If, like me, you're dreaming of traveling Europe by train, this article is for you! Traveling by train in Europe isn't just about getting from point A to point B; it's about stepping into a time capsule and experiencing nature, culture, and sometimes, even your own inner journey. And with mountains, lakes, and tiny villages stretching as far as the eye can see through those wide windows, you feel like you've stepped into a movie.

Many travelers begin their exploration of Europe with a plane ticket and then chart their own unique route by rail. Imagine a journey that begins in Paris, extends through the Swiss Alps, and descends to the Mediterranean coast of Italy.
Don't forget to check out the affordable flight ticket options on Bilet.com to take the first step towards your European trip!

Most Popular Scenic Train Routes

Glacier Express – A Slow Miracle in the Heart of Switzerland

  • Zermatt – St. Moritz
This journey from Zermatt to St. Moritz takes almost eight hours, but believe me, you lose track of time. Those majestic Alpine peaks, picture-perfect bridges, and a true fairytale atmosphere… Don't let the "express" name fool you; this train moves slowly because you need every second to savor the view!

Duration : ~8 hours
Landscape : Alps, bridges, glacial valleys
Ticket : SBB website or Swiss Rail app
Price : 100–150 CHF
Tip : Seat reservations are mandatory in panoramic carriages with large windows.

Bernina Express – A Postcard-Perfect Route from Switzerland to Italy

  • Chur (Switzerland) – Tirano (Italy)
This UNESCO-protected route starts in Chur and descends to Tirano. The train winds its way through snow-capped peaks and flowery meadows. It's impossible not to be captivated by the view, especially if you're sitting by the window as it loops along the Brusio Circular Viaduct.

Duration : ~4 hours
Ticket : Rhaetian Railway website
Price : 30–70 €
Note : Interrail is valid!

West Highland Line – The Magical Hills of Scotland

  • Glasgow–Mallaig
This route from Glasgow to Mallaig takes you through the dramatic landscapes of Scotland. If you're a Harry Potter fan, you might feel like you're heading to Hogwarts as you pass through Glenfinnan Viaduct. Foggy lochs, green hills... A train journey with a whiskey kick? Why not!

Duration : ~5 hours
Ticket : ScotRail
Price : ~25–40 £

Cinque Terre Train – Colourful Houses, the Mediterranean and the Rhythm of the Sea

  • La Spezia – Levanto
A short but captivating train line along Italy's northern coast: La Spezia – Levanto. Each stop is like a different painting. You'll experience the Mediterranean spirit through the train window, surrounded by colorful houses, rocky shores, and turquoise sea.

Duration : 30–40 minutes
Price : Daily unlimited ticket 18–25 €
Suggestion : Set off early in the morning and explore all the villages until sunset!

Flåm Railway – A Journey Through the Heart of the Norwegian Fjords

  • Myrdal – Flåm
This short but unforgettable journey from Myrdal to Flåm takes you right into the heart of the Norwegian fjords. Waterfalls, cliffs, and lush green mountains… The train is so steep that it's hard to even stand up at times. But the scenery… is breathtaking.

Duration : ~1 hour
Price : 45–60 €
Note : This place may be out of Interrail coverage area, reservation is required.

GoldenPass Line – Switzerland's Golden Route

  • Montreux – Zweisimmen – Interlaken – Lucerne
On this route, where Switzerland's four seasons are recreated like a film, you'll be accompanied by the tranquility of the lakes, the warmth of the Alpine villages, and a myriad of shades of green. The GoldenPass Line is actually comprised of three different train lines, but the transitions are so seamless you barely notice them.

Duration : Approximately 5–6 hours
Ticket : Available via SBB / MOB website
Price : Between 50–90 CHF (Interrail valid)
Tip : Choose the morning train from Montreux, the view is stunning as the sun rises behind the mountains.

Mittenwald Line – A Fairytale Escape from Germany to Austria

  • Garmisch-Partenkirchen – Mittenwald – Innsbruck
A journey along the German-Austrian border, filled with picturesque scenery. This route winds past wooden houses and winds along the foothills of the Karwendel Mountains. If you travel in autumn, you'll experience all shades of yellow and orange.

Duration : ~1.5 hours
Ticket : via DB or ÖBB
Price : Approximately 15–25 €
Note : Don't forget to take a short break in the town of Mittenwald, there are great hiking trails!

Belgrade – Bar Line – The Wild Beauty of the Balkans

  • Belgrade (Serbia) – Bar (Montenegro)

This is definitely a far cry from the classic European routes. Built in the 1970s, this route is a true engineering marvel, boasting 435 bridges and 254 tunnels. If you're sitting next to a window as you pass through Tara Canyon, you'll be watching with bated breath. It's adventurous, nostalgic, and equally bohemian.

Duration : 10–12 hours
Ticket : from Belgrade railway station or from the Montenegrin railways website
Price : 25–35 €
Tip : Choose trains that depart at dawn; the best views are in daylight.

Oslo – Bergen – Among Norway's Natural Wonders

  • Oslo – Bergen
While it's known as Norway's most famous train route, it's still underappreciated. The train passes through glaciers, lakes, mountains, and fjords, like a nature documentary. White in winter, lush green in summer... Whichever route you choose is up to you.

Duration : ~7 hours
Tickets can be purchased via VY.no
Price : Between 30–80 € (early purchases may be cheaper)
Tip : Can be combined with the Flam Railway – combine the two if you want to experience the full Norwegian nature!

The Trans-Harz Railway – A Tale in Germany's Medieval Forests

  • Wernigerode – Brocken
This steam train journey through the enchanted forests of the Harz Mountains feels like something out of a Grimm's Fairy Tale. As the train winds its way up the Brocken Mountains, it disappears into the larch forests. An experience covered in snow in winter and lush green in summer.

Duration : ~1.5 hours
Ticket : Via Harzer Schmalspurbahnen (HSB) website
Price : Approximately €30–45
Tip : If you buy a round-trip ticket, you'll get a 10% discount. If you want the steam train, pay attention to the times!

Centovalli Railway – A Journey Through 100 Valleys from Switzerland to Italy

  • Locarno (Switzerland) – Domodossola (Italy)
Centovalli, meaning "hundred valleys," is a route that lives up to its name. This train, which winds its way through vast valleys, steep cliffs, tiny bridges, and rivers, is a true natural feast. The train's rails are narrow, the pace slow, but the scenery is truly rich.

Duration : ~2 hours
Tickets : From FART or Trenitalia websites
Price : 10–25 €
Tip : It is wonderful to travel among the flowered valleys and the sounds of birds, especially in the spring months.

Things to Consider When Traveling by Train in Europe

You can buy train tickets in Europe in two ways:
  • By purchasing individual tickets (from national sites such as SNCF, DB, Trenitalia)
  • By using an Interrail or Eurail Pass , you can take unlimited train trips for a certain period of time.
Reservations are required for high-speed trains (e.g. TGV, AVE, Frecciarossa). This is why booking early is a lifesaver, especially during the summer months or on weekends!
Once you've found the most affordable flight ticket to your first city, it's easiest to shape your train route as you wish!

Why Has Train Travel Become More and More Popular?

Have you noticed this? Lately, we've been hearing a lot of travelers say, "I traveled by train, it was amazing!" Some even prefer hour-long train journeys to flying. So why? Here are a few reasons.

1. The Journey Itself Is Part of the Holiday

Traveling by train isn't just about getting from one place to another. The moments in between become part of the experience, too. The landscapes flowing outside your window, tunnels, bridges, lakes, villages... Sometimes the train moves so slowly you lose track of time. You open your book, sip your coffee, or just stare outside. Before you know it, two hours have already passed.

I once boarded a train in Switzerland, the windows all the way to the ceiling. I was looking out at the mountains, silently watching the sunset… At that moment, I didn't want to go anywhere. Because that was where I was going: the moment itself.

2. An Environmentally Friendly Alternative

For many travelers, it's not just about getting there, but how we get there as well. Trains emit significantly less carbon than planes. Especially in places like Europe, where environmental awareness is high, traveling by train is a less disruptive way to explore. Travel and enjoy the planet together—why not?

3. Intertwined with Local Culture

When you travel by train, there's no airport chaos, no security checks, no baggage worries. Less stress, more time to observe! Getting off at a station and grabbing a warm croissant from a local bakery, or striking up a conversation with someone sitting next to you in your compartment—these things don't happen when you fly. The train transports you not only to a city but also to its soul.

4. Take Your Time, Digest It

Planes may be fast, but sometimes being too fast isn't a good thing. A train ride is slow, but that slowness relaxes you. That feeling of "taking your time"... that's what train journeys are all about. Waking up in another country in the morning and watching the sunset in another city at night... Being on the road, truly being on the road!

5. Economical Routes and Flexible Plans

Traveling by train has become much more accessible, especially thanks to systems like Interrail and Eurail. You can travel to 33 countries with a single ticket! Plus, there are no surprises like airport transportation or extra baggage fees. Just grab your bag, go to the station, and board the train. It's that simple!

In short, traveling by train isn't just a mode of transportation; it's a way of life. It's a simpler, slower, yet more authentic way to explore. That's why so many people choose to travel by train again and again. Because the rails connect not only cities but also dreams.