Europe train travels provide really beautiful views that Europe could ever offer. Regardless of the type of scenery, be it the lush green slopes of valleys, dramatic cliffs of the coast, or winding through quaint villages cradled by the slopes of mountains, European train travel is an experience like no other. In this article we are going to spell out the best train rides in Europe so we can see the most scenic of the train rides in and through the mountains, by rivers and through villages.
- Europe boasts of more than 200,000 kilometers of railways crisscrossing the continent, thus offering a great network that trains can take on scenic routes.
- European rail transport ensures that carbon emissions are cut by at least 75 percent compared to travelling in cars; hence, it is environmentally friendly.
- The best known scenic railway journey, the Glacier Express in Switzerland, travels over 290 kilometers of magnificent Alpine scenery.
Best Train Rides in Europe—Journey With Us
1. Switzerland, Glacier Express—Best train rides in Europe
The Glacier express holds one of the best train tours in Europe, as the trains give jaw-dropping sights of the Swiss Alps. This 8-hour line hugs the Swiss mountainous coastline, paving its way with 291 bridges and running through 91 tunnels and offers the tourists a different insight into the magnificent scenery of this Alpine nation. Snow covered mountains, alpine valleys and snow fed rivers await you on the route.
2. The Bernina Express—Best train rides in Europe
The Bernina Express makes a trip through the Swiss Alps and into Italy and is widely considered to be one of the best train rides in Europe. The line passes over the well known Bernina Range and over the impressive Landwasser Viaduct with stunning panoramas of glaciers and idyllic villages. It is a mandatory journey to anyone who wants to observe the beauty of Swiss and Italian mountains.
3. Scotland West Highland Line—Best train rides in Europe
The West Highland Line is famously known as one of the best rail travel in Europe that transports the passengers throughout the rugged terrains of Scotland. The journey between Glasgow and Mallaig is literally through lochs, mountains, and unfolding hills and it is an experience of what a real British train ride should be. Hopefully you are lucky enough to reach the famous Hogwarts Express train that was used in the Harry Potter movies!
4. Cinque Terre Line—Best train rides in Europe
The Cinque Terre Line has one of the finest sights in Italy and it runs along the precipices with good views of the Mediterranean Sea. The fabulous route links five beautiful villages and associates as a mandatory activity that every traveler might carry out to visit both the seashore and the Italian rural landscapes. A ride on the coastal train is ideal to anyone who enjoys breathtaking mountainous views and the ocean.
5. Flåm Railway—Best train rides in Europe
The FlAm Railway at Norway is among the steepest standard gauge rails in the world zig-zagging through fjords, falls and snow capped mountains. This is a UNESCO world heritage site and the beautiful four-hour trip will travel between the fjordside village of Flam and the mountain station at Myrdals with spectacular photo opportunities throughout the journey.
Review: Best Train Tours in Europe
- Comfort: European trains are famous to be comfortable with reclining seats, panoramic windows, and dining places so that not only your trip will be scenic, but relaxing one as well.
- Scenic Variety: Scenic environments are abundant in the European train journeys as they can take you to the alpine region with the high mountains as well as the coastline of the Mediterranean. All the trips are different which makes each trip to feel new and different.
- Efficiency: The trains used in Europe have good connectivity, they are on time and they are efficient, so you can enjoy the best experiences when traveling in Europe by rail without the fear of delays.
Tips for Enjoying Scenic Train Journeys Europe
- Make Reservation: Prominent amongst the most scenic train routes in Europe, the Glacier Express, can need weeks and months of advanced booking. Carefully plan to make sure you will have a seat.
- Pack Snacks: Not all the trains have dining cars another great alternative is to bring your own foods thus you can enjoy the views as you snack. It is better to think about local cheeses, fruits, and fresh bread to make it European.
- Travel Conveniently: European trains do not allow a lot of luggage especially in scenic trains. Always pack lightly so that you do not end up lugging cumbersome suitcases.
- Make use of the Observation Decks: Most scenic trains in Europe such as those in the Bernina and the Glacier Express have separate viewing cars. Make sure that you take the opportunity to sit down in these special carriages and have unhindered views.
Conclusion—Best Train Rides in Europe
Train travel in Europe exposes individuals to memorable experiences by taking them in some of the most scenic parts in the continent. Whether you are riding the Swiss Alps, cross the Scottish Highlands or admire the coast of Italy, nothing allows you to experience Europe as much as a traveling rail does. Europe train tours have the best offers; they provide not only fantastic sceneries but also the opportunity to rest, taste the local specialities, and see a different face of the continent.
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FAQs
- Do I need to reserve tickets in advance for train popular trains?
Yes for popular routes using the Glacier Express and Bernina Express should be booked in advance. - Can I travel Eurail Pass on the stunning lines of these routes?
Eurail Passes hold fairly universally throughout Europe train routes, but for a few premium scenic routes you may need extra reservations on top.