Rail travel is once again having its moment as tourists rediscover the joy of traveling by train to explore Europe. Eurostat reported that 8.7 million train journeys were taken in the EU in 2024 which is a 8.75% increase from 2023. With air travel being the default mode of transportation for the last few decades, travelers are finally satisfying their desire for sustainable transportation, slow travel, and cultural immersion through Europe’s rail system, and we think this renaissance is long overdue.
We are also committed to taking the train where possible, with rail becoming an important part of how we discover Europe. With the implementation of our No Fly policy in 2024, we have committed ourselves to take the train for any business travel within the EU. While we recognize the disadvantages that can come with taking the train – longer travel times, higher costs – we also recognize that the environmental impact of our choice is more important than any time efficiency that an airplane can provide.
Not only that, but we’ve seen the appeal of traveling with a train that extends beyond sustainability. From slow traveling, to incorporating transportation into the trip, to acquainting ourselves with the European landscape, there are so many benefits to choosing the train.
So why take a train instead of a plane?
The train helps us travel sustainably, reduce our emissions, and alleviate the severe congestion in airports. It also enables tourists to slow down and consider their travel routes, enjoy the natural environments of Europe, and efficiently move between cities. Watch as cities become countryside full of meadows, forests, mountains, and coastlines. Relax with a book, enjoy a cup of coffee, or simply spend time with travel companions as the journey becomes part of the trip rather than something that is rushed through.
Below we’ve outlined some of the best train routes that Europe has to offer. Whether you want a quick city stop, a stunning scenic route, an underrated gem, or the best mutli-destination tours, there’s a journey for every traveler.
Why Choose Train Travel?
Europe is investing in its future rail network. Introducing modernized networks, high-speed trains, and expanding train lines to hit major cross-border areas is making the train a more attractive option for tourists.
The Sustainability Angle
Sustainable travel has become more important to travelers in the last few years, and for those who desire to travel in an eco-friendly way, swapping planes for trains is an obvious solution.
Most importantly, trains can reduce emissions, with Science Direct reporting that train travel produces around 80-90% less carbon dioxide emissions than a plane, with many trainlines using sustainable energy sources. This automatically makes taking the train a better idea for the climate. Trains also reduce congestion from major airports, ease pressure on busy aviation hubs, and offer an efficient way to connect Europe’s densely packed cities.
The Journey is Part of the Experience
The journey itself becomes part of the experience when traveling by rail, encouraging a slower, more conscious way of exploring Europe. Discovering hidden country towns, watching gorgeous scenery, and immersing yourself in the journey is a great way to make the trip last.
Slow Travel Through Multiple Destinations
A well-planned out train itinerary can allow you to connect several destinations without the hassle of heading to the airport while an overnight train can replace a night in a hotel, allowing you to pack in more adventure. Additionally, trains will take you into the heart of the city, allowing for smoother departure and arrivals. Slow travel can help you find places you’d never think of going, leaving time between train connections to explore smaller towns or untouched gems is a great way to get to know Europe.
Of course, rail travel isn’t without its issues – tickets can be expensive (even more so than air travel), journeys often take longer than flying, and delays are a habitual occurrence. But if you put it all into perspective, train travel can be part of the trip rather than a means to an end, letting the extra travel time become part of the appeal. With cost, comfort, travel time, and environmental impact all influencing how travelers choose their mode of transportation, traveling with the train offers a compelling answer to European exploration.
Best Trips for Quick City Visits
These routes are the best for travelers looking for a quick city visit. Each of these will bring you directly between cities, provide you with interesting views, and some even have high-speed trains.
- London to Paris
- Direct: Yes
- Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Frequency: 14-16 daily trains on weekdays
- Average Cost: 40-50 EUR for a one way ticket booked in advance
- Paris to Berlin
- Direct: Yes
- Time: 8 hours 30 minutes
- Frequency: 1 daily train
- Average Cost: 150 EUR for a one way ticket booked in advance
- Amsterdam to Zurich
- Direct: Yes
- Time: 12 hours 30 minutes
- Frequency: 6 daily trains
- Average Cost: 65 EUR for a one way ticket booked in advance
- Paris to Brussels
- Direct: Yes
- Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Frequency: 42 trains
- Average Cost: 16 EUR for a one way ticket booked in advance
- Paris to Geneva
- Direct: Yes
- Time: 3 hours 20 minutes
- Frequency: 19 trains
- Average Cost: 64 EUR for a one way ticket booked in advance
Best Trips for Scenic Routes
While these trips might not get you there the fastest, they certainly have something to offer in the way of beauty. These are some of the most scenic routes Europe has to offer.
For 8 hours passengers can watch the magical Swiss countryside fly by through floor to ceiling windows. The average price is around 170 EUR but the views alone make this the perfect way to explore Switzerland.
- UK: England & Scotland
The Settle to Carlisle route in England transports travelers back to a different time as it passes through the beautiful Yorkshire Dales. Take in the English countryside for 1 hour and 30 minutes for the average price of 13 EUR. Lucky travelers can even book a ride on one of the heritage steam trains for a unique experience.
The West Highland Line in Scotland is iconic for a reason. The views are incredible, giving passengers an immersive and unforgettable trip through the rugged Scottish countryside including the famous Loch Lomond. Lasting around 5 hours, the average cost is around 50 EUR.
- Italy: Venice to Palermo
Ever wanted to explore the entirety of Italy? Take multiple trains and visit Venice, Bologna, Florence, Naples, and Rome, and finally end up in Palermo or go direct from Milan on a sleeper train. This trip takes about 15 hours in total, costing around 150 EUR.
- Switzerland to Italy: The Bernina Express
Named a UNESCO World Heritage route, this train takes travelers from Switzerland to Northern Italy through mountains, across bridges, and past stunning lakes. For around 68 EUR this 4 hour train is unmissable and takes you between countries.
- Germany, Austria, Italy: Brenner Railway
The Brenner Pass is one of the most beautiful drives in the world, running through three countries and their impressive mountainous regions. With the trip taking 6 hours and 30 minutes, passengers can expect stunning views for around 130 EUR ending in great cities like Munich or Venice.
Best Underrated Trips
These trips not only offer fantastic views and unique experiences, but they also offer less crowds, perfect for discovering hidden gems.
- Slovenia to Italy: Bohinj Railway
Immerse yourself in the Slovenian countryside’s rivers, lakes, alpine region, and mountain towns on this seven hour train between Jesenice and Trieste, Italy. With an average cost of between 30 and 80 EUR, this trip is unmissable.
- Serbia and Montenegro: Belgrade-Bar Railway
This 12 hour trip takes passengers from Belgrade along the Adriatic Coast and through the Dinaric Alps. Discover local culture, stunning hidden countryside, and the beauty that the Western Balkans holds. The cost is around 25 EUR.
- Norway: Bergen Railway or Flam Railway
This 6 hour trip on the Bergen Railway takes passengers across Norway’s snow covered mountain plateaus, immersing them in a stunning landscape of glaciers, canyons, and cliffs. For the average price of 25 EUR, this trip cannot be missed.
The Flam Railway is part of Norway in a Nutshell, making it an unmissable ride. For around 45 EUR, passengers can explore the Norwegian fjords, mountains, and waterfalls on a quick 1 hour trip.
- France: Le Petit Train Jaune
Travel on a 1910s train painted bright yellow through the Pyrenees mountains with views of ancient architecture, stunning cliffs, and green forests. While the trip is slow, tourists can travel back in time for 3 hours with the average price around 20 EUR.
- UK: Heart of Wales
This 4 hour train takes passengers on a journey through Wales and England, allowing them to explore the historic and natural charm of the British countryside. Enjoy exploring the picturesque towns for around 50 EUR.
Best Trips for Multi-Destination Long Haul
Looking to hit multiple destinations? Check out these routes that take you across different parts of Europe.
- UK, Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, France, Switzerland: Eurostar
Running through six different countries, this train line connects many of the major West European countries, making it the perfect way to explore multiple destinations. Fees and travel time depend on where you book from.
- West Coast of Europe: Barcelona to Lisbon to Paris (+ Italy)
Take a trip along Europe’s western coastline and discover the sunny south of France, the cultural scene of Lisbon, and the artistic heritage of Barcelona. While you can travel from Paris to Barcelona on a high-speed train, the slower option takes passengers through the magical Pyrenees. For an extra destination, head from France down to Italy. Fees and travel time depend on where you book from.
- Central Europe: Vienna to Prague to Warsaw to Budapest
Explore central Europe through this route and hit some of the most cultural hotspots on the continent. Enjoy the countryside before arriving at the heart of the action. Fees and travel time depend on where you book from.
- Northern Europe: Germany, Denmark, Sweden, Norway
Starting in Hamburg, this trip takes you up to Denmark and then over to the other Scandinavian countries. Choose between luxurious sleeper trains or enjoy the nordic countryside. If you want to extend the trip, a route from Copenhagen to Prague will take you through Germany and over into central Europe. Fees and travel time depend on where you book from.
- Eastern Europe: Romania, Bulgaria, and Turkey
Take the Bosphorus Express from Bucharest through Bulgaria and down to Istanbul. This trip lasts around fourteen hours and costs around 30 EUR.
Planning the Perfect Rail Trip
Trying to plan your own trip? Check out our top tips for planning the perfect rail adventure.
- Plan around existing routes
One of our top tips for getting the most out of your train trip is to combine several destinations into one longer trip instead of taking multiple separate journeys. If you are planning on doing this, the most important factor to keep in mind is that it can be easier if you build your trip around existing rail routes rather than using trains to connect a pre-selected list of destinations.
Look at what major cities have train connections and factor that into your destination choices. This is also important when choosing your trains, where possible, a direct train is always best but that isn’t always possible so choose your connections wisely. Find connections in places you might want to explore and you can even leave certain time slots open for exploration. This can also help you avoid the need for backtracking.
- Use overnight trains for longer journeys
Overnight trains are great for avoiding expensive hotel fees and can allow you to awaken in a new destination, ready to explore. If you are planning to stay in a destination it is always a good idea to choose accommodation near train stations, making them easy to access.
- Choose the Right Rare Fare
When you are choosing how to travel by train there are different types of fares. From point-to-point fares where you book each trip individually, to rail passes that allow you to take unlimited trips within a certain time frame, to night train fares, to regional train fares, find the type that works best for you. Some fares can also include the use of public transport around cities which is a great way to explore your chosen destination.
- Travel Slow
One of the advantages of train travel is that you can slow down and stay longer in different destinations. Allow yourself to be immersed in the local culture of your trip and turn the travel time into part of the journey. Want to learn more about slow travel? Check out our guide to slow traveling around Europe here.
Is Rail Travel the Future?
Ultimately, choosing train travel is about more than finding an alternative to flying. It’s about making the journey a part of the trip. From immersing yourself in stunning country landscapes, to arriving in the heart of a new city, rail travel can turn travel time into a new form of exploration.
The best routes will depend on what the traveler is looking to get out of their trip and can even offer a more seamless alternative to flying. Rather than rushing from one destination to the next, slow down, relax, and embrace the journey.
