Exploring Europe by train is an excellent way to experience the region’s many different landscapes and cultures. There are a variety of routes to choose from, so you can tailor your trip to your specific interests.
Below are a few of the most popular routes for travelling through Europe by train:
The Chocolate and Canals of Northern Europe
In this seven-day train trip, you will visit some of Northern Europe’s most popular cities, such as Amsterdam, Bruges, Paris, and Milan.
- In Amsterdam, you can explore the city’s 50 km of iconic canals and numerous world-class museums, or you can take a bike ride through the scenic countryside.
- In Bruges, you can sample the local beer and chocolate or climb to the top of the Belfort Tower for stunning views of the city.
- In Paris, we recommend visiting the Louvre, the Eiffel Tower, and the Arc de Triomphe and then strolling through the lovely Jardin du Luxembourg.
One of the highlights of the journey is the Bernina Express, a scenic train ride through the Swiss Alps. This four-hour journey takes you past Alpine meadows, traditional mountain villages, and glaciers. The trip ends in Milan, where you will have ample opportunity to do some shopping and sightseeing in Italy’s fashion capital before heading home.
Italy: Palazzi and Pizza
Discover Italy’s must-see cities and attractions on this 8-day train journey. Begin your adventure in Venice, where you can wander through the romantic canals, visit St. Mark’s Square, and take a boat ride to explore the hidden gems in the backstreets.
Next, travel to Florence, the birthplace of the Renaissance. Highlights include the Uffizi Gallery, Ponte Vecchio, and the Accademia Gallery. Don’t forget to indulge in Tuscan cuisine and wine!
Continue your journey to Rome, where you can explore iconic landmarks such as the Colosseum, the Pantheon, and the Trevi Fountain. Take a stroll through the Roman Forum and visit Vatican City.
From Rome, journey to Naples to explore the ancient ruins of Pompeii and Herculaneum, climb Mount Vesuvius, or take a boat trip along the Amalfi Coast.
Conclude your trip in Sicily, where you can visit Taormina, Catania, and Palermo. Make sure to savor Sicilian cuisine and explore the island’s historical sites before departing.
10-day trip from Budapest to Ljubljana, visiting Bratislava and Vienna on the way
This itinerary takes you to four of Central Europe’s most beautiful capitals.
Begin your journey in Budapest, exploring the city’s thermal baths, Fisherman’s Bastion, and the Great Market Hall. After that, take the train to Bratislava, Slovakia, for a day of sightseeing in the historic Old Town and a walk across the famous UFO Bridge.
Continue to Vienna, Austria, where you can, for example, visit Schönbrunn Palace, the Hofburg, and St. Stephen’s Cathedral. Also, try to take a day trip to Melk Abbey or the Wachau Valley or enjoy a relaxing boat ride on the lovely Danube River.
Finally, travel to Ljubljana in Slovenia for a few days of exploring. Visit the city’s castle, the Triple Bridge, and the Tivoli Gardens. Then take a day trip to Bled, a beautiful lakeside town. If you have the time, also go hiking in the surrounding mountains.
Travel by train from Madrid to Granada in Southern Spain
Andalusia is a land of contrasts, with a very interesting history and culture that has been shaped by its location at the crossroads of Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. This is a region where you will find Moorish palaces, Roman ruins, and flamenco shows – all within a relatively short distance of each other.
Madrid, the capital of Spain, is a good place to start your train trip. This vibrant city has a lot to offer travellers, from world-class museums to lively tapas, bars and beautiful architecture. After a few days here, take the train to Toledo, another beautiful city that is home to the Mezquitaa, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
From Toledo, continue your journey south to Seville, the capital of Andalusia. This is a city of contrasts, with a historical center that is brimming with narrow streets and whitewashed buildings, and a modern waterfront that is home to the world-famous bullring.
After Seville, take a train to Granada, where you will find the Alhambra, one of the most impressive Moorish palaces in the world. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of the most popular tourist attractions in all of Spain.
If you have the time, also visit other cities in Andalusia, including Cordoba, Jerez de la Frontera, and Málaga. Every one of these cities has its own unique charm and more than enough to keep you busy for quite a while.
From Geneva to beautiful Tirano with the Glacier Express
This is a 10-day train journey through the Swiss Alps, which includes visits to a couple of Europe’s highest peaks and some of its most popular winter sports destinations.
The trip starts in Geneva, Switzerland’s largest city. Spend a day or two exploring this lovely city before taking the train to Bern, the country’s administrative capital. Bern is a beautiful small city with several connecting bridges, and popular sights here include the Old City, Rosengarten (Rose Garden), and Zytglogge (Clocktower).
From Bern, travel by train to Interlaken, a resort town often called Switzerland’s adventure capital and the perfect base for exploring nearby mountain peaks such as the famous Jungfrau.
Tip: The 3-Day Jungfrau Travel Pass provides great value for money if you would like to explore the region’s mountains by train and cable car.
Your next stop is the lovely winter resort town of Zermatt, located at the foot of the majestic Matterhorn. You don’t need to be a mountain climber to reach the peak, take a cable car! A day or two should be enough time to explore Zermatt before boarding the Glacier Express, which is undoubtedly one of the most stunning train rides on the planet.
The train will take you through breathtaking mountain scenery for nearly 7 hours before it reaches the town of St. Moritz. Once you are here, switch to the Bernina Express for yet another unforgettable train journey that eventually crosses into Italy.
The trip reaches its end in Tirano. We recommend that you spend at least a day or two in this very pleasant resort town before proceeding to Turin or Milan for the next part of your journey.
A 10-day train journey through Germany and Czechia
This train trip is all about rich history, beautiful architecture, and enjoying good company with many glasses of top-quality beer. The trip takes you to three cities: Prague, Nuremberg, and Munich. Each of these cities has its own unique history and culture, offering an abundance of things to see and do.
Prague is one of Europe’s most beautiful cities with a rich history. We recommend spending at least three days exploring attractions such as the Old Town, the Charles Bridge, and the Prague Castle. Also, be sure to try the local food, including dumplings, pork, and beer.
Nuremberg is a historic city with a dark past, being the site of the Nuremberg Trials held after World War II. You can learn more about the trials at the Nuremberg Memorial and visit the notorious Nazi Rally Grounds as well as the Documentation Centre.
Munich, your next destination, is a vibrant city with a rich beer culture. Plan to spend at least four days exploring the many breweries, beer halls, and gardens. Also, make time to visit Marienplatz, the main square in Munich, and the Frauenkirche, the city’s cathedral.
Consider taking a day trip to Dachau, Europe’s oldest and biggest concentration camp, on your final day there. Alternatively, you can visit Neuschwanstein, the impressive castle that inspired the well-known Sleeping Beauty.
When is the best time of the year to do a train trip through Europe?
The time of year you travel can have a big impact on what you will be able to see and do in Europe. Here are a couple of things you should keep in mind:
- Spring (March-May) is a good time to travel to Europe. The weather is relatively mild, and there are fewer crowds. This is also a great time to see the spring flowers in bloom.
- Summer (June-August) is the most popular time to travel to Europe, so expect crowds and higher prices. However, this is also the time of year when you’ll find the best weather, so if you’re planning on doing a lot of outdoor activities, this will be the best time to go.
- Autumn in Europe is typically mild, with average temperatures ranging from 50 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit (10 to 21 degrees Celsius). The weather can, however, vary quite a lot at this time of the year, depending on the region. In the north, it can be cooler and rainier, while in the south it will often be warmer and drier.
- Winter (November-February) is the off-season in Europe, so you’ll find lower prices and fewer crowds. However, some attractions may be closed during the winter, and the weather can be unpredictable.
Schengen visas and ETIAS
Currently, citizens from about 63 countries do not need a Schengen visa to visit Europe, while the majority of other countries must apply for a Schengen visa before visiting the region.
Starting in 2024, travellers from all the countries that currently do not need a Schengen visa will have to apply for ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) before visiting Europe, including travellers from the United States. For more information on ETIAS, you can visit the etias.com website.
