Europe’s Best Train Rides
In Europe, trains do more than take you from A to B, they provide you with some of the Best Train Rides of your life! They take you on a journey through some of the continent’s most spectacular countryside, coastlines, towns and cities, allowing travelers to see things that they might otherwise miss when travelling by car, plane or bus. This article highlights some of the most unique journeys and best train rides on the continent, from 1-hour bullet trains to 19-day sleepers!
The Trans-Siberian Railway, Moscow to Vladivostok, Russia
This is one of the best train rides and most famous train journeys in the world, and in full it will take you 19 days to complete. If you’re doing the entire length of the journey, make sure you pack sensibly for your long journey! The iconic journey travels across eight time zones, beginning in the Russian capital of Moscow, and ending in Vladivostok, a Pacific port. This is a truly unique opportunity to immerse yourself in culture of all kinds, gaining as much insight from life on the train itself as the places you will see along the way. People from all backgrounds, young and old, rich and poor, travel on the train, and it is fascinating to see how social barriers evaporate during the journey. Travelers can take a back seat and just observe, or get more involved and interact with people from all different walks of life. The magic of the Trans-Siberian Railway is the stories you will bring home to tell family and friends!
The InterCity Express, Munich to Nuremberg, Germany
This German train journey takes you on a high-speed trip through the Bavarian countryside, taking just one hour to travel between two Bavarian cities known for their rich history and culture. The train is a feat of railway innovation; managing to travel at spectacularly high speeds without passengers inside feeling so much as a vibration. Watch the lush green hills of Bavaria fly past at 199 mph while you relax and enjoy drinks and snacks inside. If you are planning to travel to Germany, this is a must-see journey that will enable you to experience two world-class cities. Definitely one for the bucket list!
The Caledonian Sleeper, London to Scotland, United Kingdom
This sleeper train offers a truly unique way to experience the United Kingdom – travelling the length of England and entering Scotland in one overnight journey. The journey offers a rare chance to see the UK at its most quiet and peaceful, travelling through deserted rail stations and quaint villages in the middle of the night. The most magical part comes when the sun begins to rise and the horizon emits a golden glow over the Scottish countryside, and you prepare for a new day of exploration! The Caledonian Sleeper leaves Euston Station in London, and you can choose from a range of final destinations, including Edinburgh, Glasgow and Aberdeen. The train evokes the old-school grandeur of 1960s rail travel, and each passenger is granted enough personal space to enjoy a relaxing night’s sleep. See the country in a new light and travel in style!
Bernina Express, Chur to Tirano, Switzerland
The fact that this train journey is UNESCO World Heritage listed speaks volumes! This is one of the most unique train journeys in the world, let alone Europe! The four-hour journey takes you through southern Switzerland, beginning in Chur, travelling through the snowy Alps and their chic mountain towns before reaching Tirano, just across the border into Italy. Take the journey in the winter to experience the magic of the snow-capped peaks, or in the summer to see the mountains turn lush, green and brimming with wildlife.
Trenino Verde della Sardegna, Sardinia, Italy
If you are planning on visiting Sardinia in the summertime, this train is a must-do, only operating throughout the summer months. Affectionately known as the Little Green Train, it takes you deep into the heart of the island at a relaxingly lazy pace. Take your pick from four journeys – but our favourite is the journey from Mandas to Arbatax. Travel along the eastern coast, taking in dramatic cliffs, sandy beaches and crystal clear seas. The prehistoric dolmens are a highlight, known by locals as the giants’ graves. The slow pace means that you have plenty of time to admire the views and take dozens of pictures to show off when you get home.