Travel across Europe by train
Looking for ways to travel across Europe?
Train travel offers a convenient way to go from city centre to city centre, with the flexibility to plan everything from short breaks to longer trips.
With high-speed routes connecting major destinations, it’s easy to explore more of Europe at your own pace.
Why choose train travel in Europe?
City-centre to city-centre
Arrive in the heart of your destination without additional transfers
Flexible trips
Ideal for weekend breaks, multi-city itineraries or longer stays
Comfortable journeys
More space to relax, work or enjoy the scenery along the way
Simple connections
High-speed and regional routes link major European cities
Popular European train routes
Start planning your next European getaway by train and browse our popular routes.
London to Paris
- Around 2h 15m on the Eurostar
- Direct city-centre travel
- Ideal for weekend trips, shopping and cultural breaks
Milan to Florence
- Around 2 hours
- A popular route for exploring Italy’s historic cities
Paris to Lyon
- Around 2 hours on high-speed TGV
- Great for combining city breaks with nearby countryside
London to Brussels
- Around 2 hours
- Easy access to Belgium and beyond
- Popular for short stays and food-focused trips
Madrid to Barcelona
- Around 2.5–3 hours
- Frequent high-speed services between two major destinations
Amsterdam to Brussels/Paris
- Easy cross-border travel
- Ideal for multi-city itineraries
Ideas for European trips by train
Weekend breaks
- London → Paris
- London → Amsterdam
- Paris → Brussels
Long weekends
- London → Edinburgh → Highlands (rail + onward travel)
- Milan → Florence → Rome
Multi-city trips
- Paris → Geneva → Milan
- Amsterdam → Brussels → Paris
Train travel once you're in Europe
Since most train networks in European countries are managed by one large corporation per country, often owned by the state, rail travel is relatively easy if you know the basics about the respective train company. The rail networks are interconnected, so travelling from one country to another is easy, we’ve highlighted the main countries to travel in and around by rail in Europe, check them out below.
French train travel
Most trains in France are run by SNCF – the state-owned rail company. Although you’ll enter the country from the UK via the Eurostar, once you change trains, you’ll likely find yourself on either an Intercité, TER (regional) or a high-speed TGV train. Find out more about taking the train to France, or check our guide to train travel in France.
Check out some of the most popular destinations to visit by train in France below:
German train travel
Deutsche Bahn is Germany's state-owned rail company that runs most of the country's extensive rail network. Their services are divided into long-distance high-speed ICE trains, medium-distance and regional transport. Find out more in our guide to trains in Germany.
Take a look at some of our favourite destinations to visit in Germany by train below:
Spanish train travel
If you're travelling in Spain by rail, it'll most likely be on a Renfe train service. Renfe is the primary, state-owned train operator in the country and their high-speed AVE trains offer speedy journeys between many of the major cities. To find out more, visit our dedicated Renfe page or check out our guide to travelling by train in Spain.
Take a look at some of the most popular destinations to visit in Spain by train below:
Italian train travel
Trenitalia is Italy's state-owned rail corporation. Their modern fleet of high-speed trains – known as Le Frecce – consists of three train types that can whisk you between some of the must-visit destinations like Rome, Milan and Venice. Learn more about trains in Italy.
We've highlighted some of the most visited destinations in Italy by train below:
Belgian train travel
SNCB are the main train operator in Belgium. They run services to and from all the major destinations in the country, including Brussels, Bruges and Antwerp. To find out more, read our guide on trains to Belgium, and once you're there, trains in Belgium.
We've highlighted some of the most visited destinations in Belgium by train below:
Swiss train travel
SBB are the main train operator in Switzerland, running Intercity, Regio, RegioExpress, InterRegio, S-Bahn and EuroCity trains throughout the country. You can read more about them in our guide to trains in Switzerland.
We've highlighted some of the most visited destinations in Switzerland by train below:
Austrian train travel
ÖBB are the main train operator in Austria, running highspeed Railjet services, regional and cross-border services, and night trains. Find out more in our guide to trains in Austria.
We've highlighted some of the most visited destinations in Austria by train below:
Explore closer to home
Not planning to travel far?
There are plenty of options for short breaks across the UK, with direct rail routes connecting major cities and regions.
In need of some inspiration?
Why not check out some of our guides for some trains in Europe inspiration?
Want to find out more about train travel in Europe?
So, know you know how to get the train from the UK into Europe, why not learn more about train travel once you're there? Read our guides to trains in Europe, including high-speed and sleeper services, and tips on how to buy cheap train tickets.