InnoTrans 2026 opened in Berlin on Sept. 22 for its 30th anniversary, hosting 3,170 exhibitors from 59 countries and showcasing 113 pieces of rolling stock on a 2.2-mile railyard. The show emphasizes new-energy propulsion, with several battery-electric passenger trains and two hydrogen units — a CRRC six-axle switcher and a Stadler narrow-gauge train for Sardinia. Major manufacturers, including Siemens, Škoda, CRRC and Hyundai Rotem, are also highlighting AI-enabled diagnostics, automated-operation prototypes and high-speed and maintenance vehicles.
InnoTrans 2026 Kicks Off In Berlin For Its 30th Anniversary — Battery, Hydrogen And AI Take Center Stage
Visitors check out equipment on display at InnoTrans 2026. At left is a new Alstom Intercity EMU built for Italy; at right is CRRC's Vellink subway train. Keith Fender
InnoTrans, the world's largest rail trade fair, opened its biennial edition in Berlin on Sept. 22, celebrating its 30th anniversary by filling the entire Messe Berlin site with manufacturers, operators and suppliers from around the globe.
Among the displays: A KTX EMU-320 high-speed train for Korea built by Hyundai Rotem. Keith Fender
Exhibition At A Glance
This year's show features 3,170 companies from 59 countries — 230 more exhibitors than in 2024 — and makes full use of Messe Berlin's on-site railyard, which contains about 2.2 miles (3.5 km) of track. Organizers say the display includes 113 pieces of rail equipment, from high-speed trains and regional battery-electric units to freight wagons and a broad range of maintenance-of-way machinery.
CRRC's six-axle Velforce locomotive is just one of two pieces of hydrogen-powered equipment on display at InnoTrans. Keith Fender
Notable Rolling Stock
Highlights include a KTX EMU-320 high-speed train for Korea built by Hyundai Rotem, a RegioPanter battery-equipped regional train from Czech manufacturer Škoda Transportation, and an Italian-built track-inspection vehicle capable of 125 mph shown in Rete Ferroviaria Italiana (RFI) livery; that unit uses a hybrid battery-diesel drive.
Several battery-equipped passenger trains are displayed at InnoTrans, including this RegioPanter from Czech manufacturer Škoda Transportation. These trains are in use in the Czech Republic, allowing one-seat rides from electrified main lines to rural non-electrified lines. Keith Fender
New-energy propulsion is a clear theme. While previous editions showcased several hydrogen trains, this year only two hydrogen-powered units are on display: a six-axle heavy freight switcher from Chinese manufacturer CRRC and what is being billed as the world's first narrow-gauge hydrogen train, built by Stadler for Sardinia.
An Italian-built 125 mph track inspection robot on display. The unit branded for Italian national rail infrastructure authority Rete Ferroviaria Italiana is powered by a hybrid battery-diesel system. Keith Fender
Automation, Digital Systems And AI
Manufacturers are also pushing digitalisation and artificial intelligence for operations and maintenance. Germany's Siemens is promoting its Railigent X suite to process the massive volumes of sensor data produced by modern trains — a typical Siemens high-speed train has more than 1,000 sensors generating millions of data points per hour — turning that data into actionable insights for maintenance teams and drivers.
Several vehicles at the fair have been adapted for automated or remote operation; off-site demonstrations of these systems are planned during the week. CRRC's display also includes an eye-catching automatic subway prototype marketed under the Vellink brand, and Siemens exhibits a complete train built for London Underground's Tube network.
Visitation And Opening Ceremonies
Tens of thousands of visitors are expected each day of the four-day event. The show opened with transport officials and ministers from multiple countries in attendance, underscoring InnoTrans's role as a global meeting place for rail technology and policy.
Reporter Note: Trains correspondent Keith Fender will provide daily updates from InnoTrans, highlighting new trains and technologies. To report news or errors, contact [email protected].
Photographs and equipment captions in this report reference images and displays at the fair.
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