German engineers have unveiled a futuristic* train with noise-cancelling chairs, tablet stands, games consoles and even a gym as a rival to self-driving cars.

The “Ideenzug” (“Idea Train”) was presented by railway firm Deutsche Bahn at an exhibition in Nuremberg as part of moves to revolutionize* morning commutes*.

Features include chairs that swivel* to face either direction, television screens and pods set aside for power napping*.

Rail firms hope the design will rival self-driving cars, which are expected to be popular among those who want to take their mind off.

Jorg Sandvob, head of Deutsche Bahn Regio, said carmakers want to create “rolling living rooms” and train companies need to come up with even better options.

The concept train comes with a fitness studio fitted out with exercise bikes and a digital fitness coach. Business travellers can also look forward to special noise-dampening chairs as well as stands for their tablets so they can work during their commute.

The concept was first discussed two years ago during a drive to come up with future travel solutions. It comes just weeks after Deutsche Bahn unveiled its first-ever driverless bus, saying the shuttle bus will bring passengers through a picturesque* spa town to the train station.

The test route for the self-driving machine is in Bad Birnbach, set in the rolling hills of the southeastern state Bavaria not far from the Czech and Austrian borders.

Made by French startup* EasyMile, the 12-person bus will offer free rides on an eight-minute route linking the baths, the town center and the station, Deutsche Bahn said. “We’ve just driven autonomously into a new era of transport,” Deutsche Bahn boss Richard Lutz, who rode along on the first trip, said.

The rail operator has launched a subsidiary* dubbed “Ioki” to test future modes of transport, focusing especially on electric-powered mobility.

Paris, Lyon, Las Vegas and Dubai are already experimenting with autonomous vehicles.(SD-Agencies)