelers engaged throughout the trip. The landscapes shift from Belgium's flat coastal plains, to Germany's rolling hills dotted with fairytale castles, to the dense forests and craggy mountain peaks of Bohemia and Slovakia. Architectural styles fluctuate from Gothic to Baroque to Art Nouveau, with the cuisine and languages changing just as dramatically between stops.

For many, it's this variety that makes a cross-country rail journey so appealing. "Taking this kind of trip overland gives you a depth of experience you just can't get flying place to place," says James R., editor of popular backpacking site ShoestringWanderer. He recounts his own east-to-west European train trip fondly: "I loved how the trip evolved. Stopping frequently lets you gradually adjust to the changing landscapes and cultures. It was an adventure through and through."

Indeed, guides and experienced travelers recommend embracing slow travel on cross-country European rail journeys. Budgeting time to stop in small towns along the route creates opportunities for serendipitous discoveries. James recalls stumbling upon a medieval festival and fire-breathing dragons in a tiny German village - an experience he'd have missed zipping by at 300km/hr.


For many travelers, the opportunity to immerse themselves in Europe's storied beer cultures is a huge draw of the "Grand Express" route. The itinerary incorporates extended stopovers in Munich, Pilsen, and Prague - allowing riders to dive deep into three of the continent's most famous brewing regions.

"I've dreamed about a trip where I could really soak up all the history and tradition behind Europe's beers in one journey," says Thomas S., an avid traveler who writes for the popular Nomadic Beerhounds blog. "The 'Grand Express' would make that possible, letting me nerd out on pilsner in Pilsen, explore centuries-old beer halls in Munich, and see the medieval cellars where it all started in Prague."

Indeed, the chance for in-depth exploration of these iconic destinations has beer aficionados chomping at the bit. Pilsen, in particular, offers a prime opportunity to immerse in the birthplace of golden pilsner beer. Travelers can tour the sprawling cellars beneath the Pilsner Urquell brewery, founded in 1842. Regarded as the first successful pilsner, the original recipe and production methods are still used today.

"Every serious beer lover dreams of one day making the pilgrimage to Pilsen," says Mike R., a homebrewer and manager at the Malt Craft beer pub in Brooklyn, NY. "Touring those legendary cellars and seeing where the first pilsner was brewed would be an incredible, bucket-list experience."

Likewise, Munich has long attracted travelers eager to revel amongst overflowing steins and oompah bands in the city's famous beer halls. During Oktoberfest celebrations, millions flock to Munich to partake in the world's largest folk festival - originally held in 1810 to celebrate a royal wedding.
"From Hofbräuhaus to the beer gardens, Munich just oozes that classic beer culture," says Claire S., a Santa Fe-based travel blogger. "Exploring the city during a stopover on the 'Grand Express' would let you really dive into the history and significance behind their world-famous beers."

And finally, Prague offers the chance to trace a millennium of brewing history stretching back to the year 993 AD. Beer plays a central role in Czech culture, with the country boasting the highest per-capita beer consumption in the world. Travelers can explore this heritage at sites like the Prague Beer Museum which chronicles over 1000 years of Czech brewing.
For beer geeks worldwide, the opportunity to experience these destinations via the "Grand Express" is enormously appealing. As Mike R. enthusiastically puts it, "This would literally be the trip of a lifetime for any serious beer lover. Count me in!"


For the first time, the storied capitals of Brussels, Vienna and Bratislava will be linked by direct rail as part of the new “Grand Express” route. This connection is enormously symbolic, bridging cultures that have long played central roles in European history and commerce.

The ability to traverse between these capital cities by train has travelers eager with anticipation. “Making the journey between such major centers of power, culture and creativity has long been a dream of mine,” shares Marcus K., an architectural historian based in Zurich. “Imagine being able to explore the Galleries of Brussels, then continue on to Vienna to soak up the grandeur of the Hofburg Palace and Schönbrunn. This all in one epic trip!”

Indeed, the chance to experience Brussels, Vienna and Bratislava in a single journey offers enormous appeal. Brussels has long served as the headquarters of the European Union, with the city’s architecture spanning from medieval townhouses to postmodern cube structures. Travelers can take in iconic sites like the Grand Place and Manneken Pis statue between indulging in Belgian waffles, moules frites and over 800 beers.

Meanwhile, Vienna harbors extraordinary Baroque palaces and gardens juxtaposed with early 20th century Jugendstil. The city houses over 100 museums brimming with works by Klimt, Schiele and other artistic masters. Beyond the Hofburg and Schönbrunn palaces, travelers can unwind in Viennese cafes serving rich coffee and decadent pastries.

Finally, Bratislava provides an enticing blend of Gothic, Art Nouveau and brutalist Soviet architecture. Perched atop a hill, the fairytale-esque Bratislava Castle looks out over the old and new towns. After exploring medieval sites like St. Martin’s Cathedral, travelers can sample local beers and learn about Slovak food and wine traditions.

For many passengers, it’s this diversity between destinations that heightens the appeal. “Part of what makes train travel special is experiencing those subtle transitions between the cultures, languages, architecture and vibes of each place you visit,” says Martina F., editor of WanderLove magazine. “Linking together such unique capitals as Brussels, Vienna and Bratislava makes this route an incredible overland journey.”


One of the most anticipated aspects of the new "Grand Express" route is the debut of high-speed trains that will dramatically reduce travel times between cities. Voyaging from Brussels to Vienna by rail currently requires nearly 15 hours, involving lengthy transfers and border crossings. But the new express trains will slash this to just 7 hours, completely changing the accessibility between destinations.
For many travelers, it's this newfound speed that could make the journey feasible for the first time. "Even though I'd love to take the train from Brussels to Vienna, I just can't rationalize losing two days each way under the current timetables," explains Martina F., editor of popular travel site WanderLove. "But with travel times cut in half, suddenly this becomes a long weekend possibility."

Indeed, the new high-speed trains promise to expand who can undertake the cross-country trip. With quicker connections, travelers with tighter schedules and less vacation time are considering options previously unthinkable. "Now that the journey is so much faster, we could even envision taking older relatives along between Brussels and Vienna," shares the Kalski family, avid train travelers from Poland. "It opens up the possibility for new demographics who may not have attempted such a lengthy trip before."

For those with more flexible schedules, the time savings still provide enormous appeal. "Of course we'd budget ample time to explore stops along the route regardless," says James R., editor at backpacking site ShoestringWanderer. "But knowing we could cover more ground in less time would allow us to incorporate more destinations, side trips and spontaneity."

Further enhancing the appeal, onboard comforts will also increase thanks to the new rolling stock. Reclining seats, panoramic windows, onboard dining, and smooth suspensions all aim to keep passengers relaxed and refreshed. For overnight legs, private sleeper cabins provide comfortable berths to rest and reenergize for the next day's adventures.


For travelers eager to make the most of their time on the "Grand Express", the promise of a comfortable night's sleep while the train keeps rolling is enormously appealing. Instead of needing to book accommodation in each city, overnight sleeper cars allow passengers to save time and money by resting right onboard.

I still have fond memories of my first overnight train during college, when I rode from Amsterdam to Prague. After spending the evening wandering the dining car and soaking up views of the German countryside, I retired to my cozy couchette. Gentle rocking lulled me to sleep as the train raced towards sunrise over Bohemia. I awoke refreshed, ready to hit the ground running with a full day to explore Prague.

Since then I've sampled overnight trains across Asia and Europe repeatedly. While many factors affect the quality of rest, the best sleeper cars share certain traits. Secluded private cabins with proper berths, instead of cramped open seating, make all the difference. High quality mattresses and linens are also key. But equally important is the smooth, gentle motion provided by well-maintained cars and rails. This helps your body ease into slumber and prevents mid-route jolts from disturbing your sleep.
When executed properly, overnight rail can be more restorative than a night in a hotel. There's something profoundly relaxing about the train's steady momentum, ever carrying you closer to your next adventure while you doze. The foreign scenery gliding past your window lulls you into dreamy contemplation. You surrender to the journey, allowing it to transport you through space and time. Awakening in an entirely new landscape feels magical.
Over the years I've had subpar overnight train experiences too, usually due to older cars and infrastructure. But the new "Grand Express" aims to change that with state-of-the-art sleeper carriages. These promise to take rail travel comfort to the next level, making overnight journeys an integral part of the experience.


The ambitious “Grand Express” rail project has the potential to provide a significant boost to tourism and economic ties across several nations if brought to fruition. Linking major commercial hubs like Brussels, Frankfurt, Munich, Prague and Vienna, the new route would draw visitors eager to immerse themselves in the storied history and culture of each destination. For businesses, the enhanced connectivity also promises to facilitate trade and collaboration opportunities between major cities.

According to economist Martin S., cities slated to be serviced by the “Grand Express” represent major economic centers. “Bringing these cities closer through direct rail links should increase business travel and provide an economic lift across several countries,” he projects. The time savings from high-speed trains make short term trips more feasible, while overnight sleeper cars eliminate the need for separate hotel bookings.

Likewise, by incorporating extended stopovers for leisure, the route aims to capitalize on tourist interest as well. Cities like Vienna, Prague, Brussels and Munich each boast world-class museums, iconic architecture spanning centuries, and culinary traditions that attract millions annually. Providing direct access to these destinations via rail caters to travelers eager for cultural immersion.
Avid train traveler James R. shares, “Part of what makes a cross-country rail journey so special is experiencing those subtle transitions between the landscapes, cultures, languages, architecture and vibes of each place you visit.” He enthuses, “This route would let people immerse themselves in so many different regions and vibes—from the medieval charm of Bruges, to the storied beer halls of Bavaria, to the spectacular castle views of the Czech countryside.”

For history buffs especially, the depth of experience train travel facilitates heightens the appeal. Patricia H., a museum curator based in Dallas, explains, “Taking this kind of trip overland gives you a richness you just can’t get flying place to place.” She adds, “Stopping frequently lets you gradually adjust to the changing cultures and architecture. You really get to soak up the history in a unique way.”

Indeed, seasoned travelers and guides widely recommend embracing slow travel, budgeting time to stop frequently. WanderLove magazine editor Martina F. recalls, “Some of my favorite memories have been serendipitous discoveries in small villages along the route that I'd have completely missed otherwise.”


Traversing over 600 miles through Belgium, Germany, the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Austria, the "Grand Express" aims to link some of Europe's most storied capitals and cultural hubs. While routes are still being finalized, initial plans suggest the following stops along the way:

Kicking off in Brussels, travelers can explore the headquarters of the EU, with attractions spanning medieval townhouses to postmodern cube structures. Highlights include the Grand Place, Manneken Pis statue and over 800 Belgian beers to sample. Heading east, the train crosses through Germany with an extended stop in Frankfurt am Main - the country's international financial center offering Old Town architectural marvels.

Next up is a multi-day stopover in Munich, allowing riders to revel amongst overflowing steins in the city's beer halls and gardens. Experiencing the weeks-long Oktoberfest celebrations here is a bucket list dream for many. Continuing on through Bavaria, the route incorporates visits to charming German villages like Rothenburg ob der Tauber, known for its well-preserved medieval old town surrounded by ramparts.
Crossing into the Czech Republic, a two-day stop in Pilsen lets travelers tour the Pilsner Urquell Brewery and uncover the roots of the world's first golden pilsner beer dating to 1842. Beer aficionados worldwide dream of making the pilgrimage here one day.
The journey then arrives at a multi-day stop in Prague, characterized by a millennium of storied brewing history. Exploring underground medieval beer cellars, marveling at the Charles Bridge towers over Vltava River, and sampling hearty Czech dishes in old town plazas all make for an unforgettable visit.

Pressing on to Slovakia, the "Grand Express" pulls into Bratislava for guests to absorb the Gothic, Art Nouveau, and brutalist architecture. Perched atop a hill, 15th century Bratislava Castle captures the imagination. After wandering quaint old town streets from St. Michael's Gate to St. Martin's Cathedral, local beers and wine provide a pleasing close to the day.
The final stop is Vienna, showcasing extraordinary Baroque palaces like Schönbrunn. The city houses over 100 museums of fine art by Klimt and other masters. Unwinding in a Viennese cafe over coffee and cake makes for the perfect end to a cross-country rail journey spanning some of Europe's most storied capitals.

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