Views From the Train

Traveling Through Europe by Train

Some of my very first memories of traveling through Europe involve hopping on trains and making the most of every single day. I was in college when I first experienced the marvel of Europe’s rail system—sometimes visiting two or even three cities or towns in one day simply because it was possible. That kind of travel works in Europe thanks to an incredibly reliable rail network, reasonable pricing, and frequent departures.

While not every destination can be reached by train, you can go remarkably far by rail alone. And although I do enjoy renting a car from time to time, trains offer advantages that are hard to beat. Years later, I still find myself choosing trains again and again on my European adventures—they remain one of my favorite ways to experience the continent.

Why Train Travel in Europe Is So Special

Traveling through Europe by train isn’t just a way to get around—it’s part of the adventure. Trains turn the journey itself into a highlight: gliding past Alpine peaks, rolling vineyards, sparkling coastlines, and storybook towns you’d completely miss by flying. You step on in one city center and step off in another—no long security lines, no stress—just comfortable seats, big windows, and the freedom to watch Europe unfold.

One morning you’re sipping coffee in Paris, and by afternoon you’re wandering Amsterdam’s canals. It’s flexible, scenic, and surprisingly fun, whether you’re hopping between major capitals or taking slow, breathtaking routes through the mountains. If you want a trip that feels effortless, immersive, and genuinely exciting, Europe by train is hard to beat.

Understanding European Trains

Regional Trains vs. High-Speed Trains

Regional & Local Trains

• Slower, with more stops
• Ideal for short distances, villages, and smaller towns
• Usually no seat reservations required
• Great for flexibility and spontaneous travel
• Often less expensive

High-Speed & Long-Distance Trains

• Connect major cities quickly (think Paris–London or Rome–Florence)
• Require seat reservations
• Very comfortable, smooth, and efficient
• Ideal for covering longer distances in less time
• Often feature onboard dining, Wi-Fi, and quiet cars

Many travelers use a mix of both—fast trains for long stretches and regional trains for exploring charming smaller destinations.

Train Classes Explained

European trains offer several classes, and while names vary slightly by country, here’s what you can generally expect:

Second Class / Economy

• Comfortable and efficient
• Standard seating with ample legroom
• Perfect for most travelers
• Excellent value for money

First Class

• Larger, more spacious seats
• Quieter environment
• Fewer passengers per car
• Often includes power outlets and more luggage space

Business / Premier (on select routes)

• Found on certain high-speed or international trains
• Premium seating with extra space
• Sometimes includes meals, drinks, or lounge access
• Ideal for longer journeys or travelers seeking added comfort

Quiet Cars

• Available in many first- and second-class sections
• Conversation and phone use are strongly discouraged
• Perfect for reading, working, or simply enjoying the ride

Iconic Train Routes to Explore

Scenic & Legendary Routes

Glacier Express (Zermatt → St. Moritz, Switzerland)

• Time: ~8 hours
• Why it’s special: Known as the “slowest express train in the world”
• Views: Alps, deep valleys, 291 bridges, 91 tunnels
• Best time: Winter (snowy magic) or summer (lush valleys)
• Tip: Reserve panoramic cars early—they’re worth it

Bernina Express (Chur → Tirano, Switzerland → Italy)

• Time: ~4–4.5 hours
• Why it’s special: UNESCO World Heritage railway
• Views: Glaciers, turquoise lakes, spiral viaducts
• Best time: Year-round
• Tip: Sit on the right side when traveling Chur → Tirano

Oslo → Bergen (Norway)

• Time: ~6.5–7 hours
• Why it’s special: One of the world’s most beautiful train journeys
• Views: Fjords, waterfalls, forests, mountains
• Best time: Late spring through early autumn
• Tip: Daylight hours matter—window seats are essential

West Highland Line (Glasgow → Mallaig, Scotland)

• Time: ~5–6 hours
• Why it’s special: Wild, remote landscapes
• Views: Lochs, moors, mountains, Glenfinnan Viaduct
• Best time: May–September
• Tip: Sit on the left side for the best viaduct views

Classic City-to-City Routes

Paris → London (Eurostar)

• Time: ~2h 15m
• Why it’s special: Travels under the English Channel
• Tip: Arrive early for passport checks

Paris → Amsterdam

• Time: ~3–3.5 hours
• Why it’s special: Smooth, frequent, and very reliable
• Tip: Book early for better fares

Rome → Florence → Venice

• Rome → Florence: ~1.5 hours
• Florence → Venice: ~2 hours
• Why it’s special: Italy’s high-speed rail is exceptional
• Tip: Choose Frecciarossa or Italo trains

Barcelona → Marseille → Nice

• Barcelona → Marseille: ~4.5–5 hours
• Marseille → Nice: ~2.5 hours
• Why it’s special: Mediterranean coastline views
• Best time: April–June or September

Cinque Terre Line (Italy)

• Route: La Spezia ↔ Monterosso
• Time: ~20 minutes end to end
• Why it’s special: Cliffside villages perched above the sea
• Tip: A Cinque Terre train pass makes hopping on and off easy

Berlin → Prague → Vienna → Budapest

• Berlin → Prague: ~4.5 hours
• Prague → Vienna: ~4 hours
• Vienna → Budapest: ~2.5 hours
• Why it’s special: Culture-rich, affordable, seamless connections
• Tip: Frequent departures make planning stress-free

Eating & Drinking on European Trains

• Dining Cars: Full sit-down meals on longer international routes
• Bistro / Café Cars: Coffee, snacks, and light meals
• Refreshment Trolleys: Snacks and drinks brought directly to your seat
• DIY: You can also bring your own snacks or lunch, perfectly acceptable and you can even bring wine!

Fun European Train Facts

• The “Hogwarts Express” was inspired by Scotland’s West Highland Line
• Quiet cars exist where even whispering is frowned upon
• Some towns still use train whistles as informal alarm clocks
• First class often includes larger seats, extra space, and Wi-Fi
• Swiss trains reach villages over 2,000 meters above sea level

That’s why we include train travel in most of our itineraries—to ensure you experience Europe the way it’s meant to be seen. From recommending the most scenic routes to selecting the best class of service for your comfort and style, we take care of the details so you can simply enjoy the journey. Whether it’s your first time riding European rails or your tenth, let us help you start your European train adventure today.