From city canals to coastal fjords, explore Europe's best rail journeys and discover how to keep your trip protected along the way.

Top rail routes for exploring Europe

Dreaming of gliding through Europe's breathtaking landscapes, hopping between historic cities, and travelling entirely at your own pace? Rail travel can be a flexible and enjoyable way to explore the continent by train. Whether you only have a week to spare or you're considering a longer journey, Europe can feel easily within reach.

Here are some rail routes to help spark ideas for your European train adventure.

Northern Europe

A rail trip that flows from peaceful canals and contemporary design to atmospheric old towns, making it an ideal route for culture-rich city hopping.

Route: Amsterdam – Rotterdam – Bruges – Antwerp – Brussels

Highlights from each stop:

• Amsterdam: peaceful canals, renowned art museums like the Rijksmuseum, and 120 acres of sprawling green space that is Vondelpark
• Rotterdam: Cube houses, maritime heritage, and dynamic cultural scene
• Bruges: cobbled streets, rich heritage, and cosy chocolatiers
• Antwerp: iconic Centraal station, Belgium's chocolate nation and a lively historic centre
• Brussels: culinary delights, incredible landmarks and bustling cafés

Top tip: Great for short trips with a mixture of culture, scenery and quick train connections.

Italy

An unforgettable trail through Italy's art-filled cities, coastal gems, and vibrant southern landscapes.

Route: Venice – Florence – Rome – Naples – Sorrento

Highlights from each stop:

• Venice: winding canals, hidden alleys, and timeless charm
• Florence: Renaissance masterpieces, viewpoints and Tuscan flavours
• Rome: ancient history, lively piazzas, and unforgettable street food
• Naples: bustling streets, espresso bars, and the birthplace of pizza
• Sorrento: clifftop views and access to the stunning Amalfi Coast

Top tip: It's often worth checking prices in advance for high-speed trains, as early bookings may offer lower fares between major cities.

Eastern Europe

A character-rich rail experience filled with grand architecture, riverside views, and charming historic centres.

Route: Budapest – Bratislava – Vienna – Ljubljana – Zagreb

Highlights from each stop:

• Budapest: thermal baths, striking bridges, and evening river views
• Bratislava: a compact capital with colourful streets and a hilltop castle
• Vienna: grand palaces, coffeehouses, and classical culture
• Ljubljana: leafy riverside cafés and easy access to Lake Bled
• Zagreb: relaxed squares, bustling markets, and emerging food culture

Top tip: Get ready to soak in the scenery as trains along this route are often known to move at a slower pace. The landscapes are well worth the extra time.

Spain and Portugal

A sunny, flavour-filled exploration through lively cities, historic neighbourhoods, and coastal beauty across two vibrant Iberian countries.

Route: Valencia – Madrid – Ourense - Porto – Lisbon

Highlights from each stop:

• Valencia: futuristic buildings, sandy coastline, and paella
• Madrid: leafy boulevards, museums, and buzzing tapas bars
• Ourense: thermal springs, archaeological park and gothic architecture
• Porto: riverfront views, wine cellars, and colourful hillsides
• Lisbon: cool trams, oceanfront sunsets, and pastel-coloured streets

Top Tip: The high-speed trains between major Spanish cities are a great way to save time before switching to slower, more scenic routes towards Portugal.

Scandinavia

A breathtaking northern journey full of sleek design, forested landscapes, fjords, and crisp coastal air.

Route: Copenhagen – Stockholm – Oslo – Flam – Bergen

Highlights from each stop:

• Copenhagen: contemporary architecture, vibrant harbour districts and a laid-back cycling scene
• Stockholm: waterfront viewpoints, colourful old-town, and cool galleries
• Oslo: striking modern architecture and nature-rich surroundings
• Flåm: dramatic valley scenery and a legendary mountain railway
• Bergen: a postcard-perfect coastal city and a gateway to Norway's famous fjords

Top Tip: Travelling off-peak and booking accommodation early can sometimes be cheaper.

South of France

A relaxed Mediterranean-soaked journey through elegant seaside towns, artistic hilltop villages and stretches of sparkling coastline.

Route: Avignon – Cassis – Cannes – Antibes – Nice – Eze

Highlights from each stop:

• Avignon: medieval architecture, lively markets, and riverside beauty
• Cassis: peaceful harbours, and famous Calanques hikes
• Cannes: palm-shaded boulevards, stylish beach clubs and festival atmosphere
• Antibes: Picasso heritage, and a picture-perfect old town
• Nice: lively promenades and a thriving culinary scene
• Èze: dramatic hilltop views over the Côte d'Azur

Top Tip: Frequent coastal trains make it easy to hop between Riviera towns, with occasional short bus for those hilltop villages.

Europe is full of incredible places, and travelling by train lets you slow down, enjoy the scenery and take in the surroundings. Whether you follow one of these routes or map out your own, rail travel is an incredible way to discover the continent one stop at a time.

Don't forget to choo-choose your travel insurance cover so that your trip is protected. Get an ABTA Travel Insurance quote today.