Train travel is the best way to travel through Europe.
Not to knock the impromptu pit stops of a private car or the camaraderie of a bus, but rail travel offers an incomparable experience. Thousands of miles of rail line crisscross the continent, connecting travelers to dazzling destinations like capitals of culture and under-the-radar retreats.
With astounding landscapes you can only view from the window of a train car, we have a feeling some of Europe’s most scenic train rides will convince you to embrace slow travel.
Best Way to Travel Europe by Train
You’ve got a multitude of options for train travel in Europe. Night trains are popular ways to count sheep during a long journey, but think twice before booking that sleeper car. Some of the best train rides in Europe offer amazing views of mountain ranges, riversides, and charming towns.
The best way to travel Europe by train means seeking out the routes that get you to your destination with comfort and convenience. Thankfully, most routes offer a pleasant picture-perfect view no matter which seat you choose.
If it's a scenic journey you’re searching for, allow us to suggest some of our favorite train rides from the UK and Spain all the way to Bavaria and the Balkans.
Best Train Rides in Europe
Magical Journeys
Fort William to Mallaig, Scotland: The formal name of the Jacobite Steam Train might not ring a bell, but the Hogwarts Express should. Indeed, this train route takes you across the now-iconic Glenfinnan Viaduct as featured in the Harry Potter series.
Munich to Füssen, Germany: Ripped from the pages of a fairytale, Neuschwanstein Castle sits in the Bavarian countryside less than 60 miles from Munich. The Bavarian Alps provide a backdrop almost as majestic as the 19th-century palace itself.
Coach-to-Coast
La Spezia to Levanto, Italy: Instead of fighting car traffic on the Amalfi Coast, head north to gorgeous Cinque Terre where five villages sit along a rocky cliffside. Hop on or off at any village to discover panoramic lookouts and laidback swimming holes.
Alicante to Benidorm, Spain: The Spanish coastline of Costa Blanca is a stunning, year-round holiday haven. Filled with white sand beaches, picturesque villages, and fabulous resorts, this train route has vacation vibes written all over it.
Unexpected Adventures
Bar, Montenegro, to Belgrade, Serbia: Earn these two new passport stamps with an 11-hour jaunt from Montenegro’s sizable port city to Serbia’s capital. The night train is convenient for a snooze, but you won’t want to miss the amazing Balkan landscapes in the daylight.
Sarajevo to Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina: A shorter trip through the Balkans awaits in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Hop aboard and enjoy plenty of time to experience either city’s museums and Ottoman-era architecture.
Most Scenic Train Rides in Switzerland
A country so stunning when seen by train, Switzerland deserves a category all its own. Don’t believe us, every one of these routes will leave you breathless.
- The Glacier Express: Connecting Zermatt to St. Moritz, this 8-hour “express” is a slow stretch across Switzerland with endless views that will make you wish the journey was ten-times longer.
- The Bernina Express: Cross the Alps without an ice axe or crampon on the Bernina Express, bringing you from Chur over to Lugano in Italy.
- The Golden Pass Line: The Golden Pass Line is your golden ticket for a sampling of Switzerland’s many cantons; between Lucerne and Montreux, you’ll spy three mountain passes, six lakes, and endless photo ops.
Best App for European Train Travel
Whether you’re finely curating an unforgettable train journey across Europe or if you’re one who might treat your family to an impromptu choo-choo ride while on a European vacation, you’ll be glad you downloaded the Trainline app.
We make it easy to explore routes across countries, compare costs and timetables, and book the most scenic train rides across Europe instantly.