Train travel in Europe: the best and most immersive journeys

If there’s something romantic about train travel, then visiting Europe by train feels almost cinematic. Gliding past vineyards and villages, watching Alpine peaks appear through panoramic windows, stepping off the train into the heart of historic cities… train travel in Europe isn’t just a way to get from A to B — it’s part of the whole experience.

And with one of the world’s most extensive rail networks, traveling by train in Europe opens up destinations that reward slow exploration. You’ll see landscapes changing in real time, move seamlessly between cultures, and enjoy the rare luxury of simply watching the world roll by, without the stress of traffic or parking. Train tickets in Europe are easy on the pocket, so why not embrace this unique way to explore, and jump on board…

Train travel in Europe: from classic itineraries to hidden gem routes

Scandinavia: a slow pace meets dramatic vistas

Scandinavia is made for unhurried journeys. Trains wind through forests and hug fjords, connecting compact cities with striking natural scenery in between. Rail travel in Norway, Sweden and Denmark is the best way to appreciate how quickly urban life melts into stunning wilderness.

In fact, it would almost be a crime to drive though Norway and have to tear your eyes from the scenery to the road. The train between Oslo and Bergen is known as one of the world’s most scenic railway journeys, winding through mountainous terrain past waterfalls before descending past lakes and pine forests, toward the mirror-like waters of the fjords.

The Flåm Railway section from Geilo to Myrdal is one of the steepest standard-gauge railways in the world and one of the best train journeys in Europe. In neighboring Sweden, combine two fabulous cities by traveling between Stockholm and Gothenburg or Malmö. Trains are even scheduled to coincide with the ferries to Helsinki, Finland’s fabulous capital.

Switzerland: scenic rural routes through alpine landscapes

Switzerland is often considered the gold standard for scenic train travel in Europe. Trains slide past chalet villages, emerald valleys and snow-dusted peaks, offering front-row views of landscapes that would – frankly – be exhausting to navigate by car. Even regular intercity trains feel like sightseeing tours.

The most famous route is the Glacier Express which runs from the storybook village of Zermatt, in the shadow of the Matterhorn, to the resort town of St Moritz. Dubbed the world’s slowest express train, it takes around eight hours and passes through 91 tunnels and over 291 bridges.

Alternatively, see some of the best cities in Switzerland, taking in the capital, Zurich, Geneva and Montreux. The leg from Geneva to Montreux is a short but stunning ride, running along the edge of Lake Geneva and passing vineyards, lakeside towns and mountains. Montreux itself is nestled on the shore of Lake Geneva; with its beautiful mountain backdrop it has long attracted artists, musicians and writers, and hosts the famed Jazz Festival in the summer.

Italy: experience Cinque Terre from a different angle

If Rome and Florence are on your bucket list, then you might have Cinque Terre on there as well, so why not do it all in one go? Especially as the train happens to be the best way to explore Cinque Terre and its surrounding region.

The five villages — Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore — are strung along a rugged stretch of the Ligurian coast, and the railway line literally tunnels through the cliffs connecting them. Exploring this stretch of coastline by rail lets you avoid winding roads and focus on the pleasures of slow coastal travel: fresh seafood lunches, afternoon swims, and sunset walks between vineyards and villages.

France: historic routes steeped in mountain and coastal beauty

Exploring France by train feels both refined and relaxed. Let the country’s slick rail network take you from sophisticated cities to tiny villages where you may just eat the best baguette of your life.

The lavender fields in Provence, the vineyards of Burgundy, the beaches and glamour of the Côte d’Azur – it all seems a world away from the peaks of the French Alps or Normandy’s rolling countryside and timbered villages, and yet all of the above easily features in one same train itinerary. Start or finish in Paris and you’ll have seen the best of France in a single trip.

Portugal: sun-soaked journeys across city, country and coast

For first-timers, Portugal is a perfect introduction to train travel in Europe. It’s approachable, scenic, rich in culture character and – well – port! The country’s most famous export awaits and the best place to start is in charming Porto, with its vibrant riverfront and celebrated port houses where you can visit and sample the sweet, fortified wine produced from the region’s steep vineyard terraces.

From here, rail routes link to Lisbon’s historic tiled neighborhoods, passing through rolling countryside and pretty towns along the way. Traveling by train also opens up Portugal’s renowned coastline: golden beaches, seafood markets, and clifftop villages that invite you to stop and linger a while.

Germany: scenic tracks through vineyards, mountains and more

Germany’s extensive and punctual rail network makes traveling without a car a dream. Its high‑speed ICE trains link every major city — Berlin, Munich, Frankfurt, Hamburg, Cologne — often in under four hours. You can breakfast in Berlin and have dinner in Munich without breaking a sweat. Trains run alongside rivers lined with vineyards, through forested hills, and into mountain foothills dotted with medieval towns.

If you can only do one, make it the Rhine Valley Line from Cologne to Mainz. It’s one of Europe’s most romantic train journeys and quintessentially German with castles, vineyards, and river views along the way. This line is short enough for a day trip but rich enough to fill a week if you linger in the villages.

Slow journeys across borders in the Balkans

Craving a more off-the-beaten-path experience? The Balkans are perfect. It’s a bit of an adventure, a little nostalgia, and a ton of mountain scenery all in one trip, plus a mishmash of cultures and cuisines and a touch of old-world charm.

Expect travel with character, not luxury, and a pace that’s slower than in Western Europe – but the routes are often spectacular. The Belgrade–Bar line (Serbia to Montenegro) is one of Europe’s most scenic rail journeys, legendary for its 400+ bridges and tunnels, winding through the Dinaric Alps.

Spain: captivating rail experiences steeped in culture

Spain’s rail network connects vibrant cities, coastal gems and landscapes of olive groves, plains and rugged mountains. For a classic Andalusian circuit, start in Madrid, then zip south on the AVE to Seville in about two hours and 30 minutes. From there, Córdoba is just 45 minutes away, and Granada another two hours by regional train. You’ll get Moorish palaces, flamenco, tapas and the glorious Alhambra, all connected by sleek, efficient trains.

Alternatively, the northern route through Spain’s Basque Country is a gem. It’s a region with a strong identity, world‑class food, surf culture and wild landscapes. Visit Bilbao’s famous museum then head to San Sebastián and spend a day drifting between the pintxos bars. You can even cross into France at Hendaye for a croissant before heading back.

Netherlands and Belgium: short hops between historic sites

Belgium and the Netherlands might be two of the most underrated destinations in Western Europe, yet they’re ideal for travelers who love variety without long travel days.

In Belgium, it’s just one hour from vibrant, cultured Antwerp to the cobblestone streets of medieval Ghent, and another hour will take you to the cosmopolitan capital, Brussels. From there, you can be strolling the canal-lined streets of Amsterdam in a couple of hours.

Our top 3 trip ideas for train travel in Europe

Curated train-based itineraries can be a smart way for travelers who want expert Europe train travel planning. Experience Europe’s rail network at its best without sacrificing flexibility:

• Grand escape to France by train: Paris, Lyon and the French Riviera: Explore France’s cultural heart and Mediterranean soul on a journey that balances iconic cities with slower coastal moments.
• The best of Switzerland by train: Experience Alpine landscapes, lakeside towns and scenic rail routes designed to showcase Switzerland’s natural beauty at a relaxed pace.
• 14-day Portugal train discovery trip: Get to know Portugal’s cities, countryside and coastline with thoughtfully planned rail connections that highlight regional contrasts.

Frequently asked questions about planning your European train journey

What is the best train trip in Europe?

It depends on what inspires you. Do you love dramatic mountain scenery? Can’t get enough of rugged coastlines? Or do you relish the idea of whizzing between the best European cities, slipping from one cultural gem to the next? The best part of traveling in Europe by train is how easy it is to seamlessly hop from country to country. Why travel any other way?

Is it easy to travel around Europe by train?

Yes! Europe’s rail network is well-connected, stations are usually centrally located, and on many routes you’ll cross borders without batting an eye. Make advance reservations, and with a little planning, traveling around Europe by train can be one of the most enjoyable ways to explore the continent.

When is the best time to travel to Europe by train?

Late spring and early fall are ideal for train travel in Europe because of mild weather, fewer crowds, and comfortable travel conditions. Summer brings longer, warmer days and lively cities but higher demand. European journeys in winter can be magical, especially in alpine regions, with snow-covered landscapes viewed from warm, panoramic train windows.

Is it worth traveling to Europe by train?

If you’re still in any doubt, where have you been? Train travel in Europe is an absolute joy and perfect for seeing each country at a slower pace.

Why Europe by train belongs on your travel wish list

Europe and trains go together like espresso and croissants. It isn’t about racing between bucket-list sights but embracing a different pace. For travelers used to long drives and airport queues, European rail travel feels refreshingly straightforward. You arrive in the heart of cities, discover villages you’d never see from a highway, and appreciate the continent as a journey through cultures.

Read more: Got the train travel bug? Check out our guides to great African train journeys and touring China by high-speed train, as well as our wider collection of wonderful train trips.

Make it happen

Our local experts across the continent are ready and waiting to help you plan out the perfect journey, where unforgettable train travel in Europe meets unique and immersive experiences off the tracks. Browse our available destinations in Europe and reach out to our local experts today to get started on crafting your unique, 100% personalized itinerary.