We know our community members enjoy hearing about innovations in the rail industry - so we created a round-up of exciting highlights from our visit. InnoTrans is renowned as the world’s biggest trade fair centered on the rail transport industry. Held every two years at the Messe Berlin exhibition centre, this year’s event took place from September 22 to 25, and we had the pleasure of attending. Here's a round-up of the exciting highlights from our visit.

InnoTrans: Impressive Scale

Our visit to Berlin was a fantastic opportunity for networking, learning about the latest industry developments, and reconnecting with familiar faces. We quickly realized the sheer scale of InnoTrans exceeded our expectations. With an impressive turnout of nearly 3,000 exhibitors from over 50 countries and around 170,000 visitors from 133 different countries, it really gave a great sense of just how complex and vibrant the industry is.

The ‘Under-the-Radar’ Rail Industry

One of the most inspiring aspects of InnoTrans was discovering the myriads of companies contributing to the railway industry, many of which often go unnoticed. Beyond the well-known giants like Siemens and SBB, we encountered many specialized companies producing essential components, such as seats and brakes. As Eurail, we don’t frequently interact with these niche companies, so InnoTrans provided a unique platform to understand and appreciate the extensive work happening behind the scenes in the railway sector.

Exploring New Trains and Innovations

We got to see and explore the latest advancements in trains and rolling stock. The variety was impressive, from the new Ceske Drahy ComfortJet and the DSB Talgo carriages, to the trains adapted for specific environments, like the Siemens Velaro, which was designed for operation in Egypt. Getting an inside look at maintenance trains and other unique rolling stock reinforced the technological strides being made in the industry. The outdoor area alone showcased at least two dozen different types of trains, trams, and buses from around the world, each illustrating the industry’s dedication to innovation. Highlights included hydrogen-powered trams promising a more sustainable future for public transport and trains engineered to thrive in extreme weather conditions. The unveiling of the new OBB City Jet, complete with energizing hype music for events, was another standout moment.

Luna Rail Launch

We were fortunate to attend Luna Rail’s barbecue launch, highlighting their innovative designs for transforming regular day train rolling stock into sleeper cabins. This event also facilitated connections with passionate train enthusiasts and advocates, deepening our appreciation for the community’s enthusiasm and dedication.

We'd love to hear what innovations in the rail industry you are most excited for! Drop it in the comments below and join the conversation!