Top Seven Europe Train Journeys
Discover the magic of Europe Train Journeys with these seven iconic routes, offering a perfect blend of history, culture, and breathtaking scenery. From high-speed connections to leisurely scenic rides, Europe Train Journeys provide an eco-friendly and immersive way to explore the continent’s diverse landscapes and vibrant cities.
Eurostar (London to Paris)
History: Launched in 1994, Eurostar revolutionized travel between the UK and mainland Europe with the opening of the Channel Tunnel, the world’s longest undersea tunnel (23.5 miles). It connects London to Paris, Brussels, and Amsterdam, offering high-speed travel at up to 186 mph, making it a landmark in modern rail engineering.
Where It Departs and Terminates: Departs from London St. Pancras International (UK) and terminates at Paris Gare du Nord (France).
When to Go: Spring (April–June) and autumn (September–October) offer pleasant weather and fewer crowds. Summer is peak season with higher prices, while winter brings festive markets in both cities.
How to Book: Book 2–3 months in advance via eurostar.com for fares starting at ~€50. Eurail/Interrail passes cover the route, but seat reservations are mandatory (~€30–€40).
How Long the Journey Is: Approximately 2.5 hours.
What to Take: Passport for border checks, a light jacket for air-conditioned carriages, and a small bag for easy storage. Bring a book or download podcasts for entertainment, as Wi-Fi is available but may be patchy in the tunnel.
Other Tips: Arrive 45–60 minutes early for security and passport control. Choose seats facing forward for comfort. Enjoy the onboard café for snacks or pre-book a meal in Business Premier class. Visit Notre-Dame or the Eiffel Tower in Paris, or explore St. Pancras’ historic architecture in London.
Glacier Express (Zermatt to St. Moritz)
History: Operating since 1930, the Glacier Express is known as the “slowest express train in the world,” connecting Switzerland’s premier ski resorts. It traverses 291 bridges and 91 tunnels, showcasing engineering feats like the Landwasser Viaduct, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Where It Departs and Terminates: Departs from Zermatt and terminates in St. Moritz (Switzerland).
When to Go: Summer (June–August) offers clear views of the Alps, while winter (December–March) provides snowy vistas. Spring and autumn are less crowded with mild weather.
How to Book: Book via glacierexpress.ch up to six months in advance (~€150–€300, including mandatory seat reservation). Eurail/Interrail passes cover the route, but reservations cost extra (~€40–€50). Excellence Class includes a five-course meal and guaranteed window seats.
How Long the Journey Is: Approximately 8 hours.
What to Take: Camera with extra memory cards for panoramic views, layered clothing for varying temperatures, and a reusable water bottle. Pack snacks if not dining onboard.
Other Tips: Book a window seat on the right side (Zermatt to St. Moritz) for the best views of the Landwasser Viaduct. Consider a stopover in Chur to explore its car-free old town. Use a polarizing filter for better photos through glass.
Bernina Express (Chur to Tirano)
History: Established in 1910, the Bernina Express is a UNESCO World Heritage route, known for its engineering marvels like the Brusio Spiral Viaduct. It connects Switzerland and Italy, climbing to the 2,253m Bernina Pass, one of the highest rail passes in Europe.
Where It Departs and Terminates: Departs from Chur (Switzerland) and terminates in Tirano (Italy).
When to Go: Summer (June–October) is ideal for clear views of glaciers and Lago Bianco. Winter offers snowy landscapes but check for seasonal schedule changes.
How to Book: Book via rhb.ch (~€60–€120, including seat reservation). Eurail/Interrail passes require a reservation fee (~€10–€20). First-class panorama cars offer the best views.
How Long the Journey Is: Approximately 4 hours.
What to Take: Camera for capturing Lago Bianco and the Brusio Spiral, warm layers for high-altitude chill, and a small backpack for easy storage. Bring a journal to note scenic highlights.
Other Tips: Sit on the left side (Chur to Tirano) for optimal views of the Bernina Pass. Extend your trip with a bus from Tirano to Lugano for more Italian scenery. Check weather forecasts, as fog can obscure views.
TGV (Paris to Barcelona)
History: Introduced in 1981, France’s TGV (Train à Grande Vitesse) is a pioneer of high-speed rail, reaching speeds up to 320 km/h. The Paris–Barcelona route, launched in 2013, connects two cultural hubs via the Pyrenees, offering a fast alternative to air travel.
Where It Departs and Terminates: Departs from Paris Gare de Lyon (France) and terminates at Barcelona Sants (Spain).
When to Go: Spring and autumn provide mild weather and fewer tourists. Summer is busy with higher fares, while winter offers budget-friendly fares and festive vibes.
How to Book: Book via sncf.com or raileurope.com (~€60–€200). Eurail/Interrail passes cover the route with a reservation fee (~€20–€35). Book early for lower fares.
How Long the Journey Is: Approximately 6.5 hours.
What to Take: Passport for border checks, a light scarf for air-conditioned cabins, and a tablet or book for entertainment (Wi-Fi available). Pack snacks or visit the café car.
Other Tips: Book top-deck seats on double-decker trains for better views. Stop in Girona for its medieval charm before reaching Barcelona. Enjoy tapas at Barcelona’s markets or visit the Louvre in Paris.
West Highland Line (Glasgow to Mallaig)
History: Opened in 1894, the West Highland Line is famed for its rugged Scottish scenery and the Glenfinnan Viaduct, featured in the Harry Potter films. The Jacobite Steam Train, a heritage option, adds nostalgic charm to this route.
Where It Departs and Terminates: Departs from Glasgow Queen Street (Scotland) and terminates in Mallaig.
When to Go: Summer (April–October) is ideal for the Jacobite Steam Train and lush Highland views. Winter offers dramatic snowy landscapes but fewer services.
How to Book: Book standard trains via scotrail.co.uk (~€30–€70). Jacobite Steam Train tickets through westcoastrailways.co.uk (~€50–€90) sell out quickly, so book 3–6 months ahead.
How Long the Journey Is: Approximately 5.5 hours.
What to Take: Camera for the Glenfinnan Viaduct, waterproof clothing for Scotland’s weather, and a small backpack. Bring snacks, as onboard dining is limited on standard trains.
Other Tips: Sit on the right side (Glasgow to Mallaig) for viaduct views. Stop in Fort William for hiking or Ben Nevis views. Book the Jacobite for a steam experience, but check seasonal schedules.
Trans-Siberian Express (Moscow to Vladivostok)
History: Built between 1891 and 1916, the Trans-Siberian Railway is the world’s longest railway, stretching across Russia. Its European leg starts in Moscow, offering a historic journey through diverse landscapes, connecting Europe to Asia.
Where It Departs and Terminates: Departs from Moscow Yaroslavsky (Russia) and terminates in Vladivostok (Russia, though only the Moscow to Ural Mountains segment is in Europe).
When to Go: Summer (June–August) offers long daylight and milder weather. Winter (December–February) provides stunning snowy vistas but requires warm clothing.
How to Book: Book via russianrailways.com or agencies like transsiberianexpress.net (~€200–€600). Plan 3–6 months ahead for visas and tickets.
How Long the Journey Is: Approximately 6 days for the full route; 1–2 days for the European segment (Moscow to Yekaterinburg).
What to Take: Russian visa, warm clothing for winter, a sleeping bag liner for comfort, and books or offline entertainment (limited Wi-Fi). Pack non-perishable snacks.
Other Tips: Break the journey in Yekaterinburg to explore the Ural Mountains. Learn basic Russian phrases for onboard interactions. Book first-class cabins for more comfort on this long journey.
Nightjet (Vienna to Venice)
History: Operated by ÖBB since 2016, Nightjet revived overnight rail travel in Europe, replacing older sleeper services. The Vienna–Venice route offers a comfortable, eco-friendly way to cross the Alps, with a history rooted in 19th-century sleeper trains.
Where It Departs and Terminates: Departs from Vienna Hauptbahnhof (Austria) and terminates in Venice Santa Lucia (Italy).
When to Go: Spring and autumn are ideal for pleasant weather and fewer crowds. Winter offers Alpine snow views, while summer is busier with higher fares.
How to Book: Book via nightjet.com or oebb.at (~€50–€200). Eurail/Interrail passes cover the route with a reservation fee (~€10–€20). Book early for private cabins.
How Long the Journey Is: Approximately 11 hours (overnight).
What to Take: Sleep mask and earplugs for restful sleep, toiletries for shared facilities, and a small lock for valuables. Bring cozy pajamas for comfort.
Other Tips: Reserve a private sleeper cabin for privacy. Enjoy the dining car’s Austrian cuisine, like schnitzel. Arrive in Venice early to explore canals before crowds.
Your European Train Adventure Awaits
These seven iconic train journeys—Eurostar, Glacier Express, Bernina Express, TGV, West Highland Line, Trans-Siberian Express, and Nightjet—offer a blend of high-speed convenience, scenic beauty, and cultural immersion. From the Channel Tunnel to the Swiss Alps, each route provides unique experiences, whether you’re city-hopping or savoring panoramic views. Book early via official sites like eurail.com or raileurope.com, pack light, and prepare for unforgettable rail adventures. For more inspiration, explore A Vagabond Life’s Top Seven Europe Train Journeys.
*Disclaimer: Train schedules, prices, and availability may change. Check official sources like eurail.com or raileurope.com for the latest information before planning your trip.