great railway journeys in europe

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The 14 most scenic train journeys in Europe

Pack a book, hop on board and enjoy the most scenic train journeys in Europe, from west to east and north to south

From glaciers and fjords to deserts and plains,   Europe ’s home to some of the world’s most mind-blowing natural landscapes. And so, logically, it makes a heck of a lot of sense that the finest scenic rail journeys in Europe – train routes which are specifically designed to show off those spectacular landscapes – are amongst   the best in the entire world .

The European continent’s finest scenic rail journeys also double up as pilgrimages to sites of incredible feats of engineering. These trains scale dramatic mountains, plunge through ginormous tunnels and span vast distances. You won’t just be gob-smacked by the view: you’ll wonder how on earth you’re able to experience it from the comfort of a locomotive.

And, before you say anything, no, scenic rail routes certainly aren’t just for rail geeks. Oh no. They’re also amongst the most comfortable and supremely romantic ways of getting around. As well as being much better for the planet than cars and planes, train travel is a destination in itself – and that’s even more the case with scenic routes. So, without further ado, here are our top 14 scenic railways in Europe right now.

RECOMMENDED: 🚂  The best train journeys in the world 🚅  The best train journeys in Asia 🚉  The world’s most spectacular train stations

Been there, done that? Think again, my friend.

Best train journeys in Europe

1.  oslo to bergen, norway.

Connecting Oslo and Bergen is the fairytale Bergen Line. Take it in spring or autumn, and the voyage plays out like a living painting of all four seasons, as blustery flower meadows and lush valleys fade into icy forests of pine and glittering lakes. It’s a journey that’s quite possibly up there with the best in the world. It makes little difference which way you travel – views are equally OTT in both directions, on both sides of the tracks – but start in the morning to ensure you get a full day of views on the seven-hour trip. Ticket prices are generally quite affordable, but onboard food will set you back, so pack snacks.

2.  Belgrade to Bar, Serbia and Montenegro

Often referred to as ‘the Balkan Express’, the 11-hour (on a good day) jaunt from Belgrade to Bar celebrates civil engineering and natural majesty. A whopping 435 bridges are traversed as the train trundles from the Serbian capital to Montenegro’s largest port, working as a time machine through the twentieth century in these parts. That means socialist architecture in Užice, modern ski resorts in Kolašin and the rapidly developing tourism of Montenegro’s southern coast. The last stretch is particularly stunning.

3.  Palma to Sóller, Majorca

The electric train line that links Majorca’s capital, Palma, with the northern town of Sóller was originally built to ship oranges across the island. Its vintage wooden carriages rattle out of central Palma, through the city’s hinterlands and across the great dry plains of southern Majorca. After a stop in Bunyola, it’s a steady climb into the foothills – followed by the sudden pitch black of the Sóller tunnel. And then comes the best bit: a winding route through the lush peaks of the Serra de Tramuntana, with incredible views over Sóller’s distant church, before the final descent. The whole trip only takes an hour, leaving plenty of time to catch the heritage tram down to Port de Sóller and cool off in the sea before the return leg.

4.  Blaenau Ffestiniog to Porthmadog, Wales

The small mining town of Blaenau Ffestiniog has fallen on tough times with the demise of the slate mining industry, but the little steam railway that connects it with Porthmadog harbour is a gorgeous route showing Wales at its most magnificent. Most of the journey snakes through Snowdonia National Park, with plenty of stop-off options for travellers with time on their hands. The Ffestiniog Railway Company is also the oldest independent railway company on the planet, another layer of awesome to this gorgeous experience. 

5.  Zermatt to St. Moritz, Switzerland

If you’ve high expectations of an experience named ‘The Glacier Express’, get ready for them to be exceeded and then some. This mountain marvel connects the resorts of Zermatt and St. Moritz, and the panoramic views make this one of the best ways to embrace all this dramatic landscape offers. The seven-and-a-half-hour journey traverses 291 bridges, 91 tunnels and a whole lot of beauty. 

6.  The Brocken, Germany

Another gorgeous journey from base to summit, The Brocken Railway picks wide-eyed passengers up from the settlement on the edge of Harz National Park called Drei Annen-Hohne. When the ride is over, those passengers find themselves on top of the world, or at least on top of the Brocken, the highest peak in Northern Germany. The journey is all tight turns, dramatic valleys, snowy vistas and lose-yourself imagery at a maximum speed of 40km/h. 

7.  Barcelona to Montserrat, Spain

There are plenty of ways to travel from Barcelona to the base of Montserrat mountain, but we’re putting our eggs firmly in the basket marked ‘train’. Actually, that would be ‘tren’ in Catalan, but you get the idea. There is a wide range of tickets available for the journey, though we recommend getting one that covers not just your train from Barcelona and then either the cable car or rack railway up the mountain itself, but also entry into the Montserrat Museum.

8.  Fort William to Mallaig, Scotland

A constant on lists of the world’s most beautiful train journeys, Scotland’s Jacobite Steam Train is an 84-mile stunner traversing the magic of Scotland from Fort William to Mallaig. Booking ahead is an absolute must but totally worth it, as the journey transports visitors across a landscape that takes the term ‘rugged’ and redefines it in that inimitable Scottish way. Some call it the Hogwarts Express after its turn in the Harry Potter films, and you can insert your own magical comment here.

9.  Myrdal to Flåm, Norway

Another frequent face on lists of the world’s best train journeys, the line between Myrdal and Flåm in Norway bridges the divide between impossibly cute and absolutely monolithic. That’s Norway in a nutshell, right? The small things are all quaint and idyllic, while the big ones bluster through stunning cliffs, jagged mountains and awe-inspiring scenery. The Flåm Railway climbs a whopping 867 metres into the sky and back, with a short shop at the Kjosfossen waterfall as the cherry on top. 

10.  Chur to Poschiavo, Switzerland

Switzerland is every bit as spectacular as its reputation suggests it might be. Actually, this place is woefully undersold and the rail route between Chur and Poschiavo is further proof, a jaw-dropping run that takes lucky passengers through the heart of the Swiss Alps. The famous mountains unravel on either side of the train, scenery that tends to see passengers put their cameras down and stare at the wonders at hand. The Bernina Express continues toward Tirano in Italy for those who need even more scenery. 

11.  La Rhune, France

What an absolute stunner of a ride. From the foot of the Pyrenees to the top via an early 1900s cog railway, the quaintest of quaint trains scaling a mighty height. It can be a little jarring, but the cobwebs are soon blown away by the stunning vistas and the majesty that awaits at the summit. The train only runs from April to September, round-trip tickets cost €20 (an absolute bargain), and it begins its journey in the town of Sare, some 10km or so from Saint-Jean-de-Luz.

12.  Prague to Bratislava, Czech Republic and Slovakia

Okay, the scenery outside the window between Prague and Bratislava is nothing to write home about. Is it pretty? Sure, we’d expect nothing less from this part of the world, but the real fun of this route is found inside. A train journey spent in a Central European restaurant car is one of those most eccentric travel experiences, so make an immediate beeline for that part of the train when boarding. Line up some excellent Czech  pivo  and enjoy the conveyor belt of characters who will invariably make their way through the car. 

13.  Málaga to El Chorro, Spain

While you can’t get a train across the thrilling and terrifying Caminito del Rey walkway, you can still experience a great journey on the way. The train from Malaga to El Chorro is a stunner, a fast route that takes less than 45 minutes and will set you back less than a tenner. That gives you just under 45 minutes to enjoy the stunning scenery and dredge up the courage to traverse the famous walkway. 

14.  Mostar to Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina

Bosnia and Herzegovina doesn’t have many trains, but it remains an absolute must for lovers of rail travel. Why? Well, the stretch of track between Mostar and Jablanica quickly answers that question. It offers a jaw-dropping array of twists and turns that hug the cerulean blue of the ice-cold Neretva river, as jagged cliffs hem everything in from all sides. Sure, you need to get up early to catch the train, but it is worth that sunrise alarm. The route continues to Sarajevo, passing through charming Konjic and several satellite towns along the way.

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22 of the best rail journeys in Europe

See Europe how it was meant to be seen: from the window of a train! From mountain climbs to luxury sleepers, here’s the rail adventures you must add to your bucket list…

1. Glacier Express, Switzerland

Glacier Express, Switzerland (Shutterstock)

Best for… Seeing Switzerland in the slow lane

The journey: Zermatt to St Moritz (290km; seven and a half hours)

We say… Don’t be fooled by its name: the Glacier Express averages 38kph, but who wants to rush when the scenery is this spectacular?

Linking two of Switzerland’s best-loved ski resorts, the route is an opus of snowcapped peaks, rugged valleys, 291 bridges and wild tangles of alpine forest. The view will keep you glued to the train’s panoramic windows – though the traverse of the towering Landwasser viaduct might have you reaching for a second glass of Valais wine.

Top tip: In Zermatt you can extend your trip by taking Europe’s highest cog railway to the summit of Gornergrat (3,089m). The view of the Matterhorn is worth it.

Read next : Switzerland’s most stunning rail journeys

2. odontotos rack railway, greece.

Odontotos Rack Railway, Greece (Shutterstock)

Best for… Peaks and valleys

The journey: Diakopto to Kalavrita (22.5km; one hour)

We say… Making delightfully slow work of a wild Peloponnese gorge, this heritage railway – built in 1895 – is one of southern Greece’s final remaining narrow gauge lines.

It starts in the seaside town of Diakopto and weaves up to the mountain town of Kalavrita through hand-carved tunnels and plane-tree forests. En route, you’ll cross 49 bridges in total, as the Vouraikos River roils far below.

Top tip: To visit nearby Olympia’s ancient temples and stadium, take the small train from Katacolon – yet another narrow-gauge survivor.

3. Rhine Valley Line, Germany

The Rhine Valley Line, Germany (Shutterstock)

Best for… A riverside ramble

The journey: Cologne to Mainz (152km; two and a half hours)

We say… The Rhine Valley Line finds its muse just after Bonn, where it starts to tightly hug the waterline. Sure, you could take the high-speed intercity route and save yourself an hour on your journey, but then you’d miss out on the patchwork of vineyards, Koblenz’s hilltop fortress and the legend of Lorelei Rock.

Top tip: Interrail passes are valid on this line – and get you a discount on KD Rhine Line boats.

4. Venice Simplon Orient-Express, UK, France & Italy

Venice Simplon-Orient-Express (Shutterstock)

Best for…The ‘golden age’ of rail

The journey: London to Folkestone; Calais to Venice (1,636km; 24 hours)

We say… While the final descendent of the real Orient Express met its end in 2009, a US businessman had long since bought up 1920s and ‘30s carriages (many belonging to the original service) and resurrected its route to Venice.

This journey is played out on two heritage trains – the British Pullman on the UK leg and the VSOE between Calais and Venice – and as the mountains and meadows slip by, you can sip martinis in the piano bar, devour lobster in its Étoile du Nord restaurant car and just dream.

Top tip: Though the southbound journey is popular, the northbound experience is just as fabulous – and doesn’t book up so quickly.

Read next: The best new rail routes around the world for 2022

5. west highland line, scotland.

Glenfinnan Viaduct on the West Highland Lane, Scotland (Shutterstock)

Best for… The wildest of Scottish rides

The journey: Glasgow to Mallaig (264km; five and a half hours)

We say… After slipping away from Glasgow, the West Highland Line weaves some of Britain’s wildest scenery: to lonely moorlands, forest-bound lochs and crumbling castle ruins.

Up here, you’re more likely to spot red deer than humans – though the Glenfinnan Viaduct is familiar thanks to its cameo in the Harry Potter films. If travelling southwards, sit on the right-hand side of the train for the best views.

Top tip: The Royal Scotsman and Jacobite Steam Train are rather luxurious – if pricey – alternatives to this £16.80 (one-way) ScotRail journey.

6. Bernina Express, Switzerland & Italy

Bernina Express (Shutterstock)

Best for… Jaw-dropping (and ear-popping) views

The journey: Landquart to Tirano (163km; five hours)

We say… Starting this summer, you get even more bang for your buck on the Bernina Express , as its trans-alpine journey has been extended for around 50km. It now starts (or terminates) at Landquart before looping through the Prättigau mountains and over Zügen Gorge’s sheer-sided ravines.

Running between May and October, its climax is the 2,253m-high Bernina Pass, the gateway to Italy. It’s a smooth ride but one that’s big on drama, encompassing dizzying and panoramic views from the Brusio Spiral viaduct along the way.

Top tip: For the best views, grab a seat on the rig.

7. Mariazell Railway, Austria

The Narrow Gauge or Mariazell Railway in the Austrian Alps (Shutterstock)

Best for… Alpine hikes and hijinx

The journey: St Pölten to Mariazell (78km; two and a half hours)

We say… Traversing one of the wildest regions of the Austrian Alps, this narrow-gauge service is officially split into two sections: ‘Valley’ and ‘Mountains’.

The former stretches from St Pölten to Frankenfels, a land of pretty grazing meadows and gentle pathways (tickets allow you to hop on and off), while the latter climbs up through the ruggedly handsome Erlauf gorge and the peaks of Ötscher-Tormäuer Naturpark. Allow a full day – at least.

Top tip: For widescreen views, grab a first-class panorama carriage (May to October on weekend and holiday services), while heritage rail fans love the 100-year-old Ötscherbär train that runs from June to late September.

8. Inlandsbanan, Sweden

Inlandsbanan train pulling into Mora, Sweden (Shutterstock)

Best for… A jovial jaunt

The journey: Kristinehamn to Gällivare (1,288km; from two days)

We say… The Inlandsbanan is slow travel at its best, heading up past the Arctic Circle and into Swedish Lapland. In fact, its drivers love an excuse to stretch their legs, and scheduled stops to take a dip in Lake Siljan or visit Sami villages and their reindeer herds along the way are worth it.

Before you know it, you’re cooing over moose and foraging for berries under midnight sun (June to early July) – all thoughts of the timetable long forgotten.

Top tip: At each stop you can order fresh dishes from local restaurants, such as smoked Arctic char and lingonberry crumble.

9. Trenino Verde, Sardinia, Italy

The Green Train travelling through Italy (Shutterstock)

Best for… Island adventures

The journey: Palau to Tempio (59km); Sindia to Bosa (33km); Mandas to Laconi (37km); Mandas to Sadali (58km); Arbata to Gairloch (62km); times vary

We say… The best way to get under the skin of Sardinia is by catching the Trenino Verde – or Green Train – for a picturesque pootle around the island. The Mandas-Laconi line weaves through wild woodlands, the Palau-Tempio track culminates in a town famed for its cork groves, and Sindia–Bosa forges from the island’s untamed interior out to its western coast.

Top tip: Don’t be surprised if the conductor hops out to shoo sheep off the line, or to stop traffic at level crossings. Slow travel at its purest.

Read next: Italy’s most spectacular rail journeys

10. la ligne des cévennes, france.

La Ligne des Cévennes, France (Shutterstock)

Best for… Gallic grandeur

The journey: Clermont-Ferrand to Nîmes (304km; six and a half hours)

We say… Every twist and turn of this train line is an engineering marvel: it ticks off a mighty 106 tunnels and over a thousand bridges, as well as the seriously lofty (46m high) Chamborigaud viaduct.

With 29 long-legged arches arranged in a semicircular loop, Chamborigaud is a scene-stealer – although the track reaches its pinnacle on the summit at La Bastide (1,023m). There are gentler pleasures still to be found in the rolling vineyards of the Auvergne, the chestnut forests of Cévennes National Park and the track’s picturesque dalliance with the River Allier.

Top tip: Visit in springtime to see the area’s wildflowers in bloom.

11. Derry/Londonderry to Coleraine, Northern Ireland

Derry/L:ondonderry, Northern Ireland (Shutterstock)

Best for… A budget Irish beauty

The journey: Derry/Londonderry to Coleraine (55km; 38 minutes)

We say… This route doesn’t need five-star cabins or steam locomotives for wow-factor: it’s all about the scenery. Explore a banquet of windswept beaches, razor-edged cliffs and wild views on the no-frills Translink service.

Sit on the left-hand side (if travelling eastwards) and settle in for a ride that Sir Michael Palin hailed in his Great Railway Journeys series as “one of the most beautiful rail journeys in the world”, as you hop-skip peregrine falcon habitats and the thread the longest railway tunnels in Ireland.

Top tip: Stop for a yomp on the wide, wild sands of Benone beach.

12. Linha do Douro, Portugal

Pinhão Station, Portugal (Shutterstock)

Best for…Giving the city the slip

The journey: Porto to Pocinho (160km; three and a half hours)

We say… Don’t take a day cruise from Porto: hop on the Linha do Douro instead. Most boat trips only venture as far as the port-producing village of Pinhão, but this train line ploughs further into the heartlands, past great walls of rock and rambling quintas (wine estates).

Better yet, the track swaps between shores, so there’s no such thing as a duff seat. Pinhão Station must be one of Europe’s prettiest terminals, trimmed with intricate azulejo tilework, but look out, too, for the towering gorge around Régua and the ancient rock art of the Côa Valley at Pocinho.

Top tip: In Pocinho, linger over lunch and local port at Taberna da Julinha (+351 965 398 826) – its steaks are worth the trip alone.

13. Septemvri to Dobrinishte, Bulgaria

Tsepina on the Septemvri to Dobrinishte, Bulgaria (Shutterstock)

Best for… Making new friends

The journey: Septemvri to Dobrinishte (125km; five hours)

We say… Bulgaria’s only operating narrow-gauge railway is a lifeline to its remote south-west, so make room for the babas (grandmothers) heading to market.

The train travels at a glacial speed (you can walk beside it in parts), but it’s a journey to savour, with stops for hiking in Bansko, Velingrad’s hot springs and Belitsa’s dancing bear sanctuary.

Top tip: The train only has a simple café on board, so bring a picnic.

14. El Transcantábrico Clásico, Spain

León, Spain (Shutterstock)

Best for… Exploring the north

The journey: León to Santiago de Compostela (643km; four to eight days)

We say… Never has the pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela felt so indulgent. El Transcantábrico ’s lavish compartments and plentiful excursions make for an easy, enlightening ride.

The Clásico itinerary hugs the northern coast, with stop-offs at the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, seafood suppers in Santander and, on longer trips, hiking in the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of Picos de Europa National Park.

Top tip: The rail network actually runs between San Feliz and Ferrol – a few kilometres shy of León and Santiago de Compostela – so the trip is bookended by brief coach journeys.

Read next: 6 of the world’s most luxurious sleeper trains

15. belgrade to bar, serbia, bosnia & montenegro.

Mala Rijeka Viaduct, Serbia (Shutterstock)

Best for… A cross-country caper

The journey: Belgrade to Bar (476km; 10 hours)

We say… This Balkan line can’t be booked online with national operators, so you’ll need to get tickets at the counter, but once on board you’ll hop ravines and rivers with the greatest of ease, thanks to its 254 tunnels and 435 bridges.

It took railway engineers decades to blast through the Dinaric Alps, traverse the thick birch forests, skirt the shores of Lake Skadar and build the 200m-high Mala Rijeka viaduct, which, until 2001, was the tallest railway bridge in the world.

Top tip: Local sources state this train is currently only operating a night time service. Boo we say! But look out for the return of its day time schedule.

16. Golden Eagle Danube Express, Turkey to Hungary

Golden Eagle Danube Express (Shutterstock)

Best for… The east with ease

The journey: Istanbul (Turkey) to Budapest (Hungary) via Bulgaria & Romania (1,832km; seven days)

We say… On the Danube Express ’s ‘Castles of Transylvania’ route, you’ll whizz between two of Europe’s most beguiling cities in the lap of luxury.

Off-train excursions allow for easy exploration of medieval towns and Romanian castles, while the onboard experience includes opulent perks: think plush double cabins, starched linens and piano recitals.

Top tip: Spend your time socialising in the cocktail lounge; this journey tends to attract fascinating souls.

17. North York Moors Railway, England

Vintage passenger train on the North York Moors Railway (Shutterstock)

Best for… A time-travelling treasure

The journey: Whitby to Pickering (38.6km; one hour, 45 minutes)

We say… With a shrill whistle and a scorching blast, this steamy trip into the North York Moors National Park begins in lively Whitby, so spare time to visit its recenty reopened Abbey.

From there, it travels windswept dales, lush carpets of heather and, so it seems, time itself. Though devoid of most mod cons, the NYMR’s hundred-year-old steam trains make surprisingly quick work of these rolling moors, as you stop off for picnics and village walks along the way.

Top tip: For a taste of life at the steamy end, join the railway’s ‘experience days’ and ride on the footplate.

18. Bohinj Railway, Slovenia & Italy

Bohinj Railway, Slovenia (Shutterstock)

Best for… Slovenia made simple

The journey: Jesenice to Trieste (approx 150km; three hours)

We say… To ford the peaks of the Julian Alps to the northernmost sliver of Italian coastline, the Bohinj Railway must slice a route it has plied for over 110 years.

It was built as a strategic network for the Austro-Hungarian monarchy, but these days it’s catnip for hikers and cyclists who revel in the easy connections to Most na Soci, Lake Bled and Nova Gorica’s wineries.

Top tip: For a special trip, catch the heritage steam train (May to November) between Jesenice and Nova Gorica, where staff still don the uniforms of the old Austro-Hungarian Empire.

19. Semmering Railway, Austria

Semmering Railway, Austria (Shutterstock)

Best for… UNESCO-listed joys

The journey: Gloggnitz to Mürzzuschlag (41km; 40 minutes)

We say… Praised by UNESCO as ‘one of the greatest feats of civil engineering’, the Semmering teeters on two-storey viaducts and narrow mountain passes, with twists and steep inclines aplenty.

The reward for your fortitude? Swoon-worthy views of the Austrian Alps, and opportunities for great hiking or skiing. It took six years and 20,000 labourers to build this track, and this pioneering project from the 1850s became the blueprint for mountain railways all over the world.

Top tip: Gloggnitz is just an hour by train from Vienna, so don’t miss out.

20. Bergen Railway, Norway

Bergen Railway, Norway (Shutterstock)

Best for… Scandi splendour

The journey: Oslo to Bergen (500km; six and a half hours)

We say… Even in the cosy comfort of your compartment, Norway’s desolate Hardangervidda plateau will send a shiver down your spine. While the forests and lakes outside Oslo are beautiful, it’s the Bergen Railway ’s eerily empty mountain passes that steal the show.

Stretch your legs at Finse, the highest station on the line (1,222m), to see where Robert Falcon Scott and his crew trained in advance of their infamous 1912 South Pole expedition. A lonely spot indeed.

Top tip: Hop off at Myrdal and pick up the extraordinary 20km branch line to Flam (one hour), whose spiral tunnels and steep gradient will sweep you up further into these breathtaking mountains.

21. Brocken Railway, Germany

Brocken Railway, Germany (Shutterstock)

Best for… Saving your legs

The journey: Drei Annen Hohne to Brocken (19km; 51 minutes)

We say… The summit of Brocken (the Harz mountains’ loftiest point) is a doddle for these steam trains (which, if you book online, you’ll have to do in German). They climb thick pines and wildflower meadows up to the 1,141m peak, forming one of three lines on the Harz Railway, Europe’s longest network (140km) still running daily steam trains.

Top tip: Buy a one-way ticket and hike back down, walking the famed trail to Torfhaus.

22. Ffestiniog Railway, Wales

Ffestiniog Railway, Wales (Shutterstock)

Best for… Steaming Snowdonia

The journey: Blaenau Ffestiniog to Porthmadog (21.7km; one hour 15 mins)

We say… Operated by the oldestsurviving train company in the world, the Ffestiniog Railway has run for almost 200 years through Snowdonia National Park, and has a gleaming troupe of steam locomotives. The route is a rich feast of rivers, waterfalls, mountains and ancient woodlands, with a looping spiral section lending some thrills.

Top tip: Add on the Welsh Highland Railway – Ffestiniog’s sister route – between Porthmadog and Caernarfon to extend your fun.

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• Britain’s most scenic rail journeys

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The most scenic train journeys in Europe that will inspire you to travel by train

Thanks to the great engineers of the Old Continent, Europe has a superb train network that connects every point of the continent, from big metropolitan cities to remote, picturesque mountain villages. Europe’s train network passes through some of the most difficult terrains, including icy rivers, fjords, green highlands, and snowy valleys, giving us a chance to enjoy some of the best scenic train journeys in Europe that inspire even more travelers to visit the Old Continent.

El Transcantábrico ,  Spain

Duration: 8 days Distance: 780 kilometers Fare: € 3,700

Starting off this list of scenic train journeys in Europe, we have el Transcantábrico. What’s better than experiencing the staggering natural beauty of northern Spain with a 5-star train? During this journey, you’ll get to stay in original 1923 Pullman coaches with all the modern facilities of the 21 st century. The tour includes exploring the historic towns of the region, visiting the finest beaches along the Bay of Biscay, and boarding the train overnight.

The journey starts at Irun, close to the French border, passes through San Sebastian, Bilbao, Asturias, Santander, and Ferrol in eight days and allows passengers to see the best Northern Spain has to offer.

Slow Trains through Asturias

Duration: 4 hours Distance: 120 kilometers Fare: €10 one-way

El Transcantábrico is an expensive experience, but if you take away the accommodation in an original 1923 Pullman coach, you can experience the same journey for a fraction of the price. Asturias is famous for the slow trains that pass through the region, allowing passengers to see the virgin beaches, sweeping bays, and picturesque fishing villages dotted with red-roofed homesteads and hórreos. The most picturesque part of the journey is from the hidden town of Cudillero to the historic city of Ribadesella. The journey takes 3-4 hours and it’s the best budget option to experience a part of the magic of El Transcantábrico.

La Rhune, France

Duration: 34 minutes Distance:  4 kilometers Fare:  €19 return

Train de la Rhune is one of the best scenic train journeys not only in Europe but in the whole world. The journey lasts only 30 minutes but in this time, you’ll ride on an old-fashioned train that passes through a 100-years-old railway that leads from Saint-Jean-de-Luz to a 900-meters-high peak of the Pyrenees from where you can get a 360-degrees panoramic view that stretches from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pyrenees and the coast of Basque. It’s one of the most spectacular viewpoints in France and you can have it for only €19 (both ways).

Train de la Côte Bleue, France

Duration: 1.5 hours Distance:  32 kilometers Fare:  €10 one-way

The south of France is famous for its laid-back, Mediterranean vibes, beautiful nature, and jaw-dropping landscapes. Hence, this list of the best scenic train journeys in Europe wouldn’t be complete without at least one train ride from this region. One thing you should note though is that, to fully experience this journey, you have to take the regional Train de la Côte Bleue. France’s TGV trains are too fast to enjoy the view and often turn even the most scenic journeys into a disappointing experience. Train de la Côte Bleue runs between Marseille and Miramas and the journey includes 1.5 hours of scenic views of the shimmering blue sea, lush-green forests dotted with picturesque small towns.

The Little Yellow Train, France

Duration: 1.5 hours Distance:  67 kilometers Fare:  €13.60

The Little Yellow Train has been one of the most popular train journeys in France for more than 100 years. This train journey starts at Villefranche-de-Conflent, goes through the Regional Nature Park of the Catalan Pyrénées, all the way up to the highest train station in France, Bolquere (1,593 meters), and ends at Latour-de-Carol-Enveitg. And if you think things can’t get better, you’re wrong; during the summer, the train runs with an open-top carriage. Another good thing about this journey is that you don’t have to worry about booking tickets in advance or not being able to find a ticket if you book in advance. The tickets for the Little Yellow Train can only be purchased at the train station before your journey.

West Highland Line, Scotland

Duration: 1.5 hours Distance:  69 kilometers Fare:  Starting from £7.40

Featuring isolated highlands , rugged lochs, and glimpses of coastline, the train ride from Fort William to Mallaig is one of the best scenic train journeys in Europe. The journey also includes some spectacular views of Ben Nevis and if you’re wondering where do these divine landscapes look so familiar from, it’s from Harry Potter’s Hogwart’s Express. Some of the best movie-lake landscapes you’ll encounter on this journey include The Glenfinnan Viaduct over the waters of Loch Shiel, the rocky pinnacles of the Cobbler, the steep Monessie Gorge, and the divine Ben Lui.

Caledonian Sleeper, The UK

Duration: 8 hours Distance:  804 kilometers Fare:  Starting from £45 for comfort seats and £140 for classic rooms

The legendary Caledonian Sleeper has recently undergone a £150 million revamp that seems to help in bringing back the glory days of Britain’s most iconic overnight train. Caledonia’s Sleeper runs between London and Edinburgh and features some of the most beautiful sunset views Scotland has to offer. The classic rooms and even the cabins look very posh and the food served on the train is delicious. Overall, it’s one train ride you don’t want to miss if you want to experience one of the best scenic train journeys in Europe.

Belmond Grand Hibernian, Ireland

Duration: 2/4/6 days Distance:  300 kilometers/810 kilometers/1,250 kilometers Fare:  €3,300/€5,800/€9,100

This is one of the newest train journeys in Europe that started operating in 2016 with the goal to showcase the best of Ireland’s natural beauties while giving passengers the chance to stay in one of the most luxurious trains in the world. The Grand Hibernian includes tours that last 2,4 or 6 nights. The journeys include food and accommodation throughout the trip as well as organized tours to some of Ireland’s most famous landmarks.

Venice Simplon-Orient-Express

Duration: 17-24 hours Distance:  1,160 kilometers Fare:  £2,365, budget alternative €139

The old Orient Express is one of the most majestic train journeys that dates back to the 1920s’, also known as the Golden age of rail on the Old Continent. Close to $20 million dollars were spent in restoring the sleeping cars to their original form while keeping all the glamour. This is also probably the only train journey that has a dress code; most of the passengers are dressed very nicely when leaving their coaches. As for the train ride, it starts from the outskirts of Venice and takes you on a journey through the heart of Europe that features the charming towns of Northern Italy, the snow-capped Alps, and the natural beauties of France can never be boring. The journey on the luxurious Orient Express costs more than 2,000 pounds but you can also opt-in for some of the less luxurious journeys that will allow you to experience the same views (minus the luxury) for only €139.

Trenino Verde, Sardinia

Duration: 7 hours Distance:  250 kilometers Fare:  €25

Trenino Verde offers the most idyllic and at places, only, passages through the most remote parts of Sardinia. The Trenino Verde is an unforgettable experience that allows you to see the best of Sardinia in only a few hours. The journey crosses through the heart of Sardinia’s rugged terrain dotted with charming, remote villages that will inevitably inspire you to spend a few more days on the island and discover some of its picturesque hidden gems.

The Brocken ,  Germany

Duration: 1-2 hours Distance:  19 kilometers Fare:  Starting from €25

The Brocken Railway is one of the most spectacular train rides in Germany. It runs from Drei Annen Hohne station to the summit of Brocken (1,141 meters), while showcasing the serenity of Harz National Park. There are 10 trains that travel this rail line every day and all of them are powered by coal-burning steam locomotives that give the journey a unique, old-fashioned vibe .

Central Rhine Railway, Germany

Duration: 1 hour Distance:  61 kilometers Fare:  Starting from €9

If you ever take a train ride on the Central Rhine Railway, you’ll see where a lot of European fairy tales get inspiration from. The railway runs between Bingen and Koblenz and along the way, you can click pictures of some of the most divine landscapes of the picturesque Rhine Valley. Get ready to see wild, swirling waters, majestic castles on the bank of the river, and endless stretches of lush green forests.

Höllentalbahn (Black Forest Railway, Germany)

Duration: 2 hours Distance:  75 kilometers Fare:  Starting from €5

Höllentalbahn actually translates to Hell Valley Railway but this journey is actually the closest thing it comes to paradise in Germany , I was thinking as the old train was crossing of the 40-meters-high Ravenna Bridge, offering me a spectacular view of the mesmerizing Ravenna Gorge, one of the highlights of this scenic train ride. This is arguably the steepest railway in Germany and it crosses through some of the country’s most pristine parts. If you want to discover some of the hidden gems that lie in this forest, Höllentalbahn is also a great option because there are numerous stops where you can get off and continue your exploration by foot.

Munich to Innsbruck, Germany & Austria

Duration: 3 hours Distance:  157 kilometers Fare:  Starting from €9

We can’t have a list of the best scenic train journeys in Europe without mentioning this train ride that features Bavaria’s most scenic landscapes on the way to Innsbruck, one of the best winter destinations in Europe . Get ready to see a lot of glittering, blue lakes, snowy mountain landscapes, cute villages, and of course, a myriad of beautiful mountain towns, including Mittenwald and Garmisch-Partenkirchen.

Mariazell Railway ,  Austria

Duration: 1.5 hours Distance:  78 kilometers Fare: Starting  from €9

With all the scenic routes that surround Austria, it’s very difficult to choose one or two, but since we do, the Mariazell Railway has to be on this list. The journey starts at St. Polten near Vienna and it passes through the picturesque Pielach Valley before leading to Mariazzell, one of the most famous pilgrimage sites in Austria. There are a lot of options to arrange your transportation , from high-end alternatives like Railjet Trains in Austria and the modern Himmelstreppe to the old-fashioned steam-pulled carriage trains for the nostalgic travelers but no matter which one you choose, you’re in for one of the best scenic train journeys in Europe.

Semmering Railway, Austria

Duration: Less than 1 hour Distance:  41 kilometers Fare: Starting  from €7

The Semmering Railway is famous as the first real mountain railway in the world and it crosses some of Austria’s most rugged terrains, allowing passengers to see the best of Austria’s untouched pristine beauty. The journey features a lot of tunnels, charming, Instagrammable bridges and viaducts, and the snow-peaked Alps towering over the local forests. A lot of travel enthusiasts use this train line to get off at some of the many remote trekking routes, go trekking for the rest of the day, and end the long day with a warm sauna bath in one of the many beautiful surrounding mountain towns.

Cinque Terre Railway, Italy

Duration: 40 minutes Distance:  20 kilometers Fare: Starting  from €7

The railway connecting these five colorful towns of Cinque Terre is proof that good things come in small packages. The railway stretches across only 18 kilometers and connects the towns of La Spezia, Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza,  Monterosso, and Levanto in that particular order while crossing over some of the most breath-taking cliffs towering over the Ligurian Sea, charming vineyards, and endless stretches of olive groves. If you’re looking to take a post-card-quality picture of Cinque Terre, this rail line will give you a lot of great opportunities to do so.

The Centovalli Railway, Italy & Switzerland

Duration: 2 hours Distance:  52 kilometers Fare: Starting  from €11

Centovalli Railway translates to “the Hundred Valley Railway” and even though this train ride passes to only a few valleys, the spectacular sights you’ll witness will make you feel like you traveled a lot longer than you actually did. This journey runs between Domodossola and Locarno and along the way showcases some of the most scenic natural beauties of northern Italy and southern Switzerland, including hidden waterfalls, chestnut groves, picturesque vineyards, and some of the bluest mountain lakes you’ve ever seen

Bernina Express, Switzerland & Italy

Duration: 4 hours Distance:  144 kilometers Fare:   Starting  from €19.90

The Bernina Express is probably the only train ride on this list that’s listed as a UNESCO Heritage Site. This happened in 2008 when UNESCO classified this 144-kilometers-long mountain network as a part of its list because of the network’s contribution to opening the remote communities of the high Alps to the rest of Europe. The line runs from Saint Moritz to Tirano, while passing through some of Europe’s most remote forests and hills, culminating at the Bernina Pass (2,253 meters). These trains are used mostly by tourists.

Glacier Express ,  Switzerland

Duration: 7-8 hours Distance:  291 kilometers Fare:   Starting  from €85

The Glacier Express runs between Zermatt and St. Moritz, two of the most renowned ski centers in Europe. With its snowy landscapes and elevation above 2,000 meters, this train ride is deservingly included in most lists of the best scenic journeys in Europe. The Glacier Express also passes through 91 mountain tunnels, 291 bridges with every next bridge offering a more beautiful view than the previous one. The direct ticket at the Glacier Express costs €85 and above (depending on the season) but you can also organize a budget variant if you don’t mind switching the train.

The Golden Pass Classic, Switzerland

Duration: 5 hours Distance:  Around 300 kilometers Fare:   Starting  from €15

It’s very tempting not to put all train rides in Switzerland on this list, but this is the last of Switzerland you’ll be seeing on this list, I promise. The Golden Pass is a scenic journey that takes you from Lucerne to Montreux. With its rolling meadows, beautiful mountain lakes, and snowy landscapes, this epic journey will redefine the meaning of the word ‘scenic’. If you want to add a bit of luxury to your journey , consider the Golden Pass Classic that runs the same line but with refurbished cars from the Orient Express.

Flåm Line, Norway

Duration: 1 hour Length:  20km Fare:   Starting  from €48

This journey might last only one hour, but it’s one of the best scenic train journeys not only in Europe but in the whole world, according to most travelers. This regional train goes from Myrdal to Flam and it includes a “horseshoe” or a spiral tunnel that will give you a great adrenaline rush in addition to the myriad of natural beauties you’ll see along the way. If you want to explore more of this region’s scenic beauty , you can also combine this train ride with a ferry trip on the Sognefjord.

Rauma Line, Norway

Duration: 1.5 hours Distance:  114 kilometers Fare:   Starting  from €29

The journey from Dombås to Åndalsnes might last only 1.5 hours but in this short period of time, you can expect to see some of Scandinavia’s wildest landscapes . This train line follows the Rauva River valley that features windswept plateaus, breath-taking ice lakes, and of course, the highlight of the trip- Trollveggen; the highest perpendicular rock in Europe.

Inlandsbanan, Sweden

Smiley.toerist

Duration: 13 hours Distance:  1,288 kilometers Fare:   Starting  from €191

If you hop on the Inlandsbanan, you’ll understand why so many travel magazines refer to it as “ Europe’s last wilderness ”. This 1,200 kilometers-long railway links Mora and Galivare with some of the most isolated Lapland communities. Throughout the journey, dense forests keep popping up on the horizon like mushrooms after rain, mile after mile. If you like seeing trees while you travel and this helps you relax, you won’t find a better journey than this one.

Baltic Sea sleeper, Malmo to Berlin 

Duration: 11-12 hours Distance:  780 kilometers Fare:   Starting  from €43

The Baltic Sea Sleeper is the only train on this list that includes a night cruise across the Baltic Sea but even though a large part of the journey happens overnight, the views of the Baltic coast are magical, especially in the winter. The journey starts at Malmo and heads to the Swedish port city of Trelleborg where trains are stored into a special train-ferry and are transported to Hamburg from where the journey continues to the German capital.

Habsburg Trail, Central Europe

Duration: 12 hours Distance:  804 kilometers Fare:   Starting  from €51

Even though this train ride isn’t officially named as the ‘Habsburg Train’, we decided to give this name to this journey because it passes through some of the Habsburg Monarchy’s biggest cities, including Prague , Vienna, Graz, Ljubljana, and Trieste. The only drawback of this ‘Habsburg rail line’ journey is that it doesn’t include Budapest. However, if you don’t mind switching a train or two, you can add a trip to Budapest to this journey. Alternatively, you can turn this trip into a self-guided tour and spend a couple of days in each of the most famous cities that were once a part of the Habsburg Monarchy.

Bieszczady Forest Railway, Poland

Duration: 45 minutes Distance:  20 kilometers Fare:   Starting from €3

Next, we couldn’t complete a list of the best scenic train journeys in Europe without mentioning the Bieszczady Forest Railway of Poland. The railway crosses through some of Poland’s most remote and least-densely populated parts while showcasing a lot of secluded forests, old isolated monasteries, and giving passengers amazing views of the rugged Bieszczady Mountains. If you want to get off-the-beaten-track and explore the Bieszczady Mountains, this train ride is a great starting point.

Gyermekvasút ,  Hungary

Duration: 45 minutes Distance:  11.7 kilometers Fare:  Starting from €2

Gyermekvasút is the largest Children railway in the world, with children aged 10-14 (under supervision) operating all functions of the train line, except for the train driver. The Pioneer’s Rail was built in 1948  but after the fall of communism, the name was changed. The beautiful forests of ash and oak, the surrounding lakes, and the views of Buda Hills towering over the forest make this short but epic ride one of the best scenic train journeys in Europe.

Bohinj Railway, Slovenia

Duration: 2 hours Distance:  75 kilometers Fare:  Starting from €8

The two-hour journey from Nova Gorica ( Slovenia ) to Jesenice crosses the world’s longest stone arch railway bridge, Isonzo Gorge while offering passengers some amazing views of the Julian Alps. Most trains that run this line are operated by old steam locomotives and the train staff is wearing old uniforms from Austro-Hungarian times, giving the whole journey an interesting, historic feel.

Belgrade-Bar, Serbia and Montenegro

Duration: 10-12 hours Distance:  476 kilometers Fare: €21

Balkan countries are the perfect place to travel by train. True, they are often late and not very fast, but these are some of the most scenic train journeys in Europe. The journey starts at Belgrade, Serbia passes through the picturesque town of Cacak, crosses the majestic Zlatibor National Park before crossing to some of the most remote parts of Montenegro, followed by the capital, Podgorica, and finally a short ride along the Adriatic coast before reaching to the ancient city of Bar. If you like this kind of slow travel while exploring the Balkan countries, consider getting the Balkan Flexipass.

Bucharest-Cluj, Romania

Duration: 10-11 hours Distance:  487 kilometers Fare: Starting from €17

The historic Transylvanian line is coming back to life with an increased number of tourists becoming more interested in this region. The best way to see most of Transylvania while traveling is the train ride from Bucharest to Cluj, the biggest city in Transylvania. The journey lasts 11 hours, but it showcases the greenest and spookiest forests of Transylvania and some of the most beautiful castles in the region. If you can’t get enough of this place, you can also check out the Transylvania triangle train tour ; a self-guided tour that allows travelers to experience the depths of Transylvania in 12 days.

Are you planning a trip to Bucharest soon? The you should check out our guide to the Romanian Parliament (the heaviest building in the world) as well as our list of fun facts about Romania .

Kalavryta Railway ,  Greece

Duration: Less than 1 hour Distance:  22 kilometers Fare: €4

Greece might be much more famous for its divine white-sand beaches but a list of the best scenic train journeys in Europe wouldn’t be complete without the Kalavryta Railway. This is one of the last remaining gauge lines in Peloponnese (most were cut due to Greece’s financial crisis). The rail line connects the two mountain towns of Diakopto and Kalavryta while crossing close to the historic site of Olympia and a seemingly endless stretch of beautiful, wild scenery that will make you feel like you’re somewhere in Switzerland rather than Greece.

Paris to Moscow

Duration: 45-50 hours Distance:  3,483kilometers Fare: starting from €245

Every Thursday, the Russian Railways train starts an epic journey from Paris’ Central Train Station, usually arriving in Moscow on Saturday morning. The train crosses through France, Germany, Poland, and Belarus before entering Russia. During the journey, you can expect to see the best of Europe in 2 days as the train passes through the heart of Europe. It’s certainly one of the classiest ways to cross between two continents. And if this doesn’t seem exhausting, check out the last journey on this list.

Trans-Siberian Railway, Russia

Duration: 7 days Distance:  9,258kilometers Fare: €150-€500

Finally, this list of the best scenic train journeys in Europe can’t be complete without the Trans-Siberian Railway; the longest train ride in the world (even though geographically, most of this journey doesn’t belong to Europe). The journey crosses eight time zones and connects Moscow with the ports on the Pacific Ocean in the far east. During this week, the social barriers between passengers slowly fade away as the journey progresses. This only makes this trip even more epic than it already is. If you want to organize your journey beforehand, I suggest you book your Russian Railways tickets in advance because you probably won’t find a lot of tickets on the spot as most people book this train ride in advance.

Well, that’s all folks; these were the 34 best scenic train journeys in Europe. Did you ride on any of these? Which one is your favorite? Which one is at the top of your bucket list? Let us know in the comments!

Like it? Pin it.

Thursday 9th of April 2020

We loved our train journeys on our previous trip to Europe. From this list, I have already picked the central Rhine Railway trip and Höllentalbahn trips as we plan to head to Germany next. I wish I had come across this post before visiting Switzerland and Italy..would definitely have tried the glacier express

Passport Symphony

Sunday 12th of April 2020

That's awesome! I'm glad you liked the post and sorry to hear you couldn't make it to some more scenic train rides in Europe but there's always next time :)

Monday 6th of January 2020

I'm impressed by your post! It is so inspiring because I love trains. But I do not use them too often. I did only Cinque Terre Railway and Bieszczady from your list. It is an excellent idea to check these train journeys. El Transcantábrico in Spain looks fabulous, The Little Yellow Train, also. But my dream is the old Orient Express trip. Thanks for such detailed information, including prices and time duration.

Tuesday 7th of January 2020

Thanks, Agnes.

This is such a great compilation of train journeys in Europe. I loved the look of the Yello Train of France. The Baltic Sea sleeper sounds so interesting. I was completely unaware of the concept of train ferries. It would be interesting to travel by this one. Being from India, most of our journeys within the country happen by train. I feel train journeys are special and I love them.

Thanks, glad you like it.

Great compilation! Glacier Express looks absolutely stunning. I imagine it would be a nice experience to take the little yellow train with the top exposed.

Manjulika Pramod

This is some of the best train routes that I have learned about. I am inspired and I must say that I love the train routes in Europe. Even in India, we have some amazing train journeys. With our increasing dependency on flights, we have actually forgotten the fun of traveling in trains. I love the countryside views from the moving train. Cinque Terre, Austrian routes, The Brocken Railway are definitely on my list.

13 Best Train Holidays in Europe (2024)

Last Updated on March 11, 2024 by Nicole

Are you looking for the best train holidays in Europe? Then you’re in the right place. Traveling by train across Europe offers a captivating fusion of history, beauty, and cultural immersion. Navigating the intricate railway systems, finding the best routes, and ensuring comfort might feel daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. I spent four months journeying across 26 European countries solely by train. In the process, I found some of the most scenic train journeys in Europe and gathered some of the best tips and tricks to help make your European train vacation a wonderful experience. 

Ready? All aboard for an unforgettable adventure!

This post may contain affiliate links. That means that I may earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you, if you buy something through my site. This helps me run my website and produce the articles that I hope you find helpful.

Other European Destinations

There are many wonderful destinations in Europe. Almost all of them offer rail connections to many other amazing places in Europe. Sometimes, these destinations are best explored during certain seasons, or a great holiday spot if you are looking for an inexpensive vacation. If interested in learning more about these getaways, please see the following:

• 28 Cheap Places In Europe For Best Summer Vacations ;
• 26 Amazing Summer Weekend Getaways In Europe ;
• 24 Best Places To Visit In Europe For Mild Summer Weather ;
• 24 Fabulous Fall Destinations In Europe ;
• 20 Best Snowy Winter Wonderlands To Visit In Europe ;
• 29 Best Cheap Spring Destinations In Europe ;
• 27 Best Cheap Cities In Europe For A Fantastic Vacation ; and
• 22 Best Cheap Countries To Visit In Europe .

Best Train Holidays in Europe

In the following article, I highlight some of the most beautiful train trips in Europe. They include destinations that offer quick routes that would work for a weekend getaway to multi-stop train vacations that would be best to enjoy over a week or longer.

In addition, I include maps highlighting the train journey. Some of the maps show the actual rail routes while others only show the route by car, supplying a general idea of the geography of the area. If the train route is supplied, make sure you click on all the marked paths. Often times, there is more than one rail route from which you can choose.

Regardless of whether you only have a few days to spare or are planning an epic train adventure, you will discover some of the most scenic rail vacations in Europe.

London to the Highlands of Scotland

This beautiful rail holiday commences in the vibrant metropolis of London , where the hustle of modern life plays out against a backdrop of iconic landmarks. 

As your train pulls out of the station, the urban landscape gives way to the picturesque English countryside, setting the scene for a remarkable journey.

Enter the Caledonian Sleeper, your overnight passage to the Highlands. As darkness falls, the train transforms into a moving hotel, providing a unique and comfortable journey through Britain’s heartland. 

Awaken to the sight of the dramatic Scottish landscape unfurling before you, a panorama of untamed wilderness, shimmering lochs, and misty mountains.

Arriving in the Scottish Highlands, you’re welcomed by the breathtaking vistas that have inspired poets and artists for centuries. 

The wild beauty of Glencoe, the mythical aura of Loch Ness, and the majesty of Ben Nevis are a world apart from London’s bustling streets.

London to Paris

Begin in the bustling heart of London, a city where centuries-old history seamlessly blends with modern dynamism. From Buckingham Palace’s regal splendor to the London Eye’s iconic silhouette, the British capital leaves a vivid impression as you embark on your European scenic rail getaway.

As your train sweeps into the Channel Tunnel, a marvel of modern engineering, it marks the transition from the rolling green landscapes of Kent to the idyllic French countryside.

The seamless transformation of the view outside your window underscores the incredible diversity of European landscapes.

On arrival in Paris, the City of Light welcomes you with its unmistakable allure.

From the imposing grandeur of the Eiffel Tower to the artistic treasures nestled within the Louvre, Paris offers an array of experiences that have captivated travelers for centuries.

The train journey from London to Paris is more than a transition between two cities.

It’s a captivating experience that unites the distinct cultures of Britain and France, offering travelers the opportunity to immerse themselves in the historical and scenic richness that each city and the journey in-between holds.

Paris to Zurich

Your beautiful rail trip in Europe begins in Paris, a city with charm, romance, and culture from every corner. 

From the architectural splendor of the Eiffel Tower to the artistic riches of the Louvre, the French capital’s allure leaves a lasting impression as you settle into your train seat, bound for Switzerland.

The voyage to Zurich presents a unique spectacle of Europe’s diverse landscapes. As Paris’ cityscape recedes, the rolling French countryside morphs into dense forests and picturesque towns. Beyond lies the awe-inspiring beauty of the Swiss Alps, where snow-capped peaks rise majestically against cobalt-blue skies.

On arrival in Zurich, the city greets you with its fusion of modern sophistication and rich history. The old town’s narrow lanes, brimming with medieval houses and towering church steeples, contrast with the contemporary buzz of the Bahnhofstrasse, one of the world’s most exclusive shopping streets.

The train journey from Paris to Zurich is more than a voyage between two cities. It’s a delightful exploration of contrasting landscapes and cultures, providing a unique vantage point to witness Europe’s captivating beauty and diversity.

Venice to Rome

Begin in Venice, a city where time seems to stand still amid winding canals and romantic gondolas.

The charm of St. Mark’s Square, the iconic Rialto Bridge, and the mesmerizing Grand Canal create a fairy-tale atmosphere that lingers as you step onto your train, ready to traverse Italy’s heartland.

The beautiful train journey to Rome unfolds like a scenic movie reel, showcasing Italy’s captivating landscapes.

Witness vine-clad countryside, rolling hills, and picturesque towns flash by your window, each a snapshot of Italy’s bucolic charm and a testament to its diverse geography.

As your train glides into Rome, the grandeur of the ancient city unfolds. The Eternal City, a living testament to history and culture, welcomes you with iconic landmarks from the majestic Colosseum to the awe-inspiring Vatican City.

Walking along ancient Roman streets, tasting traditional cuisine, and basking in Rome’s energetic atmosphere provide a memorable finale to your journey.

Almafi to Palermo

Embark on an unforgettable and beautiful vacation by train from the stunning Amalfi Coast to the historic heart of Palermo in Sicily, all from the comfort of your train seat. 

Start in Amalfi, a gem of Italy’s southern coastline where pastel-colored houses cascade down to a sparkling azure sea. 

After soaking in the sun-drenched beauty, step aboard your train, ready to witness a parade of coastal splendors unfold.

The train ride down the ‘boot’ of Italy is a visual feast. Panoramic views of picturesque seaside towns, rugged cliffs, and turquoise waters offer an endless carousel of photo-worthy moments. 

As you traverse the regions, you’ll appreciate the ever-changing landscape, oscillating between tranquil coastal vistas and the rustic charm of the Italian countryside.

Upon arrival in Palermo, Sicily’s buzzing capital, the city’s pulsating energy greets you. Its diverse history, manifested in Arab-Norman palaces, bustling markets, and Byzantine mosaics, is a vivid testament to its multicultural past. 

Exploring the city’s historic quarters and savoring the famous Sicilian cuisine form a fitting conclusion to your rail journey.

Balkan Rail Adventure

Embark on an exhilarating Balkan rail adventure in Europe and unlock a treasure trove of cultural richness and breathtaking landscapes. 

From the cobbled lanes of old-world Sarajevo to the sun-soaked beaches of Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast, train travel in the Balkans is an experience like no other. 

Traverse Serbia’s rugged wilderness, punctuated by monasteries steeped in history. Take a moment to admire Macedonia’s Lake Ohrid, a sparkling jewel amidst the mountains. 

Onward to Bulgaria, where ancient Sofia awaits with its awe-inspiring blend of Roman, Ottoman, and Soviet influences. 

Meandering across these regions by rail immerses you in the authentic Balkan experience and provides ample opportunities for impromptu encounters and personal connections with the warm, hospitable locals. 

Each rattling carriage and echoing tunnel marks an exciting chapter of your journey, underscoring the essence of a true Balkan rail adventure – a journey that’s as much about the ride as it is about the destination.

Alpine Lakes and Scenic Trains

Immerse yourself in the tranquil serenity of alpine lakes and scenic trains, a sublime journey through Europe’s heart that perfectly blends the grandeur of nature with the allure of European travel by train. 

Picture yourself aboard the panoramic carriages of the iconic Glacier Express or Bernina Express, as each bend reveals a mesmerizing vista of snow-capped peaks reflecting onto mirror-like lakes. 

In Switzerland, Lake Lucerne and Lake Geneva offer an enchanting spectacle of shimmering waters set against the backdrop of towering Alps, a sight made even more breathtaking through the train’s expansive, gleaming windows. 

On the Italian side, Lake Como’s dramatic scenery unfolds as you meander through tunnels and over viaducts, with glimpses of villas and terraced vineyards dotting the hillsides. 

The rhythmic rumble of the train on the tracks, the cool Alpine air, and the gentle lapping of the lakes against their shores create a symphony of sensory delights, encapsulating the magic of an alpine lakes and scenic trains adventure.

Amsterdam to Budapest by Train

Embarking on a picturesque holiday in Europe by rail from the vibrant city of Amsterdam to the historic charm of Budapest is like opening a living storybook of European culture, history, and landscapes.

Begin in Amsterdam, a city alive with a rich tapestry of art, history, and a unique canal-strewn cityscape. Aboard the train, the Dutch countryside unfolds beyond your window, your first taste of the breathtaking scenery to follow.

The journey offers more than just a ride; it’s a portal into the soul of Europe.

You’ll traverse vibrant cities, like Berlin’s dynamic heartbeat and Vienna’s imperial elegance, each stopping a unique narrative in your continental odyssey.

Upon arrival in Budapest, you are greeted by the city’s historic charm. Budapest is a stunning finale to this epic rail journey from the striking Parliament building to the therapeutic thermal baths. A trip from Amsterdam to Budapest provides a means of travel and an immersive cultural experience, making it much more than a train ride. 

Barcelona to Rome

Imagine stepping aboard a train in Barcelona, a city pulsating with rich Catalonian culture and Gaudí’s unmistakable architectural masterpieces. 

As the train pulls away, you bid adios to the shimmering Mediterranean Sea, setting off on an unforgettable journey across the diverse tapestry of Southern Europe, destined for the historic splendor of Rome.

Your scenic getaway in Europe by rail presents a unique opportunity to savor the changing landscapes, from the rugged Spanish countryside and the sun-kissed Provençal vistas of southern France to the azure coastlines of Italy’s Cinque Terre. 

The scenery unfurls like a moving painting in every direction, a beautiful blend of the region’s natural and cultural delights.

As your train glides into Rome, the ‘Eternal City’ welcomes you with an intoxicating mix of history and urban vitality. From the ancient Colosseum, steeped in millennia of history, to the awe-inspiring Vatican City, Rome is a grand finale to your voyage. 

This rail journey from Barcelona to Rome isn’t merely about reaching a destination but embracing the scenic odyssey, where every moment adds to an unforgettable European narrative. 

London to Bordeaux, Basque Country, and Costa Brava

Begin your adventure in London, where centuries-old traditions meet cosmopolitan vitality. 

Stepping aboard the Eurostar , you’re whisked away from the heart of the British capital, bound for a stunning rail journey across landscapes that epitomize the beauty of Western Europe.

Your first stop is Bordeaux, a city synonymous with vineyard-clad hills and a rich wine-making heritage. 

Breathe in the distinct aroma of ripe grapes as your train winds through the picturesque French countryside, then explore the city’s charming old town, before embarking on your next leg of the journey.

Next, discover Spain’s hidden gem – the Basque Country. Between the mountains and the sea, its unique culture, language, and gastronomy create an experience that’s a world away from the familiar Spain. 

Bilbao’s Guggenheim Museum and San Sebastián’s golden beaches are just a taste of the region’s allure.

Finally, let the train guide you to the edge of the Iberian Peninsula, where golden beaches await. 

From the Costa Brava’s rugged beauty to the Atlantic Coast’s surf hotspots, the sound of crashing waves marks a perfect end to your journey. 

A trip from London to the beach via Bordeaux and Basque Country is more than a train journey – an unforgettable European adventure.

A Grand Rail Adventure: Milan, The Alps, and Vienna

Set off on a grand European rail adventure from Milan, where Italian style and sophistication reign supreme. 

As you leave behind the city’s impressive Duomo and high-end fashion streets, the train carves a path northward, inviting you on an enthralling journey across the heart of Europe.

Soon, you find yourself immersed in the awe-inspiring landscapes of the Alps. Snow-capped peaks tower above the train, while the valleys below present a patchwork of pristine lakes and charming alpine villages. 

The scenic journey through these mountain ranges is a testament to the magic of train travel, offering unrivaled vistas and a connection to nature’s majestic grandeur.

The grand finale of your beautiful European trip by rail arrives as you reach Vienna. A city steeped in imperial history and world-class music, Vienna greets you with open arms. 

From the stunning Schönbrunn Palace to the melodious strains of Mozart at the State Opera House, the Austrian capital presents a glorious end to your journey. 

Embarking on this scenic escape by train from Milan through the Alps to Vienna is not just about the destinations; it’s a tribute to the timeless charm of European train travel.

London, Paris, and Amsterdam

Begin your European train vacation in the heart of London, a city where history and modernity coexist. 

From the grandeur of Buckingham Palace to the bustling streets of Covent Garden, London’s vibrant atmosphere sets the perfect opening scene for your adventure. 

Board the Eurostar, and as the English countryside blurs past your window, you’ll soon emerge into the City of Lights.

Paris, a city synonymous with romance, art, and gastronomy, greets you with its iconic skyline dominated by the Eiffel Tower. 

Meander along the Seine , explore the artistic wonders in the Louvre or lose yourself in the labyrinth of charming streets in Montmartre before embarking on the next leg of your journey.

The train whisks you away to Amsterdam, a city renowned for its idyllic canals, tulip-filled gardens, and renowned museums. 

The city’s unique blend of history and culture is palpable as you explore the Anne Frank House or the expansive Van Gogh Museum.

Embarking on a train journey from London to Paris, then onto Amsterdam, offers more than just the convenience of travel. It weaves a narrative of cultural discovery, connecting three of Europe’s most captivating cities through the enchanting lens of scenic rail travel.

Berlin to Budapest

Commence your breathtaking rail trip in Europe in Berlin, where contemporary vibrancy meets a poignant past. 

Explore the city’s rich history, from the iconic Brandenburg Gate to the remnants of the Berlin Wall, before boarding your train to start on an exciting voyage across Central Europe.

The journey is an invitation to unwind and savor the shifting landscapes – from the rolling fields of Germany, through the dense forests of the Czech Republic, to the striking panoramas of Slovakia. 

This is more than a train ride; it’s a moving portrait of Europe’s varied landscapes and architectural styles.

As your train sweeps into Budapest, the Hungarian capital welcomes you with its compelling blend of East and West. 

From the neo-Gothic majesty of the Hungarian Parliament building to the thermal baths harking back to Ottoman rule, Budapest is a city where history comes alive. 

Stroll along the River Danube or climb Castle Hill for panoramic city views.

Tips for Traveling Europe by Train

• Plan Your Itinerary in Advance: Decide your must-see destinations and train routes accordingly. European train schedules are generally reliable, which makes planning easier.
• Consider a Rail Pass : If your journey involves multiple countries or numerous train trips, consider purchasing a Eurail or Interrail Pass. It can be a cost-effective and convenient option.
• Reserve Your Seats: Some train journeys, especially longer or overnight trains, require seat reservations. Make sure to check this in advance.
• Travel Light : Space on trains can be limited. A compact suitcase or backpack will be easier to manage and store.
• Pack Snacks and Entertainment : While many long-distance trains have dining cars, bringing your own snacks can save money. Don’t forget books, music, or other forms of entertainment for longer journeys.
• Arrive Early : Train stations can be large and confusing. Give yourself ample time to find the right platform and settle in before departure.
• Keep Your Valuables Safe : As with any form of public transport, keep an eye on your belongings at all times.
• Embrace the Journey : One of the joys of train travel is the scenery along the way. Don’t just focus on the destination, enjoy the journey too.
• Stay Flexible : Delays can happen. Keep your schedule flexible and be prepared for occasional hiccups.
• Learn Basic Phrases : Knowing some basic phrases in the local language can be helpful, particularly in smaller towns and regions.

Wrap Up: Rail Holidays Europe

Traveling Europe by train offers an unparalleled opportunity to explore the rich tapestry of this diverse continent. 

It allows for an immersive journey through the ever-changing landscapes, from the sun-soaked coasts of Italy to the rugged highlands of Scotland, and from the romantic cityscape of Paris to the historic charm of Budapest.

Whether it’s the ease and comfort of modern train travel, the scenic routes that meander through breathtaking locales, or the chance to rub shoulders with locals and fellow travelers, there’s a unique and compelling aspect to train travel that other modes of transport simply can’t match.

As you plan your train adventure, remember to stay flexible, keep an open mind, and embrace the unexpected moments. 

The trains won’t just take you to your destination, they’ll also offer a window into the heart of Europe, its culture, history, and people.

So, it’s time to pack your bags and let the rhythmic lull of the train tracks guide you on an unforgettable journey. Europe awaits, ready to be discovered, one train ride at a time.

Fiona Boyle is the author of this article. She is an Australian Travel Blogger at Travelling Thirties . Fiona has volunteered in Thailand, lived in Scotland, jumped off cliffs in New Zealand, slept in treehouses and igloos in Finland and everything in between as she has spent the last ten years exploring the world.

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Europe's scenic train rides leave you with memories you'll never forget. Quite simply, they're the most rewarding way of travelling around this beautiful continent! Sit back and relax in your train seat as scenes glide by your window like something from a movie. Here are some of our favourite scenic routes within Europe. Which one will you take?

The Bernina Railway

Scenic route: Chur to Tirano

Countries:   Switzerland  and  Italy It's no secret that Switzerland is home to several superb scenic trains, but this ride tops them all! As the train winds around bright blue lakes and across mighty viaducts, fields transform into snowy mountains right before your eyes.

Our travel tip:  Panoramic trains operating on this route charge a small reservation fee. If you want to avoid the fee, you can take regular trains on the same beautiful route!

The Bergen Railway

Scenic route: Oslo to Bergen

Country:  Norway Witness Norway's spellbinding natural landscape on this epic 7-hour train journey through fjords, glaciers and Europe’s highest mountainous plateau. Our travel tip:  Exit the train in Myrdal to take the legendary tourist train to Flåm ( get 30% off with Interrail ).

The Black Forest Railway

Scenic route: Konstanz to Offenburg

Country:  Germany If you’re a fan of fairytale forests and villages with traditional timbered houses, then don't miss riding the  Schwarzwaldbahn . Keep an eye out for the lovely section between Donaueschingen and Hornberg. Our travel tip:  Local double-decker trains run along this route. As places on board are not allocated, be ready to claim the top-deck seats that have the best views!

The Salzkammergut Railway

Route: Stainach-Irdning to Attnang-Puchheim

Country:  Austria Boasting views of huge cliffs, picturesque villages and glistening lakes, this ride really stirs the imagination. Located within the attractive Austrian Lake District, you’ll want to get off the train at every station to explore. Our travel tip:  From the railway station in Hallstatt, take a ferry across the adjacent lake and visit one of the most beautiful towns in all of Austria.

The Belgrade-Bar Railway

Scenic route: Belgrade to Bar

Countries:  Serbia  and  Montenegro Are you a true traveller at heart? Then this adventurous Balkan train ride is for you. Surrounded by rocky valleys, you'll pass rushing rivers, wide lakes, and cross the tallest viaduct in Europe. Did we mention it lasts 12 hours!? Our travel tip:  There’s a day train and a night train on this route. To get the most out of the amazing scenery, take the train service that departs in the morning.

Cinque Terre

Scenic route: La Spezia to Levanto

Country:  Italy Italy’s most popular scenic rail trip may be short, but it sure is sweet! As the train hugs the coastline you feel as if you’re floating across the water, from one picture-perfect village to another. Our travel tip:  Follow the walking trails between the 5 seaside villages of the Cinque Terre. The section between Monterosso and Vernazza is particularly delightful.

The West Highland Line

Scenic route: Fort William to Mallaig

Country: Scotland,  Great Britain The isolated moorlands, lochs and glens along this train ride will take your breath away. As you cross the famous Glenfinnan viaduct, you might recognise it as a setting from the Harry Potter films. Our travel tip:  The Scottish rail operator runs local services along this route so there’s no need to pay over the odds to take the steam trains that ride the same way.

The Douro Line

Scenic route: Porto to Pocinho

Country:  Portugal This splendid train ride snakes all the way along the Douro River. While the vineyard terraces on either side of the valley are the main attraction, the petite, white and blue tiled train stations have their own charm too. Our travel tip:  The last return train departs as early as 17:22. Take the morning train to make the return trip, or spend a night in the valley sampling delicious wines.

The Little Yellow Train

Scenic route: Latour-de-Carol to Villefranche-Vernet-les-bains

Country:  France In summer, this train has an open-top carriage! The unobstructed views of the Pyrenees make for one heck of a ride. Close to the French borders with Andorra and Spain, this is all about the thrills of exploration. Our travel tip:  While this train is fully included in the Interrail Pass, there are sometimes works on the line so it's good to  check train times  in advance (French only).

Rhodope Narrow Gauge

Scenic route: Septemvri - Dobrinishte

Country:  Bulgaria  Travel back in time on the last narrow gauge train in the country. Beginning at the Pirin range, travel through mountains, forests and villages with minarets and soak up all the beauty the Balkan countryside has to offer.

Our travel tip:  Septemvri is easily accessible from Sofia, but before you make the journey check all train route information on the  BDZ website .

How to plan the perfect scenic train ride

Get your timing right

Use an  online sunrise and sunset calculator  to help choose your  train times . You can't enjoy the scenery after dark.

Explore the stops

Don't miss your chance to get off the train at stations along the route. By doing so, you can truly be part of the world's best scenery.

Don't spend too much

Taking a scenic train ride doesn't need to be expensive. Most trains are affordable, regional services that locals use every day. If you have an  Interrail Pass , you can board all the trains listed above at no extra cost.

Are you ready to see them all?

An Interrail Global Pass is your ticket to all of these epic train journeys. With borderless rail travel in 33 countries, there's nothing stopping you from riding them all!

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Norway's Flam Railway features a steep climb through fjord country.

10 of the Best European Train Trips

Our ten favorite European trains don’t necessarily offer the fastest journeys—just the most memorable. All aboard!

Much of European train travel is about efficiency and comfort—punctually leaving and arriving and having a cozy seat or sleeper compartment in which to devour the latest issue of the Economist . But rail travel in the United Kingdom and on the Continent is also about experience: gaping out the window at Alpine glaciers, savoring gourmet cuisine in a restored last-century dining car. Accordingly, our ten favorite European trains don’t necessarily offer the fastest journeys—just the most memorable. All aboard!

Sweet Switzerland: The Chocolate Train Route: Montreux to Broc, Switzerland Duration: 9 hours, 45 minutes, roundtrip www.raileurope.com This charming train running in summer and fall climbs from Montreux overlooking Lake Geneva to the medieval town of Gruyères, population 1,600, home to the cheese of the same name. Tour the cheese factory and the local castle, have lunch, then reboard the train and continue on to Broc. There you’ll bus to the Cailler-Nestlé chocolate factory, tucked between Lake Gruyères and mountain peaks, for free samples, before making the return trip.

Tunnels Galore: The Bernina Express Route: Chur, Switzerland, to Tirano, Italy Duration: 4 hours, 14 minutes www.raileurope.com This narrow-gauge, vertigo-inducing train takes on seven-percent inclines, a 360-degree spiral, 55 tunnels, and 196 bridges—reaching an apex of 7,391 feet and then descending 5,905 feet before coming to a stop. The word “express” refers to the availability of short-notice seat reservations, rather than the train’s velocity as it courses through the Alps south from Switzerland’s oldest town to a charming Italian town of just under 10,000 people. Part of the route is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

A Hotel on Wheels: Trenhotel Route: Lisbon to Madrid Duration: 10 hours www.renfe.com Leave Lisbon in the evening, enjoy a sumptuous meal and the increasingly rural scenery, slumber to the soothing rhythm of the rails, and wake the next day as you arrive in Madrid, rested and ready to tour the sixth-most-populous city in the European Union. Gran Clase includes a wake up call, club lounge access, parking, and en-suite facilities.

The Epic Journey: Trans-Siberian Railway Route: Moscow to Vladivostok, Russia Duration: 19 days www.trans-siberia.com This fabled route, an icon of Russian culture, crosses eight time zones to connect the Russian capital with a port on the Pacific Ocean. On board, poor mingle with rich, young with old, foreigners with locals. Social barriers disappear as passengers share a unique rail experience—and shots of $3-a-liter vodka. You can book a private car via a tour operator for added comfort; schedule any number of side excursions from trekking and scuba diving to city tours.

Waterworld: The Flam Railway Route: Flam to Myrdal, Norway Duration: 1 hour www.visitflam.com A must-do on any tour of fjord country, the Flam Railway, rising from a village on the shores of Aurlandsfjord, mounts a steeper climb than any other non-cog, normal-gauge railroad in the world. In just 12 miles, the train climbs over 2,838 feet to reach the mountain plateau of Myrdal in under an hour. See the Rjoandefossen waterfall with a free drop of 459 feet, and the Kjosfossen waterfall, plunging 305 feet, where the train makes a photo stop during the summer.

Bavarian Bullet: InterCity-Express (ICE) Route: Munich to Nuremberg, Germany Duration: 1 hour www.bahn.com Want to go fast? This high-speed wonder zooms you between two historic Bavarian cities at speeds up to 199 miles an hour. “It’s amazing to watch the landscape change so quickly,” says Gillian Seely, a Boston resident who traveled widely by rail while living in Europe for 22 years. “The train is completely quiet inside,” she says. “Vibrations are barely enough to cause ripples in your strong German coffee.” In December, visit various German cities via the ICE rail network to take in traditional Christmas markets selling seasonal foods, handmade gifts, and gluhwein, a mulled spiced wine.

The Elegance of Yesteryear: Venice Simplon-Orient-Express Route: London to Venice Duration: Two days, one night www.belmond.com Step aboard the VSOE, as the train is known, and the calendar turns back to the 1920s and ’30s, the golden age of rail on the Continent. The operator spent $16 million restoring 35 sleeping cars to their original art deco sophistication; passengers are expected to dress elegantly for dinner: at a minimum, suit and tie for men and the equivalent for women; black tie and gowns encouraged. Awake to the sight of the snowcapped Alps and learn the story behind each of the restored carriages.

Roughing it by Rail: Balkan Flexipass Route: Belgrade, Serbia, to Bar, Montenegro Duration: 10 hours, this leg www.raileurope.com Explore the heart of the former Yugoslavia via a Balkan Flexipass (which offers unlimited travel for five, ten, or 15 days through Bulgaria, Greece, Macedonia, Montenegro, Romania, Serbia, and Turkey). Start in Belgrade, with its glitzy all-night club scene, hop off at any of various stops to shop or overnight, then board a later train to continue on to sleepy Bar, an ancient town influenced by various conquering cultures on the sun-swathed Adriatic. “Relax, and budget extra time for the inevitable delays,” says Chris Deliso, a travel writer who lives in Macedonia. “The trains are run-down, and the local characters you meet are salt-of-the-earth types.”

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Luxury on Wheels: The Balkan Odyssey Route: Venice to Budapest Duration: 11 days (including stays in Venice and Budapest) www.goldeneagleluxurytrains.com At the top of the food chain among European trains is the Danube Express, a private train with classical elegance, modern conveniences, and fine dining. On this route, which begins in the infamous waterways of Venice, you penetrate the heart of the Balkans and enjoy a walking tour of the medieval town that is rumored to be the birthplace of Dracula. Eventually you approach Budapest along the Danube, where the Hungarian Parliament Building marks the skyline.

A Nostalgic Journey: El Transcantábrico Gran Lujo Route: San Sebastián to Santiago de Compostela Duration: 8 days www.renfe.com Explore northern Spain in utmost luxury with a five-star journey through historic towns and evolving scenery. Combining original 1923 Pullman coaches with 21st-century modern comforts, this vintage train features spacious suites complete with a separate living room and en suite bathroom. After touring destinations like the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao and the beaches of Ribadeo throughout the day, enjoy live entertainment in the evening while the train parks at a station until morning.

Related: 22 Beautiful European World Heritage Sites

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1: lancaster to edinburgh or glasgow, 2. london to penzance:, 3. köln / cologne to klagenfurt:, 4. malaga to barcelona:, 5. milano to geneve:, 6. milano to zurich:, 7. munchen to venezia:, 8. oslo to bergen:, 9. paris to torino:, 10. roma & napoli to sicily:, 11. salzburg to zagreb:, 12. wien to ljubljana:, 13. wien to venezia:, 14. york to aberdeen:, 15. zagreb to wien:, 16. zurich to graz:, possible future inclusions:, please support showmethejourney.

The 16 Ultimate European Journeys by regular Express Trains

This list uniquely focuses on the most epic routes taken by regular express trains between cities.

Introducing Europe's greatest express train routes:

Where were the images captured?

From clockwise top left, they were taken at;

• Heading through the Brennero Pass on a München/Munich - Venezia/Venice journey
• Near Flam station on the Oslo - Bergen journey
• Between Bad Gastein and Spittal on the Salzburg - Zagreb journey
• East of St Raphael on the Marseille to Genova/Genoa route
• Travelling by the River Sava on the Wien/Vienna to Ljubljana route
• The bridges over the Tyne on the York - Aberdeen journey
• Passing the Wallensee on the Zurich - Graz journey
• Through the foothills of the Italian alps on the Paris - Torino/Turin route

This guide to Europe’s most wonderful express train routes, taken by direct regular trains between fabulous cities, inevitably features easy to access journeys; likely to be on many exploring Europe by train itineraries .

Other guides to Europe’s most scenic journeys tend to include special trains, such as The Glacier or Bernina Expresses along with journeys slightly off the beaten track; because spectacular landscapes don’t tend to be compatible with fast express train travel.

But in Europe some regular express trains can’t avoid mountains or coasts, or have to follow routes through deep river valleys, so it's those we have focused on with this list!

What also makes these guides different from the norm, is that the images aren't of the trains taking these routes, instead they were taken from the train, so give an insight into the journey experience. Plus each of the journeys guides also have access to the practical info you'll need to take these trips yourself, such as the station, train and ticket details.

Oh and the context for left/right is facing the direction of travel. Most of these journeys can of course be enjoyed in either direction, so flip the left/right advice if you will travelling in the opposite direction.

All the journey details

Three fast trains per hour spend close to two hours passing through a dramatic landscape.

Britain's most spectacular westward rail journey features rolling countryside, sea views and some fabulous views from spectacular bridges and viaducts.

The only rail journey that travels through both the Rhine Gorge in Germany and on the incredible Tauern route in Austria.

Five hours of rushing across the landscapes of Spain on Europe's most thrilling high speed rail journey.

Travel by both Lake Maggiore and Lake Geneva and through the mountain valleys in between.

Featuring spectacular views of no less than five Swiss lakes.

More than three hours of spellbinding views including the passage through the Brennero Pass.

Plateaus in the mountains above the tree line, crystal lakes, rivers and fjords; this journey has them all!

The only journey by train which features both a high speed section and a stunning passage through the Alps.

With more than four hours of sea views, this is Europe's ultimate coastal train journey.

End-to-end incredible scenery, featuring the Tauern route in Austria, beautiful Slovenia and the Sava River gorge.

The only route which includes both the The Semmering Railway and the River Sava gorge.

More than three hours of glorious Austrian scenery plus Italian mountain peaks and the lovely arrival at journey's end.

All of the journey details

Four of the world's best views from railway bridges and more than three hours of coastal landscapes.

Through the stunning valleys in Slovenia and then over the Semmering Pass in Austria.

The 'Transalpin Express' is the only train that travels over the epic Arlberg route and then through the mountains east of Innsbruck.

The inclusions above aren't quite a comprehensive list, as ShowMeTheJourney wanted to illustrate each journey with recently captured images and videos.

So at a future date, we plan to add these fabulous express train routes to this guide:

• Rimini <> Bari (though SMTJ has travelled the northern part of this route ).
• Athens <>Thessaloniki
• Beograd <> Bar
• Zagreb <> Split
• Sanremo <> Roma (though SMTJ has travelled on the most spectacular part of this route ).

This second version of ShowMeTheJourney is exciting and new, so we are genuinely thrilled that you are here and reading this, but we also need your help. We’re striving not to let anything get in the way of providing the most useful service possible, hence a facility has been set up with DonorBox which can be used to support the running costs and make improvements.

Instead of advertising or paywalls, your financial support will make a positive difference to delivering an enhanced service, as there’s a lot of ideas which we want to make happen.

So if you have found the info provided here to be useful, please go here to say thank you .

Look for a journey guide

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Simon Harper

I wanted to share my passion for train travel and explain how anyone can take the fantastic journeys I have taken.

This is one of more than 100 train travel guides available on ShowMeTheJourney , which will make it easier to take the train journeys you want or need to make. As always, all images were captured on trips taken by ShowMeTheJourney.

Help keep us advertising and paywall free!

This second version of ShowMeTheJourney is exciting and new, so we are genuinely thrilled that you are here and reading this, but we also need your help.

We’re striving not to let anything get in the way of providing the most useful service possible, hence a facility has been set up with DonorBox which can be used to support the running costs and make improvements.

So if you have found the info provided here to be useful, please consider saying thank you.

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The best train journeys through Europe

The West Highland Line from Glasgow to Mallaig

Departing Glasgow Queen Street, this train journey follows the River Clyde northwest before swinging off-piste and plunging passengers into a Scottish wilderness free from roads, cars – and often other people. Surrounded by nothing but valleys and slopes shadowed by low grey cloud and patched with the purple of wild heather, this train soon swings up and around lochs as silver as mirrors, clinging to steep hillsides lined with birch trees. Not long after Tyndrum the train performs a spellbinding curve around the horseshoe bend at the foot of Ben Doran before heading for Fort William. Towards the end of the journey it runs along one of the most recognisable sections of track in the world: the Glenfinnan Viaduct at the top of Loch Shiel – where Harry Potter and his friends ride the Hogwarts Express.

The Douro Valley railway

One for oenophiles, this three-hour journey around the Douro Valley takes passengers into Portuguese wine country to see exactly where their grapes are harvested – and taste a few along the way. Fitted with polished wooden benches, the windows wide open, this historical steam locomotive hisses and puffs its way along the wide Douro River from Régua through Pinhão to Tua and back again. Throughout the journey local musicians bang tambourines, strum guitars and squeeze accordions as the train trundles and hoots through stepped hillsides furrowed with vineyards, and passengers sip sweet port in the sunshine.

Venice to London on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express

The world’s most famous train service, the Orient Express , has now been reimagined by Belmond to emulate the golden age of travel. Watching the Venetian waters drift from sight, passengers travel overnight in private compartments where Art Deco lampshades quiver by the windows and stewards turn down beds with damask sheets. Dressed in pink chiffon and pearls, you can lunch on sweet lobster tail and Prosecco while curling around the Italian Dolomites, and after dark sit with your nose to the glass watching the almost-blue snow of the Austrian Alps sweep down into a valley where chalets glow like a cluster of golden orbs. Following a digestif at the bar, retire for the night, rocking into slumber before waking in Paris to a breakfast of hot coffee and croissants freshly baked at 5am.

Website: belmond.com

Cannes to Monaco

Usually crammed with high-school students, shoppers and sandal-wearing grandpas carrying baguettes, this commuter service runs along the French Riviera , connecting the palm-fringed, Ferrari -filled resort of Cannes with the lovely Italian market town of Ventimiglia. Speeding along the edge of the twinkling Ligurian sea, the double-decker train indulges voyeurs who can spy on sunbathers, teens playing volleyball and vendors selling ice cream and hot waffles. Stopping at stations where pink bougainvillea tumble down the walls, the train runs through Nice and Monaco , the ocean winking between apartment blocks, before approaching roughly stacked hillsides and slowing into the old Italian station.

Switzerland

The Glacier Express from Zermatt to St Moritz

Glacier by name and glacial by nature, this route is for train lovers for who the journey is the destination . Departing the ski resort of Zermatt after breakfast, the string of red carriages sails past the ice-slicked Matterhorn before embarking on an eight-hour meander through the three cantons of Valais, Uri and Graubünden, the Rhine gorge and along the wizened Rhône Glacier to St Moritz . Fitted with floor-to-ceiling windows, the train provides panoramic views of Alpine meadows, clusters of wooden chalets and bell-wearing cows grazing on the slopes. Although lovely year-round, the best time to travel is in spring when the fields are carpeted with lilac Alpine asters, the skies are bright and the snow gleams from the peaks.

Website: glacierexpress.ch

The Rauma Railway, from Åndalsnes to Dombås

Few train journeys can capture the wild and wilful spirit of a country in under 100 minutes, but the Rauma railway exceeds all expectation as it pulls passengers into the depths of Norway ’s forests and fjords, mountains and lakes . In summer the train runs by meadows brimming with buttercups, snow -capped peaks looming all around. It curls around cliffs and thuds along bridges as the green Rauma River tumbles and gurgles below. But the best time to travel is in winter when the firs are fringed with snow, waterfalls wind like silver wire down the mountains and low sunshine turns their peaks a soft peach.

The Cinque Terre railway

Best known for their hiking trails, the string of five Ligurian villages can best be viewed from the window of the train that runs from Levanto to La Spezia with four-minute bursts between each one: Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore. Disappearing in and out of hillside tunnels, the train rides the precipice of this gelato-coloured jumble of villages. While passing terraced vineyards you can hear the sea sloshing against the rocks below, and at dusk the smell of surrounding lemon groves blows in on the still-warm air. On a clear evening the setting sun throws a romantic light across the sky.

Website: cinqueterre.eu.com

Barcelona to Montserrat

Once you’ve exhausted Barcelona ’s tapas, museums, beaches and boutiques, one of the best day trips out of the city involves a short journey by train to the Montserrat mountain range. In a matter of minutes the train shakes loose the city, breaks free of the suburbs and winds up a soaring mass of intriguing rock formations that look like enormous pieces of ginger mottled with green. From dizzying heights passengers can look down on a sea of fields and treetops dotted with red rooftops glowing in the Spanish sun. Within an hour the train arrives at the foot of the mountains from where you can take either a cable car or a funicular up to the monastery and hiking trails.

London to Inverness on the Caledonian Sleeper

A favourite of journalists, musicians and politicians looking to save time, the lounge car of the Caledonian Sleeper is a fun place to spot familiar faces having a wee dram before bed. Fitted with a foldaway sink and twin bunks, each standard compartment is just big enough to turn around in and hang up your clothes before squeezing into an extraordinarily comfy bed laden with ear plugs and an eye mask – neither of which you will need as the train is so quiet, swaying north with few creaks and brakes through the night. Bed down in the clamour of London Euston and pull up the blind at dawn as the Scottish Highlands roll past your window.

Website: sleeper.scot

Serbia to Montenegro

From Belgrade to Bar

As the president of the former Yugoslavia, Tito’s pet project was the railway connecting the Serbian capital to the Adriatic coast. Today it is one of the most understated train journeys in Europe , with few tourists making it on board the raucous, shambling old train that takes ten hours to traverse 254 tunnels and 435 bridges. Book a sleeper berth, pull on some warm socks and sit by the window with a cup of hot tea as the train sweeps down the country, straying briefly into Bosnia and its patchwork quilt of fields and forests. Stay awake through Montenegro as the scenery goes up a gear and snow laces jagged peaks threaded with rivers. And on the approach to Bar the train thrillingly skims the edge of the Adriatic.

Monisha Rajesh is the author of Around the World in 80 Trains , published by Bloomsbury at £20.

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Katie Glass on the Trans-Mongolian railway

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5 Best Train Journeys In Europe For Jaw-Dropping Scenery

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• European Rail
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Europe is home to some of the most awe-inspiring train journeys in the world. From the Semmering Railway in Austria to the Inlandsbanan Railway in Sweden, each trip offers a unique glimpse into the beauty of nature and the continent’s cultural diversity.

With dramatic vistas of snow-capped mountains, icy glaciers, dense forests, clear-blue lakes, and towering highlands, these train journeys are an unforgettable experience for the eyes. Relax and enjoy the panoramas; these scenic train journeys are fantastic ways to tour Europe.

1. Semmering Railway, Austria

The Semmering Railway in Austria is one of Europe’s most revered and scenic train journeys. The railway passes through the Semmering Pass — a beautiful mountainous region with incredible scenes of the Austrian Alps.

The railway was built between 1848 and 1854 over 25.5 miles of mountain terrain. The Semmering Railway is considered one of the greatest feats of civil engineering. Its tunnels, viaducts, and bridges are still impressive today and have earned it a place on UNESCO’s World Heritage list.

You can ride on the train and enjoy the spectacular scenery from the comfort of your carriage. During the winter months, this European railway transforms into a picturesque winter wonderland, with snow-covered peaks and frosty forests, adding to the beauty of the journey.

2. Bernina Express, Switzerland And Italy

The Bernina Express in Switzerland is a train journey renowned for its grand scenery. The train travels through the Swiss Alps, with magnificent views of snow-capped peaks, glaciers, and delightful valleys.

This train journey in Switzerland begins in the town of Chur. It winds through the mountains, passing by the renowned Landwasser Viaduct and the Brusio Circular Viaduct, both engineering marvels.

As the train ascends higher, the scenery becomes even more spectacular, with panoramic views of the Alps and the Morteratsch Glacier. The journey ends in Tirano, Italy, where you can explore the pleasant streets and enjoy delicious Italian cuisine . The Bernina Express is an essential item on any itinerary to experience the natural beauty of the Swiss Alps.

3. Diakopto-Kalavryta, Greece

The Diakopto-Kalavryta railway in Greece is a journey that is not only scenic but steeped in history. The railway passes through the Vouraikos Canyon, an incredible natural landscape that is a protected area. You will see majestic waterfalls, caves, and rock formations along the way.

The railway was built in 1896 and is considered a masterpiece of engineering. It was initially used to transport goods, but today, it is a popular excursion train. The train ride takes about an hour and is comfortable and safe. The Diakopto-Kalavryta railway is a special treat when visiting Greece . All aboard if you love history, nature, and scenic railway journeys.

4. The Golden Eagle Danube Express, Europe

The Golden Eagle Danube Express is a luxurious train offering treasured European journeys. The train is fully equipped with deluxe amenities like a restaurant, bar, and lounge car, making it a comfortable and enjoyable way to explore the continent.

The train travels through some of Europe’s most beautiful destinations , including Budapest, Vienna, Prague, Krakow, and more. The journey takes you through spectacular landscapes, historic cities, and cultural hotspots, giving you a glimpse into the diversity of Europe.

The train perfectly blends old-world charm and modern luxury with spacious cabins, elegant dining, and excellent service. The Golden Eagle Danube Express is ideal for travelers seeking a unique and unforgettable way to explore Europe.

5. Inlandsbanan Railway, Sweden

The Inlandsbanan Railway in Sweden is a unique train route that stretches over 808 miles from Kristinehamn in the south to Gällivare in the north. The railway traverses some of Sweden’s most remote and beautiful landscapes, including deep forests, massive lakes, and towering mountains. As you journey, you’ll witness the country’s natural beauty and the quaint towns and villages that dot the route.

The Inlandsbanan Railway also provides access to some of Sweden’s most popular tourist attractions, including the Sami communities in the north and the acclaimed Icehotel in Jukkasjärvi. Whether you’re a local or a tourist, the Inlandsbanan Railway is a remarkable experience that offers a unique glimpse into the heart of Sweden’s wilderness.

A European scenic train journey is a fantastic way to experience the continent’s landscapes, history, and cultural diversity. By taking a train, you can sit back, relax, and enjoy the vistas of snow-capped peaks, ancient glaciers, lush forests, vast lakes, and towering mountains that Europe is known for. You can also explore the continent’s most beautiful destinations and learn about their histories and cultures, all while traveling in comfort and style. Whether you’re a nature lover, history buff, or cultural enthusiast, a scenic train journey in Europe belongs on your bucket list.

Covering 'off-the-beaten path,' 'not well-known,’ and 'in the shadow of' locations is Mary’s passion. She delves into art, music, food, libations, architecture, museums, parks, well-curated tours, history, agriculture, and the unexpected in micro-towns and big cities, both domestic and international.

As a lifelong traveler, her nomadic mother often handed her the map and asked her to choose the destination and route, granting her the nickname, Mary Go.

Today she travels by train, plane, bus, boat, shoe sole, and her Honda, Patty. Mary digs into culture, people, and history wherever she goes, sharing her experiences through words, photos, and video.

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Eco-Comfort - Tour Of Italy By Train

Europe by rail budapest to milan, italy by high-speed train, european romance, mediterranean express: rivieras & railroads, western europe group rail tour (18-35), train tours italy: venice, florence, rome, sorrento by train, paris to barcelona: tapas & train rides, italy by train, jacobite steam train & the great glen.

“The support staff was always available to answer any questions, as well as to provide vouchers for ad hoc optional tours.” Paul Welsher, traveled in July 2023

• Train & Rail
• Taste Chianti wines in a Tuscan vineyard
• Explore St. Mark's Basilica and Doge's Palace
• Drive through Amalfi Coast's scenic villages

“She made sure everyone felt comfortable at every destination and ensured we had lots of fun.” Emma Cossey, traveled in August 2024

• Sightseeing
• Learn chocolate-making in Vienna
• Ride a gondola through Venice's canals
• Party on a boat along the Danube River

“The Vatican Tour was an awe-inspiring journey through history, while the Tuscan excursion painted picturesque landscapes.” David, traveled in July 2023

• Discover the hidden gems of romantic Venice
• Find your favourite gelato flavour in Florence
• See St. Peter’s Basilica and the Sistine Chapel

• Christmas & New Year
• Cruise down the Seine in Paris
• Admire Florence's Renaissance art
• Enjoy a boat ride through Venice

“Great itineraries, like minded travellers, good price.” Lucy P, traveled in September 2018

• Explore Rome's cobblestone streets at night
• Hike between Riomaggiore and Monterosso
• Discover Monaco with your CEO on foot

“Well organized, the group activities were super fun, and I had the opportunity to meet amazing people from all over the world.” Anna Bazangeya, traveled in May 2023

• Scuba dive in the Mediterranean Sea
• Explore Venice's canals and islands
• Learn to cook tapas in Barcelona

“We truly feel like we got the full Italian experience. Be prepared to walk...a lot. Nothing wrong with that, just some people aren't used to it, but we loved it.” Parmveer Singh, traveled in July 2022

• • Guaranteed departure
• • A guided tour of every visited place of interest
• • Luggage bus

“The free time on the tour to go out and do some great sightseeing was a great experience.” Tiffany Reitsema, traveled in May 2022

• Explore the Swiss Alps from Interlaken
• Visit the Leaning Tower of Pisa
• Picnic by the Eiffel Tower

“Having someone else work out the logistics of a multi destination vacation was worth every penny we paid.” ANDREA PAIN, traveled in September 2023

• Wander the streets of historic Florence and see the famous Duomo
• Admire the St. Mark's Basilica and explore Venice onboard a gondola
• Visit Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore

“The Hogwarts express was definitely a highlight.” Kayla Knight, traveled in July 2019

• Culloden Battlefield: Visit the historic battlefield and learn more about the Jacobite Rebellion
• Mallaig: Explore the coastal village with views to the Isle of Skye
• The Hogwarts Express: Cross the Glenfinnan Viaduct, and join one of the world's most scenic railway journeys

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10 of the best train journeys in Europe, chosen by Lonely Planet

A new book on rail travel across the continent showcases gorgeous scenery, historic routes and adventures at a slower pace

R ailways in Europe are many things. With their grand stations, history and evocative destinations, they evoke a timelessness that is absent from the uniform experience of flying. In recent decades, high-speed services have complemented classic routes, while the demand for more climate-friendly travel has grown and new options have sprung up, including a recent wave of night trains.

Lonely Planet, which for nearly 50 years has championed a down-to-earth, connected style of travel, has produced a new Guide to Train Travel in Europe aimed at unlocking adventures by rail from any starting point on the continent. Here the authors pick fantastic journeys from the book.

Paris to Berlin – fast or slow

A well-established network of high-speed trains and a huge choice of slower options connects two of Europe’s great cities. A glorious three-country tour would allow you to head from Paris to Brussels, travelling on to Cologne via the space-age architecture of Liège-Guillemins station. Cologne’s cathedral is so close to the station you can hardly miss popping in before boarding an onward ICE German fast service to the capital, which takes less than five hours. To see more than the immediate surroundings of the station buildings in each city, book separate tickets for each leg at trainline.com , or add in a stop of a few hours or an overnight booking via Deutsche Bahn ( bahn.de ). A high-speed connection from Paris via Frankfurt is also possible.

Amsterdam to Vienna on the Nightjet

One of several recent additions to Europe’s sleeper train scene, the Nightjet service operated by Austrian Railways ( oebb.at ) departs every evening at 7pm or 7.30pm from Amsterdam. As you doze off, the train will trundle alongside the Rhine, passing Cologne and Koblenz, then continuing south-east through Germany and entering Austria at Passau. A 9.19am arrival in Vienna ensures time for a lie-in and breakfast. This train can easily be combined with the Eurostar service from London or a ferry from Newcastle to Amsterdam , or from Harwich to Hoek van Holland .

Loop the loop in North Wales

Some of the world’s most beautiful narrow-gauge railways can be found in Wales and two of the best can be combined in a loop that takes in the mountains and coastal scenery of Snowdonia. Catch a service from Llandudno Junction – which has main line connections – down the Conwy valley to Blaenau Ffestiniog . Change for the celebrated Ffestiniog Railway , a distinctive steam-hauled service that winds 13 miles down to the coast at Porthmadog. Return via the sublime steam service of the Welsh Highland Railway under the summit of Snowdon to Caernarfon, where you can catch a bus to Bangor and main line services.

From Bastia to Ajaccio through the Corsican interior

The Chemins de Fer de la Corse ( Corsican Railways ) is a narrow-gauge railway centred on Ponte Leccia – from where three main lines head to Ajaccio, Bastia and Calvi, all providing incredible views of beautiful and rugged terrain. The route linking Ajaccio and Bastia is the longest and most celebrated, taking three and a half hours, so is best done with an overnight stop, rather than attempted as a day trip. Corsica is well served by ferries from mainland France such as Toulon, Marseille and Nice, opening up a tempting train-and-ferry route from the UK.

Dublin to Madrid by train and ferry

It is possible to head from Dublin direct to mainland Europe. A largely single-track line skirts the Irish Sea heading south as far as Wicklow before veering inland and stopping in the appealing county town of Wexford, set on the estuary of the River Slaney. It’s a short hop along the tracks from there to the port of Rosslare for the twice-weekly ferries to Bilbao , which take about 30 hours. Then it’s a five-hour rail journey on to Madrid. Recommended stops take in Burgos’s treasured cathedral, the former Spanish capital of Valladolid and Segovia’s Roman aqueduct and Alcázar fortress.

Venice to Palermo – across the water in Italy

Heading from top to toe in Italy, this dramatic journey’s potential stopping points need no introduction. Fast Frecciarossa trains connect Venice to the gastronomic centre of Bologna in 90 minutes, with Florence 40 minutes down the line. An hour and a half further on you’re in Rome. From here the south of Italy opens up. For one of Europe’s most unusual rail experiences take a train service all the way to Sicily. At Villa San Giovanni in Calabria, you and your carriage board a dedicated ferry to Messina, in Sicily, from where the hectic fun of Palermo is a slow-rolling four and a half hours’ ride away along the coast. There are several daily intercity and night services that run from the mainland, via the ferry, through to the Sicilian capital including sleepers direct from Milan, Genoa and Pisa.

From coast to coast, via a mountain high – Oslo to Bergen

A contender for Europe’s best train trip, the Bergen Line ( Bergensbanen ) thunders past southern Norway’s mountains and lakes between Oslo and Bergen, reaching 1,222m at Finse station, where a snowball fight is generally on offer. The trip takes nearly seven hours, which passes quickly in a blur of incredible scenery on a comfortable intercity service. There’s scope to do a longer version of this route taking the Norway in a Nutshell tour, which includes the Flåm Railway – possibly the world’s most scenic branch line – and a boat journey through Nærøyfjord and Aurlandsfjord.

Paris to Barcelona on the slow train

These cities are linked by a fast train , but there’s a leisurely route south through France to the Pyrenees via Limoges, Toulouse and through magnificent rural and mountain scenery to Latour-de-Carol. While it’s possible to reach Latour-de-Carol by direct night train from Paris, you would miss the slowly unfolding views you can enjoy when doing this journey in daylight. From Latour-de-Carol a commuter line runs all the way to Barcelona and takes just over three hours. Possible stops along the way include fortified Ribes de Freser and Ripoll, home to an ancient monastery and a good starting point for hiking trails.

Budapest to Split on a sleeper

During the summer there’s a tempting night service between Hungary’s capital and the Adriatic. In recent years the train has left Budapest at midnight, getting into Split after lunch. En route it passes the Hungarian holiday playground of Lake Balaton and Zagreb, Croatia’s capital. Once on the Adriatic coast, buses head south to Dubrovnik, while ferries and catamarans radiate out to nearby islands.

Locarno to Domodossola through the Swiss Alps

Pretty much any journey in Switzerland promises jaw-dropping scenery, and on several routes trains run slowly specifically to show off the mountains, rivers and lakes that can be seen from the window. Travelling between Locarno in Switzerland to Domodossola in the Piedmont region of Italy, the Centovalli (Hundred Valleys) Railway is a short but scenic service past 52km of waterfalls, chestnut groves, church-topped villages, deep ravines and vineyards. Highlights include the Isorno Bridge near the village of Intragna and Intragna’s gorge.

These routes, plus tips on rail travel, are featured in Lonely Planet’s Guide to Train Travel in Europe by Tom Hall, Imogen Hall and Oliver Smith (£19.99), available at shop.lonelyplanet.com

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The best train routes to take in Europe this summer

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May 15, 2024

Swimming in pristine lakes. Strolling through vineyards. Exploring a delicious and imaginative “Ice Cream Trail.”

Summer is a magical time to explore Europe’s hidden gems and off-the-beaten-path destinations. Not sure where to begin? We compiled a list of our favorite train routes to take during the warmer months. 

Grab your Pass , book any necessary seat reservations and pack your bags – adventure awaits.

1. From the city to the vineyards

Pécs to Osijek

Go from a glamorous, artistic city to rolling vineyards on the train journey from Pécs to Villány in Hungary . 

Pécs, a 2,000-year-old city situated 200 kilometers south of Budapest, has no shortage of historical and cultural highlights for travellers to experience. In addition to strolling Pécs’ ancient downtown, be sure to visit sites such as the Mosque of Pasha Qasim and the Early Christian Necropolis, as well as the Zsolnay Cultural Quarter to catch the city’s latest art exhibitions. 

From Pécs, take the regional train towards Villány, a Hungarian town known for its vineyards. Take it slow and spend an afternoon walking through the vineyards and Villány’s charming streets. 

Finish your adventure with a regional train ride to Osijek, a Croatian city many travelers miss in favor of the country’s tourism hotspots. While in town, take a ferry ride along the Drava River, which offers travelers a refreshing way to cool off in the summer heat.

2. A relaxing alternative to the Brenner Route

Villach to Brenner

The Brenner Pass train journey from Munich to Italy is spectacularly scenic – and frequently traveled, particularly during the summer.

The good news: it’s possible to experience the region’s beauty with an alternative route through some of Austria’s loveliest small towns. Begin in Villach, a laid-back city on the Drau River. After exploring Villach and the plentiful nature around the city, take a regional train to Lienz.

Lienz, surrounded by the Dolomites, is home to a stately castle and ample hiking trails that travelers can take to reach stunning meadows, lakes and waterfalls. 

After you experience Lienz, it’s time to make your way to Brenner – along the way, enjoy the view of the Val Pusteria, one of the longest valleys in the Alps.

3. A summer-only mountain adventure

Poprad to Nowy Sącz

Searching for another ultra-scenic train journey? Make a beeline to Poprad, a Slovakian city that makes a convenient jumping off point for exploring the High Tatras Mountains . 

On weekends from June until September, travelers can take a direct train from Poprad-Tatry over the Polish border to Muszyna, a picture-perfect spa town. After kicking back and relaxing in Muszyna, take another train ride through the lush, rugged Poprad River Valley to Nowy Sącz. 

Nowy Sącz has plenty of charms to tempty summer travelers – but perhaps most unique is its official “Ice Cream Trail.” By following the trail, travelers will experience a taste of local life in Nowy Sącz, one mouth-watering scoop at a time.

4. A journey to the Danube Delta

Bucharest to Tulcea

Nature lovers, you’re in for a treat. On a train journey from Bucharest to Tulcea in Romania , you’ll pass the Danube River twice, ending your journey at the mighty Danube Delta. 

The Danube Delta, which feeds into the Black Sea, is the biggest and best preserved delta in Europe. It’s an important natural destination, home to over 300 bird species and 45 species of freshwater fish. 

Begin your trip with a few days of sightseeing in Bucharest, and then take a six-hour train journey to Tulcea, switching trains halfway in Medgidia. From Tulcea, travelers can join sightseeing tours of the delta and other excursions into nature.

5. Adventure in the Giant Mountains

Liberec to Wroclaw

Travelers can find adventure all year round in the Giant Mountains, a destination beloved among skiers and hikers. To reach the trails with ease, begin your journey in the Czech city of Liberec, situated in the foothills of the mountains. 

Then, take a winding rail journey to towns such as Tanvald and Harrachov, each a convenient starting point for outdoor activities. After experiencing the nature outside each town, continue on to ​​Szklarska Poreba, crossing the border into Poland . Located near one of the mountains’ highest peaks, Szklarska Poreba is home to about 100 kilometers of hiking trails.

Wrap up the adventure with a visit to Wroclaw, accessible by direct regional train from Szklarska Poreba. In addition to strolling along Wroclaw’s historic streets and bridges, treat yourself to the city’s famous gingerbread, a local specialty for the past 800 years. 

6. A brand-new international train route

Szeged to Novi Sad

Good news for European train travelers: international rail travel is once again possible between Hungary and Serbia. 

This summer, you can easily travel Szeged in Hungary to Subotica in Serbia, with trains departing multiple times per day. Spend time walking the streets of Szeged, marveling at the city’s Art Nouveau architecture, before continuing on your journey to Subotica . 

Travelers should make sure to spend a day or two exploring the city, another Art Nouveau gem. Don’t leave town without a visit to Raichle’s Palace, a lavish, colorful building that is now home to the Gallery of Modern Art Subotica. 

From Subotica, travel south by train to Novi Sad, a lively city famous for its mighty fortress and the Exit Festival, a music festival held at the fortress each summer. 

7. Cross-border connections in the Baltics

Riga to Suwalki

Speaking of new international connections, trains running between Vilnius in Lithuania and Riga in Latvia began last December. This summer is an ideal time to experience the highlights and hidden gems of both Baltic capitals.

Begin by wandering through Riga’s Old Town and, afterwards, take a stroll down Miera Iela, an artistic street with plenty of cafes, shops and other delights. Then, take a four-and-a-half hour train ride to Vilnius, home to another fascinating Old Town. 

Wrap up your journey with a train ride over the border to Poland.  Take a few days to relax and unwind at the lakes located around ​Augustow and Suwalki in northeast Poland. They offer a peaceful place to reflect on your train journeys and start dreaming of your next adventure.

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The best European train routes to try in 2023

Dec 27, 2022 • 7 min read

A new night train from Vienna to La Spezia, Italy offers a new way to access Liguria’s Cinque Terre © HelloRF Zcool / Shutterstock

Fans of train travel like me are looking toward 2023 with excitement – and a newly expanded to-do list.

The magic date on the European train calendar was December 11, when winter timetables kicked in. While not quite matching the bounty of peak summer services, the update udhered in new and reinstated routes, extended services and new adventures radiating across Europe in all directions.

Here are some of the most enticing European train journeys to take in the first half of 2023.

Take a sleeper train from Vienna to La Spezia, Italy

Why it’s exciting: Roll on from Vienna into an underrated Italian port city ⁠– and a more affordable base for exploring Cinque Terre . 

The Austrian capital is at the heart of the ever-expanding NightJet network operated by ÖBB ( Austrian Railways ), and the company is adding a few eye-catching extensions. The Vienna– Milan route is extending, not just to Genoa , but to the Ligurian port city of La Spezia  down the coast. Not only is this underrated spot mere minutes on an onward train from the spectacular hiking trails and colorful villages of the Cinque Terre, it’s also a much more affordable and less popular base than Monterosso , Vernazza and their fratelli . Whether you’re refueling with espresso by the Ligurian Sea after a night on the tracks or spending a few hours wandering around the old town’s labyrinthine streets before boarding a sleeper bound for the Alps, this route surely ranks as one of Europe’s top new travel experiences for 2023. Later in the year, you should be able to take this journey aboard one of NightJet’s next-generation sleeper carriages .

Travel from Prague to Zurich via Basel, Leipzig and Dresden

Why it’s exciting: A night journey through eastern Germany , with breakfast with a view traveling along the scenic Elbe Valley between Dresden and Děčín, before finishing in one of central Europe’s most beautiful capitals. 

Zurich , Switzerland is fast becoming a night train hub to match Vienna. Back following a five-year absence, the Czech Railways ( České dráhy, or ČD )–operated Canopus train once again connects the Swiss city with stately Prague via Dresden and Leipzig . (This gives you the choice of two separate night routes between the two cities, as an existing night train runs on a different route; the Canopus has a wider choice of accommodation than the existing service.) Underlining its usefulness as a hub, Zurich is only four hours from Paris via the TGV Lyria service, and the starting point for countless scenic journeys in Switzerland , including the stunning Treno Gottardo ride over the Alps to lakeside Locarno in Ticino province.

Move between Holyhead and London more frequently 

Why it’s exciting: The land-and-sea link between London and Dublin has been tricky recently, but recent timetable changes hopefully make the carbon-friendlier hop across the Irish Sea a more viable proposition.

The North Wales line is not new, in any sense. In fact, this scenic route along the north coast is one of the world’s oldest rail routes, having been built between 1844 and 1850 to connect ferry services from Dublin with Irish Mail trains bound for London. 

Avanti West Coast has recently added four additional daily departures, for five total. Avanti’s scanty service on this and other routes has been widely criticized in the UK in recent times; these additional trains are part of a hoped-for improvement between London, the West Midlands and Northwest England and north Wales . The journey should be further improved in 2023 by the introduction of updated, more comfortable train stock. 

Highlights of the line include trackside views of Conwy Castle , the Menai Strait crossing to Anglesey and the stop at Llanfairpwll , still delighting passengers who can glimpse its longer (if contrived) name of Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch. Transport for Wales operates other services along this line, including the iconic train running to Cardiff that comes complete with the best mainline on-board restaurant in the UK. Good-value combination tickets with ferries are also available.

Take a night train from Hamburg to Stockholm 

Why it’s exciting: Hamburg can feel a little out on a limb if you’re sticking to the core continental network. With this cozy and efficient night connection, Germany’s second city offer a gateway to Sweden’s elegant capital –  and the spectacular train routes of Scandinavia beyond.

Night trains direct from Hamburg to Stockholm started running in September – with a catch. Regulatory troubles meant that most of the carriage fitted out by Swedish state railway operator SJ were not allowed to cross Denmark . So the service has been operating since launch at a limited capacity, with only four berth couchettes for accommodation. Happily, this situation has now been resolved, and passengers now have the choice of a mixed or single-gender couchette; sleeper for one, two or three; deluxe sleeper; or bargain-priced seats all offering a night crossing of the Öresund Bridge . The route is also served by privately-run Snälltåget trains running on to Berlin , though with less frequent departures during the winter and a later departure time from Hamburg. 

Take new high-speed trains around Spain 

Why it’s exciting: Iryo offers arguably the most comfortable high-speed services in Europe, complete with tempting dining options, as the beauty of Spain ’s countryside zips past. Thanks to airline-style pricing, early bookers can enjoy these trains on a shoestring.

Iryo is a new high-speed operator that looks set to shake up the Spanish rail scene. Already operating between Madrid – Barcelona and Madrid– Valencia , by June 2023 Iryo trains will also be serving Seville , Málaga , Córdoba and Alicante . Iryo journeys promise to be fast and comfortable, offering a similar four-class service to part-owner Trenitalia’s Frecciarossa trains. On-board dining will focus on local ingredients used in sensibly priced pintxos and tapas dishes. Over the longer term, Iryo has its eye on cross-border routes, which surely would include more choice and capacity on high-speed tracks into France .

Travel into Istanbul’s long-dormant Sirkeci station

Why it’s exciting: Only a hard-hearted traveler would not thrill to see the terminus of the Orient Express enjoy some kind of new life. This may just happen some time soon. (As if Istanbul weren’t fun enough .)

The dormant tracks at Sirkeci station in Istanbul might just hum once again with arrivals and departures in 2023. With international trains to Sofia and Bucharest departing from distant Halkali and suburban trains now running deep underground to enable trans-Bosphorus services, Sirkeci has become somewhat neglected, and even its tracks – which for decades carried European international services to their terminus – have been removed. Plans to reinstate passenger trains along the coastline of the oldest part of Istanbul, hugging the ancient Theodosian Walls , are aimed at delivering an eight-station service connecting Sirkeci with Kazlicesme to the west; alongside the track, a cycling and walking track is also envisioned. While the plans looked a far from completion when I visited in October, this is a plan to keep a close eye on as the year progresses. ( Rail Turkey is a well-informed site for all Turkish train-related matters and likely to break any news first.) When (if?) this line eventually does open, it will reactivate the street-level platforms at Sirkeci and breathe new life into one of the world’s most iconic stations.

Travel from Montreux to Interlaken in Switzerland without changing trains

Why it’s exciting: Switzerland’s scenic trains, designed to offer panoramic views of some of the world’s finest mountain views, are an essential part of any visit. This technological wonder extends one of the best of these routes, linking the adventure capital of Interlaken with an easy connection to Geneva .

The GoldenPass Express is one of Switzerland’s most eye-popping services. Running from Montreux on the shores of Lake Geneva , it climbs high above the lake, then over passes and across spectacular alpine scenery, passing through chi-chi resorts like Gstaad before arriving into Zweisimmen. As of December 2022, this train continues – without requiring passengers to change – to Spiez and Interlaken Ost. This is made possible via an ingenious system that allows the train to change operating gauge mid-journey, a process that usually requires carriages to be elevated and have bogies (wheelsets) removed. The GoldenPass Express can be ridden by Swiss Pass holders without paying a supplement – though reservations do cost $14.80 ($10.57 off-peak) and are advisable during peak summer months.

Finally, follow the journey of trains from Chişinău, Moldova to Kyiv, Ukraine 

Why it’s exciting: A sign of everyday life from Ukraine, where trains are a lifeline to the country.

The continued operation – not merely running, but running more or less on schedule – of Ukraine’s railways has been a symbol of resilience throughout the brutal Russian invasion. And while it will be some time before travelers from outside Ukraine can once again take the train to its defiant capital , the resumption of this service in November after 24 years is to be welcomed. Now dubbed the Victory Train, the route includes a stop at Ungheny station in the west of Moldova , from where a connection can be made to Iaşi , Romania , whose airport has been a key departure point for displaced Ukrainians.

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8 Must-Do Train Journeys For Every Traveller

Venice Simplon-Orient Express (England, France, Switzerland & Italy)

Start: London | End: Venice | Distance: 2,090km | Duration: 24 hours

In a world obsessed with breakneck speed, train travel offers a delightful rebellion. It's a chance to surrender to the rhythm of the rails, a slower pace that allows romance and wonder to seep into exploration. Furthermore, rail stands out as the most promising form of mass transportation in the fight against global warming. A 2022 report by the International Energy Agency highlights that while carrying 9 per cent of global passengers and 7 per cent of freight, train travel only accounts for 3 per cent of transport energy use.

The true magic, however, lies in the unique perspective a train grants the voyager. Unlike a fleeting car ride, a train unfolds the landscape like a storybook. Imagine gazing out the window as the train snakes through the Swiss Alps, revealing snow-capped peaks and charming chalets. Quaint villages, hidden valleys, and the very soul of a destination come into view, one frame at a time. Train journeys aren't just about reaching a point; they're about the in-between, the ever-changing scenery that becomes an experience in itself. The gentle rocking of the train lulls you into a state of tranquillity, where fellow passengers become companions, and the rhythmic clatter of wheels are a comforting lullaby. The slower pace allows you to truly disconnect and unwind, a luxury often forgotten in our fast-paced world. Train travel isn't merely transportation; it's a gateway to a slower, more immersive way of seeing the world.

Rocky Mountaineer (Canada)

Start: Vancouver | End: Banff | Distance: 957km | Duration: 37 hours

Hokkaidō Shinkansen (Japan)

Start: Tokyo | End: Hakodate | Distance: 824km | Duration: 4 hours

Ella Odyssey Train (Sri Lanka)

Start: Colombo Fort | End: Badulla | Distance: 293km | Duration: 10 hours 15 minutes

Qinghai-Tibet Railway (China)

Start: Beijing | End: Lhasa | Distance: 3,750km | Duration: 40 hours

The Bergensbanen (Norway)

Start: Oslo | End: Bergen | Distance: 496km | Duration: 6 hours 30 minutes

Glacier Express (Switzerland)

Start: St Moritz | End: Zermatt | Distance: 290km | Duration: 8 hours

Jacobite Steam Train (Scotland)

Start: Fort William | End: Mallaig | Distance: 70km | Duration: 2 hours

To revisit this article, visit My Profile, then View saved stories .

A Trip to Champagne on the Most Glamorous Sleeper Train in the World

I like to think I’ve kicked off a few train journeys in style in my time, but the way Belmond Trains begin their new offering, a journey from Vienna through Reims to Paris, hosted by Veuve Clicquot and aboard iconic sleeper train the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, is like nothing I’ve ever experienced before.

The Belmond Solaire expedition—one of a series of collaborations with Veuve Clicquot—begins with something truly extraordinary: a private gala dinner in the 18th-century Palace of Liechtenstein, once home to one of the oldest noble families in Europe. It’s an outrageous set-up: welcome drinks are hosted amidst the perfectly manicured gardens and soundtracked by a string quartet; there’s the chance to tour the building to see Andrea Pozzo’s monumental fresco of Hercules in the Grand Hall; and then there’s the dinner itself.

The majority of the incredible décor on board the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express dates back to the 1920s.

Hosted in a flower-laden, sun-dappled conservatory, when Vogue joined the trip in July, we were treated to eight courses of ingenious cooking from award-winning Austrian chef Andreas Döllerer, known for his innovative takes on traditional Alpine dishes. The likes of bone marrow disguised as scallops were paired with Veuve Clicquot vintages from 2012, 2008, and 2002, each more complex than the last. By the time the evening drew to a close—with a spot of opera, naturally—I felt giddy. And that was just the start of the trip.

As a concept, Belmond Solaire was first launched in 2022 to mark 250 years of Maison Clicquot. Even more exclusive than the luxury train group’s usual trips, these excursions allow guests to experience travel on a 1920s sleeper at limited capacity and with unlimited bubbles. My journey was one of three excursions planned for 2024—there’s a final one through Peru , from 21 October to 26 October—and it mapped out the footprint of champagne across Europe from our starting point in Vienna, where it was once sipped in royal courts, to the caves where it’s been stored for hundreds of years. And it does all of that while providing impeccable fine dining, the amenities of a luxury hotel, and unbeatable views of Europe’s countryside.

Chef Jean Imbert curated the culinary offerings during the Belmond Solaire experience…

Our first night of the trip wasn’t spent aboard the train. I, along with the other passengers, headed back to Vienna’s Hotel Imperial—a grand five-star hotel, opened in 1873—after the gala. We got a final glimpse of the gorgeous old buildings of the city during a horse-and-carriage tour in the morning, before heading to catch the train. To say the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express causes a kerfuffle at stations is an understatement. Locals and tourists had already gathered around the steam engine to take pictures as we arrived at Wien Hauptbahnhof to board and find our cabins. I can understand why. It looks surreal: like a ghost train that’s pulled in from the Roaring Twenties. And it was even more special inside. If you’re in any way a sucker for a glam period drama , the interiors are like heaven. Glossy, wood-paneled corridors join carriages of cabins to three elegant restaurant carriages, decorated with heavy velvet curtains and retro table lights, and a bar carriage with a glistening original bar.

…while cellar master Didier Mariotti orchestrated the champagne pairings.

I stayed in a Grand Suite featuring two cozy armchairs that folded down to become beds, a dresser, and its own marble-paneled bathroom with a shower and sink. (The décor across the train is largely original, and all the carriages have been restored to the original layouts, but the Suites and Grand Suites interiors are new.) Said Suites are looked after by carriage managers who update you on the train’s progress, provide room service, and, in my case, popped a bottle of Veuve Clicquot for me as soon as I boarded.

Day one on board was a bit of a party. The champagne flowed all day, from that first bottle in the cabin through to an afternoon of games in the bar carriage. By 7 p.m., guests had dashed off to change for the second gala dinner of the trip. By 8 p.m., it felt like I was in Murder on the Orient Express as we sat down in black tie for yet more fine dining and yet more fantastic champagne, including a smokey, sweet 1985 vintage. And by 11 p.m.? We’d all tumbled back into the bar car for an after-party. There was a pianist playing jazz club favorites, spritz cocktails and guests happily mingling with each other.

“By 8 p.m., it felt like I was in Murder on the Orient Express …”

By day two, we were firmly in France and heading towards Champagne to get the good stuff right from the source. Breakfast was served in our cabins: a vast continental spread that did a great job of soaking up the sins of the day before. Unfortunately, a train fault meant we missed our vineyard tour but the trip to the caves more than made up for it. These cool underground cellars in Reims are where Veuve Clicquot has been stored for hundreds of years. While they’re open to the public (who can visit to do wine tastings and learn about the champagne-making process), visitors on the Solaire expedition are allowed to experience it in an extra-exclusive way: by actually dining underground. In fact, it’s in a private cave that we had our final champagne-paired gala lunch: this time, a series of two starters, two mains, and two desserts prepared by two chefs, Mory Sacko and Jean Imbert, who interpreted ingredients such as tomatoes, salmon and peach in different ways.

Soon, we were back on board for the final stretch of our journey, where we spent the last few hours soaking in the gorgeous views of the French countryside around us. In many ways, the scenery flashing past us was the highlight of the trip: eating breakfast overlooking the vineyards in Champagne, doing my make-up as we traveled past snow-capped mountains… Belmond Solaire is a truly unique way to see some of the most beautiful countries in the world. Machu Picchu calls…

For more information about future Veuve Clicquot Solaire Journeys on board Belmond Trains, visit their website .

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NEWS... BUT NOT AS YOU KNOW IT

The Great Train Robbery: ‘My commute cost me £265.20 a day’

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Johnbosco Nwogbo has had enough of train travel in the UK. Speaking to Metro a day after his journey from Oxford to Bournemouth was abruptly cancelled, meaning he couldn’t make a conference he was due to speak at, he’s not a happy passenger.

‘ Rail is the engine of the economy and it’s simply not working,’ Johnbosco, 35, tells Metro.

‘There are millions of people across the UK who commute in some way. And if they can’t get to work because it’s too expensive or there’s no guarantee you’ll actually get where you need to go, the economy doesn’t do well, right?’

He’s not alone in feeling let down by the UK rail service as less than half of Brits say they are satisfied with it, according to a YouGov poll.

And it’s no surprise. With someone’s armpit inches from your nose , bulky luggage digging into your legs or even commuters working on the floor because there’s no seats left, it can be easy to become more than a little uncomfortable on a busy train in Britain.

And that’s not even taking the cost or reliability into consideration.

Johnbosco, who is originally from Awka, Nigeria, works with the We Own It , a group which campaigns for public services to be ‘for people not profit’.

‘I hear the argument “oh, we shouldn’t complain. We’re lucky to have X, Y or Z.”,’ he says. ‘But no, we should be raising the bar everywhere. We should be demanding improvements instead of accepting what we have.

‘Poor rail services impact peoples’ work, elderly people who rely on trains and students at university who struggle to visit family at weekends or holidays. Rail users have had enough.’

Extortionate fares

Another weary passenger is Chris Sedgwick. He spent 17 years working in the Big Smoke, before returning to Gloucester for personal reasons. However, running his own PR agency requires trips into London.

‘It’s beyond frustrating’, Chris, 37, tells Metro. ‘It’s like commuters are being demonised or victimised for living outside of London. The cost, with the delays and cancellations, is unjustifiable in my opinion. I’m lucky that I am picked by companies despite living in Gloucester, as clients hire me based on my ability not my location. But it’s so unfair that train prices can be so extortionate they’re almost pricing people out of the roles they want. 

‘Commuters are prepared to get up earlier and have longer days, but they shouldn’t have to pay through the nose as well. I’ve got friends in Europe who pay about 18 EURO (£15) to travel through an entire country.’

For Chris, and other Great Western Railway users in Gloucester, it could cost up to £265.20 for an ‘anytime return’ ticket for the 1 hour 40 minute journey into London – although this can be reduced potentially if you are the right age to have a Railcard or can book in advance .

‘In a previous job, my commute worked out to be around £30,000 a year,’ Chris,who runs Sedg Creative says.

‘I got my contract changed so I could come in slightly later [off peak times] which brought the cost down to £90 a day. The journey was such an issue that it made my relationship with my boss feel fraught. Ultimately, the whole travel situation was why that job ended – it wasn’t sustainable.

‘Even when I reduced my number of days in the office and managed to change the timings slightly, I was still spending about £13,000 of my salary on transport.’

Commuting is now rising 3% faster than inflation, costing the average worker a whopping £2,616 every year. Yet despite the eye-watering price tag, according to the Office of Rail and Road Travel , between April 1 and June 30 2023 there were 5.7 million late trains and 74,494 cancellations.  

Passengers ‘herded like cattle’

On longer and even more costly train journeys, we’ve seen children stuffed into baggage compartments , angry passengers on the tracks after delays and protest signs stuck to chairs in carriages.  

‘The railways have de-humanised people,’ says Lesley Thomas, a money and mindset coach. She says she has seen passengers ‘herded like cattle’ onto ‘dangerously’ overcrowded services between her home in Salisbury and London.

One incident, in September 2023, stands out for Lesley.

‘I saw an older man fall to the ground after he had to stand,’ she tells Metro. ‘He was disabled and people were literally clambering past him. It was heartbreaking.’

Through her years of travelling, Lesley, who runs the Money Confidence Academy , has arrived ‘late and frazzled’ to meetings due to disrupted trains. The mum-of-two also has plantar fasciitis, a condition which causes pain in heels, which makes standing even harder.

Lesley, 56, adds: ‘I’ve been travelling on trains for 34 years and they used to be cleaner, more reliable and far more comfortable. I’ve been in situations now where I’ve had to stand on a busy train and have had men rubbing up against me. It might be accidental, it might not – but either way the situation is really uncomfortable.

‘Privatisation was meant to make things better for customers and it hasn’t. It’s made it substantially worse.’

Will a Labour government improve things?

Ten years ago, the Trades Union Congress, in their 2014 report , dubbed the wider rail situation in Britain as ‘The Great Train Robbery’. Today, Labour’s new Transport Secretary Louise Haigh has vowed her party will turn the tide and bring the UK’s rail network into public ownership.

The Passenger Railway Services (Public Ownership) Bill, introduced to Parliament on July 18 , will set a legal framework for transferring passenger rail service operations into public ownership.

One politician who will be keeping a close eye on Labour’s promise is Daisy Cooper, deputy leader of the Liberal Democrats and MP for St Albans. She’s been a commuter for 12 years and faced delays, cancellations and strikes galore in that time. Things reached a head in May 2018, she explains, when a ‘chaotic’ new train timetable was rolled-out by train operator Thameslink.

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‘We heard stories of nurses who were late for their shifts unavoidably leaving patients and colleagues in the lurch, carers were late to providing domiciliary care, and students were late for GCSE exams,’ Daisy tells Metro.

‘Parents were being charged by their schools if they were late for picking up their children: in many cases, a £10 charge was levied for every 15 mins delay for every child, meaning that an hour’s delay in picking up two children cost £80 a day, or an extra £400 a week.’

As a result of the carnage, Daisy set up the St Albans Commuter and Passenger Action to demand an end to the ‘turmoil, disruption and extra expense.’ The group collected stories from commuters and submitted an 80-page dossier to a cross-party Transport Select Committee inquiry into Thameslink’s controversial timetable. 

‘Ticket prices are often too confusing, with the best offers only available from the ticket staff – not the ticket machines,’ adds Daisy. ‘The ticket machines themselves are often out of order causing delays. Announcements are not always communicated clearly on station platforms and across travel apps and, fundamentally, tickets are just incredibly expensive. 

‘We [the Liberal Democrats] want to urgently establish a new Railway Agency: a public body which would help to join up the industry – from track to train – putting commuters first, holding train companies to account and bringing in wholesale reform of the broken fare system.’

A vital lifeline

While commuters on the younger side may be most vocal about train chaos thanks to social media, campaigners also hope the older generation are not forgotten. For many of Britain’s pensioners, trains – and wider access to good quality public transport – is a lifeline.

Joel Kosminsky is a member of the National Pensioners Convention’s (NPC) Transport Working Party; a group which looks to improve rights for the elderly in the UK.

‘In terms of travelling by rail, the main barriers older people face are access to information and affordable fares,’ Joel tells Metro. ‘We also frequently face physical obstacles, not just in getting to stations, but also in our ability to get on and off trains, never mind moving around them once we are on board.  This is especially true for wheelchair and motorised scooter users. Accessing toilets – when they’re there and working – can be another major problem.

‘The low frequency of some train services can be a barrier to travel – it might be possible to go out for an afternoon, but impossible to return in the evening because services are either less frequent or simply stop earlier.’

Joel says many pensioners do not use the Internet when they’re out and about, which means having station staff visible is key at stations is vital; especially if services are cancelled without warning and train passengers left in the lurch.

Currently, a Senior Citizen Railcard costs £30 a year. But Joel says the cost of living crisis is putting off several older people he’s spoken to, and that making train travel free – like we see on buses – could make a huge impact.

A poll by Survation suggests that 67% of Britons believe the solution to the crisis in the railway is public ownership, Campaigner Johnbosco also points out.

‘People ask “well, how do you know things will get better if we take public ownership?”,’ he tells Metro. ‘I always point to Switzerland . They have the best railway system in the world. It’s fully publicly owned and much cheaper than ours. 

‘If you control it, if you own it, and you can simply make it work as opposed to working for profit.’

A brief history of government promises

In 2017, a spokesperson from the DfT told Metro : ‘We know some passengers have not received the service they deserve, and we continue to work with the industry to cut journey times and crowding, improve reliability and deliver more frequent services.’

In 2019, a spokesperson from the DfT told Metro : ‘Our investment in new projects like HS2 and East-West Rail is also creating the space our rail network needs for the future.’

In 2023, a spokesperson from the DfT told Metro : ‘Our railways are currently not financially sustainable, and it is unfair to continue asking taxpayers to foot the bill, which is why reform of all aspects of the railways is essential.’

In July 2024, a spokesperson told Metro : ‘We know our railways aren’t fit for purpose, which is why we’re undertaking the biggest overhaul in a generation by bringing passenger rail into public ownership. Publicly-owned Great British Railways will end years of waste and fragmentation –  bringing together track and train to deliver for passengers with more reliable, better quality services and simpler ticketing and fares.’

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