Europe boasts of some of the most picturesque train journeys in the world. From mountain landscapes to coastal views, these scenic train rides offer breathtaking views that will leave you in awe. Here are some of the best scenic train rides in Europe.
Traveling to these destinations by train is not only convenient but also allows you to enjoy the scenic beauty of Europe. With a range of ticket options available, including Interrail and Eurail passes, you can easily plan your journey and explore these beautiful destinations at your own pace.
1: Glacier Express, Switzerland
he Glacier Express is one of the most famous train rides in Switzerland, offering spectacular views of the Swiss Alps. The train takes you on a journey through 291 bridges, 91 tunnels, and across the Oberalp Pass at 2,033 meters. The route starts in Zermatt and finishes in St Moritz, taking you through some of the most beautiful and iconic Swiss landscapes.
The Glacier Express can be accessed from several points in Switzerland, but the most popular starting points are Zermatt or St Moritz. Both cities are well-connected to other major cities in Switzerland and can be easily reached by train. If you are traveling from abroad, you can take a train to Zurich or Geneva and then transfer to a local train to reach Zermatt or St Moritz.
2: West Highland Line, Scotland
The West Highland Line is a 264-kilometer train journey through the Scottish Highlands, known for its rugged beauty and stunning scenery. The journey takes you from Glasgow to Mallaig, passing by lochs, mountains, and forests. The highlight of the journey is the crossing of the Glenfinnan Viaduct, made famous by the Harry Potter movies.
Glasgow is well connected to other major cities in the UK, and you can easily reach the city by train. If you are traveling from abroad, you can take a train to Edinburgh or London and then transfer to a local train to reach Glasgow.
3: Flam Railway, Norway
The Flam Railway is a 20-kilometer train journey through the Norwegian Fjords, known for its steep inclines and winding tracks. The journey starts in the small town of Flam and takes you to the mountain station of Myrdal. Along the way, you will see waterfalls, rivers, and snow-capped mountains, making it one of the most scenic train rides in the world.
4: Cinque Terre, Italy
The Cinque Terre train journey is a 20-minute ride through the rugged coastline of the Italian Riviera. The train takes you through five colorful fishing villages, with stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea. The journey starts in La Spezia and ends in Genoa, passing by some of the most picturesque landscapes in Italy.
La Spezia is well-connected to other major cities in Italy. If you are traveling from abroad, you can take a train to Rome or Milan and then transfer to a local train to reach La Spezia. From La Spezia, you can take a train to each of the five villages that make up the Cinque Terre.
5: Bernina Express, Switzerland
The Bernina Express is another famous train ride in Switzerland, taking you from Chur to Tirano in Italy. The journey takes you through the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Rhaetian Railway, passing through some of the most scenic landscapes in Switzerland. The highlight of the journey is the crossing of the Bernina Pass, where you will see panoramic views of the Swiss Alps.
The Bernina Express journey starts from Chur, which is well-connected to other major cities in Switzerland. If you are traveling from abroad, you can take a train to Zurich or Geneva and then transfer to a local train to reach Chur. The journey ends in Tirano, which can be easily accessed from Milan by train.
Europe offers some of the most picturesque train rides in the world. From the Swiss Alps to the Scottish Highlands, these train journeys will take you through some of the most stunning landscapes in Europe. Whether you are a train enthusiast or simply looking for a memorable experience, these scenic train rides are not to be missed.
Discovering Europe’s Most Scenic Views with A Travel Pass
Train travel is a popular mode of transportation in Europe, and for good reason. With extensive rail networks and a variety of scenic routes, trains offer a convenient and efficient way to explore the continent. From the snow-capped peaks of the Swiss Alps to the rugged Scottish Highlands, train travel in Europe offers breathtaking views and unforgettable experiences.
One of the most popular ways to travel by train in Europe is with an Interrail pass. An Interrail pass allows travelers to travel on most trains in 33 European countries, including high-speed trains and local trains. The pass is available to European residents and can be purchased for different durations and travel zones. With an Interrail pass, travelers can create their own itinerary and explore multiple destinations in one trip.
In addition to Interrail, there are also a variety of other rail passes available, such as the Eurail pass, which is available to non-European residents. There are also regional passes available for specific countries or regions, such as the Swiss Travel Pass or the Scottish Explorer Pass.
