Europe's top regions to travel by train
If you want to slow down, skip the airport hassle, and watch postcard landscapes roll past your window, there’s no better way to explore Europe than by train. With high-speed networks, scenic routes, and easy border crossings, rail travel is not only convenient—it’s one of the most rewarding ways to experience the continent.
Below are the best regions in Europe for train travel , why they’re perfect for rail explorers, and what makes each one unique.
Central Europe: Germany, Austria, Switzerland
Best for:
Seamless high-speed links + cinematic scenery
Key:
Central Europe train travel, Swiss trains, Austria rail routes
Central Europe is the gold standard for rail travel. Germany’s ICE network, Austria’s ÖBB Railjet, and Switzerland’s famously punctual system make traveling here both effortless and beautiful. Especially in Switzerland and Austria trains are a great experience and very reliable. So you get real value for money. Germany has a large train network but its infrastructure and management can be outdated leading to hiccups and interruptions. DB is receiving the lion’s share of the complaints.
Why it’s perfect for train travel:
- Ultra-reliable high-speed lines between major cities
- Scenic Alpine routes like the Bernina Express & Glacier Express
- Clean stations, frequent schedules, and affordable regional passes
Top routes to try: Munich → Salzburg → Vienna → Zurich → Lucerne
Western Europe: France, Belgium, Netherlands
Best for:
Fast travel between major capitals
Key:
high-speed trains Europe, TGV France, Amsterdam to Paris train
If you want to city-hop without losing time in transit, Western Europe’s ultra-fast network is unbeatable. The TGV, Thalys, and Eurostar link cosmopolitan hubs in just a few hours. Netherlands has a very dense and compact train infrastructure. It’s reliable and great value overall. Trains between major cities are running up to six times per hour. Check ns.nl for deals and to buy tickets. The experience in Belgium is somewhat less overall but between major cities and the Zaventem airport the service is pretty decent.
Why it’s perfect for train travel:
- Paris ↔ London in 2h 15m via the Eurostar
- Amsterdam ↔ Paris in ~3 hours
- Comfortable, modern high-speed trains
- Great for weekend trips or multi-country itineraries
Top routes to try: Paris → Brussels → Amsterdam → Rotterdam
Scandinavia: Denmark, Sweden, Norway
Best for:
Clean, scenic, sustainable travel
Key:
Scandinavian trains, Norway scenic rail, eco-friendly travel
Scandinavia blends modern efficiency with untouched natural beauty. If you like minimalism, comfort, and dramatic landscapes, rail is the way to go. Check vy.no for timetables and to buy tickets.
Why it’s perfect for train travel:
- Norway’s world-famous Oslo–Bergen line, what a view!
- Eco-friendly networks with low emissions
- Smooth, modern trains with great onboard services
- Scenic fjords, forests, and coastline right outside your window
Top routes to try: Copenhagen → Gothenburg → Oslo → Bergen
The Alpine Region: Switzerland, Italy, Austria
Best for:
Mountain panoramas & bucket-list rail routes
Key:
Alpine train journeys, scenic trains Europe, Italy to Switzerland train
The Alps offer some of the most jaw-dropping rail experiences on Earth. Here, the journey truly is the destination. Trenord has a pretty good service in the north of the country and going into Switzerland as well.
Why it’s perfect for train travel:
- Swiss panoramic trains with huge viewing windows
- Italian regional trains connecting lakes, vineyards, and mountain towns
- Easy border crossings for multi-country itineraries
Top routes to try: Milan → Lake Como → Lugano → Interlaken
Close to the spectacular Milano Centrale
The United Kingdom: England, Scotland, Wales
Best for:
Historic rail charm + countryside views
Key:
UK scenic train routes, train travel Britain, Scotland rail journeys
Train travel in the UK offers rolling green landscapes, rugged coastlines, and historic rail stations straight out of a Victorian novel.
Why it’s perfect for train travel:
- Some of Europe’s most scenic lines: Settle–Carlisle & West Highland Line
- Frequent intercity services between London, Edinburgh, Manchester & beyond
- Charming local routes through moors, hills, and coastal cliffs
Top routes to try: London → York → Edinburgh → Inverness
Iberian Peninsula: Spain & Portugal
Best for:
Affordable high-speed travel + sunny landscapes
Key:
Spain AVE trains, Portugal rail travel, Iberia train routes
Spain has one of Europe’s largest high-speed networks (AVE), and Portugal’s scenic lines make rail travel relaxing and budget-friendly. Check out Renfe for timetables and prices.
Why it’s perfect for train travel:
- Madrid ↔ Barcelona in just ~2.5 hours
- Cheap fares compared to Northern Europe
- Coastal and wine-country routes great for slow travel
- Comfortable modern trains with great onboard amenities
Top routes to try: Lisbon → Porto → Vigo → Santiago de Compostela
train passing along the spectacular hike Camino del Rey near Malaga
Eastern Europe: Czechia, Poland, Hungary
Best for:
Budget-friendly city hopping
Key:
Eastern Europe trains, Prague to Budapest, affordable rail Europe
Eastern Europe is ideal if you want to stretch your budget while seeing historic cities and cultural gems. Hungary overall has great public transport, it’s reliable and real value for money.
Why it’s perfect for train travel:
- Very affordable fares
- Overnight trains linking major cities
- Reputable operators like RegioJet offering great comfort levels
- Easy connections for multi-country journeys
Top routes to try: Prague → Vienna → Bratislava → Budapest → Kraków
tram line passing by the Danube on the Pest side of town
Why Train Travel Is One of the Best Ways to Explore Europe
No airports, no stress
Train stations are usually in the city center—no long transfers, no security lines, no hidden fees.
Eco-friendly and low carbon
Rail is one of the most sustainable ways to travel, especially in Scandinavia and Switzerland.
Scenic travel you actually enjoy
Instead of sitting on a plane, you’re gliding past lakes, vineyards, mountains, and medieval towns.
Flexible & spontaneous
Many routes run hourly, letting you alter your plans on the go.
Ideal for multi-country trips
In regions like Western and Central Europe, you can visit 3–5 countries in a week by rail.
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