These breathtaking train journeys spread across Europe are an unforgettable experience. Make the most of traveling from place to place by taking the continent’s most scenic train rides.
From mountain peaks with cascading waterfalls to small fishing towns, there’s no landscape you can’t see by rail.
Whether you want to travel on an old steam train or experience luxury onboard – there’s a train ride across Europe for all tastes.
Travel over countless bridges as you journey through deep gorges and high alpine landscapes. Meanwhile, try to count how many tunnels you go through along the way!
10. Black Forest Railway, Germany
Running for 150 kilometers through the dense Black Forest in Germany, this train journey is one of a kind. The railway was built between 1863 and 1873 by Robert Gerwig.
It crosses through 39 tunnels and over two spectacular viaducts. Over the course of the trip, you’ll ascend 650 meters!
Hop on board in Offerburg, then soak in the quaint forest villages and the rivers Kinzig and Brigach on the route to Singen.
One of the highlights of the trip is the panoramic views of the vineyards in the Kinzig Valley. In second place, are the glimpses of the medieval town of Villingen.
9. Cannes to Ventimiglia, France and Italy
If you’re a fan of coastal landscapes, this is the train ride for you. Whilst it takes just an hour and a half it is still amongst the most scenic railways in Europe.
Begin in the glamorous town of Cannes in the French Riviera and hop off at the charming, terracotta town of Ventimiglia in Liguria.
Hugging the sea the whole journey, you’ll pass through charming port villages and renowned cities like Nice and Monaco.
All in all the journey covers 69.5 kilometers. There are trains every half hour until 11PM. If you wanted to make the most of the route you could hop off at some of the stations along the way.
Villefranche-Sur-Mer and Menton are two of the cutest and most colorful Mediterranean seaside towns. Stop and explore for a few hours then continue on your journey.
8. Douro Line, Portugal
Traveling along the Douro valley, the Douro Line in Portugal weaves its way through vineyards and rolling hills. It showcases some of the country’s finest landscapes.
Starting in Porto, the train travels around 200 kilometers to the small village of Pocinho. Unfortunately, you do have to go back the way you came.
You can stop at Pinhao along the way for lunch and a wine tasting before you hop back on the train.
You’ll snake along the River Douro, which sustains all the vineyards. It’s thanks to this river that Portugal has such amazing port!
Enjoy the remarkable views of the quaint towns nestled along the river deep in the valley. Marvel at the vast stretches of vineyards, and enjoy this slow and scenic day away from the city.
7. Barcelona to Montserrat Railway, Spain
Starting at the Espana rail station in Barcelona’s city center, there are a few steps to getting to Montserrat from Barcelona by railway. At the central station, hop on the R5 Line that runs to the foot of the imposing Montserrat mountain.
From there you’ll need to pick between the rack railway or a cable car to the top where the monastery is.
This stretch of the journey is where the spectacular views are! The mountains and monastery stretch out before you, a breathtaking combination.
The tickets can be a bit confusing as there are lots of options. Opt for the ToT Montserrat. It gets you a return journey, entry to the museum, and a ride on your choice of the rack railway or cable car.
6. Jacobite Express, Scotland
Have you heard of the Hogwart’s Express from Harry Potter? Well, this is it! Outside of fantasy books, it’s known as the Jacobite Express. It runs from Fort William to Mallaig in the Scottish Highlands.
With the rugged and barren highland landscape as your backdrop, journey over the famous Glenfinnan Viaduct. Once you leave the Nevis Range, you’ll travel along stretches of the west coast.
The journey takes about two hours and covers a distance of 135 kilometers. Powered by old steam engines, the Jacobite is made up of refurbished vintage train carriages.
It runs from April to October but closes in the winter due to the conditions.
5. Cinque Terre Express, Italy
This short but sweet train journey travels along the charming Cinque Terre coast. Soak in the views of the colorful fishing villages below as it hops from one to another.
From March to November, these regional little trains run every 20 minutes between the towns of Cinque Terre. During the winter they run less frequently, around once an hour.
The journey takes just half an hour in total, but you’ll want to stop along the way and explore at your own pace. You can hop off at Levanto, Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, Riomaggiore, and La Spezia.
To make the most of the train and area, get the Cinque Terre Train Card. It’ll give you unlimited travel as well as access to the walking trails in the Cinque Terre National Park.
4. Bernina Express, Switzerland
This stunning train journey takes you from Landquart in Switzerland to Tirano in Italy. The journey takes four and a half hours in total and covers 144 kilometers.
The highest point along the way reaches 2,253 meters at the Bernina Pass. It runs between May and October for its summer season.
There is also a winter season, but you’ll have to check their schedule because they update it each year.
This unique railway track is the steepest in the world. It’s an alpine train journey that boasts panoramic views and dizzying heights.
It passes through 55 tunnels and over a shocking 196 bridges. Look out for the Landwasser Viaduct along the way!
Chasing the best views? Then hop on board and find yourself a seat on the rig of the train.
3. Belgrade-to-Bar Railway, Serbia and Montenegro
Also known as the Montenegro Express, this train is the brainchild of Tito. The communist leader wanted to connect the capital of Belgrade with the Montenegrin coast.
The only thing in his way? The Dinaric Alps. Over the course of 476 kilometers, you’ll travel from the lush green rolling hills of Serbia to the rugged mountains in Montenegro.
Passing through 254 tunnels and over 435 bridges, this 11-hour journey won’t disappoint.
The line opened in 1976, and it’s fair to say it hasn’t changed much since. If it’s luxury you’re looking for, this isn’t the train for you. But, if you’re up for an adventure and don’t mind more outdated trains – hop onboard!
2. Flåmsbana, Norway
Though this train ride is super short and doesn’t cover much distance, it packs a lot in. Starting at the quaint and picturesque village of Flam the train runs up to the mountain station of Myrdal.
The train journey takes just under an hour and covers about 20 kilometers. On this short trip, you’ll see cascading mountain waterfalls, travel over deep gorges and through lush green valleys.
You’ll be able to catch a snap of the stunning Kjosfossen waterfall. The train stops here so you can feel the misty wind coming off the mountain.
Built between 1924 to 1940, the steep railway is a true engineering marvel. Of the 20 tunnels along the way 18 were carved by hand!
1. Brenner Railway, Germany, Austria and Italy
Starting in Munich, the train travels 162 kilometers until reaching Venice. You’ll start your journey in the woodlands of Bavaria before crossing over to Austria.
When you cross the border into Austria at Kufstein, keep an eye out for the 14th century fortress. Grand and bright-white, It sits on the top of the hill watching over the little village.
The highlight of the trip is the leg between Innsbruck and Brenner, where the train climbs and twists up a steep 91-meter incline.
You’ll get to hop off the train for a short stop at Brenner, before continuing along the Isarco River. You’ll then travel through soft mountain landscapes as you continue through Italy.
The grand finale? Crossing the Ponte della Liberta causeway to Venice! Hop off and go explore Grand Canal after this long, full-day train ride.
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