Europe’s railway network offers some of the most breathtaking and memorable journeys in the world. From luxury experiences to scenic routes through stunning landscapes, train travel in Europe combines comfort, efficiency, and unparalleled views. Whether you’re traversing the Alps, exploring coastal regions, or connecting major cities, European train journeys provide a unique perspective on the continent’s diverse geography and rich cultural heritage.
Iconic european rail routes: venice Simplon-Orient-Express and bernina express
The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express stands as a symbol of luxury rail travel, evoking the glamour of the 1920s and 1930s. This iconic train, with its polished wood, sumptuous upholstery, and exquisite dining cars, offers a journey through time as much as through Europe. Passengers can relive the golden age of rail travel while traversing scenic routes between major European cities such as London, Paris, and Venice.
In contrast, the Bernina Express offers a different kind of luxury – that of unparalleled scenic beauty. This Swiss marvel of engineering takes passengers on a journey through the heart of the Alps, climbing to altitudes of over 2,000 meters. The route includes the UNESCO World Heritage Rhaetian Railway in the Albula/Bernina Landscapes, showcasing some of Switzerland’s most spectacular mountain scenery.
The Bernina Express is not just a train ride; it’s a journey through a living postcard of Alpine beauty.
Both routes exemplify the diversity of European rail travel, from opulent luxury to awe-inspiring natural wonders. These journeys offer more than just transportation; they provide unforgettable experiences that showcase the best of European landscapes and engineering prowess.
Scenic alpine journeys: glacier express and golden pass line
Glacier express: st. moritz to zermatt panoramic adventure
The Glacier Express, often called the slowest express train in the world, offers an eight-hour panoramic journey through the Swiss Alps. This iconic route connects the chic resort towns of St. Moritz and Zermatt, traversing 291 bridges and 91 tunnels along the way. Passengers enjoy breathtaking views of alpine meadows, pristine mountain lakes, and snow-capped peaks through large panoramic windows.
The train’s journey includes crossing the Oberalp Pass at 2,033 meters above sea level, offering spectacular views of the surrounding mountains. The Glacier Express is renowned for its gourmet dining experience , serving regional specialties that complement the visual feast outside.
Golden pass line: Lucerne-Interlaken-Montreux tripartite experience
The Golden Pass Line offers a diverse scenic journey connecting three of Switzerland’s most popular destinations: Lucerne, Interlaken, and Montreux. This route showcases the country’s varied landscapes, from central Switzerland’s lakes to the Bernese Oberland’s mountains and the Swiss Riviera along Lake Geneva.
The journey is divided into three distinct sections, each with its own character:
- Lucerne to Interlaken: Passing by crystal-clear lakes and charming Swiss villages
- Interlaken to Zweisimmen: Traversing the Bernese Oberland with views of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau
- Zweisimmen to Montreux: Descending through the Pays d’Enhaut to the shores of Lake Geneva
Alpine engineering marvels: landwasser viaduct and spiral tunnels
The Landwasser Viaduct, part of the Rhaetian Railway network, is a single-track, six-arched curved limestone railway viaduct. This architectural marvel, standing 65 meters high, offers a dramatic sight as trains emerge from a tunnel in the mountainside and curve across the viaduct. It’s a testament to early 20th-century engineering and a highlight of the Albula Line.
The spiral tunnels of the Gotthard Base Tunnel showcase modern engineering feats. This 57-kilometer-long tunnel, the world’s longest and deepest rail tunnel, features innovative spiral descent tunnels that allow trains to gain or lose altitude quickly in the mountainous terrain. These engineering marvels enable high-speed rail connections through the Alps, significantly reducing travel times between northern and southern Europe.
Luxury rail experiences: royal scotsman and belmond grand hibernian
For those seeking the epitome of luxury rail travel, the Royal Scotsman and Belmond Grand Hibernian offer unparalleled experiences. The Royal Scotsman, operated by Belmond, takes passengers on a journey through the Scottish Highlands in opulent Edwardian-style carriages. This luxury train offers various itineraries, ranging from two to seven nights, allowing guests to explore Scotland’s stunning landscapes, historic castles, and whisky distilleries in style.
The Belmond Grand Hibernian, often referred to as Ireland’s first luxury sleeper train, provides a similar level of luxury while traversing the Emerald Isle. Passengers can enjoy gourmet cuisine featuring local ingredients, plush accommodations, and excursions to some of Ireland’s most iconic sites. Both trains offer personalized service and exclusive experiences, making them perfect for special occasions or indulgent getaways.
Traveling on the Royal Scotsman or Belmond Grand Hibernian is like staying in a five-star hotel on wheels, with ever-changing views of breathtaking landscapes.
These luxury rail experiences go beyond mere transportation, offering a complete immersion in the culture, history, and natural beauty of Scotland and Ireland. From private whisky tastings to guided tours of ancient castles, every aspect of these journeys is designed to create lasting memories.
Historic railway lines: flåm railway and semmering railway
Flåm railway: norway’s steepest standard gauge railway journey
The Flåm Railway (Flåmsbana) in Norway is one of the world’s steepest standard gauge railway lines. This 20-kilometer journey between Myrdal and Flåm offers a spectacular descent from the mountain station of Myrdal to the fjord village of Flåm, dropping 866 meters in altitude. The train passes through 20 tunnels, crosses one bridge, and offers breathtaking views of waterfalls, steep mountainsides, and the narrow Flåm Valley.
Passengers on the Flåm Railway can witness the dramatic transformation of landscapes, from snow-capped mountains to lush green valleys, all within a short one-hour journey. The train makes a brief stop at the Kjosfossen waterfall, allowing travelers to step out and capture photographs of this impressive natural wonder.
Semmering railway: UNESCO world heritage alpine crossing
The Semmering Railway, constructed between 1848 and 1854, is a pioneering feat of civil engineering and one of the first true mountain railways. This UNESCO World Heritage site covers a distance of 41 kilometers between Gloggnitz and Mürzzuschlag, crossing the Semmering Pass in the Eastern Alps. The railway’s construction involved building 14 tunnels, 16 viaducts, and over 100 curved stone bridges, making it a remarkable achievement for its time.
The journey offers stunning views of the Austrian Alps, with the train winding its way through picturesque valleys and along steep mountainsides. The Semmering Railway is not just a transport route but a living museum of 19th-century railway technology , showcasing the ingenuity of its designers and builders.
Engineering feats: kylling bridge and steinbachtal viaduct
The Kylling Bridge on the Rauma Line in Norway is an impressive stone arch bridge spanning the Rauma River. Built in 1923, this 76-meter-long bridge is a marvel of engineering, offering spectacular views of the surrounding mountainous landscape. The bridge is part of the scenic Rauma Line, which connects Åndalsnes to Dombås, passing through some of Norway’s most dramatic scenery.
The Steinbachtal Viaduct, part of the Semmering Railway, is another noteworthy engineering achievement. This impressive stone viaduct, standing 25 meters high, consists of 13 arches and spans a length of 228 meters. It’s one of the many structural marvels that make the Semmering Railway a testament to 19th-century engineering prowess and a highlight of any journey through the Austrian Alps.
Coastal and mediterranean routes: cinque terre express and trenhotel
The Cinque Terre Express offers a stunning coastal journey along Italy’s Ligurian coast, connecting the five picturesque villages of the Cinque Terre National Park. This train service allows travelers to hop between Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza, and Monterosso al Mare, offering breathtaking views of colorful houses perched on cliffs overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. The journey is relatively short but incredibly scenic, making it perfect for day trips or as part of a longer Italian coastal adventure.
The Trenhotel, operated by Renfe, provides overnight services connecting various cities in Spain and Portugal. One of the most popular routes is the Barcelona to Lisbon service, which offers a comfortable way to travel between these two vibrant Mediterranean cities. Passengers can enjoy private cabins, dining car services, and wake up to changing landscapes as they cross the Iberian Peninsula.
These coastal and Mediterranean routes showcase the diversity of European rail travel, from short scenic trips to longer overnight journeys. They offer a unique perspective on the coastal landscapes and cultures of Southern Europe, allowing travelers to experience the Mediterranean way of life from the comfort of a train.
High-speed rail networks: eurostar and TGV routes
Eurostar: London-Paris-Brussels Cross-Channel innovation
The Eurostar revolutionized travel between the UK and continental Europe when it launched in 1994. This high-speed train service connects London with Paris, Brussels, and Amsterdam via the Channel Tunnel. The journey from London to Paris takes just 2 hours and 16 minutes, covering a distance of 495 kilometers at speeds of up to 300 km/h.
Eurostar trains offer various classes of service, including Standard, Standard Premier, and Business Premier, catering to different traveler needs. The service has significantly reduced travel times between these major European cities, making day trips and short breaks more accessible and environmentally friendly compared to air travel.
TGV: Paris-Lyon-Marseille mediterranean High-Speed corridor
France’s TGV (Train à Grande Vitesse) network is one of the most extensive high-speed rail systems in Europe. The Paris-Lyon-Marseille route is a prime example of the TGV’s efficiency, connecting these major French cities at speeds of up to 320 km/h. The journey from Paris to Marseille, covering a distance of 750 kilometers, takes just over 3 hours.
This route showcases France’s diverse landscapes, from the rolling hills of Burgundy to the sun-drenched Mediterranean coast. The TGV network has transformed domestic travel in France, offering a fast, comfortable, and environmentally friendly alternative to air and road transport.
Rail technology advancements: ERTMS and tilting trains
The European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS) is a major industrial project developed by eight UNIFE members – Alstom Transport, Ansaldo STS, AZD Praha, Bombardier Transportation, CAF, Mermec, Siemens Mobility and Thales – in close cooperation with the European Union, railway stakeholders and the GSM-R industry. This standardized control and signaling system aims to enhance cross-border interoperability and the procurement of signaling equipment by creating a single Europe-wide standard for train control and command systems.
Tilting trains, such as the Italian Pendolino and the Swiss ICN, represent another significant advancement in rail technology. These trains use a mechanism that enables them to tilt into curves, allowing for higher speeds on conventional tracks without the need for extensive and costly infrastructure upgrades. This technology has been particularly beneficial for routes with many curves, such as those through mountainous regions.
These technological advancements continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible in rail travel, improving speed, safety, and comfort for passengers across Europe. As rail networks become more integrated and efficient, train travel is increasingly positioned as a sustainable and attractive option for both short and long-distance journeys within the continent.