Morocco-Spain underwater train tunnel moves forward
The Spanish government, in collaboration with the Royal Institute and Observatory of the Navy in San Fernando, will conduct studies over the next six months to plan for the construction of an underwater train tunnel that will connect Spain and Morocco.
The 42km tunnel, with a 27,7km underwater stretch, will connect Punta Paloma in southern Spain to Malabata in northwest Morocco via a high-speed train rail.
The train is expected to improve intercontinental travel, trade and cultural exchange, as well as provide transport for fans attending the 2030 FIFA World Cup, which will be hosted by Morocco, Spain and Portugal.
Rail service connects Wales, England and Scotland
Train operator, CrossCountry, has announced a new weekday train service, linking Cardiff and Edinburgh by train for the first time, according to the operator. The rail link will be available from December 15.
Tickets are already available for booking. The train will stop at 22 stations between the capitals of Wales and Scotland. The train will begin at Cardiff and Penzance, with two separate trains that will join at Birmingham New Street Station before continuing on to Edinburgh.
The return trip from Edinburgh will travel to Gloucester, from where half of the train will go on to Cardiff and the other half will travel to Plymouth.
Britannic to launch the Explorer
Luxury rail provider, Britannic is launching its new train, the Britannic Explorer, and a new Belmond rail line in July 2025.
The Explorer will provide trips out of London to Cornwall, Wales and the Lake District. It will also offer additional stops and excursions along the way, including a Cotswolds pub tour, a black-tie gala at Le Manoir aux Quat'Saisons in Oxfordshire, and an exclusive Cornish wine tasting overlooking St Michael’s Mount.
The train features a wellness spa, a dining car and a lounge-observation bar, where guests can enjoy Victorian apothecary-inspired cocktails.
Saudi sets up its Dream of the Desert
By the end of 2025, Saudi Arabia is set to launch its new luxury, 41-cabin train, called the Dream of the Desert. The train will journey over 1 200km starting from Riyadh and passing through Al Qassim, Hail, and the King Salman Bin Abdulaziz Royal Natural Reserve in Al Jouf, before arriving in Al Qurayyat.
The journeys will offer views of the country’s landscapes and excursions to Unesco World Heritage Sites.
The train is being built by the Arsenale Group, the Italian train manufacturer that built the Orient Express La Dolce Vita.
