If you haven’t heard of electrical aerial ridesharing, you probably will soon. American company Joby Aviation is developing the first commercial passenger air taxis and plans to launch them in Dubai this year, although when is unclear.
The company made a successful test flight of the all-electric, vertical take-off and landing craft in November, and says the journey time from Dubai airport to Palm Jumeirah will be cut from 45 minutes by road to just 12 minutes.
If science fiction doesn’t become fact this year, then the company is also eying up cities in America, Japan, South Korea, Saudi Arabia and Kazakhstan. Given space and safety constraints in most major cities, however, Uber drivers needn’t worry about their livelihoods.
It’s evidence, if we ever needed it, that nothing stays still in today’s travel world. This year promises a host of new and exciting, and more often than not, cutting-edge, transport options.
They include a new luxury cruise company, Orient Express Sailing Yachts; spectacular new bridges in China; new motorways set to link Eastern European and Turkish cities; and a new urban cable-car ride (4.5 kilometres) in Paris, albeit of more use to suburban commuters than tourists.
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Phnom Penh and Mumbai acquired new international airports at the end of last year. Ho Chi Minh City and Ahmedabad’s open this year, plus there are two new terminals at JFK in New York. There are also commercial flights starting to Nusantara, Indonesia’s new capital. And let’s not forget our own Western Sydney International Airport due for a take-off later this year.
And talking of new flight routes, in 2026 we can look forward to Melbourne-Colombo with Jetstar, Melbourne-Helsinki via Bangkok with Finnair, Brisbane-Queenstown and Brisbane-Auckland with Qantas, and Perth-Manila with Jetstar.
Australian travel company Luxury Escapes is launching the first non-stop flights between Australia and the Maldives using a Maldivian Airlines Airbus A330-200 with a Melbourne-Male connection starting on May 18.
Here are some more transport developments set to change how we travel and where we can go in 2026 and, in a sign of the times, trains, in all of their forms and styles, figure prominently as the worldwide rail renaissance gathers even more steam.
THE NEW HIGH-SPEED DESERT TRAIN
Etihad Rail, United Arab Emirates
The lowdown This major 900-kilometre infrastructure project already runs freight services, with passenger services promised this year – although a start date hasn’t been announced. Initial stations are in Fujairah, Sharjah, Dubai and Abu Dhabi but the railway line will eventually link 11 cities (and Dubai airport) and be extended into Oman.
The stats Etihad Rail says 36 million passengers are expected to ride annually by 2030. Trains reach 200km/h but a high-speed line is slated for the Dubai-Abu Dhabi section. With the ride between Abu Dhabi and Dubai set to take 57 minutes (reduced to 30 minutes on the high-speed line) and Abu Dhabi to Fujairah 105 minutes, we can skip notorious traffic-clogged highways and enjoy seeing further afield on stopovers.
Get aboard Trains will have a capacity of 400 passengers in three classes (economy, family and first) with infotainment systems and charging stations promised on seats.
Make it happen The exact start date of Etihad Rail’s passenger services isn’t confirmed, and ticket prices have yet to be announced. Will there be a delay in the operational launch? We hope not, with 2026 promised. See etihadrail.ae
THE NEW ULTRA-LONG-RANGE AIRCRAFT
Airbus A350-1000ULR, Australia
The lowdown The Airbus A350-1000 isn’t new, as it’s already used by British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Etihad, Qatar Airways and others. What is new is the Ultra Long Range (ULR) version specially modified for Qantas and fitted with a special 20,000-litre rear centre fuel tank. Delivery of the plane is expected, no doubt with much fanfare, late this year. Its rival, the much-delayed Boeing 777X, is also due in 2026. Both are wide-bodied, high-capacity, long-haul aircraft designed to operate the world’s longest flights.
The stats Qantas has ordered 12 aircraft, each 74 metres long and with a 65-metre wingspan. They can fly 15,000 kilometres or up to 22 hours non-stop. There are 238 seats, 40 per cent of which are allocated to premium cabins.
Get aboard Cabins have far fewer seats than any other A350-1000, suggesting a focus on top-end travellers. Ergonomic seat design and customised lighting promise to combat jet lag. A Wellness Zone will feature a hydration station, stretch handles, and screens devoted to exercise routines.
Make it happen Commercial services, which won’t be available until 2027, will probably include direct flights from east-coast cities to London and New York, shaving some four hours off travel time. Fares are yet to be released. See qantas.com
THE NEW RAIL ROUTES
Intercity trains, Europe
The lowdown Many new European intercity routes roll out this year. Budapest-Belgrade resumes from March for the first time since 2019 after an upgrade of Serbian railway lines. In May, ComfortJet trains start between Prague and Copenhagen via Dresden, Berlin and Hamburg. Other new routes include Paris-Berlin, Paris-Vienna, Brussels-Milan, Amsterdam-Zurich, and Cologne-Milan via the Swiss Alps. From mid-April an inaugural sleeper route links Basel, Copenhagen and Swedish city Malmo.
The stats Europe’s fastest high-speed trains operate mainly in France, Spain, Italy and Germany at speeds of between 250 and 320km/h. Some can go faster but are usually constrained by railway infrastructure.
Get aboard Czech Railways’ ComfortJets are the ones to watch: they’re spanking new, and link cities in Central Europe. Twenty nine-carriage trains are now operating, each carrying 555 passengers. Amenities include a restaurant car, adjustable seats, Wi-Fi, children’s cinema and board-games area, and room for e-bike storage.
Make it happen Prague-Copenhagen trains depart at 06.30am and 10.30am plus 4.30pm over summer, and take 11 hours. Panoramic views of the Elbe River in Germany and the Danish straits are a highlight. Fare from 1600 Czech koruna ($114). See cd.cz
THE NEW LUXURY CRUISE SHIP
Regent Seven Seas Prestige
The lowdown Prestige is the flagship of the first new ship class for Regent Seven Seas Cruises in a decade. It left dry-dock in November 2025 and is being fitted out for a December 2026 debut. Two more Prestige-class ships are expected in 2030 and 2033.
The stats The ship is 224 metres long with 12 decks and 411 suites and a maximum capacity of 822 guests. That’s 40 per cent larger than previous Regent ships but with only 10 per cent more guests. It will offer 11 dining experiences, including seven specialty restaurants.
Get aboard Regent has the most luxurious ships at sea, and you’d expect a new class to take things up another notch, with even more eye-catching interior design, from inlaid marble floors to startling contemporary chandeliers. The real indulgence will be its greatly expanded elbow room, including vast suites, added public spaces and new restaurant Azure for mezze-style Mediterranean dishes.
Make it happen Prestige sails the Caribbean, Panama Canal and Europe in its inaugural season. A 14-night Miami to New York cruise departing April 9, 2027, from $16,100 a person twin share, all-inclusive. See rssc.com
THE NEW FAST JUNGLE TRAIN
Gemas-Johor Bahru Electrified Double Track, Malaysia
The lowdown Train travel in Malaysia has long been sluggish, but the completion of a final 192 kilometres of electrified railway track and 11 stations from Gemas in southern Malaysia in December 2025 means travellers can now take a fast train all the way from Padang Besar on the Thai border to Johor Bahru on the Singapore border.
The stats The whole journey is reduced to 10 hours 25 minutes. Kuala Lumpur (KL) to JB is now an agreeable four hours, 20 minutes at speeds of up to 140km/h.
Get aboard Trains carry 312 passengers in six carriages, one of which is Platinum business class with wider seats, free Wi-Fi, armrest TV displays with movies, and complimentary meals. All seats have power points. Trains also have a bistro car and prayer room.
Make it happen The Electrified Train Service (ETS) has four services a day between KL Sentral and JB Sentral departing at 7.55am, 3.15pm, 5.35pm and 9.10pm. One-way fares from MYR 67 ($25) in Gold Class. Platinum Class is only a third more expensive. Pricing is dynamic. See ktmb.com.my
THE NEW AIRPORT
Western Sydney International Airport, Australia
The lowdown Sydney’s second airport, opening in late 2026, is at Badgerys Creek, 50 kilometres from Sydney CBD, where an entire new precinct will also include logistics hubs, educational campuses and business parks. It will be connected by the new M12 motorway; a metro line has been delayed.
The stats The airport covers 1800 hectares – twice the footprint of Kingsford Smith – and has a 3.7-kilometre runway. A single dual-use terminal for domestic and international flights will have an opening capacity of 10 million passengers annually and 80 million by 2060.
Get aboard A collaboration with world-renowned Zaha Hadid Architects has produced beautiful undulating wood-and-aluminium ceilings, abundant use of sandstone, vertical gardens, light-flooded spaces thanks to vast windows, and a grand outdoor plaza. The Australian bush and the Blue Mountains provided inspiration. The terminal will use solar panels and rainwater.
Make it happen The airport has so far confirmed flights by Air New Zealand, Jetstar, Qantas and Singapore Airlines across Asia, the Pacific and domestically, but it might be 2027 before any take off. Expect some cheaper red-eye flights, since the airport will operate 24 hours. See wsiairport.com.au
THE NEW HERITAGE TRAIN
Blue Jasmine, Thailand
The lowdown This new heritage train runs as part of a nine-day return tour between Bangkok and Chiang Mai, though only two nights are spent aboard. This isn’t your classic luxury train; Blue Jasmine fills an unaddressed intermediate premium niche.
The stats Blue Jasmine is a restored and refitted 1960s Japanese sleeper train. It has 10 carriages with accommodation for 37 travellers in three classes (classic, premium and premium suites).
Get aboard Backpackers have long used regular sleeper trains between Bangkok and Chiang Mai, but this comfortable alternative is very welcome, even if classic and premium class have shared bathroom facilities. Premium Suites, however, have an ensuite and butler service. The train has a Panorama Lounge, dining car serving modern Thai cuisine, and decor and fabrics provided by renowned Thai silk company Jim Thompson.
Make it happen The Blue Jasmine’s nine-day package between Bangkok and Chiang Mai includes four-star hotel stays in the two cities and sightseeing stops at Ayutthaya, Uthai Thani and Sukothai, and costs from THB 245,000 ($11,600) a person twin share. It runs between November and March. See thebluejasminetrain.com
THE NEW SLEEPER BUS
Twiliner sleeper coach, Europe
The lowdown Sleeper coaches have long been a staple of Asian and South American travel. Now new Swiss company Twiliner hopes to boost their presence in Europe with a comfortable and sustainable alternative to flying; its buses use vegetable oils as fuel. Currently, there are two routes, Zurich-Amsterdam and Zurich-Barcelona via intermediate cities, but Twiliner says it wants to service 30 destinations across Europe in the next three years.
The stats The coaches have 21 seats, the first on buses in Europe to fully recline, spread across double decks. The lower deck has a toilet, changing room and snack bar.
Get aboard Seats are akin to those in business class on aircraft, with a small storage space, fold-out table, reading light, power sockets and complementary Wi-Fi. A blanket, sheet and pillow are provided. You’re allowed a 23-kilogram suitcase and hand luggage.
Make it happen The night bus from Zurich to Amsterdam via Basel, Luxembourg, Brussels and Rotterdam departs at 9.30pm and arrives at 9.50 the next morning. It costs 150 Swiss francs ($280) for a standard fare and 186 Swiss francs for a full-flex fare. No children under five. See twiliner.com
THE NEW DELUXE MOUNTAINS AND DESERTS TRAIN
Canyon Spirit, US
Rockies and the deserts of Utah.
The lowdown Created by the team behind Rocky Mountaineer – which has a new Passage to the Peaks itinerary in Canada this year – this swanky train launches in April 2026 through the American Rockies and deserts of Utah. Like Rocky Mountaineer it has no sleepers but is designed for daytime sightseeing.
The stats The train has one locomotive, seven passenger cars and three other carriages for staff and generators. While the train sometimes reaches 90km/h, the average speed is 50km/h to allow appreciation of the landscapes.
Get aboard Carriages have panoramic windows and glass domes, and there’s also an outdoor viewing area and lounge car with bar. Regionally inspired meals are served at your seat. Particularly spectacular sections of the journey trace the Colorado River and take you through Glenwood Canyon and Burns Canyon.
Make it happen Canyon Spirit operates various itineraries of between two and eight days, with some incorporating hotel stays. A three-day, train-only Rockies to the Red Rocks itinerary between Salt Lake City and Denver costs from $3380 a person twin share with departures every Friday until November 2026. See canyonspirit.com
THE NEW LUXURY CRUISE LINE
Four Seasons Yachts, worldwide
The lowdown Several luxury hotel brands are sailing into the cruise market. The arrival of Four Seasons I in March 2026 heralds the debut of this Canadian brand and promises an experience akin to a billionaire’s private yacht. The ship sails out in the Mediterranean and then the Caribbean.
The stats Four Seasons I is 207 metres long and has 15 decks. It carries 190 passengers and has three restaurants and a cafe, seven lounges and bars, a swimming pool, a spa and a water-sports marina.
Get aboard The standout? Four Seasons I is like a Transformer toy. The 20-metre saltwater pool, unusually located at the stern, can vanish to be reconfigured with a hydraulic floor for performances and shows. Suites can also be reconfigured for extended and multi-generational families; the top Funnel Suite has four levels. A 1:1 guest to staff ratio promises attentive service.
Make it happen Four Seasons I sails its maiden season in the Mediterranean until November 2026 before crossing the Atlantic to the Caribbean. A seven-night itinerary from Valletta to Monte Carlo departing September 13, 2026, costs from $US28,600 ($42,740) a suite. See fourseasonsyachts.com
Five more luxury train rides on track for 2026
Golden Eagle Silk Road Express, Central Asia
Golden Eagle hasn’t operated here since 2019, and now it’s back with a plush new train and itineraries, of which the most magnificent is a 22-day journey between Uzbekistan and China that visits legendary destinations such as Khiva, Bukhara, Samarkand, Almaty and Kashgar. With fares from $US50,700 ($75,700), you can be sure no luxury will be spared. See goldeneagleluxurytrains.com
Dream of the Desert, Saudi Arabia
Fourteen heritage-inspired carriages, 33 suites, butler service, fine dining but no alcohol on this train, which will tour the desert from late this year. The train operates five itineraries, all only one or two nights, such as a Northern Sands trip return from Riyadh that visits UNESCO-listed site Diriyah, Marid Castle and Jubbah Rocks for its rock art. Fares from 30,000 Saudi riyals ($12,000) a cabin a night. See dreamofthedesert.com
Le Grand Tour, France
Belle Epoque-style on the train, and a 4000-kilometre, six-day Tour de France in comfort that takes in the Champagne region, French Alps, Avignon, Carcassonne, the Bordeaux region and Loire Valley – what’s not to love? The launch, delayed from 2025, is slated for this year but dates and fares have yet to be revealed. See qa.legrandtour.com
Journey Beyond rail suites, Australia
Journey Beyond’s most renowned trains, The Ghan and Indian Pacific, will take luxury up a notch from April with new Australis and Aurora suites, which are respectively three times and twice the size of existing Platinum cabins and feature a sitting area, double-vanity ensuite, butler service and Bollinger champagne. Suites from $8490 a person on The Ghan between Adelaide and Darwin. See journeybeyondrail.com.au
Dreamstar Lines, US
This isn’t a touring train, but a sleeper service set to run between Los Angeles and San Francisco for the first time since 1968. New train company Dreamstar promises to make it luxurious, with the entry-level experience compared to first-class airline seats, and suites offering queen-sized beds and ensuites. Rumours rumble about a 2026 launch. We’re sceptical but hopeful. See dreamstarlines.com
Brian Johnston seemed destined to become a travel writer: he is an Irishman born in Nigeria and raised in Switzerland, who has lived in Britain and China and now calls Australia home.