Enter then the rise of the so-called ‘traincation’, a movement that reflects a broader appetite for slower travel. Operators report growing demand for rail holidays as travellers seek alternatives to crowded airports or perhaps just want to rediscover the romance of sleeper trains or embrace the simple pleasure of watching landscapes slip by from a carriage window. While train travel isn't always cheaper than flying – some of Europe's most celebrated rail journeys are unapologetically luxurious – it offers the chance to really experience the countries between departure and arrival, rather than simply whizzing over them.
It is, admittedly, still easier – and sometimes cheaper, depending on the journey – to fly. But if you are in the market to splash out on one of the world's great luxury trains or simply to swap a short-haul flight for a scenic railway, these train rides can transform the entire experience.
Bucket List Journeys
Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, Paris to Venice
Best for: Once-in-a-lifetime luxury
There can be few more glamorous ways to travel. Lovingly restored 1920s carriages, white-jacketed stewards, black-tie dinners and Art Deco interiors coalesce to make this the world's most iconic rail journey. Routes vary, but whether you're gliding towards Venice, Paris or Istanbul, it is nothing less than beautifully choreographed theatre on rails. All aboard!
The Royal Scotsman, Scotland
Best for: Highland luxury
If tartan, whisky and wild landscapes are your idea of heaven, this is the train for you. Carrying just a handful of guests through the Scottish Highlands, the Royal Scotsman combines panoramic views with fine dining, private cabins and excursions ranging from castle visits to distillery tours. Luxury travel at its most civilised. All aboard!
Bernina Express, Switzerland–Italy
Best for: Alpine scenery
Often described as Europe's most beautiful train journey, the Bernina Express climbs from palm trees in Italy to glaciers in the Swiss Alps, crossing soaring viaducts, dramatic mountain passes and 55 tunnels without a single cogwheel. No one who makes this journey will ever forget it. All aboard!
Glacier Express, Switzerland
Best for: Spectacular mountain views
Dubbed the world's slowest express train, the Glacier Express takes around eight hours to travel between Zermatt and St Moritz. That's entirely the point. Along the way come deep gorges, snow-capped peaks, picturesque villages and almost 300 bridges, all best enjoyed over a leisurely lunch served at your seat. All aboard!
The Caledonian Sleeper, London – Scotland
Best for: Overnight adventure
Board in London after dinner and wake up in the Highlands – sounds dreamy, no? The Caledonian Sleeper is one of Britain's great travel experiences for a reason, swapping airport hotels for cosy cabins and breakfast with a view. Waking up to a bowl of porridge or kedgeree at first light makes for a wonderfully civilised way to begin a Scottish escape, whether you're heading for Edinburgh, Inverness or Fort William. All aboard!
Adventures By Train, various route worldwide
Best for: Guided luxury experiences
Do you love the romance of rail but not the logistics? Enter Adventures By Train, which organises super-luxe escorted itineraries across Europe and beyond. Options range from Baltic adventures to three-week Silk Road-inspired expeditions, with accommodation, rail tickets and guided experiences all taken care of, allowing travellers simply to sit back and watch the world roll past. All aboard!
Beautiful Journeys That Don't Require A Lottery Win
The Cinque Terre Railway, Italy
Best for: Exquisite summer holidays
Connecting the five colourful villages of the Cinque Terre in just over 20 minutes, this coastal railway may be short – and certainly not a substitute for air travel – but it’s one of Europe's prettiest. Trains dart through tunnels before emerging to dazzling views of cliffs, vineyards and sparkling sea, allowing you to hop on and off between villages for seafood lunches, swims and gelato. La vita really is dolce. All aboard!
The West Highland Line, Scotland
Best for: A UK weekend away
Frequently voted one of the world's greatest rail journeys, the West Highland Line threads through lochs, mountains and remote moorland before crossing the famous Glenfinnan Viaduct. It is Scotland at its wildest and most cinematic, with the added bonus that much of it is easily accessible from Glasgow. Hogwarts Express, eat your heart out. All aboard!
The Bergen Railway, Norway
Best for: Dramatic scenery
Running between Oslo and Bergen, this seven-hour journey climbs to one of Europe's highest railway stations before descending through fjords, forests and waterfalls. Even in summer there is often snow on the Hardangervidda plateau, while winter transforms the landscape into something that feels almost Arctic. Sheer magic. All aboard!
The Semmering Railway, Austria
Best for: Historic engineering
Built in the mid-19th century, the Semmering Railway was one of the world's first true mountain railways and remains a masterpiece of engineering. The route winds through forests, tunnels and elegant stone viaducts, proving that sometimes the infrastructure is every bit as impressive as the scenery. A dream for serious railway enthusiasts; just as beautiful for everyone else. All aboard!
The Riviera Line, Devon
Best for: A British seaside escape
You needn't leave the UK for memorable rail travel, as evidenced by the Riviera Line which hugs the Devon coastline between Exeter and Paignton. For long stretches, the tracks run so close to the sea that it feels as though the train is skimming across the water, with glorious views of beaches, estuaries and colourful seaside towns. Buckets and spades at the ready! All aboard!
The Douro Line, Portugal
Best for: Food & wine
Beginning in Porto, the Douro Line follows the twisting river deep into Portugal's celebrated wine region. Terraced vineyards climb impossibly steep hillsides, sleepy stations are decorated with traditional blue-and-white tiles and every stop seems to offer another opportunity for a leisurely lunch and a glass of port. Don’t mind if we do… All aboard!
The Black Forest Railway, Germany
Best for: Storybook landscapes
Running between Offenburg and Singen, this beautifully engineered route winds through Germany's famous Black Forest, passing pine-covered hills, deep valleys and charming villages that look as though they inspired the Brothers Grimm. Expect tunnels, sweeping curves and enough scenery to keep you glued to the window for the entire journey. All aboard!
FAQs: Beautiful Rail Journeys
Why are rail holidays becoming more popular?
Growing numbers of travellers are looking for slower, more immersive ways to travel. Rail holidays avoid many of the frustrations associated with airports, while allowing passengers to enjoy changing landscapes and stop off in places they might otherwise never visit.
Is travelling by train always more expensive than flying?
Not necessarily. Luxury rail holidays can cost several thousand pounds, but many European rail routes are surprisingly affordable, particularly when booked in advance. Interrail passes can also offer excellent value for longer trips.
What is a traincation?
A traincation is a holiday where the railway journey becomes a central part of the experience rather than simply a way of reaching the destination.
Are sleeper trains making a comeback?
Yes. Across Europe, sleeper services have expanded significantly in recent years, making it increasingly possible to travel overnight between major cities while avoiding both flights and hotel nights.
Can you travel around Europe entirely by train from the UK?
Absolutely. Thanks to the Channel Tunnel and Europe's extensive rail network, destinations including Paris, Amsterdam, Zurich, Vienna, Milan and beyond can all be reached without flying.
Which is Europe's most scenic train journey?
Opinions vary, but favourites include Switzerland's Bernina Express and Glacier Express, Norway's Bergen Railway, Scotland's West Highland Line and Portugal's Douro Line.
