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Train & Rail Tours & Trips in Europe

Explore Europe with a train adventure that will take through world-renowned locations such as France (Paris), Italy (Rome, Venice and Florence) or the beautiful city of Prague. If you feel like going even further, Spain (Barcelona and Madrid) are a great choice. While you're in Europe, don't miss out on London and discover everything it can offer.

111 Train & Rail tour packages in Europe with 991 reviews

• Train & Rail

Eco-Comfort - Tour Of Italy By Train

Everything on the trip went off without a hitch. Great tours throughout! Due to high demand, getting the specific trip paperwork took longer than expected, but Tourradar helped push the local tour company to expedite— which I appreciated.

• €50 deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

• Sightseeing
• Christmas & New Year

Berlin to Venice

Glacier Express & Porsche 911 Rail & Drive Experience

• In-depth Cultural

Berlin to Rome

Great trip, many good memories and new experiences

Mediterranean Express: Rivieras & Railroads

Hey is anyone going on the Mediterranean Express trip on 8th September, looking to get to know my fellow travellers a little before I arrive! :)

Central Europe Group Rail Tour (18-35)

I am so happy I took this trip! I love that there is a planned activity in each city but you also get free days to explore on your own or with new friends. Every city was stunning and I met some great people as well. The thing that made me want to leave a review the most was honesty our tour leader , Cristina was a delight and a perfect balance for our group. She made this trip more memorable then I could have imagined and had great tips for each city too!!!!! Truly an unforgettable experience I would highly recommend. I wish I did the whole Europe tour instead of just central Europe.

• 10% deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Paris to Barcelona: Tapas & Train Rides

European Romance

Whole of Europe Group Rail Tour (18-35)

I had the most amazing time with great people. The whole experience was so easy we just got taken from city to city and got to see so much. It was really hassle free. Travelling by train is what really made it so comfortable and easy, then the hostels were all really nice too and the activities fun too. Great value for money and will definitely book again. Lovely people.

Highlights of Europe (Classic, Summer, Start Amsterdam, End London, 13 Days)

Rome, Florence, Cinque Terre & Venice in 7 Days

It's been an experience of a lifetime for me! Met so many beautiful people and made many great memories! Our tour leaders/guides were beyond amazing! Big thanks to all of you - Emma and Dimitri (Amalfi Coast), Elisabetta (Buongiorno Italia) and Francesca (Cinque Terre & Pisa)! Everyone was super friendly, caring, fun, and helpful!

• €100 deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Contrasts of Switzerland (8 Days)

Such a wonderful experience. Craig made the trip smooth and educated us on all things Switzerland. Would definitely recommend this tour to anyone wanting to see Switzerland

Italy By Train

One caveat: This tour was everything we wanted which was flexibility! The company had everything lined up and ready to go. Hotels selected worked out well and were tidy and clean. They were what we expected and in safe locations. As everything was going so smoothly we put our trust into the company. At one point we did need to call them as the trains were to go onto a strike the next day! But Tourradar stepped in, made sure that our rides were not affected and we were provided new tickets early that morning! We became so trusting of Tourradar that when we saw at the close of our trip that the time entourage to the airport was extremely limited, we believed this was due in case to the close proximity the hotel location they had selected for us in Rome was a short drive. Unfortunately that morning when the driver they had engaged to pick us up was 1/2 hour late, we were horrified to realize that Tourradar had only allots us two hours to drive 45 minutes to the airport, get through customs, get through security, check our bags and get on our flight! When we complained to the driver that he was late,he disagreeably grunted that we had plenty of time and then proceeded to drive at a very unsafe speed. He had driven the 45 minutenylroitn

London to Istanbul Rail Adventure + Cappadocia Extension

London to Istanbul Rail Adventure

What people love about train & rail tours in europe.

Overall experience was excellent. The support staff was always available to answer any questions, as well as to provide vouchers for ad hoc optional tours that were selected during the excursion. Tour guides were knowledgeable. Hotels were very nice.

Overal a great experience, the guides ensure you have an authentic experience and take care of the difficult parts of traveling. It's a long trip and designed for those wanting to see much of central Europe in a short amount of time. I have taken away many good memories with the people I travelled with, and have formed a deeper understanding of western art, history and culture. Highly recommend.

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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

• Europe holidays
• Rail travel

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Luxury European Train Tours & Luxury Train Vacations Europe

Luxury european train holiday destinations & places.

Our range of luxury train tours in Europe lets you explore this fascinating continent in comfort and style. The slow pace of luxury rail travel in Europe gives you time to see the countries you pass through rather than just the tourist sites, and we think there is nothing like European luxury train vacations as a way to travel in Europe. Most luxury European train holidays focus on East and Central Europe, including the Balkans. Spain and Portugal also have luxury trains in Europe. Below you can browse all the destinations visited by our luxury train trips in Europe. Under each destination, you can view the luxury European train tours that visit each destination.

Luxury train holidays in Europe visit the well-known sites but also pass through places that are less visited and can make short stops to visit these places that regular luxury rail tours to Europe might miss. As the luxury sleeper trains in Europe act as a hotel on wheels, there is no need to pack and unpack, and the European luxury train trips allow for short visits to many places. This gives the passenger a more rounded experience of the countries they pass through. Taking a luxury train through Europe is a rewarding and relaxing way to travel with like-minded people.

Luxury Rail Tours In Europe

Just click on any of the tours listed below to open up or download a PDF file with the tour’s full details including dates and pricing.

● Please remember that booking as far ahead as you can in advance is essential for these trains ●

7 Nights from UK £ 14,295 / US$ 17,595 / € 16,195

Contact us for a quote in other currencies

France ● Switzerland ● Austria ● Slovenia ● Serbia ● Bulgaria ● Turkey

Turkey ● Bulgaria ● Serbia ● Slovenia ● Austria ● Switzerland ● France

11 Nights from UK £ 14,795 / US$ 18,495 / € 16,795

Venice ● Trieste ● Ljubljana ● Sarajevo ● Mostar ● Dubrovnik ● Belgrade ● Skopje ● Sofia ● Plovdiv ● Istanbul

Venice ● Trieste ● Ljubljana ● Sarajevo ● Mostar ● Belgrade ● Bar ● Podgorica ● Skopje ● Sofia ● Plovdiv ● Istanbul

6 Nights From UK £ 8,995 / US $ 11,195 / € 10,195

Istanbul ● Veliko Tarnovo ● Sinaia ● Brasov ● Sighisoara ● Sibiu ● Kecskemet ● Lajosmizse ● Budapest

10 Nights From UK £ 13,695 / US $ 17,095 / € 15,495

Budapest ● Vienna ● Lake Achen ● Innsbruck ● Zürich ● Lake Como ● Milan ● Verona ● Trieste ● Lake Bled ● Ljubljana ● Venice

Budapest ● Vienna ● Semmering Pass ● Lake Achen ● Innsbruck ● Zurich ● St Gotthard Pass ● Lake Como ● Verona ● Trieste ● Lake Bled ● Ljubljana ● Postojna ● Venice

7 Nights From UK £ 9,395 / US $ 11,795 / € 10,695

Budapest ● Keszthely ● Tapolca ● Sopron ● Eger ● Lillafured ● Aggtelek ● Hortobagy National Park ● Tokaj ● Opusztaszer ● Szeged ● Budapest

5 Nights from UK £ 6,210 / US$ 7,590 pp

Contact us for quotes in other currencies

Epernay ● Reims ● Beaune ● Annecy ● Avignon ● Les Alpilles ● Arcachon ● Saint-Emilion ● Chenonceau ● Puy Du Fou

7 Nights From UK £ 7,995 / US $ 9,995 / € 9,095

A festive journey westbound across Europe from Budapest to Munich via Vienna & Salzburg

A festive journey eastbound across Europe from Munich to Budapest via Salzburg & Vienna

11 Nights From UK £ 14,795 / US $ 18,495 / € 16,795

Budapest ● Krakow ● Warsaw ● Malbork ● Gdansk ● Berlin ● Dresden ● Prague ● Salzburg ● Vienna

8 Nights From UK £ 11,195 / US $ 13,995 / € 12,695

Budapest ● Keszthely ● Graz ● Vienna ● Cesky Krumlov ● Prague ● Kosice ● Budapest

2 Nights From UK £ 4,400 per person

Travel straight into the heart of the Scottish Highlands, visiting enchanting sites of natural beauty and making the most of the thrilling outdoor activities

3 Nights From UK £ 6,400 per person

Explore the rugged landscapes of the West coast of Scotland

Embark on a captivating journey through Scotland’s untamed beauty.

4 Nights From UK £ 8,300 per person

Discover the wild wonders and picturesque scenery that Scotland has to offer

4 Nights From UK £ 8,900 per person

Dive into Scotland’s finest estates with untold stories and guided tours

Embark on an adventure with the Scotch Malt Whisky Society, our partner for this unique journey through Scotland

5 Nights From UK £11,200 per person

Discover Scotland through the ages with unique sceneries and intriguing experiences

5 Nights From UK £ 10,400 per person

Be spirited away as you retrace part of the famed West Highland Line

A combination of the traditional Highland and scenic Western journeys

7 Nights From UK £ 14,700 per person

Explore the many wonders of the Scottish Highlands at a leisurely pace

Head West and explore the many wonders of the Scottish Highlands at a leisurely pace

9 Nights From UK £ 8,690 / US $ 11,830

Santiago De Compostela ● Ourense ● León ● Ávila ● Toledo ● Córdoba ● Seville

6 Nights From Euro 5,600 per person

Málaga ● Granada ● Úbeda ● Baeza ● Córdoba ● Ronda ● Jerez De La Frontera ● Cádiz ● Seville

Seville ● Cádiz ● Jerez De La Frontera ● Ronda ● Córdoba ● Baeza ● Úbeda ● Granada ● Málaga

7 Nights From Euro 8,900 Per Person

Santiago De Compostela ● Viveiro ● Ribadeo ● Luarca ● Gijon ● Oviedo ● Llanes ● Santillana Del Mar ● Cabezon De La Sal ● Potes ● Santander ● Carranza ● Bilbao ● San Sebastian

7 Nights From Euro 8,900 per person

San Sebastian ● Bilbao ● Carranza ● Santander ● Potes ● Cabezon De La Sal ● Santillana Del Mar ● Llanes ● Oviedo ● Gijon ● Luarca ● Ribadeo ● Viveiro ● Santiago De Compostela

5 Nights From Euro 4,500 per person

Santiago De Compostela ● Ferrol ● Viveiro ● Ribadeo ● Oviedo ● Gijón ● Llanes ● Picos De Europa ● Llanes ● Cabezón De La Sal ● Santillana Del Mar ● Santander ● Bilbao

Bilbao ● Santander ● Santillana Del Mar ● Cabezón De La Sal ● Llanes ● Picos De Europa ● Llanes ● Gijón ● Oviedo ● Ribadeo ● Viveiro ● Ferrol ● Santiago De Compostela

13 NIGHTS FROM £ 18,295 / US$ 24,695

BASEL ● ST MORITZ ● TIRANO (ITALY) ● ANDERMATT ● ZERMATT ● BERN ● INTERLAKEN (JUNGFRAU REGION) ● LAKE COMO (ITALY) ● PILATUS KULM ● ZURICH

Luxurious Train Rides Europe: Austria

Austria has some of the best mix of scenery and cities in Europe and is a popular destination for European luxury train travel. It has a well-developed and beautifully engineered rail network making luxury rail holidays in Europe reliable and exhilarating with routes through places like the Semmering pass. Vienna and Salzburg are the most popular cities visited in Austria visited on our luxury European train tours. Click on the European luxury train vacations below each Austrian destination for full details.

The Capital of Austria and the former Habsburg Empire is a city with a rich culture and some superb imperial architecture.

The birthplace of Mozart and, of course, setting for the Sound of Music, beautiful Salzburg is a centre of culture in Austria.

Semmering Pass

This rail pass connects Lower Austria and Styria. The Semmering Railway built from 1848–54 was the first mountain railway in the world.

Lake Achen is a beautiful alpine lake with stunning clear turquoise waters and a popular area for water sports and hiking.

Located close to both Germany and Italy Innsbruck is famed as a ski resort but also has many historical buildings in the centre of the city.

New Year in Vienna is a magical time of festivities and often snow. It is also famed for the classical Vienna New Year concert.

European Luxury Train Vacations: Bosnia Herzegovina

Bosnia Herzegovina is a relative newcomer on luxury train rides in Europe itineraries and is a country that would often be overlooked. The beauty of a luxury train across Europe is that it can pass through these less visited places and take in the better-known destinations. Sarajevo and Mostar are the most popular places visited on these luxury European train holidays, and both these destinations have recovered well from the war in the 1990s.

Sarajevo is the capital of Bosnia and known for its diversity of Christian Roman Catholic, Orthodox and the Muslim Ottoman.

Still shaking off its damage from the war in the 1990s the city is famous for its beautiful stone bridge which was rebuilt in 2004.

Luxury European Train Tours: Bulgaria

Bulgaria is located at a key point geographically between Europe and the near Orient and so features in quite a lot of luxury train vacations in Europe. The country has much to see and a good rail network for the European luxury train to use. Bulgaria has a long history and has been a pivotal country between Turkey and the rest of Europe. The main cities visited on luxury rail holidays in Europe are the coital of Sofia and the culturally rich cities of Veliko Tarnovo and Plovid.

Plovdiv is one of the oldest cities in Europe located on a large plain between the Rhodope Mountains and Balkan Range (Old Mountains).

Bulgaria’s capital is a dynamic place to visit with an architectural mix of Communist, Orthodox and European buildings.

Veliko Tarnovo

Veliko Turnovo was the capital of the Second Bulgarian Empire and is culturally rich in museums and historical sites.

Luxury Train Travel Europe: Croatia

Croatia is a Balkan country with a long and beautiful coastline. Its rail network is not as extensive as other Balkan countries. Still, it more than makes up for this with some outstanding destinations, not least Dubrovnik, making it a popular place to visit for luxury rail journeys in Europe. As well as Dubrovnik, other cities visited are Zagreb and Rijeka. Overall, Croatia is a welcome stop for luxury trains in Europe.

Zagreb’s chief attraction is the medieval ‘old city’ with architecture and cobbled streets reminiscent of Vienna, Budapest and Prague.

Rijeka is the main seaport of Croatia, located on Kvarner Bay, an inlet of the Adriatic Sea. It is compact and walkable city.

Once rivalling Venice, beautiful Dubrovnik is an UNESCO World Heritage city on the Adriatic Sea coast in the south of Croatia.

Luxury European Train Holidays: Czech Republic

The Czech Republic has one of Europe’s most famous cities, Prague, which is a must-see and featured on several luxury train journeys in Europe. The country has long been a stalwart for European tourism in the heart of Central and East Europe and has a well-developed train network. As well as the much-visited Prague, the luxury European train holiday also visits Cesky Krumlov, which has just as beautiful architecture as Prague but is far less well known.

CZECH REPUBLIC

Prague is one of the largest cities in Central Europe and has served as the capital of the historic region of Bohemia for centuries.

Cesky Krumlov

Český Krumlov is a beautiful town little changed over centuries full of Baroque buildings and with a castle and old-town square.

Experience Luxury Train Travel: France

Taking a luxury train in France offers an unparalleled travel experience, combining the romance of rail travel with opulent comfort. The journey itself becomes a highlight, not just a means to reach a destination. Luxury trains, like Le Grand Tour, provide sumptuous accommodations and fine dining, allowing travellers to relax in a refined ambiance reminiscent of a bygone era. The scenic routes traverse through France’s breathtaking landscapes, offering views of picturesque villages, vineyards, and historical sites, often inaccessible by other means of transport. It’s an immersive cultural experience, where travellers can enjoy French cuisine and wines while mingling with an international clientele. This mode of travel appeals to those seeking a leisurely pace, luxury, and a unique way to explore France’s rich heritage and stunning geography.

Enchanting lakeside gem with medieval charm, vibrant markets, and stunning Alpine vistas—a serene and picturesque fairy-tale escape.

A captivating seaside retreat boasting pristine beaches, renowned oyster farms, and the majestic Dune du Pilat.

Step into history with its majestic Papal Palace, vibrant cultural scene, and the iconic Pont Saint-Bénézet

Immerse in Burgundy’s heart, famed for world-class wines, historic Hospices de Beaune, and charming medieval architecture.

The Champagne capital, offering exquisite tastings, grand vineyards, and miles of underground cellars to explore.

A sensory delight with lavender fields, sun-drenched vineyards, ancient villages, and a deeply rich cultural heritage.

A historic city renowned for its magnificent cathedral, Champagne houses, and a rich tapestry of French heritage.

Luxury European Train Tour: Hungary

Hungary is a pivotal country in East Europe with an extensive and well-developed train network providing one of the best luxury train vacations Europe offers, fascinating cities and beautiful scenery. Some of the most luxurious train rides in Europe tour this country extensively to take advantage of this. The capital of Budapest is actually two cities Buda and Pest which are divided by the river. This city has some impressive architecture. The rest of the country has many towns and sights worth visiting on your luxury European train tour, and the nature of luxury train rides in Europe means that short stops can be made throughout your European luxury train trip.

Aggtelek is famous for its karst caves with the highlight being the Giants’ Hall 125 meters long, 55 meters wide and 30 meters high.

The capital of Hungary is a vibrant city noted for its classical music scene and nightlife as well as thermal baths and architecture.

Debrecen is the second largest city in Hungary and a centre for Hungarian Protestantism as well as a large science university.

Eger is known for its castle, thermal baths, baroque buildings, the northernmost Ottoman minaret, cuisine and red wines.

Hollókő is a preserved traditional settlement and a UNESCO World Heritage site and is a good way to understand local culture.

The Hortobagy National Park is in the Hungarian plain in the eastern part of the country known for it’s wildlife and traditional culture.

The city is well known for its secessionist architecture, museums, and for being the birthplace of composer Zoltan Kodály.

Located at the southern tip of lake Balaton the town is 750 years old. Gothic, baroque and Transylvanian architecture abounds.

Lajosmizse is a town in Bács-Kiskun county. It is located at the end of a railway line from Budapest and has a museum of folk culture.

Lillafüred close to Lake Hamori is a beautiful small town built as a holiday resort and centred around the Place Hotel and gardens.

Opusztaszer

The Ópusztaszer National Heritage Park is an open-air museum of Hungarian history most famous for the Feszty Panorama.

Sopron is a pleasant town very close to the border with Austria with winding streets and history dating back to medieval times.

Szeged is the third-largest city in Hungary known or the cathedral and a wealth of Art Nouveau buildings, and for the fish soup Halászlé.

Tapolca is known for its cave system as well as the beautiful Mill Pond. Due to the limestone karsts of this area the water is very pure.

Tokaj is a famous wine growing region dating back nearly 1,000 years and the main square of the town even has a the Bacchus fountain.

European Luxury Train Vacation: Italy

From a tourism perspective, Italy needs little introduction. The country has been seducing travellers for centuries. It is relatively less well known though, for its trains aside from being the endpoint of the Orient Express, the crème de la crème of luxury train travel in Europe. The rail network in Northern Italy is extensive; this is where the luxury train travel through Europe focuses on. Who wouldn’t want to take a European luxury train trip that visits such stunning places as Venice, Milan and Lake Como. Under each destination, you can explore the European luxury train vacation options for Italy below.

Beautiful lake in Lombardy surrounded by mountains. There are numerous pretty towns and villages around the shore.

Milan is famous for fashion and shopping and has some beautiful architecture as well as the famous La Scala opera house.

Once a very influential and powerful centre of politics, literature, music, art and culture under Austrian-Hungarian dominion.

Venice needs little introduction. Its sheer wealth of architecture and unique cancel system make it one of the world’s most visited cities.

Verona is rich in history with an abundance of Roman roots still evident today along with world class art and architecture – and gelato!

Luxury European Train Tour: Montenegro

Tiny Montenegro only takes a few hours to cross, but this is not a problem for luxury train trips in Europe which can fit this mountainous country in on their schedules before railing on to the following country. Luxury European train tours visit the dramatically located coastal town of Bar and the capital of Podgorica before continuing to explore the rest of the Balkans.

The capital of Montenegro is an interesting mix of old and new, Mediterranean and Balkan and is known for its cafe culture.

Bar has a wonderful setting on the coast backed by steep cliffs and mountains. Close by are the striking ruins of Stari Bar.

European Luxury Train Vacations: North Macedonia

Macedonia is another small Balkan country that most tourists would overlook. However, your “luxury interrailing Europe” trip can fit into their schedules as they do not need to overnight in hotels with the train acting as a hotel on wheels. This allows your European luxury train vacation to offer a short visit to fascinating Skopje, which features son several of Golden Eagle’s Danube Express train tours, including the very popular Venice to Istanbul route – one of the great luxury train rides in Europe.

NORTH MACEDONIA

Skopje is an old city with Ottoman and Byzantine era sights. The Tvrdina Kale Fortress has guarded the city since the 5th century.

Luxury Train Tours Europe: Poland

Most luxury sleeper trains in Europe focus on the southern part of East and Central Europe, but the southern Polish city of Krakow does make it into some of these itineraries, and rightly so. Krakow is one of Europe’s architectural masterpieces and is well worth a visit on any fancy train rides in Europe.

This former capital of Poland has plenty of medieval architecture which combines with a more youthful student population and culture.

Luxury Rail Tours in Southern Europe: Portugal

Opting for a luxury train journey in Portugal offers an unforgettable experience that blends the charm of vintage travel with modern indulgence. As you traverse through Portugal’s stunning landscapes, you’re treated to a visual feast of rolling vineyards, historic towns, and dramatic coastlines. Onboard, experience unparalleled comfort, exquisite dining featuring Portuguese cuisine, and impeccable service. It’s more than just travel; it’s about embracing the slower pace and elegance of a bygone era, while exploring Portugal’s rich cultural tapestry and scenic beauty in a uniquely luxurious setting.

Luxury European Train Holidays: Romania

Like neighbouring Bulgaria and Hungary, Romania is a popular destination for the most luxurious trains in Europe. This enigmatic country has a long history and spectacular scenery to enjoy on your luxury European train holiday. The fantastically named Danube Express train tour “Castles of Transylvania” encompasses a range of places, including Sighişoara and Bran and Râșnov, which are all tied up with the legend of Vlad the Impaler, whose bloodthirsty history inspired Bran Stoker’s Dracula!

A city of gothic spires, Brasov is the base to visit the castles in Bran and Râșnov and listen to stories about Vlad to Impaler!

Cluj Napoca

Recently ‘discovered’ by tourists Cluj has a vigorous mix of galleries, gardens, cafes, Gothic Churches and medieval towers.

Sibiu has a mix of big architecture and bohemian flair and this city has long been a cultural destination in Romania.

The alleged birth place of Vlad Ţepeş (the Impaler), Sighişoara is a beautiful town full of narrow lanes and medieval architecture.

Located in a dramatic valley the town is visited by hikers in summer and skiers in winter and also for the chief attraction of Peleş Castle.

This large city has an attractive layout of squares and gardens as well as a good range of restaurants and museums.

European Luxury Train Travel: Serbia

Offering some of the best luxury train tours Europe offers, Serbia is a pivotal rail junction in the Balkans and a stop for many of the most luxurious trains in Europe. A landlocked country in the Balkans, Serbia came into being out of the former Yugoslavia in the early 1990s.

Located where the Sava and Danube Rivers meet Belgrade is where the old world meets the new in this forward looking city.

Sargan Vitasi

This place is all about trains and the unusual narrow gauge railway that ran from Sarajevo to Belgrade with the section here restored.

Luxury Rail Holidays In Europe: Slovakia

Slovakia is a landlocked and mountainous country in Central Europe with beautiful cities and incredible natural sights. Slovakia can be visited on the Central European Classics and New Year In Vienna luxury train rides in Europe. The old town of Kosicce is a highlight, as well as Poprad, known as the gateway to the High Tatra mountains.

The old town is the attraction of this city with the greatest collection of Gothic towers, medieval bastions and baroque sculpture in Slovakia.

Poprad is a known as the Gateway to the stunning scenery of the High Tatras and this town makes for a good place to base and explore.

Luxury Train Travel Europe: Slovenia

Slovenia lies in South-Central Europe in the Julian Alps at the northern end of the Adriatic Sea, bordered by Austria to the north and Italy to the west. The country is a stalwart of the best luxury rail travel Europe offers. Slovenia can be visited on the Grand Alpine Express, Venice to Istanbul luxury European train holidays.

Picture perfect and very popular Lake Bled is surrounded by the highest peaks of the Julian Alps and attractive churches and castles.

Slovenia’s capital green and liveable with a pedestrianised centre and fine architecture and bridges crossing the Ljubljanica River.

The Postojna Cave system is the thing to see here. Visitors can walk along 5km of the total 24 km of tunnels full of formations.

Luxury Train Holidays Europe: Spain

The Mediterranean country of Spain needs little introduction and is one of the world’s most popular tourist destinations for its stunning history, cities and culture. Lesser known is its extensive rail network used by luxury overnight trains in Europe. Spain can be visited on the Al Andalus luxury train tours of Europe, visiting Santiago to Seville and the Portuguese capital of Lisbon to Barcelona. More details can be found below.

The old city walls consist of 8 huge gates, 88 watchtowers and 2500 turrets, is one of the best-preserved medieval in Spain.

Discover timeless beauty in its well-preserved medieval quarter, historic monuments, and a rich blend of cultural influences.

Home to some extraordinary islamic architecture, not least the Mezquita, this city also is quintessential Spain and not to be missed.

Leon’s cathedral is one of Spain’s most impressive and largest and at night this city comes alive with bars and restaurants.

Experience the pulsating heart of Spain with world-renowned museums, lively plazas, and an unrivalled culinary scene.

Ourense is known for its hot springs and thermal waters as well as its 12th-century Cathedral and Roman era bridge, the Ponte Romana.

Santiago de Compostela

The final stop on the famed pilgrimage trail of the same name 300,000 pilgrims still walk here to visit the cathedral each year.

Seville is one of Spains most impressive and pleasant cities with grand architecture and an Andalusian culture of food and drink.

Toledo is dramatically sited atop a gorge overlooking the Río Tajo, it was known as the ‘city of three cultures’ in the Middle Ages.

A harmonious blend of futuristic architecture, lush gardens, vibrant festivals, and a rich, historic Old Town.

Luxury Rail Journeys Europe: Switzerland

Landlocked Switzerland offers unique luxury rail journeys in Europe with stunning mountainous scenery and cities and towns rich in a culture influenced by the surrounding countries, including Italy, France, Germany and Austria. Swiss rail is famous for its punctuality and breathtaking engineering feats over mountain passes. Although there are few luxury night train Europe rail tours, the trip does use luxury rolling stock for day trips with nights spent in hotels. Switzerland can be visited on the Grand Alpine Express and Swiss Rail Spectacular tours, making them great luxury European train holidays to be remembered.

SWITZERLAND

Andermatt is a village in the Ursern Valley in the Swiss Alps. The train station is on the route network of the Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn.

Located astride the mighty Rhine river the city is popular for it’s wealth of galleries, museums and iconic buildings.

Switzerland’s capital has a beautiful listed old town of cobbled streets with 6km of covered arcades, cellar shops and bars.

A traditional village overlooking the lake of the same name, this is the quintessential Alpine setting among forests and mountains.

The steep Furka Pass at 2,431m) offers superb views and a memorable train ride during the summer months when the pass is snow free.

The Jungfrau, at 4,158 meters is one of the main summits of the Bernese Alps. From here the views across the Alps are stunning.

Popular with the likes of Goethe, Queen Victoria and Wagner Lucerne is as charming today as in the 19th Century and not to be missed.

Reichenbach Falls

The Reichenbach Falls (of Sherlock Holmes fame) drop over a total height of about 250 metres and are reached by a funicular train.

St Gotthard Pass

The St Gotthard Pass at 2,106 m (6,909 ft) is a mountain pass for road and rail connecting northern with southern Switzerland.

The ultimate Swiss winter resort loved by celebrities and the well-heeled alike. Year round the beautiful lake and scenery can be enjoyed.

Vitznau lies in an idyllic bay of Lake Lucerne at the foot of the Rigi making time well spent to explore the lake and the mountain area.

Zermatt lies at the foot of the famous Matterhorn. The town has preserved its original character and is a car free zone.

The lakeside city of Zürich has the classic Swiss old town (Altstadt) and plenty of bars, art galleries and shopping opportunities.

Luxury Train Journeys Europe: Turkey

Turkey is a country full of wonder and history that straddles Europe and the near Orient and has long been a place of fascination for tourists. Some of the best luxury trains in Europe start of finish in Istanbul, and Turkey can be visited on the Balkan Explorer, Castles of Transylvania, Venice to Istanbul tours.

Istanbul is one of the world’s great cities sitting on the strategic Bosphorus with a skyline that speaks of its long history.

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Our luxury train rides in Europe cover a wide range of destinations from the Iberian Peninsular to the East, Central Europe and the Balkans. Above you will see all the luxury European train holiday destinations covered by our luxury European train tours, and each destination has the tours that visit it below.

How Much Do Luxury Sleeper Trains In Europe Cost?

The luxury train Europe price depends on both the trip chosen and the class of cabin you require. You can find all pricing by clicking on any luxury European train tour above, which will open up the European luxury train trip dossier, which contains pricing, dates, details of the itinerary and cabin classes available for that train. There is a lot of information, so if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us about the European luxury train vacations you are interested in.

What Is The Most Luxurious Train In Europe?

It is often said that the most luxurious train in Europe must be the Orient Express which travels from London to Venice. However, this is a short train trip, and we recommend booking that as a means to get to Venice and start another European luxury train tour on a train like the Danube Express operated by Golden Eagle. These luxury train trips in Europe are much more extensive and complement the Orient Express. We mustn’t forget the luxury trains in Portugal and Spain known as the Al Andalus which we like for its old work decor – to some these could be the most luxurious trains in Europe.

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We have been offering luxury train vacations in Europe for many years. Our experience in dealing with Luxury Train travel companies and operators allows us to point you towards the best luxury train travel Europe offers. Price, cabin class and route are all important decisions, and we have vast experience and good connections with the luxury rail operators to secure the highly sought-after cabins. We are delighted to assist you in booking your European luxury train and experiencing the best possible luxury train vacation in Europe.

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The best train rides in Europe: 10 amazing journeys for 2024

Jan 16, 2024 • 8 min read

Incredible scenery awaits traveling through the Bernese Alps; Jungfrau, Switzerland © Thomas Barwick / Getty

There’s something magical about a journey by train.

Sometimes the magic is inside – on a train you have room to move and meet people, dine in a restaurant car with white tablecloths, and sleep in a private compartment between crisp, clean sheets with the sound of steel wheels swishing on the rails beneath you. Sometimes the magic is outside, in the landscape the train traverses – an adventure, an experience, an insight into the heart of a nation.

Below are some of the most beautiful train rides in Europe – some well known, some less so, some luxurious and expensive, others true bargains. From countryside views and mountain villages to alpine passes and landmark bridges (with a little wildlife spotting thrown in for good measure), the continent offers up some of the most scenic train rides in the world.

The best European train trips include the fabulous Bernina Express, the most enchanting Swiss Alpine ride of all, and the spectacular railway from Belgrade to Bar through the mountains of Montenegro . The latter is one of the most scenic train rides you’ve probably never heard of, with a bargain fare of just €21. So here they are, the 10 best train journeys in Europe, extracted from Lonely Planet's Amazing Train Journeys .

1. Settle to Carlisle, England

Route: Settle to Carlisle Best bit? Marveling at the Ribblehead Viaduct, one of the great views of northern England , preferably as a steam train thunders over. Distance:  113km (73 miles) Duration: 1 hour 40 minutes

England’s Settle-to-Carlisle line has long been synonymous with the fight to preserve beautiful and historic stretches of railway. But this is no heritage line. Proudly part of the British rail network and served by regular mainline trains, the railway enjoys a double life as a frequent host of steam specials and, even rarer, steam-hauled mainline services.

Whether you have the whiff of steam in your nostrils or the hard-working growl of diesel-hauled regular trains in your ears, the views from the carriages are pretty much unmatched on the English railway network.

Passengers can feast their eyes on mile after mile of magnificent Yorkshire Dales and North Pennines scenery, interrupted only by stations so sweet you would expect to find them pictured on a box of biscuits.

2. Le Petit Train Jaune, France

Route: Villefranche-de-Conflent to Latour-de-Carol Best bit? Holding your breath as you cross the gravity-defying Pont Gisclard. Distance:  63km (39 miles) Duration: 4 hours 30 minutes

Since 1910, the dinky, sunflower-yellow carriages of the Ligne de Cerdagne have been rattling and clattering their way through the rolling forests and saw-toothed mountains of the Pyrenees , and they have secured a special place in the hearts of many French travelers.

Affectionately known as the Canary, or Le Petit Train Jaune (Little Yellow Train), this mountain railway is frequently cited as the most scenic in France , but it’s definitely not a luxury service – it’s a rollercoaster ride on which you will feel the wind in your hair and the chill of the mountain breeze as you ratchet your way up to the highest train station in France. On y va!

3. Belgrade-to-Bar Railway, Serbia and Montenegro

Route: Belgrade to Bar Best bit? Levitating atop the 499m-long (1637ft), 198m-tall (650ft) Mala Rijeka Viaduct, one of the planet’s highest railway bridges, before the train glides over the Balkans’ largest lake, Skadar. Distance: 476km (296 miles) Duration: 12 hours

Dramatic is the operative word for this route, which rumbles over an unsullied, mountainous landscape from Serbia 's capital, Belgrade , to Montenegro ’s Adriatic Coast . During the 12-hour journey, the train disappears into the Dinaric Alps, charges through canyons, teeters on stilted bridges spanning river gorges and skims atop an ancient, tectonic lake.

Like the region it serves, the railway, which chugs across the heart of the Western Balkans , eludes most tourists’ maps. The reward for treasure-hunting travelers, who are informed (or lucky) enough to know where to dig: an embarrassment of authentic culture and pristine geographic riches at every bend.

4. The Bernina Express, Switzerland

Route: Chur to Tirano Best bit? Marveling at the astonishingly turquoise Lago Bianco from the route’s highest station, Ospizio Bernina (2253m/7392ft). Distance: 156km (96 miles) Duration: 4 hours 30 minutes

We can wax lyrical about the glacier-capped mountains, waterfall-draped ravines, jewel-colored lakes and endless spruce forests glimpsed through panoramic windows on Switzerland ’s Bernina Express – but, trust us, seeing is believing.

Rolling from Chur in Graubünden to Tirano in northern Italy in around four hours, this narrow-gauge train often tops polls of the world’s most beautiful rail journeys. It's certainly one of the most scenic train journeys in Switzerland.

Beyond the phenomenal Alpine landscape, the railway itself is a masterpiece of early 20th-century engineering, taking 55 tunnels and 196 bridges in its stride. The line is on the UNESCO World Heritage List – and with good reason.

5. The Heart of Wales Line, Wales and England

Route: Swansea to Shrewsbury Best bit? Disembarking at lonely Sugar Loaf Station for a walk or picnic around the iconic nearby knoll of the same name. Distance: 194km (121 miles) Duration: 4 hours

This is Swansea to Shrewsbury the slow and, frankly, surreal way. This one-carriage train traverses track through Wales and England that might easily have been consigned to a museum or an out-of-print book, but that has somehow defied time and logic to survive as a passenger route.

Expect a spectrum of scenery, alternating from the sand-edged estuaries of South Wales, via bucolic farming towns and tracts of forest and hill country you probably never knew existed, through to one of England’s prettiest medieval cities. This four-hour, 34-station zigzag passes almost no major sights or countryside villages, but a very high concentration of spectacularly zany ones.

6. Munich to Venice on the Brenner Railway, Germany, Austria and Italy

Route: Munich to Venice Best bit? Stretching your legs at 1371m (4498ft) Brenner Pass, the highest point on the trip. Distance:  563km (350 miles) Duration: 6 hours 30 minutes

The Brenner Railway is attractive for two key reasons: mountains and wine. There may be more technically astonishing high-altitude trains, but this was the first to cross the Alps, in the 1860s.

On a surprisingly speedy day trip, you pass through three countries – Germany , Austria and Italy – and descend from the snow line to sea level. You’re rarely far from highways, but the vineyard views are still stunning. Bonus: great European cities with historic architecture – Munich and Venice – are at either end.

7. The Kyle of Lochalsh Line, Scotland

Route: Inverness to Kyle of Lochalsh Best bit? Passing under the gentle grassy slopes of Fionn Bheinn – a munro rising high over Achnasheen. Distance:  135km (84 miles) Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes

Scotland has an abundance of windswept railways – the West Highland Line and the Far North Line to Thurso among them. Though comparatively unsung, perhaps the loneliest of all is the Kyle of Lochalsh Line – with trains rumbling doggedly from Inverness through desolate glens and past snowy munros, connecting the cold shores of the North Sea to the furious whitewater of the Atlantic.

It is a railway line full of poetry and beloved by aficionados – but it’s also a useful way for independent travelers to access remote nooks of the Highlands, and make a journey to the Isle of Skye.

8. Nova Gorica to Jesenice, Slovenia

Route: Nova Gorica to Jesenice Best bit? Catching a glimpse of picture-perfect Lake Bled’s church, castle and bright-blue water. Distance: 89km (55 miles) Duration: 2 hours

Here is a near-perfect railway adventure that most people have never heard of. Then again, you could be forgiven for missing it. The Bohinj Railway, after all, connects two places whose significance can be lost to modern travelers. Europe’s shifting borders and politics may have rather marooned the Nova Gorica–Jesenice line, but that only adds to the appeal.

An unassuming regional train rattling out of a faded-grandeur halt on the Italy– Slovenia border doesn’t even hint at what’s to come. The journey is a spectacular tour of Slovenia’s upland highlights, climbing through mountain towns and villages along the Soča River, passing through superb Alpine scenery close to Lake Bohinj , and past world-famous Lake Bled , offering photo opportunities galore.

9. The Centovalli Express, Switzerland and Italy

Route: Domodossola to Locarno Best bit? Taking in the Isorno viaduct, the site of Switzerland’s first bungee jump. Distance:  52km (32 miles) Duration: 2 hours

Often eclipsed by Switzerland’s more famous rail rides, this two-hour trundle from Locarno on the palm-rimmed shores of Lake Maggiore to Domodossola over the Italian border in Piedmont is something of an unsung beauty.

Brush up your Italiano to swoon in sync with fellow passengers as the dinky train clatters across 83 bridges and burrows its way through 34 tunnels. The views make for spirit-lifting stuff: waterfalls shooting past cliffside views, hillside vineyards, gracefully arched viaducts, slate-roofed hamlets, glacier-carved ravines and mile after mile of chestnut and beech forests, all set against the puckered backdrop of mountains that are snow-capped in winter.

10. Bergensbanen, Norway

Route: Oslo to Bergen Best bit? Gazing over the soul-stirring landscape of Hardangervidda between Geilo and Finse. Distance: 496km (308 miles) Duration: 6 hours 30 minutes

This astonishing train is one of the wonders of 19th-century railway building, and yet outside Norway hardly anyone knows about it. In just over six hours and some 490km (300 miles), it covers the spectrum of Norway ’s natural splendor: climbing canyons, crossing rivers, burrowing through mountainsides, swooping past fjords and traversing barren icescapes. All aboard for the Oslo to Bergen trainline, Bergensbanen: a mainline into Norwegian nature.

This article was first published Aug 20, 2019 and updated Jan 16, 2024.

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HappyRail has been the go-to European rail travel specialist for over 20 years. Our unique and custom-made individual rail tours are booked for you by our train travel experts and refined by years of experience. You recieve a comprehensive information package for every travel day, including travel descriptions, maps, all tickets and reservations, and more. Flexibility Our Rail tours are fully flexible in length. Customize your stay at each stop in the tours according to your own wishes. For each tour, a set of stations across Europe are available as selectable starting points from where we book all the train tickets you need. Feel free reach out to our train travel experts for further advice! Swiss rail tours For those who can't get enough of luxury, comfort, and breathtaking views, Switzerland is a dream destination. Every rail tour through Switzerland is unique, and with a wide range of options, there's always a tour that suits you. No panoramic train will be missed during a Switzerland tour. Thanks to the panoramic windows and the leisurely pace of the Glacier Express, you can fully enjoy the most beautiful parts of the Swiss Alps. The Bernina Express takes you through thirteen tunnels, 52 viaducts, and the famous spiral viaduct to the Italian border. Views of mountain passes and lakes will also be part of your tour. In short, a train tour in Switzerland offers endless variety and is highly recommended. We offer three distinct rail tours in Switzerland, each with it's own combination of scenic railways, as well as the  Grand Tour of Europe  and  Heart of Europe  rail tours across multiple countries but also featuring the best of Switzerland's scenic railways. Mediterranean Train Tours The countries around the Mediterranean are suitable for more than just relaxation: they are also fantastic destinations for (active) rail tours. You can discover the authentic villages of Cinque Terre in Italy. Combined with cities like Rome and Florence into one rail tour, you'll explore this beautiful part of Italy in a way that no other mode of transportation allows. Italian high-speed trains are the fastest and most comfortable way to explore the country. In Spain, a tour through the undiscovered north of the country or a trip through breathtaking Andalusia might be the perfect journey for you. Direct local or high-speed trains take you from one fascinating city to another, with hotels and train itineraries booked based on years of experience. For island lovers, train tours are possible in Sicily and Corsica , where our package rail tours also contain tickets with comfortable sea-view cabins on the boats to and from the islands, and where you stay in the most authentic local hotels. Scandinavian rail tours Discover Norway at its best with one of our train tours. Our favorite is the Norway in a Nutshell: no highlight is missed. You'll ride through the diverse landscape between Oslo and Vatnahalsen on the famous Bergen Railway, in the luxury and comfort of Norwegian trains. You can continue the perhaps most beautiful train journey in the world with the world-famous Flåm Railway, followed by a boat and train journey through the impressive Nærøyfjord to Bergen. From Bergen, you can choose to continue traveling with the Hurtigruten to get a view of the beautiful Norwegian fjords, and the Dovre Railway is a train ride that cannot be missed during your train tour of Norway. If, after all these beautiful train rides, you still can't get enough of the stunning Scandinavian landscape, a train tour of Norway can also be perfectly combined with a train tour of Sweden and Finland! The Inlandsbanan is one of the most beautiful train routes in all of Scandinavia. The 1296-kilometer railway runs straight through Sweden with the most beautiful views along the way: endless forests, rivers, bridges, lakes, and even wildlife will pass by during the journey. In addition to a visit to Stockholm, many come to Sweden for Swedish Lapland, known for its wild landscape and the chance to see the Northern Lights in winter. Cross the Arctic Circle in this area with the Arctic Circle train or travel with one of the many other comfortable night trains through the Swedish landscape. Finally, a train tour through Sweden can also be perfectly combined with a tour of Norway and Finland if you're looking for even more variation of unique natural phenomena. Germany, Austria & central Europe Europe's most impressive historical cities can be found in it's heartland. You'll also find some of the most comfortable express trains here, with dining cars and comfortable 1st class or even business class carriages. A best-seller, with good reason is the  Highlights of Austria  rail tour, combining comfortable direct express trains with the prettiest cities in Austria, travelling through landscapes straight out of the Sound of Music movie. Vienna and Salzburg are cities you must have visited at least once. The Romantic Road railtour takes you through fairytale-like landscapes and Germany, where you get to see medieval castles and villages that look like they are stuck in time. The Historic Cities of Eastern Germany and Central Europe tours meanwhile focus on the most historically interesting cities anywhere in Europe. The  Heart of Europe  tour takes you to the most impressive cities of 7 countries, It includes many scenic railways like the Transalpine railway through the Austrian Alps and the famous Swiss Glacier Express. Cruises on the beautiful Danube and over the Bodensee lake complete this unforgettable holiday.

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5 Helpful Tips for Traveling by Train in Europe

T rains are a comfortable and convenient way to travel around Europe. They're perfect for day trips from one town to another, as you can hop on a quick train instead of renting a car. They're also a good alternative to flying when traveling between major cities, such as Paris to Nice or Barcelona to Madrid. Prices are usually affordable, plus you can earn bonus rewards on train tickets with certain travel credit cards .

If you haven't done much train travel before, it's normal to have some questions. How early should you arrive? Can you bring heavy luggage? It's not always easy to find answers to everything, especially since some train company websites are tricky to navigate.

My wife and I spent the summer in Europe, and we took trains often. Here's what we learned along the way.

1. Search on Trainline, and book at least a few days in advance for longer trips

Europe has quite a few train companies. I recommend using Trainline to compare options. You can see which train companies provide service on the route you want to book, travel times, and prices. Once you've found tickets, you can book through Trainline or go to the train company's website to do it.

Although you can also get tickets at the station, it's better to book in advance for longer trips. If it's a popular route, ticket availability could be limited. You may need to book a more expensive ticket if nothing else is available.

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On shorter day trips, getting tickets at the station isn't normally a problem. You also can be flexible about when you head back if you haven't booked tickets in advance. Whether you book online or at the station, train companies normally accept credit cards . Just make sure to use one with no foreign transaction fees .

2. Always double check the train stations when booking

Many cities have multiple train stations. Paris, for example, has six of them. If one station is right next to your hotel, you'll want to make sure you arrive there, and not at the station all the way across town.

Keep this in mind when you book tickets so you know where your departure and arrival stations are. I made this mistake when traveling from Montpellier to Paris. We had already taken trains in Montpellier before, so I assumed the train to Paris would depart from the station five minutes from our apartment. The morning of our trip, I realized it was actually departing from a station 30 minutes away. Fortunately, we made it in time, but it was a close call.

3. The luggage rules are flexible, but there isn't always much space available

Traveling light is always more convenient, but sometimes, it's not feasible. Since we were spending months in Europe, and we're the farthest thing from backpackers, we had some large, heavy luggage. I tried researching luggage rules before each trip, but not all train companies provided much information.

Here's what I learned from experience: Train companies aren't strict at all about luggage. I never saw anyone being forced to weigh their luggage or told that they couldn't bring it on board. The unwritten rule seems to be that if you can lift it yourself, you're good to go. I'd still recommend seeing if you can find the train company's luggage rules to play it safe. But if you just have typical luggage, even a large checked bag, you can most likely bring it on board without issue.

However, there's not always a lot of space to put your luggage. This depends on the train and how busy it is. On most trains, there were luggage racks with enough space for our bags. But there were also trains without luggage racks, or where all the space was already taken. In this situation, you just need to put your luggage on the floor, ideally somewhere it isn't blocking a walkway.

4. You can reserve premium seats and even an entire compartment

Just like when you fly, there are premium seats available on trains. The exact options depend on the train. Smaller trains may have one or two types of seats. Others offer several, sometimes including private compartments with seating for four passengers.

If you're going to be on the train for hours, I'd suggest getting a premium seat if it works for your budget. They're more comfortable, and they usually aren't that much more expensive. It's nothing like the price difference between flying economy and flying business class .

The private compartments are great if you're traveling with friends or family. You can also reserve these if you don't have four people, but make sure to check if you'll still have the whole compartment to yourself. Some train companies let you reserve the whole compartment and charge you a higher price per ticket if you have fewer than four people. Others charge the same ticket price, but there's the possibility someone else could also book the remaining seats, and you end up sharing the compartment with strangers (it's as awkward as it sounds).

5. You don't need to arrive too early -- 30 minutes is more than enough

An advantage of taking the train instead of flying is that you don't need to arrive early. There's no lengthy security check where you take off your shoes and take your laptop out of your bag. At the station, you walk to the platform where your train is, scan your ticket along the way, and board.

There's no need to arrive an hour before departure time. Waiting around at train stations isn't that enjoyable, either. Train stations can be hectic, with travelers everywhere and nowhere to sit. Some train companies have lounges available if you book a premium seat. But to be honest, the lounges I've seen are nothing special. It's not like the airport lounge access available through many credit cards.

If you're there 15 minutes to 30 minutes before departure, that's fine. I'd suggest arriving 30 minutes early if you're unfamiliar with the station. It's occasionally tricky to find the train platform, especially in large stations, so it's nice to have a little breathing room.

If you get the chance, taking the train while you travel Europe is well worth it. It's a travel method that's not available in much of the United States, it's relaxing, and the views can be spectacular.

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One train, three countries and a £7 ticket: Europe’s newest rail trip

Have a mini interrail adventure through italy, slovenia and croatia on an affordable route that takes in the adriatic’s aristocratic history.

I ’m riding a Slovenian train from Italy to Croatia, on a line built by the Austro-Hungarian Empire 150 years ago. Back then railroading Viennese royalty could breakfast in Trieste, shoot Slovenian game for lunch, then catch a show in a theatre decorated by Gustav Klimt in Rijeka, Croatia. A five-hour version of the route continued into the 1980s.

Now, after more than 30 years, the line between the port cities of Trieste and Rijeka was reinstated to run until late September, with a view to operating long term. It’s now a two-hour dash across three countries that costs £7. But since Croatia joined the Schengen zone last year you can hop on, hop off at any of eight Italian, Slovenian or Croatian stations on the new route. I chose to travel over a long weekend, buying a new ticket from the conductor for a few euros each leg. I was one of the first passengers.

My journey started in Trieste. Until 1918 the Italian city was the principal port of the Austrian Habsburg monarchy. The port ran like clockwork to import coffee beans from the Ottoman Empire to perk up the Austro-Hungarians. Trieste remains a regular Vienna-on-Sea. Locals pause punctiliously at zebra crossings. Triestini are still thought to sip more coffee than the inhabitants of any other Italian city.

At Antico Caffè Torinese I go local by ordering a capo in B (a heart-starting cappuccino in a bicchiere , or glass). This grand Trieste establishment stocks a zany selection of liqueurs forgotten in newer cafés: amaro d’erbe made with iris and mugwort; infuso di rabarbaro powered by rhubarb and a high alcohol content. However, café patrons wear blue jeans and puffer jackets rather than stylish Italian garb — this is Mitteleuropa meets the Med.

Outside the café I ride a bus to Miramare Castle, Trieste’s Habsburg must-see. The neo-gothic mansion was built by charismatic Archduke Ferdinand Maximilian, the spare-heir to Emperor Franz Joseph, who ruled the empire until 1916. The castle’s Aztec eagle motifs hint at the Habsburg’s global gallivanting, which climaxed in Maximilian becoming emperor of Mexico — where he was eventually executed by a firing squad.

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I stay at funky new hotel the Modernist. Imagine a stylish Italian escape meticulously run by Austrians — perfect (B&B doubles from £103; themodernisthotel.eu). James Joyce wrote and drank around the corner during the final days of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, and once reflected: “[Trieste] was a ramshackle affair but it was charming, gay.” Habsburg machinations would result in Joyce’s departure in 1915, when the empire’s twin ports of Trieste and Rijeka became divided by politics. I’ll cross that former Cold War border tomorrow.

On day two I board the 7.50am train to Rijeka from a small station in the ritzy northern Trieste suburb of Villa Opicina, a ten-minute cab ride from Trieste’s main station. En route I savour a breakfast box prepared by the Modernist: a child’s fantasy consisting of one cake, three biscuits, two fruit yoghurts and a brownie. At 8am my phone pings as I cross mobile networks into Slovenia and gaze out from the new train’s picture windows. Drystone walls are razor straight. Rows of winter cabbages stand to attention. Unlike in Italy, everything is organised just so.

At 8.54am I alight at the charming Slovenian town Ilirska Bistrica, which has been governed by five regimes since 1918: the Austro-Hungarian Empire, Italy, the German Reich, Yugoslavia and now Slovenia. During the interwar period Ilirska Bistrica’s Italian overlords built 60 miles of tarmacked forest roads. These have been turned into cycle tracks in Slovenia’s most bike-mad town. I navigate them on one of the eight ebikes for rent from the tourist office in the town’s centre (£22 a day; visitilirskabistrica.si). The topography is Austria for softies: a green sheen of forest ringed by the snow-dusted Julian Alps, plus mossy streams that could double as a screensaver.

I pedal my ebike past some of the town’s 40 watermills. They once milled flour for the Austrians and sliced wood to box up Italian lemons. Ilirska Bistrica (population about 4,500) has always been international. I sample the town’s signature dish of sauerkraut, introduced by French engineers who helped to build the railway for the Austrians in the 1870s, before pedalling over to the honey producer Andrej Bergoc and the floral artist Sonja Prosen’s freshly renovated 18th-century cottage Belakapa (one night’s self-catering for six from £171; belakapa.si).

The couple give me their homestay’s honey-tasting experience (£34pp). It starts with sparkling honey wine and Slovenian sheep cheese that Bergoc traded for several jars. The highlight is the honey degustation. I try my host’s linden honey (menthol, chewy) and chestnut honey (spicy, smoky) chased by three shots of apple-honey liqueur, before settling into a sweet sleep. The next morning Bergoc makes me an omelette with his hens’ eggs and asparagus plucked from his garden. If only all Airbnbs were like this.

The next day, I board the new train at 8.55am. For 40 minutes we barrel through plum blossom and poppies before punching through a tunnel onto Croatia’s sunny coast. Opatija-Matulji railway station is choked in bougainvillea and has its own rose garden and vegetable plot. Plus a wooden swing from which to enjoy the sun-licked, clickety-click mise en place. I’m betting the adjoining resort of Opatija is fabulous.

And it is. Fifteen years after the train line arrived in 1873, 85 grand hotels and villas graced this rococo resort. These include the Heritage Hotel Imperial, where I check in. The Imperial has an imposing staircase wide enough for a hussar to gallop a horse up, and a ballroom (now the breakfast room) ceiling of Sistine complexity. At the turn of the 20th century hotel staff hailed from across the Austro-Hungarian Empire: Prague, Lviv, Krakow, Sarajevo. Last month several new staff arrived from the Philippines and Nepal (B&B doubles from £99; liburnia.hr).

To get my bearings I hike the seven-mile Lungomare seafront promenade. It’s a gorgeous symphony of Austrian architecture, Italian peacocking and Croatian coast. Greenfinches serenade the trail. Terraces edge towards the Adriatic carrying the scent of jasmine, iris and rose. This is Croatia’s answer to Capri or Cannes.

Lunch is fancy. Restaurant Bevanda could cater for an oligarch’s daughter’s wedding. Vast window panes overlook a shimmering Adriatic. I start with a tartare of Opatija’s famous prawns drawn from the Kvarner Gulf. Anchovies that taste like seaside jerky and octopus as crunchy as seafood chips follow. Just offshore, tuna hunt sardines that jump from the water. Seafood doesn’t get fresher.

The next morning only a ten-minute journey remains along the new train line. At 9.37am we meander to Rijeka like a clinking voyeur, past balcony breakfasters and laptop-tappers. Rijeka’s seafront railway station looks like a Habsburg wedding cake, built to impose. I arrive to witness a marathon, an outdoor jazz festival and a superyacht leaving port. Trieste’s twin brother is buzzing.

I visit the Sugar Palace opposite the station first. The former headquarters of the city’s sugar refinery is now a museum that shows — using blocks of sugarloaf, ocean liner models and fin de siècle fashions — how the port became Vienna’s window on the world. Nearby hotels such as the Lloyd and the Europa welcomed wealthy migrants, including the newsman Joseph Pulitzer and the inventor Nikola Tesla, who took ships directly to the New World from Rijeka.

My accommodation is even more central. Botel was once an Adriatic ferry that served Mali Losinj, an island that tempts across the bay. It has been sympathetically converted into a floating hotel with wooden panelling, exposed engines and deckchairs on the roof (room-only doubles from £83; botelmarina.com).

On my final morning I’m up early. Rijeka’s fish market looks like a Viennese palace filled with gilthead bream, clams of all sizes and swordfish spears. Michael Palin called it a “cathedral of fish”. This architectural wonder was completed in 1916. Two years later the polyglot Austro-Hungarian Empire was a train wreck. Its motto of “indivisibiliter ac inseparabiliter” (indivisible and inseparable) was sliced like the train tracks from Rijeka onwards. Miklos Horthy, the vice-admiral of the empire’s navy, who had attended naval academy in Rijeka, became the leader of land-locked Hungary.

There’s time for one last lunch. Since 1885 Conca d’Oro has served local fish in an alleyway frescoed with portraits of city figures. My waiter Dominik Mihic tells me how wasabi and sesame oil have infiltrated the city’s salty soul. A seafood platter that might cost £100 in London is £30 here, and could fill a family with carpaccio of octopus and prosciutto-style dried tuna. I’d love to lie down on the pine-scented beaches of Sablicevo, a 20-minute walk from Rijeka city centre, but I have a train to catch. On the 6.25pm to Trieste the sun sets on Slovenian hills and Italian villas. The aristocratic Adriatic is back on track. Tristan Rutherford travelled as a guest of the Croatia National Tourist Board ( croatia.hr ), Belakapa and the Modernist. Trains run daily in both directions from Trieste to Rijeka from £7 one-way (tickets bought on board). Fly or take the train to Trieste

Where to stay in Rijeka

1. hilton rijeka costabella beach resort & spa.

A 15-minute cab ride from downtown, this is Rijeka’s prime address. It’s the resort with it all: a 43m-long infinity pool, private (pebble) beach, kids’ club (ages 4-12) and six restaurants. The biggie is the Michelin-starred Nebo (tasting menu £125; neborijeka.com), which elevates local amberjack and shellfish with foraged asparagus and heirloom apple varieties. Rooms including suites and two-bedroom family apartments are contemporary: the Costabella opened in 2020 to coincide with Rijeka’s Capital of Culture celebrations. Most rooms enjoy a thumping panorama over Croatia’s Istria peninsula. Saltwater fiends can try wakeboarding, flyboarding or paddleboard yoga on the calm Kvarner Bay out front. Details B&B doubles from £135 (hilton.com)

2. Old Town Inn

This vintage charmer is just off Korzo, Rijeka’s buzziest boulevard. Built in the 19th century, stone arches frame the foyer, while vaulted brick ceilings grace the guesthouse’s fancier rooms. The Old Town Inn is individual and highly rated — but petite. Some of the clean, white en suite showers are shaped to fit slanting ceilings. Steep steps mean the hotel, welcoming though it is, is not accessible to all. Details Room-only doubles from £54 (oldtown.rest)

No accommodation captures Rijeka’s salty soul like Botel. Built in the 1930s, this former ferry chugged to nearby islands including Silba and Mali Losinj until 2007. It is now reincarnated as a floating hotel with exposed engine parts and steep naval staircases. The location is unsurpassed: slap bang in the centre of this port city. One, two, three and four-person rooms are basic and bright. Most have portholes that peep out onto yachts anchored alongside. The best part? Botel’s alfresco bar on the stern. Sink a flinty malvasia white wine or local Pan Zlatni lager on tap. Details Room-only doubles from £66 (botelmarina.com)

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How a rail pass could be just the ticket for cheap travel across Europe for all ages

Across europe, budget-friendly initiatives are designed to tempt people out of their cars and into more sustainable forms of transport.

Travelling by train can be less stressful and more sustainable than touring by car during the summer. Photograph: iStock

Slow travel is back in fashion. Fearful of climate concerns, an increasing number of people are opting to swap the faster – and let’s be honest, often cheaper – flight option for a ferry/rail/bike combination.

But even if you can’t afford the time required for a slower trip to your destination, flying but then swapping a rental car for the train this summer can still make sense.

It may also save you money, thanks to initiatives across Europe aimed at getting people out of their cars and back on the train.

So, with this in mind, here are some options for low-cost travel this summer. Each has their own rules and, in general, they don’t offer travel on the high-speed services, so it will pay to examine the terms and conditions of each closely before you purchase.

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Cost: €49 a month

Eligibility: Open to all

Where to buy: Irish residents can buy a rail pass via bahn.de or the DB Navigator app. The original European low-cost rail ticket, the €9-a-month pass, was launched in the aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic, offering unlimited travel across Germany. More than 50 million passes were bought by residents and tourists but, unfortunately, it was just a temporary measure.

The good news is that while its replacement is more expensive, at €49 a month, it is here to stay.

The Deutschland-Ticket (D-ticket) is now valid right across Germany, on all local public transport, including the RB, RE, S-Bahn trains (SPNV) and also on public transport such as buses, trams, subways, etc. (ÖPNV) – but not the high-speed ICE trains.

Berlin's Brandenburg Gate: A ticket from the city to Cologne on the intercity train will cost about €80 one way, so the slower Deutschland-Ticket (D-ticket) is a better option. Photograph: iStock

This means that while you can still travel by rail from Munich to Berlin, for example, it will take longer than the faster intercity option. But it will save you money. A ticket from Berlin to Cologne on the faster intercity train will cost about €80 one way, for example.

[  ‘The journey takes as long as it should’: can Ireland join the train revolution?  ]

A word of warning. The ticket is only available on a monthly subscription basis, so be sure to cancel it – by the 10th of the month – once you no longer need it.

Eligibility: Those aged 27 and under

Where to buy: The new “pass rail” is expected to go on sale in June via SNCF Connect

Catch an Olympics soccer match in Nice, then head to Marseilles for some bouillabaisse. Keep going west to catch some waves, then fly home from Biarritz.

This year the French government is set to launch the new “pass rail”, which targets those aged 27 and under. The pass will be eligible on local TER as well as intercity trains – but not the more expensive, high-speed TGVs. It also won’t apply to the Île de France region (ie Paris).

If you’re a little older than 27, there are other passes to consider in l’Hexagone, as the country is sometimes referred to. If you’re heading to the southeast of France, for example, you could consider “le Pass Occitanie Rail Tour”. Covering regional routes operated by liO Train across the Occitania region, it covers towns including Montpellier, Rodez, Nimes and Toulouse. Intercity and TGV trains are excluded.

If you’re heading to the southeast of France, consider 'le Pass Occitanie Rail Tour'. It covers towns including Montpellier, Rodez, Nimes and Toulouse (above). Intercity and TGV trains are excluded. Photograph: iStock

The pass would, for instance, allow you to fly to Toulouse, then take a bike or a boat on the Canal-de-Midi before getting the train to Carcassonne for some medieval viewing, and head south for a beach holiday in Argelès-sur-mer or Collioure, via Narbonne and Perpignan.

The pass costs from €20 for two days of consecutive travel and up to €60 for six consecutive days of travel. You can buy it at www.ter.sncf.com/occitanie .

In Brittany, if you haven’t opted to take the ferry and drive, you could consider a TER BreizhGo pass. For €55, you and up to four other travellers can enjoy unlimited travel in the region for two days, including the weekend. A seven-day pass is available at €110.

If you fly to Rennes for example, you could take the train to see the walled town of St Malo, and enjoy the beaches in the area, before travelling west to Quimper or Vannes.

Cost: €18 for one week/€35 for one month

Eligibility: Under 26

Where to buy: www.belgiantrain.be

If you’re spending a week, or a month, in Belgium this summer, the Youth Holidays pass offers excellent value, starting at just €18 for unlimited travel across the country.

The catch? You have to be under 26, and the pass only applies in the summer holidays. This year it will work from June 29th until September 1st.

The Grand Place, Brussels, Belgium: If you’re spending a week, or a month, in Belgium, the Youth Holidays pass offers excellent value, starting at just €18 for unlimited travel. Photograph: iStock

You can use the pass to travel to and from Brussels airport, but a supplement (€6.70) will apply. You can also travel part of the way to Charleroi Airport, which is where Ryanair flies into, with the pass.

Cost: €49 (no further discounts available)

Eligibility: Everyone

Where to buy: At a Comboios de Portugal office

Fly to Porto with Ryanair and after a few days sipping port and eating sardines, take the train down to Lisbon, with some stops on the way in Aveiro and Fatima. Then on to Cascais for some lounging on the beach, before hitting Albufeira and the Algarve. Get the train direct to Faro and choose between Ryanair and Aer Lingus to fly home to Ireland. All without renting a car, and all for the princely sum of just €49 each.

If this sounds like a plan, you should consider the Passe Ferroviário Nacional, or National Train Pass.

You will have to get a CP card for €6 at a ticket office, for which you will need some passport pictures (CP stands for train operator Comboios de Portugal). The pass will then be loaded onto the CP card.

The old town of Porto, in Portugal, across the Douro River: Consider the Passe Ferroviário Nacional, or National Train Pass, for getting around. Photograph: iStock

If you want to hit the Algarve after Lisbon, bear in mind that you will have to pay extra for this as the route is an intercity one and not part of the regional route network covered by the pass. However, once in Portimao, you can again use your CP pass to travel up and down the region, including to the airport in Faro.

Don’t expect the pass to offer access to the swiftest train; Porto to Lisbon will take less than three hours on the intercity train. With the national pass, you will be confined to regional trains, and so should expect trip times of closer to five hours.

You can claim a refund for any time portion of the pass you don’t use.

Cost: €88 four days/€128 for five-day pass (€64 for a child)

Eligibility: Adults/adults + children

Where to buy: Selected ticket offices including Dublin Heuston and Connolly; Cork, Limerick, Sligo and Waterford. The passes are not available online.

If you’d rather stay in Ireland this summer and travel around via rail, you also have some options – although they’re not as attractive as those available on the Continent.

[  20 great holiday destinations to visit in 2024  ]

With a Trekker pass, for example, you’ll pay €88 for four days of consecutive travel – so travel from Dublin to Cork on a Monday for example, down to Killarney on a Tuesday, up to Limerick on a Wednesday and back to Dublin on the Thursday. Buying the pass would save you money – an adult open return ticket from Dublin to Cork is €71.20 for example. However, the timeframe is particularly tight.

A better option might be an Explorer ticket, which costs €128 for five days of travel – but this time you’ll get 15 days to do it all in.

Finally, if being confined to just one country doesn’t float your boat, why not consider an Inter Rail pass? Equally attractive for both the young and the young at heart, the pass now covers 33 European countries.

While it may not be as keenly priced as the one-country passes mentioned above, if used well, you can certainly cover plenty of ground at a low cost.

A second-class seven-day pass, for example (to be used for travel within a one-month timeframe), will cost €286 for someone aged between 12 and 27 (youthpass); €381 for an adult aged between 28 and 59; or €343 for someone aged 60 or over. You can upgrade to first class for an extra €93 per person.

Children aged 11 and under are free, and you can buy a pass online at interrail.eu .

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Rachel Schnalzer

Senior Writer

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 as well as Villány’s charming streets. 

Finish your adventure with a regional train ride to Osijek, a riverside city in eastern Croatia many travelers miss out on in favor of the country’s tourism hotspots. Don’t miss the 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, known as starting points 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 beloved 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 that travelers can easily spend a few days discovering. 

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.

Ready to experience summer in Europe? With Eurail, you can: 

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