New ‘trains of the future' revealed with cinema-style screens and onboard nap pods

The Sun

25-07-2025

FANCY whizzing through the countryside with 360-degree views of the landscape through glass-to-ceiling windows?
Or perhaps, getting your10,000 steps in as you travel from London to Penzance?
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Well, these things could appear on trains in the UK in the future, according to LNER.
As part of the Railway 200 celebrations, which celebrate 200 years of modern railways, LNER and applied futurist Tom Cheesewright have predicted what we could see from trains in 2075.
According to Cheesewright, in 2075 train carriages will have a focus on maximum comfort, entertainment and wellness.
Instead of just transporting passengers from A to B as most trains do now, train travel could be an experience that promotes passenger health and wellbeing.
As such, trains could feature floor-to-ceiling windows, with 360-degree views of the landscape.
Of 2,000 people asked, 57 per cent expressed how they would like this, commenting that gazing out at the countryside is often their favourite thing to do whilst on a train.
And 60 per cent said they need constant entertainment whilst travelling.
As a result, carriages could feature augmented reality with surreal scenes and gamification options, in the future as well as cinema-style screens - which 22 per cent said they would like.
'Nap pods' might feature too - which 22 per cent expressed they wanted as well.
Speed remains a top priority for travellers, with 66 per cent declaring this is why they opt for train travel.
Cheesewright predicts that new technologies could help trains to become faster, slashing travel times considerably.
This would start by making trains more aerodynamic, with complicated things like quantum computing and AI being used together to test thousands of designs at the same time.
New materials could also help, with laboratories creating 'super-stiff' composites that can be made to a specific shape.
And 3D technology could be used to print metals for the trains.
Cheesewright added that the customer experience of getting to and on the train could improve as well.
This could include facial recognition replacing ticket barriers.
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Many travellers who were asked (44 per cent) shared how sitting back and relaxing is one of the main selling points of train travel.
As such, 'smart' seats could be introduced in the future - where the seats would adjust to the customers' microenvironment, with temperature options and different seat firmness levels to choose from.
The seats could also pre-save customer preferences.
And for those who hate to sit still, there could be the option to book a 'treadmill seat' where passengers can get their steps in on long journeys.
All of Cheesewright's predictions have been brought to life in a first-of-its-kind train from LNER called the 'Train of the Future'.
The futuristic train will be on show at London King's Cross Station for three days between July 30 and August 1.
The top 10 future train advancements Brits would most like to see on trains
LNER asked 2,000 people what they wanted to see on trains in the future, and here is what they said.
Rachel Pope, head of digital experience strategy for LNER, said: "It's a very special year for the railway industry, we're participating in nationwide festivities, including various exhibitions showcasing the impact of the railways on society and celebrating the past, present, and future of rail travel."
Tom Cheesewright, applied futurist said: "The train journey of the future will be smooth from start to finish, aided by AI planning, ticketless travel, and floor to ceiling windows.
"The train of the future will look like a science-fiction marvel: swooping and organic, powerful and quiet, and with an onboard experience that connects us to the countryside around us, or the digital world, or even a seamless combination of the two."
The LNER 'Train of the Future' will be open from 9am to 5pm in London's King's Cross Station from July 30 to August 1.
Railway 200 started in January and celebrates 200 years of the modern railway.
Across 2025, the celebration will see a number of different events and activities for the public to get involved in.
There is also a £5 scenic train journey in the UK right along the coastline – where waves crash against the windows.
Plus, 12 of Europe's most beautiful train journeys are in Britain – with Victorian carriages and stargazing.