10 Great Rail Journeys in Europe

A selection of ten great rail trips you can take in Europe...

Oslo to Bergen

A large part of this route is above the snow line, offering views of spectacular landscapes. The trains are incredibly smooth and comfortable and are popular with skiers travelling to the ski resorts of Finse and Haugastøl.

Nîmes–Clermont-Ferrand

Nîmes is easily accessible via the TGV, from where you can take this ride through the Cevennes via 106 tunnels and no less than 1300 bridges plus some impressive viaducts.

Cologne to Frankfurt

To get the best views its a good idea to change trains at Koblenz to travel along the east bank of the River Rhine, where you can see castles and villages which are invisible from the fast line.

Glacier Express – Zermatt to St Moritz

This route between Zermatt and St Moritz is seven hours long but that time goes quickly when you're marvelled by the stunning scenery.

Geneva to Milan

You can see Mont Blanc on a clear day and you'll go past Chillon Castle, immortalised by Lord Byron. Lots to do at either end as well.

Le Petit Train Jaune

This remarkable yellow train on a one metre gauge can be joined at Villefranche. It then takes you up to Latour de Carol via the highest station in France at 1600 metres (5250 feet).

The Bohinj Railway

This journey through the Julian Alps is one of eastern Europe’s finest railway journeys. Known as the Bohinj Railway, the line between Jesenice and Sezana was likened to the feat of building the Suez Canal when it opened.

Verona to Innsbruck

One of the principal south/north railway arteries through the Alps, the railway climbs through the valleys to the west of the Dolomites to reach the Brenner Pass.

Marseille to Rome

Few railway routes are as close to the sea for as long as this journey of over 900km; though it has to be done in stages, there are frequent trains over all sections.