Via train is one of the best ways to see and experience Europe’s unique countries. You can sit back, relax, and watch the European landscapes pass you by. You can get off at different towns and cities to explore the destinations that take your fancy. There are some amazing train experiences in Europe, for both backpackers and luxury seekers.

Europe has some of the most breathtaking train journeys in the world. The stations are easy to access and filled with trains to look at. Services run as often as every hour in the cities too; making your options more flexible. Train travel is more practical and enjoyable than spending hours sitting in airport lounges and standing in security queues.

You have the freedom to walk around the train carriage, have a nap, eat a snack and interact with other travellers. Most stations have shops and hotels right next door too, if you want to make a stopover or just go outside to explore. When you choose your train route, do some research into the stops that you’d like to get off and explore. You could book a tour through Europe to make some new friends in these places. It’s a great holiday idea for a European girls trip too! Here are the most memorable train trips in Europe, and where they travel to…

Venice Simplon Orient Express

The Venice Simplon Orient Express also referred to as VSOE, is a privately-run luxury train. Enjoy a 5-star ride from London to Venice and explore the stunning coaches restored from the 20s, 30s and 50s. The train runs around once a week and passes through London, Paris, Verona, and Venice. See some beautiful and historic Italian landmarks on this journey as you explore Italy by rail. If the road is more your thing, you can explore Italy by car.

The Flam Railway 

Head to Scandinavia for a train journey from Oslo to Bergen. Get off at Myrdal and take the branch line to Flam. This route also includes a horseshoe tunnel and is one of the steepest tracks in the world with a gradient of 1-in-18.The Bernina Express

The best way to cross the Alps is via the Bernina Express from Chur to Tirano. The Bernina Express is the highest railway in the Alps and climbs up magnificent glaciers between Switzerland and Italy. The train passes through a whopping 55 tunnels and 196 bridges and reaches up to 2,253 meters above sea level. It drops back down into Italy and provides a link between Northern and Southern Europe.

Glacier Express, Switzerland

The Glacier Express is possibly the most iconic railway in Europe. It crosses a staggering 291 bridges, 91 tunnels and reaches 2,033m in elevation. This isn’t a train for the faint-hearted, that’s for sure! The train has panoramic windows to showcase the breath-taking scenery from St Moritz to Zermatt.

Some of these routes can be done by flights, road and maybe even a few ferries. However, Europe’s railways offer a unique experience of luxury and ease. You don’t need to deal with hassle at country borders or navigating public transport timetables. All you need to worry about is grabbing a window seat so you can catch the sunset over the Alps & that you have suitable luggage for a travelling Europe trip! Europe’s trains are the epitome of luxury travel and are the perfect way to explore multiple countries in one trip.

You can see more of what i’m loving, and what i’m doing, over on my Instagram.