15 scenic train rides across Europe

Bavaria is known as the most beautiful region in Germany and Austria, and if you spend even just a few minutes there, it’s easy to see why. This part of Europe is a true fairytale, with snowy mountain peaks, charming alpine cabins, and rushing rivers. And while road trips here are fun, the train ride between the two major cities, Munich and Salzburg, lasts about two hours and provides some of the best views of the Bavarian Alps and surrounding villages.

The Balkans aren’t known to have an amazing rail system. However, one train ride that is a must on any visit to the area is the two-hour journey between Sarajevo and Mostar in Bosnia & Herzegovina. Travel through the Dinaric Alps and catch sights of elevated bridges, waterfalls, and peaks that would otherwise be hard to reach.

This seven-hour journey is a full day of travel, but not one that you should dread, thanks to the spectacular scenery through the heart of Norway! You’ll enjoy glimpses of fjords, rivers, and the lovely Norwegian countryside. The Oslo to Bergen route is at its best in winter when Norway is blanketed with snow. It’s also much less nerve-wracking than driving this route in cold weather conditions.

When you picture Greece, sandy island beaches and vibrantly blue water probably come to mind. But that’s not all there is to the country. It has epic mountains as well. The four-hour ride (but budget longer, Greek trains are notoriously slow and late) from Athens to Meteora takes you through the heart of the peaks and ends in the perfect spot for a walking adventure. You can hike from the main towns of Kalambak or Kastraki to the various monasteries that dot the mountains.

No, the tiny country of Luxembourg isn’t part of Germany, but it is right next door and ideally located for terrific train rides across Europe. The one from the capital city, also called Luxembourg, to Cologne takes approximately three and a half hours and usually requires a change in Koblenz. But it will take you along the Moselle River, dotted with vineyards, castles, and adorable towns that make the ride fly by.

The West Highland Line is the most picturesque in all of the United Kingdom. You’ll follow the Clyde River into the country and through Trossachs National Park and Rannoch Moor. The five-and-a-half-hour journey is perfect for those looking to see a bit of Scotland in a short amount of time.

The most fantastic train ride in all of Sweden (and that’s saying something in this country) is this just-over 800-mile journey through the interior. The summer-only route operates between mid-June and late August annually. You’ll see the verdant forests of Sweden and the breathtaking backcountry dotted with wildflowers. 

The Bohinj Nostalgia Train is a three-and-a-half to four-hour ride through some of the prettiest parts of Slovenia. Visit the breathtaking Vintgar Gorge and the imposing Julian Alps before crossing into Italy. It’s the perfect way to see the area without a car!

Switzerland is known for top-notch public transportation, which is efficient and charming. It is not cheap, but the smooth ride and out-of-this-world window views are absolutely worth it. The all-day, eight-hour Glacier Express will take you through the heart of Europe’s most famous Alps, the Rhine Gorge, and multiple tunnels.

The Cote d’Azur was legendary long before Emily in Paris visited the coast. And while cruising around in a convertible might be stylish, it’s not exactly realistic for most visitors. Plus, one of the best ways to see the South of France is by a regional RER train. Sure, it’s not the super quick TGV, but that just means you’ll see more of the lovely area. There are multiple lines, and most tickets can be bought on the day of travel.

This isn’t a standard commuter rail between two domestic cities; it’s an experience. The two-hour ride will take passengers through the lovely Swiss countryside. Before departing, you’ll see alpine blue lakes, cascading waterfalls, and quaint mountain villages.

Ireland is a delightful country, full of rolling green hills and a stunning coastline. Most visitors opt to rent a car, but if you’re not keen to drive or want to enjoy the sites without worrying about traffic, the train is a great option. The route between Dublin and Galway takes passengers through the heart of Ireland, perfect for a scenic ride!

Like its neighbor down south, the regional RER line through the French Alps is one of the best ways to see the mountains and villages. Relax in style and enjoy snowy peaks with a cup of hot chocolate aboard one of the many daily trains between alpine towns and cities.

The original route might have gone from Paris to Istanbul (and the French rail operator is working on getting this route ready for the 2024 Olympics), but now you can travel from the British Isles to Italy. In 2023, La Dolce Vita began running and provides luxury train travel in carriages reminiscent of another time. You’ll also enjoy superb Italian dining on this two-day overnight journey!

Cinque Terre is one of the most magical destinations in Italy, but it can be a bit tricky to get around. But the train from Levanto to La Spezia, which lasts just under an hour, is the perfect solution. You’ll catch epic coastline views and candy-colored houses in the hills of the villages.