The Ultimate Rail Bucket List: 13 Unmissable Train Rides Through Europe

Europe is famous for many things, and one of its highlights is its excellent train systems. Whether you want to explore the beautiful Swiss Alps or enjoy the scenic Italian coast, I know all about the best train journeys in Europe. 

If you’re ready to discover Europe in a new way, check out these train adventures. Below, I’ve listed the most picturesque train rides in Europe for you to explore.

1. The Glacier Express

One of the best train rides in the world is through Switzerland on The Glacier Express. It’s a direct train that connects Zermatt and St. Moritz. The journey takes 8 hours and passes through over 90 tunnels and 290 bridges. The train is known for its spectacular panoramic windows, which allow passengers to view the passing Alps. 

You can choose between first and second class, both of which offer comfortable seats and a three-course lunch. Alternatively, you can opt for the Excellence Class, where every seat provides a window view, champagne, and a luxurious five-course meal. This train journey is well worth it if you want breathtaking views and a truly unforgettable experience.

2. West Highland Line

The West Highland Line offers an incredible train journey through Scotland, starting from Glasgow and reaching destinations like Oban, Fort William, and Mallaig. Depending on your final stop along the route, the travel time spans from 3 hours and 30 minutes to 5 hours and 30 minutes. This scenic ride unveils parts of Scotland that are uniquely accessible by train, providing a truly unique experience.

For Harry Potter fans, you’ll want to take the West Highland Lane. This route takes you to Mallaig, and you will pass over the Glenfinnan Viaduct, which was featured in the Harry Potter movies. 

3. Bernina Express

The Bernina Express offers a picturesque train trip from Chur, Switzerland, to Tirano, Italy. During this journey, you’ll traverse 55 tunnels and cross over 195 bridges, including the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Rhaetian Railway. The route showcases stunning sights like glaciers, lakes, and numerous mountains.

The train ride duration ranges from 4 hours to 4 hours and 30 minutes. The Bernina Express, with its spacious panoramic windows, provides breathtaking views of the diverse landscapes along the way. While the standard ride is comfortable, consider upgrading to First Class for an extra touch of luxury.

4. Venice Simplon-Orient-Express

The Venice Simplon-Orient Express train ride is all about luxury and vintage charm. Imagine polished woods, lavish upholstery, and antique features that transport you back to the roaring 20s. The twin cabins offer stunning views during the day and transform into cozy bedrooms at night. Plus, the onboard meals and drinks are simply delicious.

What makes this experience even better is the variety of routes you can choose from. Whether you travel from Venice to Brussels, Geneva to Innsbruck, Paris to Prague, Lyon to Cannes, Rome to Paris, or many others, you can travel between Europe’s major cities in style.

5. Belgrade-Bar Railway

Another fantastic train journey and one of the most budget-friendly options is on the Belgrade-Bar Railway. You can travel from Belgrade, the capital of Serbia, to Bar in Montenegro. This trip lasts about 12 hours and treats you to 254 tunnels and 435 bridges along the way, with the Montenegro mountains offering some of the most stunning views.

For the best experience, consider taking this journey in the summer, when you can fully appreciate the scenery due to longer daylight hours. In winter, the shorter days might mean you miss out on some sights. Depending on your chosen class, a one-way ticket costs between €20 and €40.

6. Flam Railway

The Flam Railway is known as one of the world’s most beautiful train journeys. It takes you across Norway’s picturesque landscapes. Your adventure begins at the edge of Aurlandsjord and ascends to Myrdal Station.

The 20-km railway passes through 20 tunnels and takes about 1 hour for a one-way trip or 2 hours for a round-trip. It’s one of the leading tourist attractions in Norway, famous for its steepness, with 80% of the journey on a 5.5% gradient. You’ll enjoy stunning views of Nordic mountains, waterfalls, and diverse landscapes along the way.

7. Mariazell Railway

The Mariazell Railway is a picturesque journey in Austria. It starts in St. Pölten and ends in Mariazell. Along its 84-kilometer route, it passes through the beautiful Pielach Valley, crossing 19 viaducts and 21 tunnels.

The scenery along this route is incredibly charming during December, with snow-covered landscapes adding to the festive atmosphere.

8. GoldenPass Express

The GoldenPass Express is a scenic train journey in Switzerland that runs from Montreux to Interlaken. It offers three classes: Prestige, 1st, and 2nd, each with varying service levels. The Prestige class is the most luxurious, featuring comfortable leather heated seats, 180-degree rotating seats, and upscale treats like caviar and champagne.

Regardless of your class, the views along the route are breathtaking as you traverse different regions of Switzerland. Mountainous landscapes pass through Interlaken, Gstaad, Chateau-d’Oex, Montbovon, and Montreux. The train ride typically takes about 3 hours and 15 minutes to complete.

9. Cinque Terre Express

The Cinque Terre Express offers an exceptionally scenic train journey through the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Cinque Terre National Park. This train ride takes you from La Spezia to Levanto, passing through five other charming towns. It operates from March 16th to November 3rd, 2024, and is priced between €5 and €10, with a 50% discount for children aged 4 to 11. Trains run every 15 minutes, starting at 5:00 AM and going until 11:30 PM.

Aside from its affordability and frequent schedule, this train ride is renowned for its stunning views along Italy’s coastline. You’ll be treated to colorful Italian towns and picturesque seaside vistas, making it a one-of-a-kind experience.

10. The Rhine Valley Railway

The Rhine Valley Railway offers an incredible train journey, following the renowned River Rhine through Germany. This scenic route starts in Cologne and passes through Bonn and Koblenz before reaching Mainz.

The journey typically lasts 1 to 2 hours and provides breathtaking views of German Wine Country. Along the way, you can admire the stunning landscape, the river, and the charming German countryside.

11. Odontotos Rack Railway

The Odontotos Rack Railway offers a scenic train journey in Greece, starting from the village of Diakopto and ending in Kalavryta. Along the route, you’ll traverse the gorgeous Vouraikos Gorge, enjoying incredible views of cliffs, tunnels, and bridges.

The one-way journey takes about 1 hour or 2 hours round-trip, showcasing the beauty of southern Greece along the way.

12. El Transcantabrico

The El Transcantabrico is a luxurious train journey across northern Spain along the Bay of Biscay. This adventure lasts 8 days and 7 nights and takes you between San Sebastián and Santiago de Compostela. Along the way, you’ll explore beautiful cities and enjoy impeccable views of Spain and the surrounding waters.

This train ride is famous for its elegant design, excellent service, and delicious food. With its stunning windows, awesome views, and classic charm, it’s an incredible experience.

13. Golden Eagle Danube Express

The Golden Eagle Danube Express is famous for its luxurious accommodations and top-notch amenities. It is often described as a hotel on wheels experience. Travelers can choose between Superior Deluxe Class and Deluxe Class, both of which offer comfortable stays, private en-suite bathrooms, scenic views, and more. The train is especially known for its exceptional Bar Lounge Car and fabulous Restaurant Car.

In addition to its luxurious features, the Golden Eagle Danube Express offers a variety of exciting destinations to explore. These include journeys from Istanbul to Paris, an Eastern European Discovery trip covering Budapest, Krakow, Berlin, and Vienna, and a Christmas Markets of Central Europe adventure through Budapest, Vienna, Salzburg, and Munich, among other incredible options.