Traveling around Europe by train

Dreaming of exploring Europe? Thanks to the continent’s highly-developed rail network, you can travel from one country to another in just a few hours. Imagine traveling from the French Mediterranean coast to the majestic Swiss mountains in the space of a few hours. And why not discover dynamic London before reaching the medieval streets of Brussels in less than 2 hours? Traveling by train allows you to explore a wealth of different European countries in a very short time... Let us guide you and discover all our tips for organizing your train trip!

Why travel by train in Europe?

Choosing the train to discover Europe offers a number of advantages:

• Enjoy a comfortable, convenient journey. Compared to planes, trains often offer more comfort and leg room, as well as greater freedom of movement. You also don't need to worry about the weight or number of pieces of luggage you have.
• Access a wide range of European destinations. Europe's rail network is very well developed. The major European cities are particularly well served: it often takes just a few hours to get from one capital to another.
• Arrive directly in town. This is one of the great advantages of train travel. Stations are usually located right in the heart of the city, so you can get straight on with exploring your destination.
• Make the most of your journey. For many people, the train journey is already part of the trip. It allows you to take time for yourself: read a book, listen to a podcast, watch a film, work or simply admire the scenery! Some trains even offer panoramic windows.
• Choose a sustainable mode of transport. It's no secret that a train journey is much more environmentally friendly than a trip by plane or car. According to calculations made by Greenpeace, train journeys are at least five times less polluting than flying.

How do I book my train tickets in Europe?

There are many train companies in Europe, each with their own ticketing systems and fare structures. You can book your train ticket directly on the operators' websites. You can, for example, visit the SNCF website to book your Paris - Milan journey, or the Deutsche Bahn website to book your Prague - Berlin journey.

That said, connections or changes of company from one country to another sometimes complicate itinerary planning. Finding the right train journey and navigating timetables, connections and fares can be time-consuming, especially if you're planning several journeys during your European trip.

Fortunately, there are platforms that allow you to visualize all routes, all companies included, in order to simplify the booking process. You can see all possible routes from one destination to another, even if you're moving from one country to another, find out which train company is involved, consult train timetables and ticket prices, and book your seats directly.

Here are several platforms where you can easily plan your train journeys in Europe:

• Trainline
• Rail Europe
• Omio

Exploring Europe with Interrail: how does it work?

Are you planning to explore Europe extensively, and dream of being able to do so as you please, in complete freedom? The Interrail Pass may be the solution for you, as it allows you to explore no less than 33 European countries!

On some routes, you can board trains simply by showing your Pass. On others, however, you'll need to reserve your seat in advance, especially for night trains and the most popular routes (e.g. TGV, Eurostar...). For the majority of journeys, reservations can be made directly on the Interrail website.

Interrail offers two types of Pass: the Global Pass and the Single Country Pass. To choose the Pass that's best for you, we recommend using Interrail's trip planning tool. It calculates the best Pass for your itinerary and helps you plan your tour.

Good to know: opting for the Interrail Pass is often the most practical solution, but not always the most economical. It all depends on your route and your age. For example, if you don't plan many train journeys and you don't qualify for either the Youth or Senior fares, it may be more worthwhile to book individual tickets in advance, especially if you're traveling to countries where train fares are cheap.

What are the most beautiful train journeys in Europe?

From snow-capped mountains to majestic forests, coastlines to golden beaches, peaceful countryside to medieval villages, Europe offers a host of unforgettable itineraries! So sit back, open your eyes and take in the scenery...

Here's our selection of five of the most beautiful train journeys in Europe.

1. The Mont-Blanc Express: in the heart of the Alps

The Mont-Blanc Express is undeniably one of France's most scenic train journeys. It links Saint-Gervais-les-Bains in France with Martigny in Switzerland, passing through some of the most beautiful Alpine scenery in the world. Thanks to its panoramic windows, the Mont-Blanc Express is considered one of the most spectacular railroad lines.

Departing from Saint-Gervais-les-Bains, the train climbs through forests and valleys, before passing through Chamonix and then descending to Martigny. Throughout the 2.5 hour journey, enjoy splendid panoramic views of Mont-Blanc, glaciers and the surrounding valleys. This train line is a true rail adventure, offering you total immersion in the Alps!

2. Linha do Douro: Portugal's wine route

This railroad line is one of Portugal's most iconic. The journey begins in style, even before you board the train, at the splendid Porto-São Bento station, which is an architectural masterpiece adorned with azulejos (the famous earthenware tiles). The Linha do Douro then follows the course of the eponymous river, winding its way through the hinterland, where vineyards stretch over green hills.

This rail journey offers travelers an unforgettable experience, allowing them to discover the beauty of the Douro Valley and enjoy unique panoramas of the vineyards, river banks and small villages of the region. The line has become one of Portugal's most popular excursions, leading all the way to the village of Pocinho, some 3.5 hours from Porto.

3. West Highland Line: explore Scotland's Highlands

Embark on a most picturesque journey through the heart of the Scottish Highlands... Welcome aboard the West Highland Line, which in 3.5 hours will take you from Glasgow in the south to Oban in the west - the gateway to the islands. Here, the expression “the journey is part of the journey” takes on its full meaning: delays are not uncommon, but they’re quickly forgotten when you see the majestic landscapes of the Highlands.

The train skirts deep, dark lochs, meanders quietly through lush green valleys, towering mountains, ancient forests and wild moorlands. This journey is a true immersion in the very essence of Scotland: an adventure through verdant landscapes that seem frozen in time. It's undoubtedly a unique experience for nature lovers.

4. The Bergen line: view of the Norwegian fjords

Norway's dense rail network is full of surprises. One line stands out for its scenic beauty: the line from Oslo to Bergen, where you can embark on a breathtaking seven-hour journey! The journey quickly moves into the Norwegian countryside before crossing the lush Hallingdal valley.

The train then climbs to Geilo, a renowned winter ski resort in the heart of the Scandinavian Alps, before tackling Hardangervidda National Park and descending gently to the famous fjords! Spectacular in any season, the Bergen line is punctuated by a large number of stops, so you can make one stop after another as the mood takes you!

5. The Bernina: the legendary route from Switzerland to Italy

Switzerland is well-known for its iconic train journeys, and the Bernina is, for many, the most impressive of them all! Linking Chur in Switzerland to Tirano in Italy, this line offers a 4-hour journey through breathtaking Alpine scenery. Through the window, you can admire sparkling blue lakes, deep valleys, viaducts and, of course, imposing mountain ranges!

And for those who love architectural heritage, the Bernina passes through 55 tunnels and 196 bridges and viaducts! Passing over the Bernina Pass at an altitude of over 2,000 meters is one of the highlights of the journey, offering breathtaking panoramic views of snow-capped peaks. The train also passes through charming Alpine villages. This unusual journey is probably the best way to fully appreciate the natural beauty of the region.