Seven Incredible Train Trips in Europe

Norway, Paris, Serbia, and everywhere in between.

You’ve got choices when it comes to the quintessential Euro trip: puzzle-piece inexpensive flights together to rack up a multi-country trip, or you see the continent’s stunning range of landscapes from a train cabin. In Europe, the journey can be just as eye-opening as the destination, thanks to a vast rail network that makes hopping from one breathtaking scene to the next a breeze. Add to that charming retro trains you’ll want to ride again and again, UNESCO-listed wonders visible right from your window, and dramatic landscapes for days, and you get why train travel here isn’t just convenient—it’s unforgettable.

The Bernina Express, Switzerland and Italy

Start: Chur, Switzerland

End: Tirano, Italy

Trip length: 4 hours

Best for: Travelers looking for breathtaking alpine views

When to book: The Bernina Express runs year-round, but you’ll want to come aboard in winter or spring. The former delivers icy, glacier-filled landscape; the latter, a mix of snow-capped mountains, green valleys, and flowers in bloom.

Cabin scene: Panoramic windows make it easy to soak in the scenery—and the air conditioning and spacious seats are added comfort. Be sure to bring snacks, as the mini refreshment cart that comes around has limited options.

Tip: You’ll need to reserve a seat (up to six months in advance for a fee, or 60 days out for free), but know that you can’t guarantee which side you're on in second class. Rumor has it, though, that single column seats in first class are on the right side going south and on the left going north, offering the best views.

Three things not to miss:

• Sure the landscape is stunning, but the railway itself is an engineering masterpiece, traversing 55 tunnels and 196 bridges. Keep an eye out for the highest point: Ospizio Bernina, 7,391 feet above sea level.
• Alp Grüm is the route’s most isolated station, but it comes with impressive views of the Palü Glacier. The station, restaurant, and hotel can only be reached by train or arduous hike. Get off for lunch before catching another regional train in the afternoon.
• Plan a day before or after your journey in Chur, Switzerland’s oldest city. Don't miss the Bündner Kunstmuseum, the cable car up Brambrüesch, and the charming, historic Altstadt (old town).

West Highland Line

Start: Glasgow, Scotland

End: Mallaig, Scotland

Trip length: 5 hours and 30 minutes

Best for: Harry Potter fans keen to reach remote nooks of the Highlands

When to book: Experience this scenic Scottish line between late April and early October when temps are milder and days are longer. ScotRail only allows booking about three months in advance, and tickets sell fast, so set a calendar alert to get yours right as the booking window opens.

Cabin scene: There’s nothing luxe here (and no restaurant car, so pack snacks), but the focus really is on the scenery. You’ll catch Monessie Gorge, the Horseshoe Viaduct, Lock Long, and the River Clyde. Sit on the left-hand side for the best views northbound and the right-hand side on the ride south.

Three things not to miss:

• Just before Glenfinnan station, look for the iconic curve of the Glenfinnan Viaduct. This breathtaking part of the century-old line has appearances in the Harry Potter movies as the Hogwarts Express route and in “The Crown.”
• Fancy yourself a hill walker? The West Highland Community Rail Partnership has identified the best routes from each of the line’s main stations.
• Mallaig, your last stop, is the ferry terminal for the Isle of Skye, among other Scottish islands. Consider continuing your adventure for rugged hikes, picturesque fishing villages, and whale watching (between May and October).

Belgrade-to-Bar Railway

Start: Belgrade, Serbia

End: Bar, Montenegro

Trip length: 12 hours

Best for: Adventurous folk searching for Europe’s less-traveled paths

When to book: Tickets for this spectacular journey—296 miles between the capital of Serbia and the Adriatic, through 254 tunnels and over 435 bridges—can’t be booked online, so you’ll need to be in Belgrade IRL to snag them (or, alternatively, at Podgorica and Bar stations). Luckily, seats are often available for same-day trips outside of the busy summer season, when you’ll want to buy a few days in advance.

Cabin scene: Two trains run this line—the daytime, summer-only Tara, and the nighttime, year-round Lovcen. Tara only has second-class cabins and is quite simple, verging on essentials-only. There's air conditioning, but don’t expect restaurant cars or even outlets. The Lovcen offers six- and four-berth couchettes and sleepers for one to three people and has a cafe car serving the basics. The overall vibe is very old-school. For the best seats, sit on the right-hand side going south and the left-hand side going north.

Three things not to miss:

• Keep an eye open for the Mala Rijeka Viaduct near Montenegro’s capital, Podgorica. Spanning almost 1,636 feet long and 650 feet high, it was the world’s highest railway bridge until 2001.
• For more on the history of the rail and Serbia at large, check out the Museum of Yugoslavia in Belgrade, which spotlights the fascinating, complex past of the region.
• Break up your journey and add a stop at Uzice, in Serbia, to visit Tara National Park, which is home to fantastic hiking trails and wild camping

ÖBB Railjet train across Germany, Austria, and Italy

Start: Munich

End: Verona, Italy

Trip length: 5 hours and 30 minutes

Best for: History buffs, wine lovers, and ski enthusiasts

When to book: Summer is when the ÖBB Railjet route most in demand, though the best times to take this ride are fall for harvest season (a treat for serious oenophiles) and spring for the blooming landscape. Fares increase closer to travel dates, so book up to six months in advance to save some money.

Cabin scene: This fleet features free Wi-Fi, outlets at every seat, and a restaurant car with food and drinks (those in higher classes unlock seat-side service). There are also vending machines, luggage racks, and bike storage. Bonus: It’s particularly kid-friendly, thanks to a designated family area with a kids’ cinema and games.

Tip: Want to admire the scenery undisturbed? Book your seat in the Quiet Zone, where passengers are required to keep their voices down and their phones on silent.

Three things not to miss:

• Innsbruck, the most popular city on the route, is an excellent halfway stop. Wander the old town or, if you’re visiting in winter, make it your skiing base for a few days.
• Marking the border between Austria and Italy, the Brenner Pass is a historic Alpine crossing point and one of the trip’s most scenic spots.
• Extend your stay in Verona. Two daily Railjet trains connect to and from Bologna, and two do the same for Venice, adding just an hour to the trip.

Bergensbanen

Start: Oslo, Norway

End: Bergen, Norway

Trip length: 6 hours and 30 minutes

Best for: Travelers who just want to get away from it all

When to book: Late spring is the best time to board—daylight hours are relatively long, the carriages are less crowded, and the landscape is a perfect mix of green valleys and snow-capped peaks. Tickets can be purchased up to three months in advance through Vy, Norway’s national train operator, with great deals for early bookings.

Cabin scene: There’s a well-stocked but pricey onboard cafe, a children’s play area, and three types of seats—Standard, Pluss (more legroom), and Compartment (a private space for groups). Wi-Fi can be spotty, but it’s a testament to how remote the landscape is. Both sides of the train grant beautiful views, but try sitting on the left-hand side traveling westbound. Note that there are no solo seats on the Bergensbanen, so be prepared to get chatty with your neighbor if you’re traveling alone.

Three things not to miss:

• In Bergen, consider splurging at Lysverket, a Michelin-starred restaurant serving a 10-course menu full of creative Nordic cuisine. Be sure to opt for the wine pairing, which spotlights sustainably farmed varietals.
• Hallingskarvet National Park, in the heart of the country, is the most scenic part of the journey and is best explored by getting off at the alpine town of Geilo. You’ll be rewarded by breathtaking scenery and options for easy or strenuous hiking trails.
• In Oslo, treat yourself to an urban sauna experience at Salt—a cultural project near the Oslo Fjord featuring 12 saunas, food stalls, and firepits.

Paris-to-Barcelona TGV Duplex high-speed train

Start: Paris

End: Barcelona

Trip length: 6 hours and 45 minutes

Best for: The family taking on a multi-country Euro trip

When to book: Both Paris and Barcelona are great year-round destinations, so the calendar is yours to play with. Trains run twice daily—morning and afternoon—with reservations generally opening up to six months in advance. Summer is particularly busy, so book at least three months ahead of your trip.

Cabin scene: Choose a seat in the upper deck for the best views. Both decks' seats have outlets, Wi-Fi access, and luggage racks for a more comfortable journey. If you're traveling as a family, select seats around a table in second class, while solo travelers can book single-seat rows in first.

Tip: The four-star Barceló Sants is a great option for those arriving late at Barcelona Sants station. It’s located just above it so you won’t need to stress about getting to your hotel room.

Three things not to miss:

• If you’re taking the afternoon train from Paris, grab an early lunch at Le Train Bleu in the Gare de Lyon hall. An institution since 1903, it serves classic French dishes in sumptuous settings.
• After passing through Montpellier, look out for the étangs—small lakes alongside the Mediterranean Sea. They are stunning and one of the highlights of the trip.
• As you leave the southern French city of Beziers (39 miles down from Montpellier), don’t miss the splendid 13th-century cathedral that dominates the old town. Sit on the right-hand side for premium views.