5 of the Best Countries in Europe to Experience by Train
Nothing quite compares to the experience of travelling throughout Europe by train. From the incredible views and comfortable onboard amenities to the ability to travel quickly and easily from city centre to city centre, many consider rail travel to be the best way to see Europe and beyond.
While nearly every country in Europe offers great train journeys, this is our selection of those that offer the appealing combination of a well-connected network of trains in Europe, with fast city-to-city lines, epic scenic trains, and the ability to see the country's best sights by rail. Whether you’re planning a bucket-list rail journey or just looking for a weekend break, read on for our picks of the best countries in Europe to see by train!
1. Switzerland
Tucked inside the small but wonderful country of Switzerland is one of the most efficient and scenic rail networks in the world. The idyllic terrain, dotted with wooden chalets, snowy peaks, dramatic waterfalls, and mountain-fringed lakes, is entirely accessible by train, at times spectacularly so. Take the famous Glacier Express route from Zermatt to St. Moritz over dozens of dramatic viaducts overlooking lush valleys. Glide through vibrant fields of wildflowers on the Golden Pass scenic train from Lucerne to Montreux. Or slowly climb up to the ‘top of Europe’ at the continent’s highest train station near the peak of Jungfrau Mountain, marvelling at the winter wonderland that surrounds you. Any season in Switzerland presents scenic delights – it all depends on what you want to see and do.
Take the scenic trip of a lifetime through Switzerland on this exciting holiday by rail, Switzerland's Lakes and Mountains. Starting with overnight stays in Geneva and Montreux, continue the journey along the Golden Pass Line to Interlaken. Take a memorable trip to the highest railway station at the top of Jungfrau Mountain, before travelling through the Swiss Alps aboard the Glacier Express to Chur. Complete this incredible journey with a day trip across spectacular viaducts and past impressive glaciers on the Bernina Express to Tirano.
This all-encompassing eight-night rail odyssey of Switzerland takes in the best this wonderful country has to offer. On our Scenic Switzerland trip, start with a two-night stay in grand St Moritz, where you take a ride on the stunning Bernina Express train. Take the spectacular Glacier Express train to historical Zermatt for two nights, and enjoy the iconic Matterhorn Mountain via the Gornergrat Cog Railway. Travel to lakeside Lausanne for a relaxing night before continuing your journey along the Golden Pass line to the traditional Swiss town of Lucerne. Enjoy three nights here with day trips on the world’s steepest cogwheel train line on Mount Pilatus, and also to the highest railway station in Europe on the Jungfrau Railway.
Experience some of Switzerland's most stunning peaks firsthand on the Peaks of Switzerland from Wengen, one of our favourite scenic rail holidays. Start with a ride on the Eurostar from London to Paris, and onward to Basel, where you’ll spend a night soaking up some of the cultures of this inviting city. From Basel, travel to the picture-postcard mountain village of Wengen for five nights of relaxation and adventure in this idyllic alpine setting. Use your included Swiss Flexi-Pass for excursions to the summit of the Schilthorn, made famous in the 1969 James Bond film On Her Majesty’s Secret Service, and Jungfrau, the tallest peak in all of Europe. Cap off this Swiss holiday with a bit of French flair – take the train back to Paris for a special night in the ‘City of Light’ before your return to the UK.
2. Italy
It’s common knowledge that train travel in Italy is faster, more convenient, and more relaxing than flying or driving. The efficient and comfortable high-speed train network links nearly every major city, centre to centre, with no lengthy check-ins, and no baggage fees or weight limits. Rome to Florence takes just 1 hour and 32 minutes, Rome to Venice takes 3 hours and 45 minutes, Rome to Naples is just 1 hour and 10 minutes, and Rome to Milan is just 2 hours and 55 minutes. Before you know it, you’ve seen the country by train! Italy’s scenic regional trains connect to the city lines and round out the country’s excellent train network. From the iconic Bernina Express, which traverses southern Switzerland into northern Italy in spectacular fashion, to the regional lines running along the colourful cliffs and the crystal-clear waters of the Amalfi Coast, local, scenic trains provide an extraordinary glimpse into the authentic culture and flavour of the country and its people.
On our Grand Venice, Florence and Rome trip, discover the charms and landmarks of three Italian gems on one scenic holiday along the rails. Explore the cities to their fullest with sightseeing tours and skip-the-line passes all included. Sail down the canals of Venice with a gondola ride, unearth artistic masterpieces in Florence, and gaze in awe at the Sistine Chapel’s ceiling in Rome. Enjoy high-speed rail journeys connecting the fascinating cities. This is one Italian adventure you won’t want to miss!
It would be impossible not to add The Bernina Express and Venice Simplon-Orient-Express to Venice to this list. This incredible train holiday to Europe combines two iconic train experiences: the Bernina Express and the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, en route to the magical city of Venice, Italy. We can’t think of a better way to explore these regions of Europe. Discover what it’s like to travel in luxury onboard the Venice Simplon-Orient Express from your private compartment while taking in the incredible views. In Venice, explore the picturesque canals and the history of one of the world’s most visited destinations. Then, take the Bernina Express through the Swiss Alps to the lakeside resort town of St. Moritz for a relaxing two-night stay.
Travel in style on this luxurious holiday to the beautiful Amalfi Coast via the fascinating cities of Geneva and Florence. On the Amalfi Coast via the Alps, stay for four nights in spectacular Sorrento, overlooking the Mediterranean. Shop for Italian gifts in the elegant boutiques, wander through orange and lemon groves and take a boat trip to the dramatic, prehistoric caves dotting the coastline in one of Europe’s most beautiful regions.
3. Scotland
With its wild, vibrant and majestic scenery combined with rich history and tradition, Scotland is an incredible destination at any time of the year. Travel by train and you’ll enjoy enchanting landscapes right from your seat. From overnight train adventures to luxury sleeper experiences and from cities to wide-open spaces, there is no better way to experience this corner of the world than by train.
Experience Scotland in all its glory on our Grand Tour of Scotland, and visit its most iconic landscapes and attractions on this 10-day train journey. This spectacular itinerary features unforgettable experiences in Inverness, the Isle of Skye, Glasgow, Fort William, and Edinburgh. Explore the gateway to the Scottish Highlands in Inverness, tour the magical Isle of Skye and Eilean Donan Castle and travel along the West Highland line between Fort William and Mallaig. Take a trip to Stirling Castle and Loch Lomond, as well as Edinburgh Castle, and enjoy the ever-changing scenery as you travel from city to city.
The Grand Inverness and the Highlands via the Caledonian Sleeper is sure to impress. Inverness is full of interesting locations, excellent museums, and Highland charm. Explore all the town has to offer. Head into the Highlands to explore with visits to Glen Urquhart Castle and Loch Ness. Head over to the fabled Isle of Skye for its unforgettable mountainous landscapes. Welcome to the Scottish Highlands!
Enjoy faultless service and gourmet dining as you travel aboard the Royal Scotsman into the majestic scenery of the Scottish Highlands, on our Belmond Royal Scotsman Highland Journey. Explore a 13th-century castle at the Rothiemurchus Estate, discover the verdant scenery and fascinating past of the Culloden Battlefields, and then enjoy a whiskey-tasting session at the famous Strathisla distillery. Relax in the opulent surroundings of the Royal Scotsman as the breathtaking Scottish landscapes roll past your window on the journey of a lifetime.
4. France
If you’re planning a trip to France and want an authentic experience of the country, the train is the way to go. Train travel between France’s iconic towns and cities is at once comfortable, scenic, romantic, and fast! The country’s world-famous TGV travels at up to 199 mph, from city centre to city centre, in quiet, relaxed comfort. From Paris, get to most of the country’s most popular cities in under three hours – including Lyon in just under 2 hours, Bordeaux in just over two hours, and Lille in just an hour!
Check out our Grand Paris, Avignon, and Nice trip and enjoy this romantic holiday to three beautiful French cities. First, the iconic sights and sounds of Paris, together with the gorgeous gardens of Giverny and the magnificent Palace of Versailles. Famous for the stunning Palace of the Popes, Avignon is a city brimming with culture and excellent gastronomy. Spend three days exploring the sights of the city before journeying by rail from Avignon along the beautiful French Riviera before arriving in Nice. Spend three relaxing days discovering Nice – stroll along the Promenade des Anglais, stretching elegantly along the Mediterranean coastline, visit the pretty markets and dine on fantastic seafood.
Our Gastronomic Capitals of France is one to make memories of. This 11-day culinary adventure includes destinations synonymous with the food and wine for which France is famous. Sample the regional specialities of each city, and travel in comfort aboard the world-famous TGV trains. Don’t pack too much luggage, as we can guarantee you’ll be bringing a few things home with you at the end of this great holiday by rail. On this trip, you can see the beautiful Sacre Coeur Church in Paris, the walled town of Beaune, the Cité du Vin complex, and so much more.
Explore the glamorous CôteCô’Azur in the south of France with its glittering Mediterranean coastline on our CôteCô'Azur: Nice and Cannes trip. From beaches to boutiques, and the exclusive Principality of Monaco, the French Riviera is the perfect holiday destination. Spend three nights in Nice and three nights in Cannes, with train travel between the cities, and a day trip to Monaco.
5. Germany
Rail travel in Germany is every bit as fast and efficient as you would expect, but what you may not expect are the jaw-dropping views on the many scenic routes that wind throughout the country. Think dense forests, snow-covered mountains, dramatic castles, and sparkling lakes. One such train ride is also the shortest in Germany – at only 55 minutes, the journey along the Rhine River from Koblenz to Mainz offers riders a glimpse of fairy-tale castles and lush vineyards along the beautiful river’s slopes. It’s just a taste of the type of memorable train journey Germany is known for.
Discover four Imperial capital cities in one fantastic holiday by train on our Grand Berlin, Prague, Vienna and Budapest trip. Travel through Germany, the Czech Republic, Austria, and Hungary by high-speed train, taking in incredible views along the way. With city passes, hop-on, hop-off tours, skip-the-line passes, and exciting extras all included, you’ll be able to get the most out of your stay in these incredible destinations.
Explore Munich, Vienna, and Prague on this six-night holiday by rail. Enjoy two nights in the Bavarian capital of Munich before taking the train to Vienna and discovering the city’s wealth of museums, imperial palaces, and baroque architecture. Then journey to Prague for spectacular sightseeing in one of the most romantic cities in the world.
Enjoy a six-night holiday by rail visiting three exciting and historical German cities, on our Cologne, Munich, and Berlin trip. Starting with an overnight stay in Cologne, enjoy wandering the Old Town and marvel at the Dom before moving on to the capital of Bavaria, Munich. Take in the Gothic architecture of this picturesque town and sample some local beers at a typical Bavarian tavern. Finally, ride the rails to Berlin! Discover the fascinating history of the Berlin Wall and explore the diverse range of shops and restaurants on offer in this remarkable city.
