Train Journeys in Europe
Nowhere is better for rail travel than Europe, where a superb network links almost every corner of the continent and a handful of lines rank among the most scenic on earth. Sitting back to watch the Alps or the fjords roll past is a joy in itself.
Switzerland and Norway hold the crown for jaw-dropping mountain railways, but Scotland, Italy, Portugal and Spain all offer unforgettable journeys, from luxury sleepers to humble local lines. Rail passes make hopping between them easy.
These are the rail journeys worth planning a trip around.
Europe's Greatest Rail Journeys#
The Glacier Express, Switzerland Billed as the world’s slowest express, it takes eight hours to glide between Zermatt and St Moritz over 291 bridges and through 91 tunnels amid the high Alps. Panoramic carriages maximise the views. It is a bucket-list ride.
The Bernina Express, Switzerland & Italy A UNESCO-listed line that spirals over towering viaducts and the 2,253m Bernina Pass, linking the glaciers of Switzerland with the palms of Italy. It is the highest rail crossing of the Alps. The engineering is astonishing.
The Flam Railway, Norway One of the world’s steepest standard-gauge lines, dropping through a dramatic valley of waterfalls and sheer cliffs to a fjord in under an hour. It is a marvel of engineering. The scenery is relentless.
The Bergen Line, Norway Crossing the roof of Norway between Oslo and Bergen, over the bleak, beautiful Hardangervidda plateau and past countless fjords and mountains. It is often rated Europe’s finest rail journey. Snow lingers even in summer.
The West Highland Line, Scotland Running from Glasgow to Mallaig across wild moors and over the Glenfinnan Viaduct, made famous by the Harry Potter films. A steam service runs in summer. Lochs and mountains fill every window.
The Semmering Railway, Austria The world’s first mountain railway and a UNESCO site, curving over graceful stone viaducts through the Alps south of Vienna. It has run since 1854. The Belle Epoque engineering is beautiful.
The Centovalli Railway, Switzerland & Italy A charming narrow-gauge line threading the ‘hundred valleys’ between Locarno and Domodossola, over gorges and past chestnut forests and waterfalls. Autumn colours are spectacular. It links two countries in two hours.
The Douro Line, Portugal Following the Douro River deep into Portugal’s terraced wine country, past vineyards, whitewashed quintas and dramatic gorges. Historic stations are tiled in blue azulejos. It is a feast for the eyes.
The Rauma Line, Norway A short, spectacular ride between Andalsnes and Dombas, past the sheer Troll Wall and the Kylling Bridge over a deep gorge. The train pauses for photos at the best spots. It packs drama into 90 minutes.
The Cinque Terre Line, Italy A local line that darts through tunnels along the Ligurian coast, linking the five clifftop villages with glimpses of the sparkling sea. It is the easiest way to explore them. Cheap and frequent, it is a joy.
El Transcantabrico, Spain A vintage luxury sleeper meandering across green northern Spain, from the Basque Country to Galicia, with off-train excursions to towns and coast. It is rail travel as a grand tour. Fine dining is part of the ride.
The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express The most romantic train in the world, a restored 1920s sleeper of polished wood and crystal running between Venice, Paris and London. It is the height of vintage glamour. Dressing for dinner is part of the magic.