Some of the best views in Europe are seen from a train window. Glaciers, viaducts, lochs, vineyards, and medieval castles roll past while you sit back with a coffee. Here are ten of the best train trips in Europe, from famous panoramic routes to slow scenic lines that few tourists know about.
The Best Train Trips in Europe
1. Glacier Express, Switzerland
Often called the slowest express train in the world, the Glacier Express takes around eight hours to travel between Zermatt and St. Moritz, crossing 291 bridges, passing through 91 tunnels, and climbing over the Oberalp Pass. Panoramic carriages give you views of snowy peaks and deep gorges all the way.
2. Bernina Express, Switzerland and Italy
The Bernina Express runs from Chur or St. Moritz over the Bernina Pass, past glaciers and lakes, and down to Tirano in Italy. The line is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and highlights include the curved Landwasser Viaduct and the spiral viaduct at Brusio.
3. West Highland Line, Scotland
The line from Glasgow to Mallaig crosses Rannoch Moor and passes Ben Nevis, lochs, and glens. Between Fort William and Mallaig, it crosses the Glenfinnan Viaduct, made famous by the Harry Potter films. In summer, the Jacobite steam train runs on this section.
4. Rhine Valley Line, Germany
Between Koblenz and Mainz, the line follows the UNESCO-listed Upper Middle Rhine Valley, with castles perched above vineyards and the famous Lorelei rock. Sit on the river side, and stop off in Bacharach or Rüdesheim.
5. Inlandsbanan, Sweden
The Inland Line runs around 1,300 km through the forests and lakes of inland Sweden, from Kristinehamn to Gällivare above the Arctic Circle. It operates in summer, with stops for photos, reindeer spotting, and sometimes a swim.
6. Ligne des Cévennes, France
This route from Clermont-Ferrand to Nîmes winds through the remote Cévennes mountains, over viaducts and through tunnels, ending in Roman Provence.
7. Transcantábrico, Spain
A luxury train touring northern Spain's green coast, from San Sebastián to Santiago de Compostela, stopping at historic towns and stunning beaches. Shorter regional trains cover much of the same route for a fraction of the cost.
8. Odontotos Rack Railway, Greece
This narrow-gauge rack railway climbs from Diakopto on the Gulf of Corinth through the dramatic Vouraikos Gorge to the mountain town of Kalavryta. It is short, about an hour, but spectacular.
9. North York Moors Railway, England
A heritage steam railway from Pickering across the heather moors to Whitby on the coast. Goathland station appeared as Hogsmeade in the first Harry Potter film.
10. Venice Simplon-Orient-Express
The ultimate luxury train journey, between Paris and Venice in restored 1920s carriages, with fine dining and black-tie dinners.
Tips for Scenic Train Trips in Europe
- Reserve seats on panoramic trains such as the Glacier Express and Bernina Express, especially in summer.
- Consider a rail pass. The Swiss Travel Pass and Interrail or Eurail passes cover many scenic routes, but you may need to pay a reservation fee.
- Choose your side. Look up which side of the train has the best views before you board.
- Take regular trains too. Local trains often follow the same scenic lines for less.
- Stay connected. The egoViet Europe eSIM covers Switzerland, Germany, France, the UK, Sweden, and more, so you can check connections and share photos along the way. See the best European travel apps for booking trains.
Want to sleep on board? Read our guide to sleeper trains in Europe.
FAQs: The Best Train Trips in Europe
What is the most scenic train ride in Europe?
The Glacier Express and Bernina Express in Switzerland, and the West Highland Line in Scotland, are often named the most scenic.
Do I need to book scenic trains in advance?
For panoramic trains like the Glacier Express and Bernina Express, yes, especially in summer. Regular trains on scenic routes usually don't need reservations.
Is a rail pass worth it for scenic train trips?
It can be if you take several long journeys. The Swiss Travel Pass is especially good value for scenic routes in Switzerland.
How long is the Glacier Express?
About eight hours between Zermatt and St. Moritz.