All aboard! There’s something instantly satisfying about train travel in Europe. You arrive in the center of a city, hop on, find your seat, and let the views do the entertaining. It’s a relaxed way to move around that fits perfectly with slow travel!
Even better, Europe train travel is wonderfully straightforward! Stations are easy to reach, routes connect iconic places with beautiful regions in between, and the ride itself becomes part of the story. In this guide, we will share why European rail journeys feel so smooth and highlight some of the best train trips in Europe, country by country, with routes worth taking. Hop on!
Why Train Travel: Stress-Free Advantages
One of the simplest joys of train travel in Europe is how easy it feels once you are on board. Trains move on their own tracks, so there is no traffic to plan around and no slow crawl into a city. Many routes are also surprisingly direct compared to the road, which helps days flow smoothly from one stop to the next. And when you arrive, you can step straight into the city without the extra task of finding parking. A few train stations are highlights in their own right, beautifully restored landmarks worth a few photos.
It also gets practical fast. With Europe train travel, you can often buy tickets in advance and choose a reserved seat, so boarding feels calm and organized. On board, you usually have a restroom and, on many services, a café car or bar for coffee and snacks. Then you can actually use the travel time well: read a few chapters, take a nap, sort photos, or simply watch the scenery. That is what makes European rail journeys feel like part of the trip!
Discovering Portugal by Train
Portugal is a perfect place to lean into train travel in Europe, with routes that connect standout cities at an easy pace. Start in Lisbon, where the days offer viewpoints of the city descending towards the river, picturesque tiled streets, and café pauses for one Pastel de Nata (or maybe two!). Then take a simple rail outing to Sintra for romantic palaces, lavish gardens, and a fairytale atmosphere.
Next, ride inland to Évora, a beautifully preserved city where Roman history and whitewashed lanes set the tone for a slower rhythm. It’s also an ideal base for a wine experience in the Alentejo. From there, continue north to Coimbra, home to one of Europe’s oldest universities, where you can wander historic courtyards and soak up the city’s scholarly charm.
Finish in Porto, a city made for riverside walks, tiled buildings, and historic wine caves. Savor a traditional Francesinha, or enjoy a glass of Porto wine before heading out to the Douro Valley, where vineyard landscapes and scenic viewpoints make the journey feel just as memorable as the destination. Altogether, it’s a great example of why European rail journeys can be one of the most enjoyable ways to explore.
France: Paris to Lyon to Aix-en-Provence to Nice
France does city-to-city by train beautifully, and this route feels like a greatest-hits journey. Spend your first days in Paris soaking up the atmosphere. Get to know the neighborhoods, visit the monuments and museums and relax on a gentle Seine boat cruise. Then hop on the train to Lyon, France’s food-loving heartland, where a tasting-focused food tour is a delicious way to get your bearings.
Next, continue to Aix-en-Provence for a slower, sunlit rhythm. Think market mornings, pastel-colored streets, and lunches that somehow stretch into the afternoon. Then ride on to Nice, where the color palette shifts to the Riviera’s bright colors. Venture on a short boat ride in Villefranche to finish your French journey with a sparkling coastal view. Altogether, this rail trip puts together Parisian flair, French cuisine, and the relaxed Mediterranean vibes at the finish line.
Spain: Andalusia Cultural Discovery by Train
In southern Spain, there is a world where Moorish palaces, flamenco rhythms, and sun-drenched plazas are just a short ride apart. A cultural rail route through Andalusia connects classic cities in a smooth and effortless way. Begin in the capital, Madrid, where lively piazzas and the artistic Prado Museum can be enjoyed before a sweet break for churros con chocolate at a favorite local spot.
Then make your way by rail to Córdoba, and notice how the atmosphere shifts into something distinctly Moorish. Step into the Mosque Cathedral, with its horseshoe arches and warm stone, then wander the old lanes and courtyards that still carry the city’s Andalusian soul. From there, the route continues to Seville for tiled patios, orange-scented streets, and a dose of rhythm with a flamenco show. A short train ride away, Granada is where the Moorish mood reaches its peak at the Alhambra, with intricate palaces, gardens, and viewpoints that linger in your memory.
London, York & Edinburgh: A Classic Rail Route
In England, we suggest a rail route that links three favorites in an easy flow, taking you from London to York and then on to Edinburgh. Start in London, where a few days can easily include big must-sees like Westminster Abbey or the British Museum, wandering along the Thames, and ducking into a lively pub. Have a short train ride to visit Windsor for a day trip with a royal touch.
Next, take the train north to York, a city that feels like stepping into another century. Walk the medieval walls, explore the York Minster, and get happily distracted by the crooked lanes of the Shambles, with time to enjoy a traditional afternoon tea. Continue by rail to Edinburgh. Stroll the Royal Mile, visit Edinburgh Castle, and save space for a whisky experience. Altogether, this route is a perfect snapshot of why train travel in Europe makes multi-city trips feel calm, connected, and full of character.
Italy In A Nutshell
Italy is made for train travel in Europe, especially on a classic route that links Rome, Florence, and Venice in just a week. It’s an easy way to combine big landmark moments with the everyday pleasures that make Italy feel so enjoyable. Start with a few full days in Rome, mixing must-see sights like the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill with time to wander lively piazzas and pause for a cappuccino.
In about an hour and a half by train, you arrive in Florence, the capital of Tuscany. Stroll through the historic center and make time for signature masterpieces, including Michelangelo’s David at the Galleria dell’Accademia. Then walk along the river with views of the Ponte Vecchio, savoring a good Italian gelato.
Hop on another train to the Queen of the North, Venice. The train pulls in right at the lagoon, and the city immediately feels like a stage set. Spend your time getting happily lost in quiet lanes, then balance it with classics like St. Mark’s Basilica and the Doge’s Palace. Be bold and make it a once-in-a-lifetime moment with a gondola ride. Altogether, this is a compact route through Italy that captures the magic of European rail journeys in the most relaxed way.
Scotland by Train
Scotland is a standout for the best train trips in Europe, especially on this rail route that includes lively cities with Highland scenery. Begin in Glasgow, where you can soak up its energy, architecture, and café culture before heading to Stirling for castle views that instantly set the scene.
From there, travel north to Inverness, the “gateway to the Highlands”. It’s a great springboard for exploring the landscapes that make Scotland so memorable, including time around Loch Ness. Take the train to Edinburgh, where days naturally fill up with the city’s layered history. Have a perfect ending for your tour with a typical Scottish meal at a traditional tavern and try the famous haggis. It is an easy-flow itinerary turning big scenery into one smooth journey.
Your Stress-Free Rail Journey Starts Here
From coastal routes to historic capitals and dramatic Highland landscapes, traveling by rail turns the journey into part of the experience. Train travel in Europe offers a relaxed, well-connected way to see more while enjoying the ride! And if you would like help shaping a route that matches your pace and interests, a tailor-made rail journey can make all the difference. Contact us, share your dreams, and we will design an itinerary that fits your pace and interests!
