Europe Train Trips That Can’t Be Missed

A world of wonder awaits as you settle into your plush seat. The conductor booms, “All aboard,” and suddenly, you have a front-row seat to the world outside through the oversize window beside you.

Europe is the world’s gold standard for rail travel, with remarkable scenic routes, high-speed connections and unmatched city-center convenience. Rail travel continues to grow in popularity as the romance of a bygone era of travel is reborn, offering a more comfortable and sustainable way to experience a destination.

“Nothing beats seeing the beautiful countryside, the cities, the towns and the villages from a train. We all know what clouds look like from a plane … they all look the same. On a train, you get to sit back, relax and enjoy scenery you just can’t see from the air,” said Jim Marini of Railbookers, a AAA partner specializing in train-focused vacations, primarily in Europe.

From the most iconic scenic routes to the most practical, these are some of the best rail trips in Europe.

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The Glacier Express: The World’s Slowest Express Train

Switzerland

Billed as the world’s slowest express train, the Glacier Express takes its time as it moves through the picture-perfect Swiss Alps between Zermatt and St. Moritz. The eight-hour journey trades speed for panoramic scenery as the coaches traverse 291 bridges, 91 tunnels and the famed Landwasser Viaduct, one of the most photographed railway bridges in the world.

Views from the Glacier Express shine in every season, whether it’s the serene snow-blanketed valleys of winter or the lush alpine meadows and wildflowers in the summer. The route has about nine stops and flexible ticket options allowing for overnight stays in mountain towns. Or the ticket can be combined with other scenic trains, such as the Bernina Express, which shares a starting point in St. Moritz.

“When you book with Railbookers, we build itineraries that offer enough structure for guided tours, but also free time for leisure. AAA members can add extra days, visit additional cities or even combine rail travel with a cruise — it’s all customizable,” Marini said.

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The Bernina Express: From the Alps to Palm Trees

Switzerland to Italy

The Bernina Express takes one of Europe’s most popular scenic rail routes, renowned for the scope and breadth of views as it travels from glaciers to the idyllic Mediterranean coast in a single day. Distinguished as a UNESCO World Heritage railway, it connects St. Moritz to Tirano in about 4½ hours.

The journey begins with a dramatic crossing of the Bernina Pass. At about 7,400 feet, this is one of the highest railway crossings in the world, offering breathtaking mountain views before the train descends toward Italy.

Highlights along the route include the gravity-defying Brusio Spiral Viaduct, mesmerizing turquoise lakes and numerous glacier-fed waterfalls right along the tracks.

The Eurostar: A High-Speed Link Between Cities

London to Paris or Brussels

The least scenic route just happens to be one of Europe’s most iconic rail journeys. The Eurostar zips passengers from London’s St. Pancras International station to the heart of Paris or Brussels in just 2 to 2½ hours. The rail line connects Great Britain and mainland Europe by way of a 31-mile tunnel running beneath the English Channel.

The ride is fast and incredibly convenient for travelers who appreciate bypassing airport transfers, security lines and baggage headaches. The Eurostar is also a great option for easy rail extensions, whether that’s adding a trip to Amsterdam from Paris or to Bruges, Belgium, from Brussels.

Venice Simplon-Orient-Express: Vintage-Style Luxury

Multiple Europe itineraries

Modern luxury meets the timeless elegance of rail journeys aboard the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express. The legendary line has meticulously restored carriages of a bygone era of travel, evoking the glamour and drama of the high life on the rails of the early 20th century. Ornate dining cars glisten as multicourse gourmet meals magically appear before you, while well-appointed, lush private cabins offer a restful and luxurious night’s sleep.

The line, operated by Belmond, offers multiple itineraries, though it is best known for the iconic overnight journey from Paris to Venice, Italy.

The West Highland Line: One of Europe’s Most Scenic Railways

Scotland

Journey to the remote landscapes of Scotland, where mirror-like lochs, mystical moors and the rugged Highlands unfold along the storied West Highland Line. Connecting Glasgow to Mallaig or Fort William, the 5 to 6-hour route is a traveler favorite as it traverses alongside centuries-old castles, rugged coastlines and “wee” coastal villages. Fans of Harry Potter will spot the famous Glenfinnan Viaduct, while the route’s slower pace make it perfect for off-the-beaten-path adventures.

Your adventure awaits! From planning your dream rail itinerary to securing the best seats, a AAA travel advisor can make your European rail adventure seamless and perfectly tailored to your style.

Looking for more European getaways? Click here to discover top destinations, trending vacations and more!

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Which of these Europe train trips would you like to experience? Tell us in the comments.

Featured image: The Bernina Express

Zachary Laks

Zach Laks is a freelance travel writer and editor who loves cruises, theme parks and resorts. His work has been featured in the New York Times, The Points Guy, Lonely Planet, Condé Nast Traveler, Travel + Leisure, Departures, CNN, Frommer’s and Fodor’s. @zachlaks