Best Train Rides in Europe

written by Jada Steuart August 27, 2019

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The best train rides in Europe are the ones that offer stunning scenery. While there are tons of trains all around Europe, only a few offer truly incredible and scenic views of its many landscapes. From the mountains of Scotland to the shoreline of the Italian coast, there is truly no limit to the beauty you can see while you are on a train in Europe. So, if you are looking for a beautiful train ride to go on here our top 5 Best Train Rides in Europe!

1. Glacier Express, Switzerland

Take a journey through the Swiss Alps on the Glacier Express. This amazing train will take you through the Swiss mountains and through 91 tunnels and 291 bridges. The train itself makes for a great journey as both 1st and 2nd class seats have panoramic sealed windows. While it may be called the Glacier Express, this doesn’t mean its a quick train. In fact, the train journey takes about 8 hours in total to get to the final destination. It is well worth it as you will see the valleys, lakes, and mountains that the beautiful Alps have to offer. It is truly an incredible journey.

Duration: 8 hours
Costs: around 135€ and up.

2. Jacobite Steam Train, Scotland

The Jacobite Steam Train which is also known as the Hogwarts Express is one of Scotland’s most scenic trains. Famous for its role in the iconic Harry Potter films, this train goes from Fort William (which is located on Scotland’s highest mountain) to Mallaig which is located on Scotland’s West coast. Going over the Glenfinnan Viaduct will be one of the major highlights as this is the bridge featured in the movie the most when Harry and his fellow wizards were on their way to Hogwarts. The train runs from late April to late October and only takes 2 hours. It is well worth it for fans of the film!

Duration: 2 hours and 10 minutes round trip
Costs: Return Ticket is around 66€

Want tips for cheap train travel? Check out our article on how to find affordable train rides in Europe!

3. Cinque Terre, Italy

There is truly something magical about the Italian coast and this train ride shows you all it has to offer. The train goes from La Spezia to Levanto and it shows the stunning views of the Ligurian coast and the little fishing towns of Cinque Terre. These towns are filled with color and sit on top of beautiful Italian cliffs that look over the bluest of waters. It is a quick journey that only takes about 20 minutes but it is a great preview of the towns right before you actually go and explore them!

Duration: 22 minutes
Cost: starts at 3.60€

4. The Flam Railway, Norway

This train will allow you to explore the remote parts of Norway. Filled with high top cliffs, darks blue fjords and little houses sprinkled in, it is truly a pleasure to take a train ride through Norway! You will see so much of the country’s incredible nature. The Flam Railway is just a regular transport train for locals but for visitors, it is an incredible journey through Norway’s scenery. The train is from Bergen to Myrdal and only takes about 50 minutes. Just in that short time though you will be able to see forests, waterfalls, little towns and so much more! It is definitely worth the journey if you are in Norway!

Duration: 1-2 hours
Costs: 150€ and up

Photo Credit: Henning Klokkerasen through the ShareALike 2.0 License. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/legalcode

5. Duoro Line, Portugal

This beautiful train ride takes you from the urban city landscape of Porto to the mountainous and lush Duoro region. This region has the perfect climate and soil to make delicious grapes. Thus, it has become a well-known wine region in Portugal. The train will take you through vineyards and the beautiful hillsides of the Duoro. It is so beautiful that it has become a World Heritage Site. Take this train from Porto and to its last stop Pochino. You can stop along the way to go to a vineyard or just go for the ride!