InnoTrans 2026: celebrating 30 years of innovation and shaping the future of global rail

A landmark year for the world’s leading rail technology event as InnoTrans prepares to celebrate 30 years of shaping global mobility. Credit: Messe Berlin

As the global rail industry looks ahead to InnoTrans 2026, the world’s leading trade fair for transport technology is preparing to mark its 30th anniversary. From 22 to 25 September 2026, Berlin will once again become the international meeting point for mobility innovation, with a programme exploring rail infrastructure, digitalisation, public transport and sustainable mobility.

A milestone moment for the rail sector

According to Messe Berlin, the organisers of InnoTrans, the 2026 event will cover 200,000 square metres of exhibition space and is already fully booked a year in advance. The 15th edition of the trade fair will showcase the latest developments across its five segments: Railway Technology, Railway Infrastructure, Public Transport, Interiors and Tunnel Construction.

Interest is particularly strong in the Railway Infrastructure area, while the AI Mobility Lab, first introduced in 2024, will return with an expanded focus on artificial intelligence, robotics, cybersecurity and data protection for transport systems. The dedicated hall will also feature a specialist stage programme and guided tours exploring AI-based solutions for every segment of the fair.

Record international participation

Messe Berlin has confirmed that InnoTrans 2026 will be more international than ever before, with over 200 first-time exhibitors joining from across Europe, China and India.

Major railway operators and transport ministries already set to participate include Deutsche Bahn (Germany), China Railway, RTA (United Arab Emirates), Saudi Arabia Railways (SAR), Qatar Ministry of Transport, TCDD (Turkey), Ferrovie dello Stato Italiane (Italy), ÖBB (Austria), PKP (Poland) and ONCF (Morocco).

National industry associations such as RIA (UK), ACRI (Czech Republic), Swissrail, MAFEX (Spain), PFP (Portugal), ARA (Australia), JORSA (Japan) and KORSIA (Korea) will also be represented. Countries including Slovakia, Poland, Hungary, Denmark, France, Belgium, Finland, Brazil, China and Japan will exhibit on combined national stands.

The InnoTrans Convention: a platform for ideas and debate

The InnoTrans Convention remains a central part of the trade fair, bringing together international experts to discuss the future of mobility. Daily Dialog Forums will be organised by leading associations such as the VDB, DVF, UNIFE, ZVEI and VDV at palais.Berlin.

Specialist forums will cover topics ranging from design and tunnelling to innovation and public transport, including the International Design Forum, Bus Forum, Tunnel Forum, DB Innovation Forum and Public Transport Forum. These sessions will provide valuable insights into technical, operational and policy developments shaping the global transport landscape.

New interactive formats for 2026

Under the theme “Meet. Create. Inspire.”, InnoTrans 2026 will introduce new networking and knowledge-sharing opportunities:

• Mobility Cleaning Circle – organised jointly with CMS Berlin, connecting transport operators with the cleaning and hygiene industries
• Railway Influencer Festival – returning for its second edition, giving creators and brands a chance to collaborate. Awards will be presented in four categories: Best InnoTrans Video, Best Brand Video, Best Mobility Channel and Best Urban Mobility Video
• InnoTrans Hackathon – AI on Track – where developers, startups and exhibitors will co-create AI-based solutions for transport, with the best teams honoured at a live awards ceremony

Connecting the next generation of rail talent

The InnoTrans Campus and RecruitingLAB will again serve as key meeting points for employers and emerging professionals. The Jobwall will feature live and digital job listings, while the Talent Stage will host company presentations. Following its success online in 2025, the Eurailpress Career Boost will return in person, offering job seekers the chance to deliver a 90-second pitch to prospective employers.

Looking back on three decades of progress

InnoTrans 2026 will celebrate 30 years since the first event opened in October 1996, showcasing highlights from past editions alongside the latest innovations driving the future of rail. Ticket sales for InnoTrans 2026 open in March 2026, and organisers expect record demand.

About InnoTrans

InnoTrans is the leading international trade fair for transport technology, organised by Messe Berlin. It features five main segments: Railway Technology, Railway Infrastructure, Public Transport, Interiors and Tunnel Construction.

The 15th InnoTrans will take place from 22 to 25 September 2026 at the Berlin Exhibition Grounds. InnoTrans Asia, aimed at the Asian market, will follow from 7 to 9 September 2027 at the Singapore EXPO.

Source: Messe Berlin (InnoTrans organisers)

For more information, visit www.innotrans.de and www.innotrans-asia.com.