long distance train journeys europe

Hazel Plush | 07 December 2022

23 of the best rail journeys in europe.

See Europe how it was meant to be seen: from the window of a train! From mountain climbs to luxury sleepers, here's the rail adventures you must add to your bucket list...

1. Glacier Express, Switzerland 

Glacier Express, Switzerland (Shutterstock)

Best for… Seeing Switzerland in the slow lane

The journey: Zermatt to St Moritz (290km; seven and a half hours)

We say… Don’t be fooled by its name: the Glacier Express averages 38kph, but who wants to rush when the scenery is this spectacular?

Linking two of Switzerland’s best-loved ski resorts, the route is an opus of snowcapped peaks, rugged valleys, 291 bridges and wild tangles of alpine forest. The view will keep you glued to the train’s panoramic windows – though the traverse of the towering Landwasser viaduct might have you reaching for a second glass of Valais wine.

Top tip: In Zermatt you can extend your trip by taking Europe’s highest cog railway to the summit of Gornergrat (3,089m). The view of the Matterhorn is worth it.

Read next  Switzerland's most stunning rail journeys

2. odontotos rack railway, greece .

Odontotos Rack Railway, Greece (Shutterstock)

Best for… Peaks and valleys

The journey: Diakopto to Kalavrita (22.5km; one hour)

We say… Making delightfully slow work of a wild Peloponnese gorge, this heritage railway – built in 1895 – is one of southern Greece’s final remaining narrow gauge lines.

It starts in the seaside town of Diakopto and weaves up to the mountain town of Kalavrita through hand-carved tunnels and plane-tree forests. En route, you’ll cross 49 bridges in total, as the Vouraikos River roils far below.

Top tip: To visit nearby Olympia’s ancient temples and stadium, take the small train from Katacolon – yet another narrow-gauge survivor.

3. Rhine Valley Line, Germany

The Rhine Valley Line, Germany (Shutterstock)

Best for… A riverside ramble

The journey: Cologne to Mainz (152km; two and a half hours)

We say… The Rhine Valley Line finds its muse just after Bonn, where it starts to tightly hug the waterline. Sure, you could take the high-speed intercity route and save yourself an hour on your journey, but then you’d miss out on the patchwork of vineyards, Koblenz’s hilltop fortress and the legend of Lorelei Rock.

Top tip: Interrail passes are valid on this line – and get you a discount on KD Rhine Line boats.

4. Venice Simplon Orient-Express, UK, France & Italy

Venice Simplon-Orient-Express (Shutterstock)

 Best for…The ‘golden age’ of rail

The journey: London to Folkestone; Calais to Venice (1,636km; 24 hours)

We say… While the final descendent of the real Orient Express met its end in 2009, a US businessman had long since bought up 1920s and ‘30s carriages (many belonging to the original service) and resurrected its route to Venice.

This journey is played out on two heritage trains – the British Pullman on the UK leg and the VSOE between Calais and Venice – and as the mountains and meadows slip by, you can sip martinis in the piano bar, devour lobster in its Étoile du Nord restaurant car and just dream.

Top tip: Though the southbound journey is popular, the northbound experience is just as fabulous – and doesn’t book up so quickly.

Read next The best new rail routes around the world for 2022

5. west highland line, scotland.

Glenfinnan Viaduct on the West Highland Lane, Scotland (Shutterstock)

Best for… The wildest of Scottish rides

The journey: Glasgow to Mallaig (264km; five and a half hours)

We say… After slipping away from Glasgow, the West Highland Line weaves some of Britain’s wildest scenery: to lonely moorlands, forest-bound lochs and crumbling castle ruins.

Up here, you’re more likely to spot red deer than humans – though the Glenfinnan Viaduct is familiar thanks to its cameo in the Harry Potter films. If travelling southwards, sit on the right-hand side of the train for the best views.

Top tip: The Royal Scotsman and Jacobite Steam Train are rather luxurious – if pricey – alternatives to this £16.80 (one-way) ScotRail journey.

6. Bernina Express, Switzerland & Italy 

Bernina Express (Shutterstock)

Best for… Jaw-dropping (and ear-popping) views

The journey: Landquart to Tirano (163km; five hours)

We say… Starting this summer, you get even more bang for your buck on the Bernina Express , as its trans-alpine journey has been extended for around 50km. It now starts (or terminates) at Landquart before looping through the Prättigau mountains and over Zügen Gorge’s sheer-sided ravines.

Running between May and October, its climax is the 2,253m-high Bernina Pass, the gateway to Italy. It’s a smooth ride but one that’s big on drama, encompassing dizzying and panoramic views from the Brusio Spiral viaduct along the way.

Top tip: For the best views, grab a seat on the rig.

7. Mariazell Railway, Austria

The Narrow Gauge or Mariazell Railway in the Austrian Alps (Shutterstock)

Best for… Alpine hikes and hijinx

The journey: St Pölten to Mariazell (78km; two and a half hours)

We say… Traversing one of the wildest regions of the Austrian Alps, this narrow-gauge service is officially split into two sections: ‘Valley’ and ‘Mountains’.

The former stretches from St Pölten to Frankenfels, a land of pretty grazing meadows and gentle pathways (tickets allow you to hop on and off), while the latter climbs up through the ruggedly handsome Erlauf gorge and the peaks of Ötscher-Tormäuer Naturpark. Allow a full day – at least.

Top tip: For widescreen views, grab a first-class panorama carriage (May to October on weekend and holiday services), while heritage rail fans love the 100-year-old Ötscherbär train that runs from June to late September.

8. Inlandsbanan, Sweden 

Inlandsbanan train pulling into Mora, Sweden (Shutterstock)

Best for… A jovial jaunt

The journey: Kristinehamn to Gällivare (1,288km; from two days)

We say… The Inlandsbanan is slow travel at its best, heading up past the Arctic Circle and into Swedish Lapland. In fact, its drivers love an excuse to stretch their legs, and scheduled stops to take a dip in Lake Siljan or visit Sami villages and their reindeer herds along the way are worth it.

Before you know it, you’re cooing over moose and foraging for berries under midnight sun (June to early July) – all thoughts of the timetable long forgotten.

Top tip: At each stop you can order fresh dishes from local restaurants, such as smoked Arctic char and lingonberry crumble.

 9. Trenino Verde, Sardinia, Italy

The Green Train travelling through Italy (Shutterstock)

Best for… Island adventures

The journey: Palau to Tempio (59km); Sindia to Bosa (33km); Mandas to Laconi (37km); Mandas to Sadali (58km); Arbata to Gairloch (62km); times vary

We say… The best way to get under the skin of Sardinia is by catching the Trenino Verde – or Green Train – for a picturesque pootle around the island. The Mandas-Laconi line weaves through wild woodlands, the Palau-Tempio track culminates in a town famed for its cork groves, and Sindia–Bosa forges from the island’s untamed interior out to its western coast.

Top tip: Don’t be surprised if the conductor hops out to shoo sheep off the line, or to stop traffic at level crossings. Slow travel at its purest.

Read next Italy's most spectacular rail journeys

10. la ligne des cévennes, france.

La Ligne des Cévennes, France (Shutterstock)

Best for… Gallic grandeur

The journey: Clermont-Ferrand to Nîmes (304km; six and a half hours)

We say… Every twist and turn of this train line is an engineering marvel: it ticks off a mighty 106 tunnels and over a thousand bridges, as well as the seriously lofty (46m high) Chamborigaud viaduct.

With 29 long-legged arches arranged in a semicircular loop, Chamborigaud is a scene-stealer – although the track reaches its pinnacle on the summit at La Bastide (1,023m). There are gentler pleasures still to be found in the rolling vineyards of the Auvergne, the chestnut forests of Cévennes National Park and the track’s picturesque dalliance with the River Allier.

Top tip: Visit in springtime to see the area’s wildflowers in bloom.

11. Derry/Londonderry to Coleraine, Northern Ireland

Derry/L:ondonderry, Northern Ireland (Shutterstock)

Best for… A budget Irish beauty

The journey: Derry/Londonderry to Coleraine (55km; 38 minutes)

We say… This route doesn’t need five-star cabins or steam locomotives for wow-factor: it’s all about the scenery. Explore a banquet of windswept beaches, razor-edged cliffs and wild views on the no-frills Translink service.

Sit on the left-hand side (if travelling eastwards) and settle in for a ride that Sir Michael Palin hailed in his Great Railway Journeys series as “one of the most beautiful rail journeys in the world”, as you hop-skip peregrine falcon habitats and the thread the longest railway tunnels in Ireland.

Top tip: Stop for a yomp on the wide, wild sands of Benone beach.

12. Linha do Douro, Portugal 

Pinhão Station, Portugal (Shutterstock)

Best for…Giving the city the slip

The journey: Porto to Pocinho (160km; three and a half hours)

We say… Don’t take a day cruise from Porto: hop on the Linha do Douro instead. Most boat trips only venture as far as the port-producing village of Pinhão, but this train line ploughs further into the heartlands, past great walls of rock and rambling quintas (wine estates).

Better yet, the track swaps between shores, so there’s no such thing as a duff seat. Pinhão Station must be one of Europe’s prettiest terminals, trimmed with intricate azulejo tilework, but look out, too, for the towering gorge around Régua and the ancient rock art of the Côa Valley at Pocinho.

Top tip: In Pocinho, linger over lunch and local port at Taberna da Julinha (+351 965 398 826) – its steaks are worth the trip alone.

13. Septemvri to Dobrinishte, Bulgaria

Tsepina on the Septemvri to Dobrinishte, Bulgaria (Shutterstock)

Best for… Making new friends

The journey: Septemvri to Dobrinishte (125km; five hours)

We say… Bulgaria’s only operating narrow-gauge railway is a lifeline to its remote south-west, so make room for the babas (grandmothers) heading to market.

The train travels at a glacial speed (you can walk beside it in parts), but it’s a journey to savour, with stops for hiking in Bansko, Velingrad’s hot springs and Belitsa’s dancing bear sanctuary.

Top tip: The train only has a simple café on board, so bring a picnic.

14. El Transcantábrico Clásico, Spain

León, Spain (Shutterstock)

Best for… Exploring the north

The journey: León to Santiago de Compostela (643km; four to eight days)

We say… Never has the pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela felt so indulgent. El Transcantábrico ’s lavish compartments and plentiful excursions make for an easy, enlightening ride.

The Clásico itinerary hugs the northern coast, with stop-offs at the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, seafood suppers in Santander and, on longer trips, hiking in the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of Picos de Europa National Park.

Top tip: The rail network actually runs between San Feliz and Ferrol – a few kilometres shy of León and Santiago de Compostela – so the trip is bookended by brief coach journeys.

Read next  6 of the world's most luxurious sleeper trains

15. belgrade to bar, serbia, bosnia & montenegro.

Mala Rijeka Viaduct, Serbia (Shutterstock)

Best for… A cross-country caper

The journey: Belgrade to Bar (476km; 10 hours)

We say… This Balkan line can’t be booked online with national operators, so you’ll need to get tickets at the counter, but once on board you’ll hop ravines and rivers with the greatest of ease, thanks to its 254 tunnels and 435 bridges.

It took railway engineers decades to blast through the Dinaric Alps, traverse the thick birch forests, skirt the shores of Lake Skadar and build the 200m-high Mala Rijeka viaduct, which, until 2001, was the tallest railway bridge in the world.

Top tip:  Local sources state this train is currently only operating a night time service. Boo we say! But look out for the return of its day time schedule. 

16. Golden Eagle Danube Express, Turkey to Hungary 

Golden Eagle Danube Express (Shutterstock)

Best for… The east with ease

The journey: Istanbul (Turkey) to Budapest (Hungary) via Bulgaria & Romania (1,832km; seven days)

We say… On the Danube Express ’s ‘Castles of Transylvania’ route, you’ll whizz between two of Europe’s most beguiling cities in the lap of luxury.

Off-train excursions allow for easy exploration of medieval towns and Romanian castles, while the onboard experience includes opulent perks: think plush double cabins, starched linens and piano recitals.

Top tip: Spend your time socialising in the cocktail lounge; this journey tends to attract fascinating souls.

17. North York Moors Railway, England

Vintage passenger train on the North York Moors Railway (Shutterstock)

Best for… A time-travelling treasure

The journey: Whitby to Pickering (38.6km; one hour, 45 minutes)

We say… With a shrill whistle and a scorching blast, this steamy trip into the North York Moors National Park begins in lively Whitby, so spare time to visit its recenty reopened Abbey.

From there, it travels windswept dales, lush carpets of heather and, so it seems, time itself. Though devoid of most mod cons, the NYMR’s hundred-year-old steam trains make surprisingly quick work of these rolling moors, as you stop off for picnics and village walks along the way.

Top tip: For a taste of life at the steamy end, join the railway’s ‘experience days’ and ride on the footplate.

18. Bohinj Railway, Slovenia & Italy

Bohinj Railway, Slovenia (Shutterstock)

Best for… Slovenia made simple

The journey: Jesenice to Trieste (approx 150km; three hours)

We say… To ford the peaks of the Julian Alps to the northernmost sliver of Italian coastline, the Bohinj Railway must slice a route it has plied for over 110 years.

It was built as a strategic network for the Austro-Hungarian monarchy, but these days it’s catnip for hikers and cyclists who revel in the easy connections to Most na Soci, Lake Bled and Nova Gorica’s wineries.

Top tip: For a special trip, catch the heritage steam train (May to November) between Jesenice and Nova Gorica, where staff still don the uniforms of the old Austro-Hungarian Empire.

19. Semmering Railway, Austria

Semmering Railway, Austria (Shutterstock)

Best for… UNESCO-listed joys

The journey: Gloggnitz to Mürzzuschlag (41km; 40 minutes)

We say… Praised by UNESCO as ‘one of the greatest feats of civil engineering’, the Semmering teeters on two-storey viaducts and narrow mountain passes, with twists and steep inclines aplenty.

The reward for your fortitude? Swoon-worthy views of the Austrian Alps, and opportunities for great hiking or skiing. It took six years and 20,000 labourers to build this track, and this pioneering project from the 1850s became the blueprint for mountain railways all over the world.

Top tip: Gloggnitz is just an hour by train from Vienna, so don’t miss out.

20. Bergen Railway, Norway 

Bergen Railway, Norway (Shutterstock)

Best for… Scandi splendour

The journey: Oslo to Bergen (500km; six and a half hours)

We say… Even in the cosy comfort of your compartment, Norway’s desolate Hardangervidda plateau will send a shiver down your spine. While the forests and lakes outside Oslo are beautiful, it’s the Bergen Railway ’s eerily empty mountain passes that steal the show.

Stretch your legs at Finse, the highest station on the line (1,222m), to see where Robert Falcon Scott and his crew trained in advance of their infamous 1912 South Pole expedition. A lonely spot indeed.

Top tip: Hop off at Myrdal and pick up the extraordinary 20km branch line to Flam (one hour), whose spiral tunnels and steep gradient will sweep you up further into these breathtaking mountains.

21. Brocken Railway, Germany 

Brocken Railway, Germany (Shutterstock)

Best for… Saving your legs

The journey: Drei Annen Hohne to Brocken (19km; 51 minutes)

We say… The summit of Brocken (the Harz mountains’ loftiest point) is a doddle for these steam trains (which, if you book online, you'll have to do in German). They climb thick pines and wildflower meadows up to the 1,141m peak, forming one of three lines on the Harz Railway, Europe’s longest network (140km) still running daily steam trains.

Top tip: Buy a one-way ticket and hike back down, walking the famed trail to Torfhaus.

22. Ffestiniog Railway, Wales 

Ffestiniog Railway, Wales (Shutterstock)

Best for… Steaming Snowdonia

The journey: Blaenau Ffestiniog to Porthmadog (21.7km; one hour 15 mins)

We say… Operated by the oldestsurviving train company in the world, the Ffestiniog Railway has run for almost 200 years through Snowdonia National Park, and has a gleaming troupe of steam locomotives. The route is a rich feast of rivers, waterfalls, mountains and ancient woodlands, with a looping spiral section lending some thrills.

Top tip: Add on the Welsh Highland Railway – Ffestiniog’s sister route – between Porthmadog and Caernarfon to extend your fun.

Read next Britain's most scenic rail journeys

Discover more incredible rail journeys:, switzerland's most stunning rail journeys, spectacular rail journeys in the usa, interrailing on europe's orient express, related articles, looking for inspiration.

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Europe's scenic train rides leave you with memories you'll never forget. Quite simply, they're the most rewarding way of travelling around this beautiful continent! Sit back and relax in your train seat as scenes glide by your window like something from a movie. Here are some of our favourite scenic routes within Europe. Which one will you take?

The Bernina Railway

Scenic route: Chur to Tirano

Countries:   Switzerland  and  Italy It's no secret that Switzerland is home to several superb scenic trains, but this ride tops them all! As the train winds around bright blue lakes and across mighty viaducts, fields transform into snowy mountains right before your eyes.

Our travel tip:  Panoramic trains operating on this route charge a small reservation fee. If you want to avoid the fee, you can take regular trains on the same beautiful route!

The Bergen Railway

Scenic route: Oslo to Bergen

Country:  Norway Witness Norway's spellbinding natural landscape on this epic 7-hour train journey through fjords, glaciers and Europe’s highest mountainous plateau. Our travel tip:  Exit the train in Myrdal to take the legendary tourist train to Flåm ( get 30% off with Interrail ).

The Black Forest Railway

Scenic route: Konstanz to Offenburg

Country:  Germany If you’re a fan of fairytale forests and villages with traditional timbered houses, then don't miss riding the  Schwarzwaldbahn . Keep an eye out for the lovely section between Donaueschingen and Hornberg. Our travel tip:  Local double-decker trains run along this route. As places on board are not allocated, be ready to claim the top-deck seats that have the best views!

The Salzkammergut Railway

Route: Stainach-Irdning to Attnang-Puchheim

Country:  Austria Boasting views of huge cliffs, picturesque villages and glistening lakes, this ride really stirs the imagination. Located within the attractive Austrian Lake District, you’ll want to get off the train at every station to explore. Our travel tip:  From the railway station in Hallstatt, take a ferry across the adjacent lake and visit one of the most beautiful towns in all of Austria.

The Belgrade-Bar Railway

Scenic route: Belgrade to Bar

Countries:  Serbia  and  Montenegro Are you a true traveller at heart? Then this adventurous Balkan train ride is for you. Surrounded by rocky valleys, you'll pass rushing rivers, wide lakes, and cross the tallest viaduct in Europe. Did we mention it lasts 12 hours!? Our travel tip:  There’s a day train and a night train on this route. To get the most out of the amazing scenery, take the train service that departs in the morning.

Cinque Terre

Scenic route: La Spezia to Levanto

Country:  Italy Italy’s most popular scenic rail trip may be short, but it sure is sweet! As the train hugs the coastline you feel as if you’re floating across the water, from one picture-perfect village to another. Our travel tip:  Follow the walking trails between the 5 seaside villages of the Cinque Terre. The section between Monterosso and Vernazza is particularly delightful.

The West Highland Line

Scenic route: Fort William to Mallaig

Country: Scotland,  Great Britain The isolated moorlands, lochs and glens along this train ride will take your breath away. As you cross the famous Glenfinnan viaduct, you might recognise it as a setting from the Harry Potter films. Our travel tip:  The Scottish rail operator runs local services along this route so there’s no need to pay over the odds to take the steam trains that ride the same way.

The Douro Line

Scenic route: Porto to Pocinho

Country:  Portugal This splendid train ride snakes all the way along the Douro River. While the vineyard terraces on either side of the valley are the main attraction, the petite, white and blue tiled train stations have their own charm too. Our travel tip:  The last return train departs as early as 17:22. Take the morning train to make the return trip, or spend a night in the valley sampling delicious wines.

The Little Yellow Train

Scenic route: Latour-de-Carol to Villefranche-Vernet-les-bains

Country:  France In summer, this train has an open-top carriage! The unobstructed views of the Pyrenees make for one heck of a ride. Close to the French borders with Andorra and Spain, this is all about the thrills of exploration. Our travel tip:  While this train is fully included in the Interrail Pass, there are sometimes works on the line so it's good to  check train times  in advance (French only).

Rhodope Narrow Gauge

Scenic route: Septemvri - Dobrinishte

Country:  Bulgaria  Travel back in time on the last narrow gauge train in the country. Beginning at the Pirin range, travel through mountains, forests and villages with minarets and soak up all the beauty the Balkan countryside has to offer.

Our travel tip:  Septemvri is easily accessible from Sofia, but before you make the journey check all train route information on the  BDZ website .

How to plan the perfect scenic train ride

Get your timing right

Use an  online sunrise and sunset calculator  to help choose your  train times . You can't enjoy the scenery after dark.

Explore the stops

Don't miss your chance to get off the train at stations along the route. By doing so, you can truly be part of the world's best scenery.

Don't spend too much

Taking a scenic train ride doesn't need to be expensive. Most trains are affordable, regional services that locals use every day. If you have an  Interrail Pass , you can board all the trains listed above at no extra cost.

Are you ready to see them all?

An Interrail Global Pass is your ticket to all of these epic train journeys. With borderless rail travel in 33 countries, there's nothing stopping you from riding them all!

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How To Choose The Right Train For Your Long-Distance Rail Trip In Europe

Want to Hercule Poirot your way across Europe on the Orient Express (without the murder part, of course)? Or perhaps you fancy heading out of Oslo in Norway's south and chugging into the Arctic Circle at Bodø, 18 hours later. Europe is full of long-distance train rides to satisfy your wanderlust. The only hurdle is choosing the best one for you.

First, decide where you want to go and begin researching the routes available. The Man in Seat 61 writes that you do not need to fly within Europe as you can get around by train, and a quick glance at a map of European train routes bears this out. Compared to the U.S., Europe's rail network is dense and extensive. The Man in Seat 61 is a great place to begin planning your long-distance rail journey across the continent. Let's say you want to go from Paris to Rome; The Man in Seat 61 gives you several options. Want to do it all in a day, with glorious Alpine views in the middle of your journey? Or perhaps you fancy spending the night in Turin, breaking up your ride with an aperitivo and some gelato. Do some research and choose what's right for you.

Consider your budget

Once you've chosen your ideal route, it's time to come back down to Earth and think about how much your long-distance journey across Europe is going to cost. Let's imagine that instead of Rome, you've chosen to head to Budapest after your stay in Paris. One way to get there is by taking the Orient Express and enjoying an overnight journey in exquisite luxury. This will set you back a minimum of £3,885 (almost $5000).

If your budget isn't quite up to that, there are lots of other ways to do the journey for less. The Man in Seat 61 presents several options, including a Paris–Vienna night train. The whole journey from Paris to Budapest can be done for under €50 with a bit of forward planning, or for around €200 in a single-berth sleeper cabin with a shower. You'll also have a much higher chance of meeting the locals traveling this way.

What to take into consideration

Finally, before you book anything, you need to investigate the train that you're about to commit many hours of your life to. Via Travelers recommends checking whether the train has Wi-Fi and what other facilities are available, like a dining car. You can check which facilities are available on many specific trains on Rail Europe's site . Of course, all European trains have restrooms.

Via Travelers also advises checking the type of train you're going to be on. High-speed trains are, unsurprisingly, the fastest, while local trains will make a lot more stops. There's nothing wrong with trains that make a lot of stops per se, but there likely will be faster trains available on long-distance routes, and you might grow tired of the constant announcements and jerky stops on local trains. You can also have a look at what types of seats are available. Show Me The Journey has lots of advice about seat reservations, including when they're mandatory and what you can choose. You can often pick window seats and sometimes state the direction of travel you wish to face. The last thing left to do is to book your ticket and hop on board for a relaxing, scenic journey across Europe.

Lonely Planet's train expert picks his top 5 rail journeys for 2024

Dec 19, 2023 • 6 min read

New routes, faster trains, even renewed carriages, LP's Tom Hall says European train travel has never had it so good © South_agency / Getty Images

With new routes, faster trains and even renewed carriages, the great European rail renaissance shows no signs of hitting the buffers.

Indeed, it’s never been easier to book tickets – either before you go or on the move. Operators are now rewarding travelers who explore Europe by train and, for a rail system that has been around for ages, it still has plenty of hidden classics up its sleeve.

Co-author of Lonely Planet’s Guide to Train Travel in Europe , Tom Hall surveys the scene for 2024 and suggests five rides to appeal to the rail buff in all of us.

1. Paris to Berlin Nightjet, France and Germany

The revival of the Paris to Berlin sleeper service has done more than restore a key night train connection. This thrice-weekly ÖBB (Austrian Railways) service is one of the most celebrated new routes in recent years. It is a fantastic way for travelers to see both these cities in one trip, whilst enjoying a night on the rails too. The route hasn't had a night service since the pandemic and with no daytime link, this is the only direct connection between the French and German capitals.

Trains depart from Paris’ beautiful Gare de l’Est station. If heading east, arrive in time to admire Albert Herter’s vast memorial painting, The Departure of the Infantrymen , which honors the soldiers who headed to the front in WWI from the station. With an early evening departure, the sleeper arrives before 9am in Berlin. Coming west, there’s time for a lie-in before a 10:24am arrival into Paris.

The service joins up with cars heading to and from Brussels in Mannheim – where cars to Vienna are also detached – offering passengers an alternative connection to the UK via Eurostar. However, it’s the connection between Paris and Berlin that is the most eye-catching, not least because there’s already the European Sleeper train between Brussels and Berlin.

As ever with night trains the experience trumps punctuality, so build in some additional time for any onward journeys. From late 2024 the Paris–Berlin route will operate daily, and will also run with new-generation Nightjet carriages including innovative capsule-style private mini cabins for one .

2. Munich to Bologna, Germany and Italy

As memorable an experience as night trains can be, they don't offer much to see out the window – unless you count the occasional lengthy stop in a deserted station to add or remove carriages.

Despite being one of Europe’s most storied routes, the direct service from Munich to Bologna along the Brenner Pass line still feels like a back door into Italy from northern Europe. The seven-hour journey threads its way through Austria’s Tirol region, past pretty villages, going via the Alpine city of Innsbruck. It then traverses the pass through mountainous scenery and on through the Dolomites before reaching the beautiful city of Verona. From here, the route is flat to Bologna, arguably Italy’s most underrated destination.

While this service currently offers familiar EuroCity carriages, in spring 2024 the service will have new Railjet cars offering an updated, comfortable ride. They will include updated three-class seating and a dining car, making this a tempting option for a summer journey through the Alps.

3. Amsterdam to London, the Netherlands and the UK

In less than four high-speed hours, Eurostar trains whizz direct between Amsterdam and London . Running up to four times a day, the route is a popular alternative to flying. However, from June 2024 the route will go on an enforced hiatus for the rest of the year. This is due to construction at Amsterdam’s Centraal Station.

Whilst the work is taking place, there won't be space for the security and immigration facilities at the venerable terminus that Eurostar requires for travel to the UK. Instead, passengers will need to take a freshly rebranded mainland European Eurostar (formerly Thalys) train to Brussels  and use the passport controls there.

The Amsterdam to London service will return in early 2025 and more passengers will be able to use this route than before. In the meantime, travel in the first half of 2024 for the most convenient journey between the two capitals.

Trains from London to Amsterdam will still run direct during this time. The trains will just pootle back empty to Brussels. If this set-up sounds familiar, it’s because this was the arrangement when Eurostar first started operating in Amsterdam.

4. The Ionian Railway , Italy

For something different in Italy, aim for this slow train along its southern shoreline. Running for 472 glorious seaside-hugging kilometers, this seven-hour epic runs twice daily between Taranto and Reggio di Calabria , the latter best known as being one end of the boat train to Sicily . This service links quiet seaside towns on Italy’s instep, hugging the Ionian coast for much of the journey. As you might expect for a railway that doesn’t connect major tourist destinations, even in high summer this line has low passenger traffic, giving it a lazy and slightly secret atmosphere. In such a popular country that only adds to the appeal.

With a little imagination, the Ionian Railway can form the basis of a few days of exploration along the line such as ancient Metaponto and comparatively little-visited coastal cities like Crotone and Catanzaro. Alternatively, take the afternoon service. You can then put your feet up as this stately service rumbles on past endless sea vistas until Sicily looms into view across the Straits of Messina with the sunset for accompaniment.

Note: although this is an InterCity service, it behaves more like a regional train, stopping frequently – 23 times – and, crucially, it doesn’t have a buffet or dining car. Bring a picnic.

5. Zaragoza to Canfranc, Spain and France

Despite being the birthplace of the artist Francisco Goya and home of the Aljafería Palace, a vast turreted Hispano-Islamic fortress, Zaragoza still somehow manages to fly under the radar. Yet Spain’s fifth-largest city is well worth a visit. It has a remarkable subterranean world of Roman remains and a museum devoted to origami. It also has a firm grasp of its culinary history, best explored on a tapas tour of the atmospheric alleys of El Tubo. They make it hard to leave.

Even Zaragoza’s station is an architectural highlight. It’s also the starting point for an unlikely adventure. Twice a day,  a regional service heads north into the Pyrenees . High up at an altitude of 1040m lies Canfranc, a vast Beaux Arts station building on the French–Spanish border. For many years this steep-sided valley was where passengers would change trains but it was struck into near silence in 1970 when a damaged bridge on the French side of the mountains led to the closure of the Canfranc route as a way to travel onwards to Pau in France.

That seemed to seal the fate of the “Titanic of the Mountains,” whose vast ornate exterior and grand salons fell into disrepair, only to be visited by curious day-trippers on hard-hat tours. However, a landmark hotel and spa opened in the station building last year, giving travelers a reason to linger at what remains a backdoor route from Spain to France. Two trains daily make their way from Zaragoza in a little under four hours. Whether you stay the night or not, the route onward involves a bus across the border to Bedous and a train from there to Pau, from where fast TGVs run to Bordeaux and Paris.

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18 of the world’s best rail journeys

Some of the world’s wildest and most beautiful scenery is best enjoyed from a train window. From Lhasa to Lima, we choose brilliant and great value routes Top rail trips from the Man in Seat 61

London to Fort William

Duration: 419 miles/13hr Price (single): From £45 The Caledonian Sleeper, one of Britain’s last sleeper services (the other is the Night Riviera to Penzance), is getting a £100m upgrade. The new trains will have double beds, en suites, Highland food and Arran toiletries. They’ll run first on the Lowland route from London to Edinburgh/Glasgow in October, then join the Highland route to Fort William next year. The Highland service, called the Deerstalker, is one of the best train journeys in Britain. After Glasgow, it goes past Loch Treig to the foot of Ben Nevis. From Fort William, the line continues to Mallaig, across the Glenfinnan viaduct – of Harry Potter fame – for ferries to Skye. newtrains.sleeper.scot

Bilbao to Ferrol, Spain

Duration: 267 miles/12½hr Price: From £52 The narrow-gauge Feve line along Spain’s north coast is used mainly by locals and is perfect slow travel. Spend a week or more (a 30-day pass is €88.90), hopping on and off at medieval towns, fishing villages and beaches. The route skirts the coast and twists inland through green valleys. Inntravel has a new one-week self-guided trip by train from Cudillero to Ribadesella (from £595, inntravel.co.uk ). renfe.com

Trondheim to Bodø, Norway

Duration: 453 miles/10hr Price: From £18 The Nordlandsbanen Railway is the longest in Norway, and the only one in the country to cross the Arctic Circle. From Trondheim, it passes farms, forests, mountains, rivers and fjords before reaching Bodø, for ferries to the Lofoten islands. A monument in the Saltfjellet mountains marks the Arctic Circle. From here, passengers can see the midnight sun in summer and, with luck, the northern lights in winter – there is a sleeper as well as two daytime trains. There are nearly 30 stations en route, and the line is included in the Norway Interrail pass (from £155, interrail.eu ). nsb.no

Naples to Palermo, Italy

Duration: 196 miles/9hr Price: £11 There is no need to fly to Sicily. There are direct rail services from Milan (overnight sleeper), Rome and Naples (day and night), with the trains shunted on to a ferry at Villa san Giovanni in Calabria to cross the Messina Strait. These are some of Europe’s few remaining passenger ferry trains. The Naples train skirts Vesuvius, then largely hugs the coastline all the way to the toe of Italy. Pack a picnic, as there is no catering on board. Once in Sicily, the train divides into two, one heading south past Etna on the way to Catania and Siracusa, the other going west to Palermo, the capital. trenitalia.com

Bastia to Ajaccio, Corsica

Duration: 98 miles/3½ hours Price: £19 Corsica has 144 miles of narrow-gauge track, built through mountains over 22 years in the late 19th century. That enterprise, which took an incredible 22 years, has resulted in one of Europe’s most dramatic railways, with 32 tunnels and 52 bridges and viaducts, including one, the Pont du Vecchio, designed by Gustav Eiffel. The most spectacular stretch is between Corte and Bocognano, following the Gravona valley through gorges and past the spectacular 70-metre Bride’s Veil waterfall. Another line, from Ponte-Leccia to Calvi, hugs the north-west coast from L’Ile-Rousse. New flights started on 3 May from Stansted to Ajaccio, Bastia and Figura (from £98, aircorsica.com ). cf-corse.corsica

Mostar to Sarajevo, Bosnia

Duration: 73 miles/2hr Price: £5 Last summer, after two years of rebuilding, the line between Mostar and Sarajevo reopened with air-conditioned trains. This is a great train bargain, with rugged scenery, especially along the Neretva river. While the road sticks to the valley, the train climbs over the mountains, with viaducts, switchbacks and tunnels. From Sarajevo, there used to be a direct train to Zagreb, in Croatia. Negotiations between the two countries continue – check seat61.com for updates. zfbh.ba

Johannesburg to Cape Town, South Africa

Duration: 951 miles/26hr Price: £40 in a sleeper The Blue Train from Pretoria to Cape Town is one of the world’s most luxurious, with prices to match: from £895pp. But there are two non-luxury alternatives on the same route, starting in Johannesburg rather than Pretoria. The Shosholoza Meyl train is the cheapest, but still has sleeping cars and a restaurant. The Premier Classe train (from £189) has private sleepers, all meals included and a lounge-bar car. Passengers see exactly the same views of the Karoo desert, Hex river pass, Cape wine region and Table Mountain, but at a fraction of the cost. shosholozameyl.co.za ; southafricanrailways.co.za

Addis Ababa to Djibouti City, East Africa

Duration: 452 miles/13hr Price: From £26 For a real adventure, try the new line between Ethiopia and Djibouti, which opened last January with new trains and stations, replacing old tracks that shut in 2010. Trains call at Adama in the Rift Valley; cross the Awash river canyon over a 60-metre-high, 155-metre-long bridge; stop off at Ethiopia’s second city, colourful Dire Dawa; then finish at coastal Djibouti City. Tickets have to be booked in person at the station 24 hours in advance, and travellers should allow about 45 minutes for bag checks and immigration controls (you can’t board the train without a Djibouti visa). Ethiopia is planning other cross-border lines, to Kenya, Sudan and South Sudan, by 2020.

Kapiri Mposhi to Dar es Salaam, Zambia/Tanzania

Duration: 1,156 miles/46hr Price: From £17 The Tazara train is a great way to go on safari on a tiny budget. The route goes though Selous game reserve, one of the biggest in the world, for the chance to spot elephants, rhinos, hippos, lions, giraffes, zebras and more. That’s transport, two nights’ accommodation and wildlife viewing for under £20! By comparison, the luxury Rovos Rail tour follows the same route from Dar es Salaam before continuing to Angola or Cape Town, from £9,000 for 15 days. tazarasite.com

Los Mochis to Chihuahua, Mexico

Duration: 406 miles/16hr Price: £53 If this route, with its 86 tunnels and 37 bridges, doesn’t give you a reason to look out the window we’re not sure what will. The train rides through the canyons of the Sierra Tarahumara as it runs from the coast to the city of Chihuahua. It’s the perfect route for a cross-country adventure – passengers can make up to three different overnight stops at no extra cost. chepe.com.mx

Sudbury to White River, Canada

Duration: 298 miles/9hr Price: From £36 The epic, two-night Churchill to Winnipeg route – offering passengers the chance to spot everything from polar bears to the northern lights – is currently suspended after flooding damaged track and bridges. However, there are plenty of other Canadian rail adventures, such as this ride, informally called the Budd Car, that links many remote settlements in northern Ontario that are only accessible by rail. The wilderness route goes through rich forests and past shimmering, crystal-clear rivers, all of which travellers can gaze at in comfort through the train’s large windows. The train runs three times a week, and is particularly popular in October for the fall colours. viarail.ca/en

Anchorage to Fairbanks, Alaska

Duration: 356 miles/12hr Price: From £137 The Denali Star is the Alaska Railroad’s flagship train, winding past rivers, canyons and mountains; highlights include the view from the Hurricane Gulch bridge (pictured), and, on a clear day, the sight of Denali, North America’s highest mountain. The journey can be spread over a few days, with nights in Anchorage and the national park (£600 for five nights). The trains runs daily from 16 May to 16 September, and on winter weekends and selected weekdays. alaskarailroad.com

Lima to Huancayo, Peru

Duration: 206 miles/12hr Price: From £87 Most travellers to Peru will take the tourist train from Cusco to Machu Picchu. It’s a fun ride (albeit a busy one) but for a more unusual experience, try the journey from Lima to Huancayo, the charming capital of the central highlands. The second-highest passenger railway journey in the world, it reaches a height of 4,782 metres as it rolls through the Andes. Before planning a trip, however, note that the train only runs once or twice a month; check the website for timetables. ferrocarrilcentral.com.pe

ASIA Mettupalayam to Udagamandalam, India

Duration: 29 miles/5hr Price: About 30p The Nilgiri Mountain Railway to Udagamandalam (or Ooty) hill station is India’s only rack and pinion railway, part of the Unesco-listed Mountain Railways of India. Its blue-and-cream trains ply the steepest track in Asia. The uphill leg takes about five hours, but it’s just three-and-a-half back down. It runs past ravines, tea plantations and forested hills; the train crosses 250 bridges and passes through 16 tunnels. This year, steam trains have been reintroduced, though priced for tourists (weekends to 24 June, from £8.60). Book well in advance. irctc.co.in

Colombo to Jaffna, Sri Lanka

Duration: 190 miles/6¾hr Price: About £3.50 For decades northern Sri Lanka was virtually cut off by the civil war, and second city Jaffna lost population and prestige. But the line from the capital reopened in 2013, and now foreigners and Sri Lankans alike are exploring the city and its fascinating Tamil culture. Intercity trains are supposed to take less than seven hours, though delays are frequent. Reservable first- and second-class tickets go on sale 30 days in advance, but there’s no online booking: visitors need to use an agency such as visitsrilankatours.co.uk . Book well in advance to snaffle a seat in an observation car (selected trains only) with large windows for watching the scenery change from lush to dry, dotted with bright-striped Hindu temples.

Xining to Lhasa, China/Tibet

Duration: 1,225 miles/21hr Price: From £55 The Qinghai-Tibet Railway is the highest in the world, climbing to a breathtaking 5,231 metres at the Tanggula Pass. There are direct long-distance trains to Lhasa from several major Chinese cities, including Beijing and Shanghai, but it is advisable not to go straight there but to spend a couple of days acclimatising to the altitude in Xining (2,300 metres) along the way. (The train carriages do have oxygen pumped into them, though, and extra oxygen tubes for passengers.) Foreign nationals need a permit to enter Tibet – this is best arranged through an authorised travel agency. The scenery of the Tibetan plateau is breathtaking: arid steppe crisscrossed by frozen rivers, with a backdrop of snow-covered peaks. There are plans to extend the line to the subtropical town of Zhangmu on the Nepal border by 2020.

Poipet to Sisophon, Cambodia

Duration: 30 miles/1¼hr Price: Free (to 31 July) From 2009, there were no passenger trains in Cambodia. Then, in 2016, the southern line from the capital, Phnom Penh, to Sihanoukville in the south reopened. Last month, part of the northern line reopened, too, for the first time in 45 years. So far, there is just a short section in operation, from Poipet, on the Thai border, to Sisophon, Cambodia’s fourth city, but it will be extended south to popular Battambang at the end of the month, then on to Pursat and Phnom Penh (209 miles in total). Best of all, travel on the line is completely free until the end of July. A new route is also being planned between Phnom Penh and Vietnam’s Ho Chi Minh City. When both lines are completed, it will open up train travel between Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam.

Belgrave to Gembrook, Victoria

Duration: 15 miles/2hr Price: £28 Australia has mammoth train journeys, such as the 2,698-mile Indian Pacific from Sydney to Perth and the Ghan from Adelaide to Darwin. Puffing Billy is not like those: the century-old steam train chugs through the Dandenong Ranges near Melbourne. After the historic Monbulk Creek trestle bridge, it enters a ferny forest that’s home to echidnas and koalas. It is good for families, and a lot more manageable than a cross-country epic. puffingbilly.com.au

Browse The Guardian’s selection of some of the world’s best rail journeys on the Guardian Holidays website

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11 of the best value train journeys in Europe (Starting from €9! )

The best and cheapest way to see Europe ? How about travelling by train across Europe. While it is not as cheap as coach travel, trains in Europe, if booked in advance, can offer some incredible deals. It beats flying anyway and also is the most sustainable and one of the cheapest ways to travel across Europe. While for peace of mind and ease of travel, an Eurail pass is incredible, if you do have a rough itinerary in mind and prepared to book the long distance routes 90 days in advance ( or 9 months for trains in France) , there are some incredible  cheap train tickets for Europe. Following my revised guide to the best budget bus companies to see Europe, I’ve compiled a list of the 11 best tips and hacks to find cheap trains in Europe.

1. Use the stopover feature on Deutsche Bahn’s international tickets to travel from Berlin to Prague with stopover in Dresden for €18.90

Plan a stopover at no extra cost thanks to this incredible feature from deutsche bahn.

If you are visiting Berlin for example with plans to continue to Prague, via the Deutsche Bahn website, you can add a 24 hour stopover in Dresden at no extra price.

For example, searching in March 2022, you can buy a ticket from Berlin to Prague for as little as €18.90 with a 24 hour stopover in Dresden.

Or if you are planning to visit Budapest, you can book a ticket from Berlin to Budapest for €46.90 with a 24 hour stopover in Prague.

PS: If you are planning a trip to Prague, checkout my guide to the best budget places to stay in Prague ,  Prague on a budget and also my guide to the best things to do in Prague

These are Deutsche Bahn’s Sparpreis advance-purchase cheap fares.

For an extra €19.90 you can also upgrade your ticket to 1st class where you’ll get a slightly better seat and legspace but honestly in my opinion, there is not really a big difference between travelling 1st and 2nd class on these trains.

2. Prague to Budapest- €16 and Vienna to Budapest- €9 with Regiojet

One of the best value cheap train europe deals- tick off three classic europe destinations with one incredible fare.

Formerly the Student Travel Agency which started out offering low-cost luxury bus services within Czech Republic, the agency has now rebranded as Regiojet offering incredible value low-cost train services within Czech Republic and beyond.

The best value deal of the lot, was launched last summer when Regiojet started a new train service that linked up three key European capitals that are a staple of every Eurotrip- Prague, Vienna and Budapest. Currently there are 2 trains servicing the route daily. Tickets start from as little as €16 between Prague and Budapest and just €9 from Vienna to Budapest.

A quick search pulled up a few of the €16 Prague and Budapest fares in March 2022. The basic fare includes seat reservations and WiFi. For an extra €2.30 you get a better seat, free newspaper water and access to their built-in LCD screens.

3. Prague to Budapest with Czech Railways for €21 in advance

Another slightly more expensive and alternative option is to book Eurocity train from Prague to Budapest for as little as €21 or 514 CZK. You can only book this ticket in advance only via the

Czech Railways website.

4. Prague to Munich for €15 via Czech Railways

Czech railways, portal for czech trains can sometimes offer some great deals on train travel…..

If you are travelling from Czech Republic to Germany, I would also strongly urge you to look up fares on Czech Railways website where they can be often a third cheaper than when booking via Deutsche Bahn website.

For example on 30th March, travelling from Prague to Munich on the direct train, ( 11.38am ) the fare shows up as €42 one way via bahn.de website but if you look at the Czech Railways website, same train and fare shows up as 360 CZK which is €14.76 which is a massive saving.

Promenade Anglais, Nice

5. Paris to Nice €19 with the French low cost train service Ouigo

A low-cost, high-speed train service operated by sncf .

Visiting France soon? While many are familiar with their amazing TGV trains, Voyages SNCF also has a low-cost train service called Ouigo which offers fares as cheap as €10 between Paris Marné la Vallée and Lyon or Bordeaux & €19 from Paris to Nice. These super cheap fares open 9 months in advance so you should book early to get these fares.

For example, a quick search on en.oui.sncf, I can see a bunch of fares for €10 from Paris to Bordeaux in June 2022. It is worth noting that this fare is valid from Marné la Vallée which is the TGV outpost for Disneyland Paris and is a 12 minute , €15 ride from Paris CDG airport. Or you can take the underground to Châtelet-Les-Halles from where you take the RER-line A to Marne-la-Vallée. Journey time is 35 minutes and costs €7.50.

If you are planning to travel to Paris and Nice, Ouigo also operate a low-cost service on this popular route. In June 2022, I can see fares for as little as €19. Trains leave from the more central Gare de Lyon to Nice.

Ouigo also has a few extras to keep in mind. If you want a seat with electric sockets for an extra €2 and if you want to be in the quiet carriage, there is an extra €5 fee.

Trainline’s cheap fare finder feature is a really handy feature to find out the cheapest fares in the next month

PS: Another brilliant value train deal to also keep in mind is the Milan to Paris route. Being offseason, there is a bunch of their cheap €29 fares on sale now on the route ( Trainline’s excellent low fare calendar is a very handy tool )   Journey time is 7 hours. Extra €10 snags you a seat on 1st class.

6. Barcelona to Madrid by €9 with Ouigo Spain

Low-cost, high speed rail service revolution comes to spain.

Last summer ( 2021) Ouigo brought their unique low-cost train services to Spain. From May 2021, Ouigo started offering a 5 times a day, daily return service between Barcelona and Madrid. The service also serves the cities of Zaragoza and Tarragona.

Simple search on Ouigo website, reveals a bunch of the bargain €9 fares on the Barcelona to Madrid route for dates in June and July 2021. Ouigo applies low cost airline dynamic pricing so the sooner you book, the better the fares so keep that in mind.

Worth noting that for the basic €9 fare, passengers can bring a small bag/ handbag and a carry on cabin sized luggage. If you have a rucksack or suitcase, there is an extra €5 fee.

7. Stockholm to Gothenburg with Flixtrain for €12.99

If Sweden is on your itinerary and you are planning to travel between the two main cities, Stockholm and Gothenburg, have a look at Flixtrain who offer fares for as little as €12.99/135 kronor between Stockholm and Gothenburg. To give you a comparison, main operator in Sweden SJ offer fares of 194 kronor/ €18.60 so you make a big saving.

8. Berlin to Frankfurt for €9.99 with Flixtrain Germany

Flixtrain also operates on a number of routes in Germany and is the main competitor to Deutsche Bahn. Frequency is less and they operate on a handful of routes but their fares are much cheaper.

To give you an idea, fares with Flixtrain cost as little as €4.99 from Hamburg to Berlin ( Journey time 2 hours 39 minutes ) €9.99 Berlin to Stuttgart ( Journey time 5.56 hours ) and €9.99-Berlin to Frankfurt ( 4.09 hours )

9. Deutsche Bahn Länder ticket/ Regional day tickets

Unlimited train travel across any of germany’s 16 federal states for as little as €22.

If you are visiting Germany, especially with your partner or a group of friends, another brilliant deal is the Lander regional tickets which offer you unlimited travel within the state for as little as €22. This ticket is valid only on local and regional trains and excludes the faster ICE/IC trains. You can travel with up to four fellow passengers per ticket for as little as EUR 3 per additional passenger.

The tickets are valid from Monday to Friday from 09:00 until 03:00 on the following day.

We used this ticket when visiting Munich last year for a day trip to Zugspitze, beautiful Lake Eibsee and Garmisch Partenkirchen.

The other great thing worth remembering is that you can buy these tickets on the day from any Deutsche Bahn ticket machine in the train station.

10. Paris to Vienna for €60 with Nightjet train service

Night trains in europe a great way to save money on accommodation plus time if you are on tight itinerary.

If you are on a tight budget and travelling between countries, I would highly recommend looking into booking an overnight sleeper train to help you save money on 1 nights accommodation and also you are not wasting the whole day in a train.

For example you can travel from Paris to Vienna on the Nightjet service. It leaves Gare de l’Est at 6.58pm and reaches Vienna at 10.12am in the morning.

The basic fare for a seat in a 6 seat compartment carriage is €60. From the picture above, as you can see, not the most comfortable seat to be cooped up and try and sleep.

I f you are on a tight budget, it will get you from A to B. If you splurge on a couchette , you pay an extra €20 which might be worth the investment if it means getting a decent night sleep.

I’ve taken the Caledonian Sleeper from London to Edinburgh and also the Helsinki to Kolari ( Prices start from €49 for private cabin and with shower, €69 ) overnight train on my way to the 7 Fells Hostel in Finnish Lapland- ( Read more about my trip to Finnish Lapland here ) great way to travel and the journey itself is an experience that will remember.

Other great services on Nightjet train worth keeping an eye include the Munich to Zagreb service ( leaves Munich at 23.20pm and reaches Zagreb at 8.32am) -booking in advance, you get a seat in the compartment for as little as €29.90 or for an extra €45 on top, you can get a sleeper bed.

11. Buy a Eurail pass

The first entry on my first Interrail pass from 2012: ICE 36, Copenhagen to Hamburg, The journey begins…

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Hi I am Kash aka the BudgetTraveller I'm the Luxury Hostels guy and for the last 14 years are sharing ways of how you can travel in style on a budget. Say hello to me here or on Instagram/Twitter. Lets connect!

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The fiction & reality of Kurt Wallander’s Ystad

  [tweetmeme] [fbshare type=”button” float=”left”] [fblike style=”standard” float=”left” showfaces=”false” width=”150″ verb=”like” font=”arial”] [google_plusone size=”standard” float=”left”]         It’s a cold wet evening…

The Best Train Trips in the World: 2023 Readers’ Choice Awards

By Todd Plummer

Ah, the allure of train trips . Adventurers and the eco-conscious are drawn to this glamorous, old-world mode of exploration for the impeccable slow-travel vibes, but there’s also something to be said about the perspective found onboard a train; you’re experiencing the landscape and scenery in a way that you can’t experience in any other mode of travel. A train trip often brings you where everyday roads cannot, whether it’s through untouched Malaysian jungles on the revamped Belmond Eastern & Oriental itineraries relaunching in 2024, or high into the Canadian Rockies with Rocky Mountaineer. For our 36th annual Readers’ Choice Awards —which capture the travel experiences our readers love best, from hotels and airlines to cruises , islands , and luggage —we called on all of you to rank the best of the best rail journeys out there. Here, dear readers, is how the dice fell.

This gallery has been updated with new information since its original publish date.

20. Inca Rail, South America

If you’re interested in taking a train to Machu Picchu (and unless you’re a mountain goat, we suggest you do), Inca Rail offers a level of convenience that is difficult to match—and it’s also worth mentioning that the First Class service is priced more accessibly than other luxury operators servicing the same route. While on board, you can expect a tasty menu prepared with organic ingredients grown right in the Sacred Valley, live Peruvian music, ample windows through which you can admire the staggering Andean scenery, and a spacious Observatory Lounge complete with open-air balcony. For fresh and frothy Pisco sours this good, this is one train that’s well worth the price of admission.

19. Transcantabrico Gran Lujo, Spain

Take in all the sights and flavors of Spain ’s iconic northern coastline on this luxurious sleeper train, which over the course of a week makes its way between San Sebastián and Santiago de Compostela. You’ll enjoy on-board cuisine that celebrates each of the distinct regions through which this train passes, from Galicia to Basque Country. A unique aspect of this train is that it remains stationary overnight, allowing for late-night excursions and explorations that are uncommon on other sleeper train experiences.

18. Glacier Express, Switzerland

It’s been said that the Glacier Express is the slowest express in the world–it takes eight hours to traverse the 180-mile journey–but boy, do the views here invite a slow journey. Connecting the resort towns of Zermatt and Saint Moritz, the train provides an up-close perspective of some of this mountainous country’s most iconic natural features, including the Matterhorn, Piz Bernina, and the Rhine Gorge (dubbed Switzerland’s Grand Canyon). Book in Excellence Class and you’ll be served Champagne at your seat, followed by a six-course meal complete with wine pairings.

17. The Canadian, Canada

Take in every mile of the vast Canadian landscape from The Canadian , a special sleeper service offered by VIA Rail, the country’s national rail carrier. Keep in mind that this train is more about sightseeing from the cars than actually getting off and doing anything. But if you’re traveling in the comfort of Prestige Class—with your own private cabin, private washroom and built-in TV screen monitor with video selection—you’ll be perfectly content to take in the journey from the privacy of your very own picture window.

Steph Koyfman

Shannon McMahon

Charlie Hobbs

16. The Ghan, Australia

Completed in 1929, The Ghan runs through the heart of the Australian continent , from Adelaide in the south to Darwin in the north. It may have only started running its current route in 2004, but its history dates to the 19th century, its name harkening to the Afghan camel trainers and riders who first helped chart a course through the country’s interior. The three-day all-inclusive journey sees the train lilting its way through Australia’s Red Centre with diverse landscapes passing by. Travel through the expansive ridges of the MacDonnell Ranges, witness the awe-inspiring beauty of Simpsons Gap, and visit the opal town of Coober Pedy.

15. JR Kyushu 36+3, Japan

This train’s unusual name derives from Kyushu being the 36th-largest island in the world, and there being three key stakeholders on this journey: the passengers, the local community, and the rail company, JR Kyushu. It isn’t a sleeper train, instead offering a series of weeklong roster of one-day itineraries around the perimeter of Kyushu–a do one, do them all, or do as many as you like situation–but the journey is no less enriching for it. The inside feels like a ryokan, featuring immaculate woodwork made from local techniques, comfortable furniture, and a mix of private and communal spaces. It’s a gorgeous way to get off the beaten track on this gorgeous Japanese island, packing in a number of stops and towns into a single day of productive–yet comfortable–sightseeing.

14. Eastern & Oriental Express, A Belmond Train, Southeast Asia

The E&O is the stuff of train enthusiasts’ legends, and in February 2024, this storied train will at long last resume service after its pandemic-era pause–sort of. The train’s journey originally connected Singapore and Bangkok, but as of the new year will offer journeys through the jungles and coastlines of Malaysia, but all originating in and returning to Singapore. It isn’t the classic E&O route, but these new itineraries will offer deeper explorations of Malaysia than ever before, including guided snorkeling on Langkawi and excursions to Taman Negara National Park. Despite the new itineraries, the train still has all the old world touches that people love: Order a Singapore Sling in the Bar Car, take it to the outdoor viewing platform as the Malaysian jungle rolls on by, and you just might forget what year we’re living in.

13. Northern Belle, Europe

It’s all about the food—and the scenery, too, but mostly about the food—onboard this lovingly restored 1930s train , which zig-zags its way across the English, Scottish and Welsh countrysides. Each of the journeys on offer are day trips, so they require less of a time (and money) commitment than other luxury trains. But what the Northern Belle lacks in length she more than makes up for in quality: The meal services are exquisite, offering fine dining crafted mostly from U.K. suppliers, so you can enjoy classic British fare as the heaths, meadows, and dales roll on by.

12. The Maharajas' Express, India

There are luxury sleeper trains, and then there are luxury sleeper trains like the Maharaja’s Express , where a greeting of marigold garlands and rose petals showered at your feet kicks off the journey before your personal butler escorts you to your room. The Junior Suite rooms are surprisingly spacious, especially by train travel standards, and come with full-sized closets, comfortable beds, private bathrooms, and satellite TVs. Both of the on board watering holes–the Safari Bar and the Raja Club–have plenty of chairs, comfy sofas, books and board games. Each day of the itinerary includes special opportunities to experience India through the train’s luxurious and singular perspective: like an early-morning champagne breakfast on a private hillside overlooking the Taj Mahal.

11. Royal Scotsman, A Belmond Train, Scotland

It’s about the journey, not the destination, right? Nowhere is train travel more indulgent—or convenient!—than on Belmond’s Royal Scotsman , which departs from and arrives at Edinburgh’s Waverley Station. With only 40 guests onboard, the train circumnavigates the heart of the Scottish Highlands, passing such landmarks as the Kyle of Lochalsh and Cairngorms National Park. There’s even a dedicated spa carriage, where the specialists are trained to synchronize their motions with the natural lilts and tilts of the train. If that’s not luxury, we’re not sure what is.

10. Belmond Hiram Bingham, A Belmond Train, South America

Named after the U.S. explorer who supposedly “discovered” Machu Picchu in 1911, the Belmond Hiram Bingham train line is as grand as the man’s claims. The round-trip journey connects the city of Poroy (just west of Cuzco) to the Lost City and Sacred Valley of Machu Picchu. The Belmond Hiram Bingham turns on the turn-of-the-20th-century charm, from gleaming polished wood and brass surfaces to lavish meals and accommodations, which offer plenty of space to stretch out: the perfect setting for viewing the mountains and rivers zooming past the window.

9. Golden Chariot, India

Experience a mix of Southern India’s greatest hits and lesser-explored destinations on board the iconic purple and gold Golden Chariot , which connects the Indian states of Karnataka, Goa, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Pondicherry. All itineraries depart from Bengaluru, with options for both three-night and six-night journeys. This train’s strength is its access to off-beat attractions than what you’ll find on the well-worn Golden Triangle, such as the ruins of Hampi. With sparse crowds, and a comfortable train to retreat to at the end of each day, it’s an approach to India that captures all the magic this country has to offer.

8. Golden Eagle Danube Express, Europe

A pioneer in luxury trains for three decades, Golden Eagle is perhaps best known for its Silk Road and Trans-Siberian routes, but the Danube Express unlocks an approach to Southern and Eastern Europe which is no less breathtaking and engaging. The “Castles of Transylvania” route from Istanbul to Budapest is particularly unique–spend all day learning about Vlad the Impaler’s history through guided tours, then spend all night luxuriating in the comfort of the bar car or in the privacy of your room. It’s a combination of Europe’s best cities and most dramatic natural landscapes that is hard to experience in one go any other way.

7. Rocky Mountaineer, North America

Traveling in a coach outfitted with picture windows and glass-dome ceilings means that a Rocky Mountaineer journey leaves no sight unseen as you traverse the dramatic scenery between Vancouver , British Columbia and Banff or Jasper, Alberta. Sample local Canadian beer, wine and snacks as you kick back and enjoy the ride. The staff’s friendly service and animated storytelling help bring the landscape to life. It’s personal touches like those which keep travelers coming away from this trip amply satisfied time and time again. Since it was founded in 1990, Rocky Mountaineer has transported more than two million guests, making it the largest privately-owned premium tourist train in the world.

6. Rovos Rail, Africa

This extravagant railway has been traveling throughout Africa for over thirty years. The experiences start before you even board—when departing from Pretoria, Rovos Rail travelers are granted exclusive access to a private lounge, where Champagne and canapés greet them—and a strict “no cellphone” rule is maintained for your own good. Enjoy the moment(s) provided by this line, which range from cozy digs to formal-attired evenings, as well as full-sized, freestanding clawfoot tubs in the most grand compartments. All Rovos Rail journeys include off-train cultural, historical and safari excursions so guests can experience all the wonders that Southern Africa has to offer. The three-night Cape Town journey is a classic, but if you’re feeling extra adventurous and have a few more nights to spare, opt for the newer fifteen-day “Trail of Two Oceans” itinerary, originating in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, crossing Zambia, traversing a sliver of the Democratic Republic of Congo, and concluding in Lobito, Angola.

5. Belmond Andean Explorer, A Belmond Train, South America

Weaving through the Peruvian Andes at 14,000 feet, the Belmond Andean Explorer transports passengers between Arequipa and Cusco on one- and two-night journeys. There are just thirty-five cabins on board, each outfitted with alpaca wool blankets and handwoven fabrics for an authentic yet luxe feel. Two dining cars and two bar cars serve the whims of every guest with bites like alpaca tortellini and (of course) champagne. The train also makes excursions to Lake Titicaca , where guests can learn about local customs, visit Incan ruins, and take in breath-taking views.

4. British Pullman, A Belmond Train, England

The British Pullman ’s experience is magical no matter where you’re seated. Once you depart London , you’ll embark on a journey through the bucolic British countryside, touring cities and towns like Cambridge, York, and Canterbury along the way. The restored carriages date back to the 1920s and 1930s, so expect Art Deco touches, polished interiors, and classically prepared multi-course meals—this is the same train line that has served British royalty and government officials for years, after all.

3. Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, Europe

Year after year, the world’s most iconic locomotive continues to be a standard-setter in luxury. Of course, the decadent interiors are a fantasy of 1920’s Art Deco design, but it’s the impeccable service that keeps this train firmly ensconced in a class of its own. Bags are whisked off from the platform and magically reappear in your cabin, no glass ever runs empty, and the beds seem to make themselves anytime you step outside of your cabin. By day you can revel in the scenery of French countrysides and Swiss mountain scenes, and by night, the formal dress code feels anything but stuffy—in fact, playing dress up and making your way to the Champagne bar is, we think, one of the coolest experiences anyone could have on a train. For 2023, this over-the-top train is getting even more luxe updates, including eight new suites, two of which are original 1920s and 30s carriages carefully restored by expert French craftsmen and designers–so there’s no time like the present to book that bucket-list trip.

2. Palace on Wheels, India

India’s best-known train, the Palace on Wheels , offers a number of trips that range from a couple days to week-long excursions. Embarking from New Delhi through the Land of Kings, trips take you through the famed Pink City of Jaipur, in Rajasthan, where guests are greeted by majestic UNESCO sites like the Amer Fort as well as 16th century palaces. You can also visit Agra, home to the Taj Mahal and the perfect stop for a tour of some of the country's most iconic sites. Along the way, enjoy regional cuisine in well-appointed, colorful carriages decked out in Indian textiles.

1. Seven Stars in Kyushu, Japan

Train lovers consider this opulent Japanese locomotive among the most spacious and comfortable of them all. Every inch of Seven Stars' Kyushu train—from the beds, to the bathroom sinks, to the woodwork, to the porcelain dinner plates—is handmade by Japanese artisans, and the service is simply exquisite, with each journey limited to a positively intimate twenty passengers; but it’s not just about the onboard experience with Seven Stars. These four-day, three-night trips travel a circuit around the island of Kyushu, making stops at the region’s best shrines, onsens, porcelain studios, and more, so you truly feel like you’re exploring an authentic side of Japan , far away from the more obvious tourist tracks.

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11 of the best London to Europe train trips for a great escape

You don’t need to fly to flee London: touring by train is a relaxing and pretty way to travel. Here are eleven European train trips with vistas to write home about

It’s hard to embrace the romance of the railway when your standard interaction with it involves pushing your way onto a delayed service during rush hour . But travelling by train can be a relaxing way to get around, especially when the views outside the window are this good. Plus, London has fantastic transport links , which means that finding an aesthetically-pleasing new adventure is easy. Our city’s trains are well-linked to other parts of the UK and across Europe, so you can forget about schlepping to the airport for your next city break . For beautiful train journeys, through picturesque mountain ranges, past rugged castles and over sparkling rivers just take your pick from the list below. Here’s just a handful of the most scenic train journeys in Europe, starting in London and ending somewhere new. No Oyster card needed.

Is there a train from London to Europe?

Yes! Several rail travel providers operate services to mainland Europe from London, all of which depart from St Pancras International.  

RECOMMENDED: The best city breaks in Europe The most underrated travel destinations in Europe The cheapest cities to visit in Europe on a budget The best day trips from London

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Beautiful European train journeys from London

1.  London St Pancras to Avignon via Eurostar

Look out for  Once you hit France it’s all rolling fields and quaint little villages. After passing through the charming, gastro-city of Lyon and on to the vineyard-strewn Rhône Valley, look out for the Massif Central mountains to the right and the snowy French Alps to the left before arriving in the incredibly beautiful, walled medieval city of Avignon.

Journey  London St Pancras to Avignon TGV station, changing at Paris (via Eurostar), to Avignon city centre (via shuttle train).

Journey time 6 hours

Approx cost  £196 (one-way, standard class, advance booking)

2.  London Paddington to St Ives via the Night Riviera Sleeper

Look out for  En route to Penzance, try and spot the giant Westbury White Horse, carved out of chalky Salisbury Plain. Cross engineer Isambard Kingdom Brunel’s famous bridge over the river Tamar and keep a look out for the sign welcoming you to Cornwall in actual Cornish. Trundle along the breathtaking clifftops of St Ives Bay before arriving at the seaside town with its postcard-perfect harbour.

Journey  London to St Erth via the Night Riviera Sleeper, St Erth to St Ives (by bus).

Journey time 8 hours 19 minutes Approx cost £79-£165 (one-way, single sleeper)

3.  London St Pancras to Barcelona via Latour-de-Carol & the Pyrenees

Look out for  More scenic and cheaper than the TGV high-speed equivalent – rolling through the Rhône valley you’ll see countless pretty villages. Notice the Foix Castle emerge on the right before winding your way through the snowcapped Pyrenees. From the grand Latour-de-Carol station it’s a three-hour wobbly descent down the mountains to Barcelona. Look out for cascading waterfalls, tiny houses perched precariously on the hills and ancient ruins.

Journey  London to Paris (via Eurostar), Paris to Latour-de-Carol (via Intercité de Nuit couchette train), Latour-de-Carol- Enveitg – Barcelona (via Rodalies de Catalunya train).

Journey time 2 days

Approx cost £200 (one way, advance tickets)

4.  London St Pancras to Milan

Look out for  Race alongside the banks of Lake Como and into luscious green mountains. From Tirano, enjoy views of the mist-covered Alps, then it’s a fir-tree-lined descent past the vast Lake Poschiavo and over the six-arched curved limestone Landwasser Viaduct. Once in Milan you can hotfoot it on to a high-speed train and take a trip to Florence, Rome or Venice.

Journey  London to Paris (via Eurostar), Paris to Zurich (via TGV plus overnight stay), Zurich to Milan (via local train).

Journey time 2 days Approx cost £116 (one way, standard class, excluding overnight stay)

5.  London Euston to Fort William via Caledonian Sleeper

Look out for Waking up on board the Caledonian Sleeper in Bonnie Scotland is pretty special, but the return leg is even nicer. Unspoilt Scottish scenery will have you glued to the window until bedtime. Pass by Loch Lomond bordered by craggy mountains and make sure you keep your eyes peeled for deer on the marshy flatlands of Rannoch Moor. Add on a train trip to Mallaig at the end of the line, to travel over the Glenfinnan Viaduct – the 21-arch bridge featured in the Harry Potter movies. 

Journey time 13 hours

Approx cost £55 seat/£270 single-bed bunks/£405 double bed (one way advance ticket)

6.  London Euston to The Welsh Coast via Cambrian Railway

Look out for Taking you all the way from Shrewsbury to the edge of North West Wales, you’ll pass the top of the Shropshire hills, the Cambrian Hills, and then Snowdonia. If you want to exit the train, your route takes you near to Ynys-hir Nature Reserve, where you can take a stroll whilst overlooking the Dyfi estuary. Don’t miss Harlech Castle, an impressive Medieval structure situated on the edge of a near-vertical cliff face.

Journey  London Euston to Shrewsbury changing at Birmingham (via Avanti West Coast), Shrewsbury to Pwllheli (via Cambrian Railway).

Journey time 7 hours

Approx cost  £60–180 (one-way, advance booking)

7.  London St Pancras to The Black Forest via Eurostar

Look out for Apparently the sunniest city in Germany, Freiburg is a quant area with delicate miniature streams and cobbled streets. On the journey there, you’ll fly across the vibrant French countryside, through the Regional Natural Park of Lorraine, and then across the border into Southern Germany where you can expect incredible views of The Black Forest. We recommend hopping off and visiting the Forest on foot, or riding in a cable car to get a bird’s eye view of the incredible dark treetops. If you fancy extending your trip, there’s also a Black Forest train route running between Offenburg (30 minutes from Freiburg) and Konstanz.

Journey London St Pancras to Paris Nord (via Eurostar), Paris Nord to Paris Gare de L'Est (via Paris RER), Paris Gare de L'Est to Karlsruhe Hbf (via TGV),  Karlsruhe Hbf to Freiburg. 

Journey time  7 hours 35 minutes

Approx cost £120 (one way, 2nd class)

8.  London Victoria to Venice via Orient Express

Look out for Let’s be honest, once you’re on board the Belmond Orient Express you’ll struggle to take your eyes off the art deco interiors in your vintage cabin. But if you can, you’ll see spectacular views of imposing mountains and lush valleys. Your journey starts as you whizz through the French countryside whilst enjoying a four-course meal and fizz. When you rise in the morning, you’ll be greeted by the all-encompassing Swiss Alps over your morning coffee, just like Hercule Poirot.

Journey  London Victoria to Folkestone (via Belmond British Pullman), Folkestone to Paris (via shuttle), Paris to Venice (via Orient Express).

Journey time  32 hours (overnight, sleeper)

Approx cost  £ 4,500 (single, one way)

9.  London Euston to Carlisle via The Cumbrian Mountain Express

Look out for  On this steam train service, you’ll begin travelling across a patchwork of pretty English hills and farmland towards the Yorkshire Dales. As you weave across the country and towards Carlisle, you’ll pass through tunnels and over impressive viaducts, such as Ribblehead. The train also travels through Mallerstang, home to Pendragon castle, past the River Eden and up to Ais Gill, the highest railway summit in England.

Journey  London Euston to Carnforth (via Electric), Carnforth to Carlisle (Steam).

Journey time  1 day

Approx cost  £110 (one way, advance standard class)

10.  London St Pancras to Budapest via The Balkan Odyssey

Look out for Beginning in Venice, where you’ll see the romantic Venice Lagoon and Grand Canal, the super luxurious Balkan Odyssey follows the Adriatic coast to Budapest, stopping off at beautiful and intriguing European spots. You’ll be taking your time to explore the different places along the way, but when you’re on board make sure you keep your gaze out the window to spy gothic castles, gawp at the Carpathian Mountains in Romania and see the glistening Danube in Hungary.

Journey  London to Paris (via Eurostar), Paris to München (via SNCF), München to Venice (via Nightjet sleeper), Venice to Budapest (via The Balkan Odyssey).

Journey time 10  days

Approx cost  £9,983 (single, one way)

11.  London St Pancras to Prague via Czech Railways

Look out for As you whiz through Germany look for the Elbe River, one of Europe’s major rivers, as you travel south of Dresden. You’ll also spy Bad Schandau, a scenic spa town located on the bank of the river, and Děčín Castle where the Elbe meets Ploučnice river, before travelling alongside the incredible River Vltava on the way into the historic city of Prague.

Journey  London St. Pancras to Frankfurt (via Eurostar), Frankfurt to Berlin (via DB), Berlin to Dresden (via DB), Dresden to Prague (via Czech Railways).

Journey time two days

Approx cost  £215 (one way, not including overnight stay)

More amazing weekend breaks from London

Live the Dreamland in Margate

Recently, 1920s theme park Dreamland has reopened after an 11-year campaign by locals. The UK’s answer to New York’s hyper-kitsch Coney Island, it boasts a mix of retro rides, seaside sauciness and a Tracey Emin-endorsed rollerdisco. Entry costs £17.95 and covers all rides. Skating is £4.95 Fri-Sun and £4.50 Mon-Thurs. With ‘Dreamland’ spelled out like the Hollywood sign across the back wall, it’s the most Instagrammable pleasure beach I’ve ever been to.

Margate retains an eccentric seaside spirit though. We paid £3.50 to pop into the Shell Grotto, a series of caves discovered in Victorian times (FYI, there’s a shell phallus), then visited the Mad Hatter, a tearoom in the old town, which has been covered floor-to-ceiling in Princess Diana memorabilia for the past 20 years. 

And that’s the thing – Londoners are always chasing trends, when we could be heading to Margs for some properly old-fashioned fun. A walk on the beach, a ride on the Ferris wheel, maybe even a stick of rock… Exactly the same things your nan enjoyed on holiday.

By Kate Lloyd

www.dreamland.co.uk

Getting there : By train from St Pancras or Victoria to Margate: around one hour 30 minutes. 

Go post-apocalyptic at Dungeness

Doomsday is upon us, and you are one of the few survivors! At least, that’s how it feels visiting this Kent coastal desert. Splintered remains of old boats litter the large shingle expanse, rusty train tracks run to the middle of nowhere, and a nuclear power station looms over you in the middle distance. Bring your camera and watch out for zombies. 

Getting there: By train from King’s Cross to Appledore (change at Ashford): around one hour 30 minutes. Then taxi.

Sculpt a castle at Sunny Sands

One of the few sandy beaches within an hour of London (and a lovely one it is too), Sunny Sands hosts the annual Folkestone Mermaid Festival and Sandcastle Competition, where the Michelangelos and Da Vincis of the sand-crafting world go head to head. You’d best get practising. www.folkestonefestival.org Getting there: By train from King’s Cross to Folkestone Central: around one hour.

Get down and dirty on a sewer tour in Brighton

You don’t really know a city until you’ve seen its shitty underside. This Southern Water tour (£12 adults, £6 children) will take you beneath the streets of Brighton, through a network of impressive Victorian tunnels that channel waste and water out of the city, before emerging from a manhole into a busy street!  www.southernwater.co.uk/brighton-sewer-tours

Getting there: By train from Victoria to Brighton: around one hour. 

Have a punt in Cambridge

A short train ride away from hordes of sweating sightseers, I find myself setting off on a two-mile punt down the river Cam. Scudamore’s punts can be hired at Mill Lane (£100 a day, £25 an hour), from which point you can drift out of town. Go far enough and you’ll reach the Orchard Tea Garden in Grantchester, once frequented by Virginia Woolf, John Maynard Keynes, EM Forster and other dead types. As promised, everywhere is pleasantly scented, truly beautiful and – since the students have gone home for summer – nice and empty. 

The theory of punting is thus: drop the end of a metal pole to the riverbed, push and it will propel you forwards. The journey’s hard going (Scudamore’s also runs one-way guided trips up to Grantchester for the pole-shy) but ultimately worth it. We moor up by the tea room; there’s a charming, sun-dappled little orchard full of deckchairs and nattering locals. As I bite into a carrot cake, I let the tranquillity wash over me. And I’ve got the perfect way to hold on to this feeling: on the way back, I’m not doing the punting. 

By Alexi Duggins

www.scudamores.com

Getting there: By fast train from King’s Cross to Cambridge: around 45 minutes. Then walk (25 minutes) or taxi to Mill Lane. 

Raise a glass at Denbies in Dorking

As well as sampling award-winning wines produced by England’s largest vineyard, you can take indoor and outdoor tours of the estate (£6-£16). 

www.denbies.co.uk

Spoil yourself at The Grove in Hertfordshire

Queen Victoria used to ‘weekend’ at this country estate, 18 miles from central London. It’s now a fancy hotel with luxurious day packages on offer at its spa (£195-£350). Treat yo’self. 

www.thegrove.co.uk

Getting there: By train from Euston to Watford Junction: around 20 minutes. Then taxi.

Chug out West on the Dorset Coast Express

Getting there: Next train, July 22.

Take the plunge in Pangbourne

Pangbourne is a picturesque village with two or three nice pubs – and some of the best wild swimming within reach of London. We arrived in time for a riverside lunch at The Swan, then strolled down the Thames Path to the water meadows, a prime bathing spot (goose shit notwithstanding) with a slipway providing easy access to the river. 

Yes, it was bloody freezing. But only a few minutes in, I was surprised by a genuine feeling of being ‘at one with nature’. I was more literally bonded with some squishy mud near the bank, but a few feet out the bottom dropped away. Suddenly I was doggy-paddling in the clean, clear waters of Big Daddy Thames. 

It was glorious: enough to make you never want to dip a toe in chlorinated water again. On a sunny day I’d have been there all afternoon; but given the weather, a pint at The Cross Keys was a decent alternative. And we were back at Paddington by half six. Next time I go, I might even check the weather forecast.

www.wildswim.com

By James Manning

Getting there: By train from Paddington to Pangbourne: direct, around one hour 30 minutes; change at Reading for a journey of less than an hour.

Grin and bear (Grylls) it in the New Forest

Want to be able to survive in the most inhospitable environment? The place to start is… the New Forest. These family-friendly bushcraft courses (£70 adults, £55 12-18s) will teach you the basics of outdoor survival: how to build a shelter, make a fire, find water and wrestle bears to the death (well, the first three at least). www.newforestactivities.co.uk Getting there: By fast train from Waterloo to Brockenhurst: around one hour 35 minutes. Then taxi. 

Join the wolf pack in Berkshire

You’ll be howling with approval after a visit to the UK Wolf Conservation Trust. Open to the public every Wednesday (£8 adults, £5 children), the centre is home to ten wolves from places including North America and the Arctic. They’re all kept in enclosures, but maybe still err on the side of caution and avoid wearing any sheepskin. 

Getting there: By train from Paddington to Midgham (change at Reading): around one hour. Then taxi. 

www.ukwct.org.uk 

Take a walk on the wool side with llamas in Surrey

Dogs are soooo 2014! When you go for a walk in the countryside these days, you want a freakin’ llama by your side. Lead one of the friendly furries through the beautiful Surrey Hills on a day-long trek (£75 adults, £38 nine-15s), stopping for a picnic en route. Just don’t piss your llama off or you’ll learn the true meaning of ‘spitting distance’. 

www.surrey-hills-llamas.co.uk

Getting there: By train from Waterloo to Milford: around one hour. Then taxi.

Go to shellfish heaven on Mersea Island

The little island of Mersea (pronounced ‘Mersey’) is one of those places you don’t want to shout about. Let everyone else go to twee-on-sea Whitstable, with its bunting and overpriced oysters. Mersea has crept on to the food map in the past few years, but it’s still down-to-earth.

Seafood shack The Company Shed is exactly that – a big shed that grew out of the family oyster-farming business, with cheapo furniture, kitchen rolls plonked on tables and angry lobsters and crabs awaiting their fate in a tank on the back wall. 

Order at the counter then sit back like a Roman emperor as ridiculous piles of shellfish are brought to you. We go for the famous Company Shed seafood platter (£15 per person): a monster smorgasbord of crab, locally cured salmon, smoked peppered mackerel, prawns, crevettes and mussels. 

There’s plenty to do on the island – crabbing, a country park, cycling, boat trips, a tour of Mersea Island Vineyard and its microbrewery. But to be honest, we’re really here to feed our faces.  

By Cath Clarke

www.thecompanyshed.co  

Getting there: By train from Liverpoool Street to Colchester: around 50 minutes. Then taxi (30 minutes), bus or bicycle. You can also pick up a passenger ferry to Mersea from Brightlingsea.

Catch a moving film at the Floating Cinema

London’s favourite (and presumably only) canal boat cinema has gone cruising out west this summer, on a tour from Brentford to Bristol, along the Kennet & Avon Canal. You can take easy day trips to any of the places where it’s mooring for a range of workshops, talks and free outdoor screenings.  www.floatingcinema.info

Getting there: Transport and timings vary. See the website. 

Play the imitation game at Bletchley Park

Follow in the footsteps of Alan Turing (statue pictured) and his legendary team at the very place where brainy Brits cracked the Nazi Enigma code (£16.75 annual adult ticket, £10 12-16s, free under-12s). After taking in the incredible wartime history of the park at its fascinating museum, visit the huts where maths whizzes worked around the clock on German ciphers – work that is estimated to have shortened the war by two years.  www.bletchleypark.org.uk

Getting there: By train from Euston to Bletchley: around 45 minutes.

Stand the chance of a ghost in Pluckley

Steel yourself and head for Britain’s most haunted village. A screaming man, a suicidal schoolmaster, a burning lady and a murdered highwayman are among the 12 spectres said to hang out in this unassuming corner of the Kent countryside. 

www.pluckley.net

Getting there: By train from Charing Cross to Pluckley: around one hour ten minutes. 

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9 of the World's Best Long-Haul Train Journeys

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Trains are more than just a sustainable alternative to air travel ; sometimes, they can be a vacation's main event. Be it a four-day journey through the Red Centre on the Indian Pacific or three days aboard the retro California Zephyr, whose route from Chicago to San Francisco has attracted slow tourists for decades, these long-haul train trips provide incredible "land cruising" through the scarcely seen backcountry of Southeast Asia, Outback Australia, the Canadian Rockies, the jungles of India, and other beloved destinations.

Here are some of the world's most iconic and scenic train journeys.

Trans-Siberian Express (Russia)

At 5,772 miles, the Trans-Siberian Railway is the longest railway line in the world. The main line of the Trans-Siberian Express covers almost 6,000 miles between Moscow and Vladivostok. Like many of today's lengthy rail lines, it's used primarily by freight trains, but passenger trains use the tracks sometimes, too. The Trans-Siberian Express takes seven days and passes through Sverdlovsk, Omsk, Novosibirsk, and Chita.

Passengers—a mix of Russians and tourists—get glimpses of the Russian countryside, flat plains, and numerous rivers. There's also an opportunity to take the Moscow-Beijing train (which breaks off the main line in Chita) for views of the storied Gobi Desert. The Trans-Siberian Express isn't a luxury train, but it is inexpensive and reasonably comfortable, with sleeper compartments available.

Indian Pacific (Australia)

Australia is home to an impressive rail network that includes two cross-country lines. The most notable of these is perhaps the Indian Pacific , named for the two oceans it connects. In between them is, of course, the fabled Outback, the Blue Mountains, arid flatlands, grasslands, and rural farmland. The route runs 2,700 miles between Sydney in the east and Perth in the west, and passengers pass through the South Australian capital of Adelaide as well. The interior of the Indian Pacific has been described as elegant and luxurious, making the three-day journey especially memorable.

The Ghan (Australia)

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Another Down Under epic, the Ghan takes rail riders on a two-day journey between the country's southern and northern coasts: from the southern city of Adelaide to Darwin in the far north. This 1,851-mile line passes through the Finders Mountain Range, the stark deserts of central Australia, and the tropical lands of the far north. It's an ideal way to see the sparsely inhabited, diverse landscapes of inland Australia. The Ghan is cheaper than a flight, plus it's safer and more comfortable than driving. Unlimited ride and multi-ride passes and discounts make rail travel affordable in Australia.

The Canadian (Canada)

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VIA Rail Canada runs a service fittingly dubbed " The Canadian " that spans 2,800 miles between Toronto and Vancouver. The journey takes four nights and three days, passing through the forests of the Great Lakes region, the plains, the Canadian Rockies, and British Colombia's Pacific Northwest. Winnipeg, Ottawa, and Edmonton are major cities along the route.

Special features on this train include dining cars and "sky dome" cars with glass ceilings ideal for sightseeing. The Canadian also has special sleep cars. Most of VIA's service focuses on The Corridor, a high-traffic section of tracks from Quebec City, Quebec, to Windsor, Ontario. Sightseers and those who prefer trains over cars and planes are the main clientele on this lengthy rail journey.

Himsagar Express (India)

Pranchiyettan / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.5 IN

India has many long-haul train routes, but the Himsagar Express, operated by Indian Railways , is the longest. It runs 2,354 miles from the state of Kashmir in the north all the way to Kanyakumari, a town in Tamil Nadu on the southernmost tip of the subcontinent. This three-day journey passes through India's heartland, featuring a stop in Delhi, a brush with the Bay of Bengal, and a pass through the western boomtown of Kochi (Cochin in colonial-era spelling).

The line passes through several national parks, highlighting a variety of ecosystems and revealing some of India's diverse cultures. The train has air-conditioned sleeper cabins, though budget-conscious travelers can get by with traveling in less comfort for a lower fare.

California Zephyr (U.S.)

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The California Zephyr's Chicago-San Francisco Bay Area run is the longest offered by U.S. train company Amtrak . The 2,438-mile route, stretching from Chicago's Union Station to the Bay Area suburb of Emeryville, is good for land cruisers seeking a taste of diverse Western and Midwestern scenery. After moving through the heart of Middle America, the Zephyr winds through the Colorado Rocky Mountains and desert mountains of Utah, stopping in Denver, Salt Lake City, and Reno before negotiating the Sierra Nevadas, Sacramento, and the Bay Area. The California Zephyr runs daily, and the total journey lasts just over two days.

Qinghai-Tibet Railway (China)

The high-elevation Qinghai-Tibet Railway , dotted with three different mountain ranges, offers one of the more scenic trips in China, a country famous for its high-speed rail network. It runs 1,215 miles between the Southern boomtown of Guangzhou and the Tibetan city of Lhasa. This 2.5-day journey passes some of the country's most scenic landscapes—the lush and mountainous areas of Southern and Central China, the stark-but-picturesque Tibetan plateau, and the foothills of the Himalaya mountain range included. Part of the track is more than 16,000 feet above sea level, the highest section of rail in the world.

Reunification Express (Vietnam)

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Vietnam's 1,000-plus-mile North-South Railway supplies the track for the Reunification Express, which runs between Hanoi in the north and Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) in the south. This 30-hour journey is ideal for sightseeing, as it cuts through Vietnam's jungle, runs alongside the iconic Hải Vân Pass—a mountain pass overlooking the sea—while passing through fields upon fields of emerald-green rice paddies, and travels directly through bustling cities. In fact, one section in which it squeezes through a residential neighborhood in Hanoi has become a major tourist attraction dubbed "train street," now closed to nonlocal foot traffic.

Eastern and Oriental Express (Southeast Asia)

The famous Eastern and Oriental Express , colloquially called the E&O, runs about 1,200 miles between Singapore and Bangkok, Thailand, stopping in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, along the way. Operated by the luxury hotel chain Belmond, the E&O's train cars are bedecked with lavish Thai silks and Malaysian embroidery against cherrywood paneling and gold detailing. It's a comfortable four-day ride through rural and urban Southeast Asia, but it's also notoriously expensive (about $3,000 per person). On the journey, passengers are treated to views of coastline, mountains, dense jungle, and small villages.

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How to Travel Through Europe by Train Like a Pro

Last Updated on June 8, 2023

Traveling through Europe by train is a wonderful experience that offers a unique and authentic way to explore the continent. It is a cost-effective and sustainable way to travel that gives you a chance to see the breathtaking scenery of Europe. 

However, train travel can also be overwhelming for first-timers. That’s why we’ve put together this guide on traveling through Europe by train like a pro.

Make an Itinerary

The first step to traveling through Europe by train like a pro is to plan ahead. Research your destinations and create a rough itinerary of the places you want to visit, as well as the duration of your stay. You can use websites such as Rail Europe or Eurail to plan your train journeys and book tickets in advance. This can save you money, time, and heartache on your adventure!

Buy a Rail Pass

If you plan to take multiple train journeys during your trip, buying a rail pass is worth considering. A rail pass allows you to travel on most trains in Europe without purchasing individual tickets for each journey. Different types of rail passes are available, depending on the length of your trip and the countries you want to visit.

Utilize Nearby Luggage Storage

When traveling through Europe by train, you may find yourself in a situation where you need to store your luggage temporarily. This can happen if you arrive at your destination before your hotel check-in time or want to explore a city without carrying heavy bags.

Fortunately, many train stations in Europe offer luggage storage facilities. For example, if you’re spending the day in St. Pancras, simply look for luggage storage in St. Pancras . Now, you can explore the city with peace of mind — and no heavy bags weighing you down.

Choose Your Train

When traveling through Europe by train , you can take high-speed trains, regional trains, or overnight trains. High-speed trains, such as the Eurostar or TGV, are faster and more expensive than regional trains. However, they are a smart option for longer journeys or days you want to travel between two distant cities in a short amount of time.

Regional trains, on the other hand, are slower but cheaper. They are an option if you want to explore smaller towns and villages along your route. Overnight trains, such as the Nightjet, allow you to save time and money by combining transportation and accommodation.

One of the advantages of traveling through Europe by train is the ability to easily move from one place to another. However, this can be difficult if you are carrying a heavy suitcase. Therefore, it is important to pack light and only bring the essentials. A backpack or a small suitcase is ideal for train travel.

Arrive Early

You should arrive at the train station at least 30 minutes before your train departure time. This allows you to find your platform, check the train timetable, and board the train stress-free. After all, when a train says it leaves at 10:00, you best believe it’ll be on the move promptly at 10:00.

Additionally, arriving early can give you time to grab a coffee or a snack from one of the many cafes at the train station.

Validate Your Ticket

If you have purchased individual train tickets, don’t forget to validate them before boarding the train. You can do this at the yellow validation machines located at the train station. Failure to validate your ticket can result in a fine if you are caught by a ticket inspector on the train.

Keep Your Ticket Handy

Once you have boarded the train, it is important to keep your ticket handy. Ticket inspectors may ask to see your ticket any time during the journey, so it is best to have it easily accessible. Additionally, some trains have a designated area for luggage storage, so be sure to keep your bags in the appropriate area.

Bring Your Own Food

While some trains have dining cars or food carts, it is always a good idea to bring your own food and snacks for the journey. This can save you money and ensure that you have something to eat if the train has no food options or limited options.

Enjoy the Scenery

Last but not least, one of the most important things to remember when traveling through Europe by train is to take the time to enjoy the scenery. Europe is home to some of the world’s most beautiful landscapes and architecture, and traveling by train allows you to see it all from a unique perspective.

Happy Travels!

Traveling through Europe by train is a fantastic experience that offers a unique and authentic way to explore the continent. With these tips, you can travel like a pro and make the most of your journey. Remember to plan ahead, pack light, and most importantly, enjoy the beautiful scenery along the way.

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