You’re curled up under a comfy blanket, a hot cup of tea in hand, watching the snow fall outside a European window. Only, you’re not in an English cottage like in The Holiday.
You’re on a train, gazing at Europe’s breathtaking winter landscape that no bus or plane could ever showcase.
Winter train journeys in Europe are magical, whether you’re commuting from the airport to the city or enjoying a scenic winter train ride through the mountains and countryside. Spend this snowy season dashing through the snow with a first-class cabin pass on these remarkable winter train rides through the UK and Europe.
Image Credit: Getty Images, andresr. Image Location: Finland.
The best winter train rides in Europe
What is the best train in Europe in winter?
That’s a question with an avalanche of answers. You can’t go wrong with a train journey into snow covered mountains, whether that’s the Eurostar ski train to the French Alps, the Bernina Express from the Swiss Alps through the Italian Alps, or the Semmering Railway running across the Austrian Alps. The UK isn’t left without wonder, either: the Conwy Valley Line shows the Welsh countryside in all of its wintery glory.
Is there a Christmas train in the UK?
Yes, there are multiple Christmas train rides in the United Kingdom, with the Polar Express being one of the most popular. Many of them feature visits from Santa Claus himself, like the Santa Express steam train on the Great Central Railway, while other winter train rides like the Train of Lights on the Dartmouth Steam Railway whisk you through a forest illuminated with festive lights.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Roberto Moiola / Sysaworld. Image Location: Chapella, Switzerland.
What is the best Christmas train ride?
The Santa Claus Express in Finland is considered one of the best Christmas train rides in Europe. Traveling from Helsinki to the Arctic Circle in Finnish Lapland, this double-decker night train lets you visit Santa’s home, say hello to his reindeer, and capture an unforgettable holiday experience under the northern lights.
The best Christmas train ride in Europe depends on who you’re traveling with and how much whimsy you want. One of the most memorable involves a little DIY, but taking the train through Germany’s Christmas markets is magical. For instance, purchasing a German rail pass that allows you to travel via winter train to Christmas markets in Frankfurt, Dresden, Rothenburg ob der Tauber, and more.
Scenic winter train rides in the UK and Europe
Throw on your favorite jumper, grab a Christmas pudding to-go, and hop on these scenic winter train rides around Scotland, Switzerland, Germany and more.
The West Highland Line | Scotland
It’s one of the best snowy train rides and one of the most scenic in the world no matter the season: Scotland’s West Highland Line runs from Glasgow to Crianlarich and is easily accessible via a one-hour connection from Edinburgh.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Kevin Gorton. Image Location: Bourg-Saint-Maurice, France.
Eurostar Snow Train | London, England to Bourg-Saint-Maurice, France
The Eurostar ski train returns to connect London to the French Alps. The views throughout the ride on this winter train are only rivaled by the breathtaking sights you’ll find when the train comes to a stop at the ski resorts.
The Mariazellerbahn Scenic Railway | St. Pölten to Mariazell, Switzerland
Through tunnels, across valleys, and between mountains, the Mariazellerbahn is ideal for anyone who wants to take a slow scenic winter train ride. The route has over a dozen stops for you to explore while bundled from head to toe.
Image Credit: Getty Images, RelaxFoto.de. Image Location: Brocken, Germany.
Harz Steam Railway Brockenbahn | Drei Annen Hohne to Brocken, Germany
One of the best snowy train rides to take during the Christmas season is a journey into the Harz Mountains of Germany. This old-school steam train takes you from town through the forest and up to the peak of Mount Brocken for a wonderful winter view.
Venice-Simplon Orient Express | France to Italy
The legendary train route is now running into December, allowing you to soak up the scenery between Paris and Verona or Venice, as well as a four-course meal and caroling in the piano bar carriage.
Download the Trainline app today and start planning your majestic scenic winter train ride or magical Christmas train rides through Europe today.
Header Image Credit: Rhätische Bahn, Erik Süsskind. Image Location:Montebello-Kurve, Switzerland.