Train Travel in Europe: The Most Beautiful Routes and Best Tips
Why the train is replacing the aeroplane as the travel mode of choice – and how to find the best routes, passes and bargain fares.
15 minutes
1. Why Train Travel is the New Flying
Europe is experiencing a renaissance of train travel. More and more people are consciously choosing against budget airlines and for the train – not out of necessity, but out of conviction. The reasons are clear: A train journey from Berlin to Paris produces only about one-tenth of the CO2 emissions of the same flight. On the route from Munich to Vienna, you save about 95% CO2 by taking the train compared to flying.
But sustainability is just one argument. Train travel also means: no security check, no arriving 2 hours early at the airport, no baggage limit of 7 kg. You board at the main train station, sit down in your seat with legroom, and watch the Alps, vineyards, or coastal landscapes pass by. Power outlets, Wi-Fi, and an onboard restaurant are often included. The journey itself becomes an experience.
And the numbers speak for themselves: On routes under 600 km, the train is often just as fast as the airplane – when you factor in the journey to the airport, check-in, security control, and transfer to the city center. The TGV covers Paris – Lyon in 2 hours, the ICE Hamburg – Berlin in 1:45 hours. No plane is really faster on these routes.
Rule of thumb: For train journeys under 4 hours, flying is almost never worth it – neither in terms of time nor financially.
2. The Most Beautiful Train Routes in Europe
Europe offers some of the most spectacular train routes in the world. Here are the routes that belong on every bucket list:
Glacier Express (Switzerland)
The "slowest express train in the world" connects Zermatt with St. Moritz in about 8 hours. The route passes over 291 bridges and through 91 tunnels, past glaciers, deep gorges, and the famous Landwasser Viaduct. Panorama cars with glass roofs provide unobstructed views of the Alpine landscape. Reservation is mandatory.
- Route: Zermatt – St. Moritz (approx. 290 km)
- Duration: approx. 8 hours
- Price: from 158 CHF (2nd class, incl. reservation)
- Best time: June to October for clear visibility
Bernina Express (Switzerland – Italy)
UNESCO World Heritage on rails: The Bernina Express travels from Chur over the Bernina Pass (2,253 m) to Tirano in Italy. The route is considered one of the steepest adhesion railways in the world – without cogwheel, only by friction. Highlights include the circular viaduct at Brusio and the ride along Lake Bianco.
- Route: Chur – Tirano (approx. 145 km)
- Duration: approx. 4 hours
- Price: from 67 CHF (2nd class) + 16 CHF reservation
- Best time: Year-round – snowy Alpine landscape in winter
Venice Simplon-Orient-Express
The epitome of luxurious train travel. The restored Art Deco carriages from the 1920s travel from London via Paris to Venice – or vice versa. Multi-course dinners in the dining car, a pianist in the bar, and cabins with polished wood make this journey a unique experience. Not for small budgets, but absolutely unforgettable.
- Route: London – Paris – Venice
- Duration: approx. 24 hours (with overnight stay)
- Price: from approx. 3,000 Euro per person
- Season: March to November
Flåmsbana (Norway)
One of the steepest standard gauge railways in the world runs from Myrdal down to the Aurlandsfjord to Flåm. Over just 20 km, the train overcomes 866 meters in altitude – passing roaring waterfalls, through hand-dug tunnels, and along steep mountain slopes. The train stops at the Kjosfossen waterfall for a photo opportunity.
- Route: Myrdal – Flåm (20 km)
- Duration: approx. 1 hour
- Price: from 400 NOK (approx. 35 Euro)
- Tip: Combine with the Bergen Railway (Oslo – Bergen)
West Highland Line (Scotland)
Famous from the Harry Potter films: The Glenfinnan Viaduct with its 21 arches is the star of this route from Glasgow to Mallaig. But the entire route through the Scottish Highlands – past lochs, moors, and lonely valleys – is breathtaking. The historic steam train "The Jacobite" operates in summer.
- Route: Glasgow – Mallaig (approx. 265 km)
- Duration: approx. 5.5 hours (regular train)
- Price: from 30 GBP (regular train), approx. 70 GBP (The Jacobite)
- Best time: May to September for long days
Cinque Terre Railway (Italy)
The five colorful fishing villages along the Ligurian coast – Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore – are connected by regional trains in just a few minutes. The short distances between the villages offer spectacular views of the turquoise Mediterranean and the steep cliffs.
- Route: La Spezia – Levanto (approx. 20 km)
- Duration: approx. 30 minutes for all 5 villages
- Price: Cinque Terre Card from 16 Euro/day (train + hiking trails)
- Tip: In the off-season (April/May or October) significantly fewer tourists
3. Interrail & Eurail Pass – is it worth it?
The Interrail Pass (for European residents) or Eurail Pass (for non-Europeans) allows unlimited train travel in up to 33 European countries. But is the pass really worth it? The honest answer: It depends.
When Interrail is worth it:
- For 3+ train journeys over long distances within the validity period
- In countries with expensive single tickets (Switzerland, Scandinavia, France)
- If you want to stay flexible and change routes spontaneously
- For young travelers under 27 – there is up to 25% discount
The most important pass options and prices (2nd class, adults):
| Pass Type | Validity | Price from |
|---|---|---|
| Global Pass – Flexi | 4 travel days in 1 month | 211 Euro |
| Global Pass – Flexi | 7 travel days in 1 month | 297 Euro |
| Global Pass – Continuous | 15 days continuously | 389 Euro |
| Global Pass – Continuous | 1 month continuously | 509 Euro |
| One Country Pass (e.g. Italy) | 3 travel days in 1 month | 119 Euro |
When Interrail is NOT worth it: If you are only planning 1–2 trips, traveling in countries with very cheap train prices (Germany with DB-Sparpreise, Czech Republic, Poland) or only taking night trains (these require a paid reservation of 20–50 Euro despite the pass).
Tip: Always calculate! Add up the single tickets for your planned routes and compare with the pass price plus reservation costs. The Interrail app helps with planning.
4. Night Trains – Sleeping to Your Destination
Night trains are experiencing an impressive comeback. You board in the evening, sleep in your compartment, and wake up in a new city in the morning – saving a hotel night, not losing a vacation day. Here are the most important night train connections in Europe:
ÖBB NightJet – the Market Leader
The Austrian Federal Railways (ÖBB) operate the largest night train network in Europe. From Germany, you can reach Vienna, Zurich, Venice, Rome, Milan, Croatia, Amsterdam, and many other destinations. Three comfort levels are available:
- Seating Car: from 29.90 Euro – functional, but little sleeping comfort
- Sleeping Car (Couchette): from 49.90 Euro – 4 or 6 bed compartment with pillow and blanket
- Sleeping Car (Sleeper): from 89.90 Euro – 1–3 bed compartment with sink, breakfast included
Popular routes: Hamburg – Vienna (from 29.90 Euro), Munich – Rome (from 29.90 Euro), Berlin – Zurich (from 29.90 Euro), Vienna – Amsterdam (from 29.90 Euro).
European Sleeper
The new connection Brussels – Amsterdam – Berlin (from 2024 also to Prague and Dresden) is operated by a private consortium. Prices start at around 49 Euro in the sleeping car. The concept targets a young, environmentally conscious audience with modern design and sustainable orientation.
Caledonian Sleeper (Scotland)
From London Euston, it goes overnight to Edinburgh, Glasgow, Fort William, Inverness, or Aberdeen. The new carriages offer single and double cabins with private bathrooms – luxury on Scottish rails. Breakfast is served in the compartment or in the club car while the Highlands pass by outside.
- Price: from 55 GBP (Seat), from 100 GBP (Berth), from 220 GBP (Room)
- Tip: Book early – the cheap rates sell out quickly
Other Night Trains
- Snälltåget: Stockholm – Malmö and seasonally to Berlin
- Trenhotel (Renfe): Madrid – Lisbon and other Spanish routes
- Intercités de Nuit: Paris – Nice/Toulouse/Hendaye (SNCF)
- ÖBB NightJet New: From 2025 new connections to Barcelona and Paris
5. Booking Tips – How to Save on Train Travel
Train travel doesn't have to be expensive. With the right strategies, you often pay less than for a budget flight – with significantly more comfort and no hidden extra costs.
Discount Fares and Early Booking
- DB Sparpreis: From 17.90 Euro within Germany, from 18.90 Euro to abroad. Bookable from 180 days before departure
- DB Super Sparpreis: From 12.90 Euro – no train binding change possible, but extremely cheap
- SNCF TGV INOUI: Paris – Marseille from 19 Euro, Paris – London (Eurostar) from 39 Euro
- Trenitalia: Milan – Rome from 19 Euro (Super Economy), booking from 4 months in advance
- SBB Supersaver: Switzerland tickets with up to 70% discount, but sell out quickly
Seat Reservation – When is it Necessary?
In Germany and Austria, a seat reservation is optional (4.50 Euro with DB). In France (TGV), Spain (AVE), and Italy (Frecce), it is included in the ticket price and mandatory. For Interrail trips, reservation costs of 3–30 Euro per train apply – especially for high-speed trains and night trains.
Split Ticketing
A trick that can save hundreds of pounds, especially in Great Britain: Instead of buying a through ticket from A to C, you book a ticket from A to B and a second from B to C – often on the same train, without changing. Tools like Trainsplit or splitmyfare.co.uk automatically find the cheapest combination. In Germany, a similar approach works with the Sparpreis-Trick: Sometimes Berlin – Hanover + Hanover – Cologne is cheaper than Berlin – Cologne directly.
More Saving Tips
- BahnCard 25/50: For frequent travelers in Germany, the BahnCard often pays off after just 2–3 trips
- Deutschland-Ticket: 49 Euro/month for all local transport – ideal for slow travel and day trips
- Carte Avantage (SNCF): 49 Euro/year for up to 30% discount on TGV tickets in France
- ÖBB Vorteilscard: From 19 Euro/year for 50% discount on all ÖBB tickets
- Swiss Half Fare Card: 120 CHF for 50% discount on almost all Swiss trains – worth it from the 2nd trip
6. The Most Beautiful Train Stations in Europe
Some train stations are attractions in themselves. You shouldn't just use these four as transit points:
St. Pancras International (London)
The Victorian brick building from 1868 is the Eurostar terminal for trains to Paris and Brussels. Inside: an impressive station hall with an iron vaulted ceiling, the longest champagne bar in Europe, and excellent restaurants. Right next door is the British Library with original manuscripts from Shakespeare to the Beatles.
Antwerpen-Centraal (Belgium)
Regularly voted the most beautiful train station in the world. The monumental reception hall with marble, gilded decorations, and a 75-meter-high dome resembles a cathedral more than a train station. Built between 1895 and 1905 in the Neo-Renaissance style – an absolute architectural highlight.
Porto São Bento (Portugal)
The entrance hall of this station is decorated with over 20,000 hand-painted azulejo tiles depicting scenes from Portuguese history. Paintings by Jorge Colaço, completed in 1916. The station is located in the heart of Porto's old town and is the starting and ending point for many regional trains to the Douro Valley.
Zürich Hauptbahnhof (Switzerland)
The largest train station in Switzerland and a hub for international connections. The impressive 19th-century station hall houses an underground shopping arcade, a weekly market in front of the station, and in December, the largest indoor Christmas market in Europe. From here, trains depart in all directions – TGV to Paris, ICE to Germany, NightJet to Vienna.
7. Traveling with Luggage by Train – Practical Tips
One of the biggest advantages of traveling by train: There is no luggage limit. You can take what you can carry – without extra charge, without weighing, without discussion at the counter. Nevertheless, there are a few things to keep in mind:
- Luggage storage: Above the seats or at the end of the carriage. Large suitcases fit in the storage at the end – keep an eye on them or use a small lock
- High-speed trains: ICE, TGV, and Frecce have larger luggage racks at the end of the carriage. Board as close as possible to your reserved seat to secure a spot
- Taking a bicycle: Possible on many European trains (DB: 9 Euro bicycle ticket, reservation recommended). On the TGV and Eurostar, bikes often need to be registered in advance
- Luggage service: DB offers door-to-door luggage shipping starting at 17.50 Euro. Convenient for parades or bulky sports equipment
- Night trains: In the sleeper car, you have enough space in the compartment. In the couchette car, the storage compartments are more limited – a backpack or medium-sized suitcase fits under the lower bunk
Tip: Pack a small daypack with the essentials (snacks, charging cable, headphones, passport) separately – this way, you don't have to constantly access the large suitcase.
8. The Best Apps and Websites for Train Travel
With the right tools, planning European train journeys becomes a breeze. Here are the essential apps and websites:
DB Navigator
The app from Deutsche Bahn not only shows German connections but also pan-European routes. Ideal for initial research, real-time information on delays, and digital tickets. You can also book saver fares to European destinations directly.
Trainline
The best app for international train bookings. Trainline searches the systems of over 270 rail and bus companies in 45 countries and displays connections with price comparisons at a glance. You can book directly, use split-ticketing (UK), and receive all tickets digitally in one app. Particularly strong for France, Italy, Spain, and the UK.
seat61.com – The Man in Seat 61
The bible of train travel. Mark Smith, a former railway employee, has written detailed guides for practically every train connection worldwide on seat61.com: Which train to take, where to book, which class to choose, what to expect on board, and what tricks to know. No algorithm, just years of personal experience. Essential for planning complex routes.
Rail Planner (Interrail/Eurail)
The official app for Interrail and Eurail pass holders. Shows connections across Europe, allows adding travel days to the digital pass, and indicates whether a reservation is needed. Works offline as well – handy on trains without Wi-Fi.
Other Useful Tools
- Rome2Rio: Shows all transport options (train, bus, flight, ferry) between two locations – perfect for rough planning
- Omio: Compares trains, buses, and flights with direct booking – good for European routes
- Chronotrains: Interactive map showing how far you can travel by train from a location in 1–8 hours
- National Apps: SNCF Connect (France), Trenitalia/Italo (Italy), SBB Mobile (Switzerland), NS (Netherlands), SJ (Sweden)
Train vs. Flight – the Honest Comparison
How does the train compare directly with the plane? Here’s an overview for popular European routes:
| Route | Train | Flight | CO2 Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Berlin – Paris | 8 h, from 38 Euro | 1.5 h flight + 3 h around it | approx. 90 % |
| Munich – Vienna | 4 h, from 18.90 Euro | 1 h flight + 3 h around it | approx. 95 % |
| London – Paris | 2.5 h (Eurostar), from 39 Euro | 1 h flight + 3 h around it | approx. 90 % |
| Cologne – Amsterdam | 2.5 h, from 19.90 Euro | 1 h flight + 3 h around it | approx. 92 % |
| Hamburg – Copenhagen | 5 h, from 29.90 Euro | 1 h flight + 3 h around it | approx. 88 % |
Flight times include travel to the airport, check-in (2 h prior), security check, and transfer to the city center. Train prices for early booking. CO2 savings compared to economy flight.
Conclusion: The Train is Back
Train travel in Europe is more comfortable, more sustainable, and often cheaper than many think. Whether you glide through the Alps on the Glacier Express, travel to Rome sleeping on the NightJet, or hop from city to city spontaneously with an Interrail pass – the tracks offer experiences that no airplane in the world can deliver.
Europe has the best rail network in the world. Use it. Plan your next journey by train – your wallet, the environment, and your travel experience will thank you.
Ready for your next train travel adventure?
