The 11 Most Iconic European Train Routes (and Which Ones Are Worth Your Money)
Fun fact about me: I LOVE train departure boards!
2026 is going to be great, isn’t it? And full of travel for all of us. I am certain of it.
Before I forget — if you need to renew your passport this year, do it online and be amazed at your tax dollars at work. Clients have reported getting their new passports back in fewer than 10 days. I had to renew my passport by mail because of an upcoming trip — the State Department doesn’t recommend renewing online if you are traveling within six weeks — and my process took 13 days total in November.
Now, back to 2026 travel plans…if you’re planning a first (or first-in-a-while) trip to Europe, trains are one of the smartest decisions you can make. They’re fast, central, comfortable, and—importantly—don’t require sacrificing half a day to airports.
But not every city combo works equally well by rail. Many years ago, I did the night train from Innsbruck, Austria to Rome, Italy and I definitely would not recommend that. Recently, I was asked if it was possible to take the train from London to Rome. Nearly anything is possible but this train would take at least 14.5 hours with three changes: Paris (where you’d have a tight hour to switch from Gare du Nord on the very north side of the city to Paris Lyon, in the southeast corner of the city), Torino, and Milan. That is not a fun journey. Note you can fly from London to Rome in 2.5 hours and airlines like Ryanair and EasyJet make travel really affordable.
So let’s look at some easier “Europe by Rail” vacations. The itineraries below are popular for a reason: short travel times, direct connections, and cities that feel meaningfully different from one another. No padding. No backtracking. No exhausting logistics.
There’s Big Ben, kids!
London → Paris → Amsterdam
This is the most searched European rail itinerary—and still one of the best.
London to Paris on the Eurostar is fast and painless, and Paris to Amsterdam is an easy high-speed ride through northern France and Belgium. You get three major cities with wildly different personalities, without ever needing a car or short-haul flight.
Why it works:
• Seamless high-speed trains
• Huge cultural contrast between cities
• Excellent for first-timers
Best for: Travelers who want iconic cities done well, not rushed.
Where to stay:
London: The Londoner (Leicester Square — ridiculously central)
Paris: Ritz Paris (classic, polished, and the location is unbeatable)
Amsterdam: Sofitel Legend The Grand Amsterdam (historic, canal-side, calm oasis)
St. Peter’s Square in Rome
Rome → Florence → Venice
This is Italy’s greatest hits—and it’s tailor-made for train travel. This is probably my best selling trip.
Italy’s high-speed rail network is excellent, stations are central, and travel times are short enough that moving cities never feels disruptive.
Why it works:
• Trains every ~30 minutes
• Distinct experiences in each city
• No need for a car
Best for: History lovers, food lovers, and anyone who wants “classic Italy” without the stress.
Where to stay:
Rome: Hotel de la Ville, a Rocco Forte Hotel (Spanish Steps area; stylish and walkable)
Florence: Four Seasons Hotel Firenze (gardens + serenity, still easy into town)
Venice: Hotel Danieli (iconic Venice; serious sense of place)
I have such fondness for Munich!
Munich → Salzburg → Vienna
This Central European route is criminally underrated.
Munich gives you Bavarian culture and museums, Salzburg adds storybook charm and Alpine scenery, and Vienna finishes with imperial grandeur and café culture.
Why it works:
• Short, scenic train rides
• Calm, elegant cities
• Excellent shoulder-season option
Best for: Travelers who want beauty and culture without crowds or chaos.
Where to stay:
Munich: Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten Kempinski Munich (classic grand-hotel energy, great base)
Salzburg: Hotel Sacher Salzburg (old-school, river views, very “Salzburg”)
Vienna: Hotel Imperial, a Luxury Collection Hotel (if you want Vienna to feel like Vienna)
Barcelona — look at that grid system!
Barcelona → Madrid → Seville
Spain is one of Europe’s best rail values—and this route shows why.
High-speed AVE trains connect these cities quickly, comfortably, and reliably. Each stop feels completely different, from Barcelona’s architecture to Madrid’s art scene to Seville’s Moorish influence. I was just in Seville in March of 2025 and loved it so much! Read more about my trip here.
Why it works:
• Fast high-speed rail
• Strong cultural contrast
• Great food cities throughout
Best for: Travelers who want energy, warmth, and variety.
Where to stay:
Barcelona: Mandarin Oriental, Barcelona (best “luxury + location” combo)
Madrid: Mandarin Oriental Ritz, Madrid (landmark, elegant, walk-to-everything)
Seville: Hotel Alfonso XIII, a Luxury Collection Hotel (the obvious choice for a reason)
Paris is always a good idea
Paris → Brussels → Amsterdam
A slightly gentler alternative to the London version—without crossing the Channel.
Brussels often gets underestimated, but it makes a logical and delicious stop between Paris and Amsterdam, especially for travelers who want shorter train days. To be honest, Brussels isn’t my favorite city BUT…you can do easy day trips to Ghent and Bruges from here and they are both charmers!
Why it works:
• Very short train segments
• Easy pacing
• Great food stops
Best for: Travelers easing into multi-city travel for the first time.
Where to stay:
Paris: Le Bristolfor the most classic of classic properties
Brussels: Hotel Amigo, a Rocco Forte Hotel (best luxury base near Grand Place)
Amsterdam: Waldorf Astoria Amsterdam (if you want full five-star canal-house drama)
Amsterdam
Amsterdam → Cologne → Berlin
This route shows up frequently in search data—and with good reason.
It’s a smooth way to transition from relaxed canals to bold modern history. Cologne is often used as a short cultural stop, while Berlin delivers depth and edge. With this itinerary, I’d probably two 3 nights Amsterdam, 2 nights Cologne, 4 nights Berlin. Berlin never gets boring for me!
Why it works:
• Direct rail connections
• Logical geographic flow
• Strong contrast between cities
Best for: Curious travelers who want history with personality.
Where to stay:
Amsterdam: Conservatorium Hotel (design-forward, top-tier service)
Cologne: Excelsior Hotel Ernst (directly by the cathedral; classic luxury)
Berlin: Hotel Adlon Kempinski Berlin (iconic address, very reliable)
Pretty Prague
Prague → Vienna → Budapest
This trio is one of the most searched Central European itineraries—and it punches well above its weight.
The cities are affordable compared to Western Europe, rich in architecture, and very well connected by rail.
Why it works:
• Compact geography
• Excellent value
• Dramatic architectural variety
Best for: Travelers who want big impact without big prices.
Where to stay:
Prague: Four Seasons Hotel Prague (best-located splurge on the river)
Vienna: Rosewood Vienna (newer, chic, very walkable)
Budapest: Four Seasons Hotel Gresham Palace (this is the postcard hotel)
The harbor in Copenhagen
Copenhagen → Hamburg → Berlin
A modern, design-forward route that’s gaining popularity fast.
This itinerary appeals to travelers who love food scenes, architecture, and contemporary culture more than medieval old towns.
Why it works:
• Excellent rail infrastructure
• Clean, efficient cities
• Under-the-radar appeal
Best for: Design lovers and repeat Europe travelers.
Where to stay:
Copenhagen: Hotel d’Angleterre (the standard for classic Copenhagen luxury)
Hamburg: Fairmont Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten Hamburg (old-world grand, lakeside)
Berlin: Hotel Adlon Kempinski Berlin (yes, again — because it’s the anchor)
The Glacier Express (Switzerland)
This is the slowest express train in the world, which tells you everything you need to know. Eight hours from Zermatt to St. Moritz, crossing 291 bridges and passing through 91 tunnels, with panoramic windows the entire way.
Why it works:
Genuinely spectacular scenery the whole way
One-day journey, no overnight required
Bookable in Excellence Class for a serious upgrade
Best for: Travelers who want one big, memorable rail experience inside a larger Switzerland trip. Pair it with a few nights in Zermatt and a few in St. Moritz on either end.
A note on booking: Excellence Class sells out months in advance for peak season. If your travel dates are flexible, May/June and September are the sweet spots — full alpine views without the August crowds. Check out this post for more on Swiss trains.
Venice Simplon-Orient-Express (Multiple Routes)
The Belmond-operated overnight train, restored 1920s carriages, formal dress code at dinner, and a price tag that reflects all of it. The classic route is London → Paris → Venice over two days and one night. This is not a way to get to Venice. It is a way to spend 30+ hours pretending it is 1928, with very good food and very good wine.
Why it works:
The hardware is genuinely beautiful — original Art Deco carriages
Onboard experience is fully immersive: dress code, live piano, multi-course meals included
Multiple route options now, including Paris → Portofino, Paris → Vienna, and Paris → Florence/Rome
Best for: Special occasions. Honeymoons, milestone birthdays, anniversaries. Travelers who want a single unforgettable travel day rather than efficient transit.
A note on booking: This is one of the trips I get asked about most often. Cabins range from twin sleepers to grand suites with private bathrooms — and the experience differs meaningfully across categories. Worth a real conversation before booking.
Belmond Royal Scotsman (Scotland)
A two-to-seven-night journey through the Scottish Highlands aboard a small, intimate luxury train — only 40 guests, mahogany cabins, whisky tastings, and stops for distillery visits, castle tours, and Highland walks. The train returns to a different siding each night, which means you sleep in calm — no overnight motion.
Why it works:
Genuinely small group experience
Excursions included; very little decision-making required onboard
Scotland's landscape in autumn is hard to beat
Best for: Travelers who want luxury, scenery, and a slower pace — and who like the idea of unpacking once for the entire trip.
A note on booking: The four-night "Classic Journey" is the most popular itinerary. Spring and autumn departures sell out earliest. Belmond also operates the British Pullman for shorter day trips out of London if you want a taste of the same hospitality without the commitment.
A Final Word on Planning by Train
The biggest mistake I see? Too many cities, too few nights. Three cities is the sweet spot for a ten day vacation.
Trains make Europe easier—but only if the itinerary is logical. These routes are popular not because they’re trendy, but because they respect your time, energy, and enjoyment. Ready to book? Let me put together your multi-stop trip with first class trains and private transfers on each side, along with amazing private experiences and excursions tailored to your interests—all you'll need to do is show up! Book a complimentary vacation consultation here.
About Krista
I’m a Virtuoso travel advisor based in West Palm Beach, Florida. I attended the University of Notre Dame for undergrad and I have my MBA from the University of Chicago. Before building my travel business, I spent 20 years in the investment management industry and over a decade living and working in London, England. I’ve personally traveled to 75+ countries and now design thoughtful, highly customized trips for travelers who value expertise, access, and a seamless experience.
I offer a complimentary 30-minute consultation for travelers considering a custom itinerary or luxury cruise. Book a complimentary vacation consultation here.
For travel inspiration and real-time updates, you can follow along on Instagram or connect with me on Facebook. I also share a curated list of travel products I genuinely use and recommend in my online store.
What I Offer…
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I work best with travelers who want expert planning, trusted partnerships, and someone in their corner from start to finish. That’s what I am best at! Ready to talk travel? Book a complimentary vacation consultation here.
