One of the very best things about traveling in Europe is that it is incredibly easy to get around by train. This offers a fascinating and highly convenient way to explore many different cities and countries, even on a short trip. Trains in Europe are fast, efficient, and often provide scenic routes that make the journey just as enjoyable as the destination. Plus, with cheaper ticket options available when booking in advance or using rail passes, train travel can be a cost-effective way to explore the continent. If you want to experience the best this continent has to offer, consider visiting these cities by train on your European adventure.
London
As one of the world’s most visited cities, London is a must-stop destination on any European rail trip. The city is home to famous landmarks such as Buckingham Palace, the Tower of London, and the British Museum. Whether you want to stroll along the River Thames, explore the West End’s theaters, or visit historic sites, London offers something for every traveler.
For families traveling with kids, London is packed with child-friendly activities to do, including the Natural History Museum, the Science Museum, and the Harry Potter Studio Tour, making it an exciting and educational destination for young travelers.
London’s main railway hubs include St Pancras International (where the Eurostar arrives from Paris and Brussels), as well as major stations like King’s Cross, Paddington, and Waterloo, providing easy connections to destinations across the UK and beyond.
Paris
No rail trip around Northern Europe should be regarded as being complete without some time in the glorious French capital. Paris has long been regarded as one of the world’s top travel destinations, and arriving by train will give you a wonderful first impression before you head off to see the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre and all the other majestic attractions here.
The massive Gare du Nord terminus station is the main entry point if you are traveling to Paris from London on the Eurostar or surrounding countries for that matter. From here, you can easily travel onward by train, bus, metro or taxi.
Brussels
Famed for its architecture, its chocolate, its museums, and its beers, Brussels may surprise you with its range of things to see and do. This is a delightful city for soaking up some culture and enjoying a few of the finer things in life.
Brussels is only a short train journey from other major cities, such as Paris and Amsterdam. This means it’s an ideal stop on a European rail trip. The city is easy to explore once you reach one of the Belgian capital’s three main train stations.
Amsterdam
Whether you plan on cycling along the canals, visiting the Van Gogh Museum or enjoying the famous nightlife, you will find something in Amsterdam to delight you. This beautiful and welcoming city is great fun to visit at any time of year.
Its closeness to other interesting tourist destinations means that visiting the Netherlands capital by train is incredibly easy to do, with Amsterdam Central the station you can expect to reach. The convenient location of this station means that you are only a short distance from many of the main things you will want to do.
Hamburg
As the second-largest city in Germany, it’s no surprise to discover that Hamburg has a wealth of attractions to charm visitors. With more bridges than any other city in the world and lots of culture, parks, and historically important buildings, this is a fascinating and atmospheric city.
Many of the routes between Hamburg and cities in neighbouring countries will generally involve changing trains in another German city. However, the fast and regular services on offer mean that this is still an easy type of trip to make.
Copenhagen
The lively Danish capital of Copenhagen is easier to include in a Northern European rail trip than you might think, thanks to good connections to the likes of Hamburg, Stockholm and Amsterdam. Once you are here, the Little Mermaid, the museums, and the shopping all add up to a fine destination that will linger long in your memory.
The main train station here is Copenhagen Central Station, which leads directly to the famous Tivoli Gardens. A wide variety of public transport options makes it easy to travel on from here, with work on expanding the city’s metro system due to add another option in the next couple of years.
Milan
Milan is a key hub for train travel in Southern Europe, offering high-speed connections to cities across Italy and beyond. This fashionable metropolis is famous for its stunning Duomo, world-class shopping in the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, and Leonardo da Vinci’s masterpiece, The Last Supper. From Milan Stazione Centrale, you can hop on a train to Bergamo, a hidden gem just under an hour away. This charming city, where I grew up, boasts a stunning medieval old town, Città Alta, with breathtaking views, cobbled streets, and delicious local cuisine. It’s a perfect day trip to experience an authentic and less touristy side of northern Italy.
Milan Centrale is one of Europe’s most impressive railway stations, with high-speed trains linking the city to Rome, Venice, Zurich, and even Paris. From here, you can easily explore the rest of northern Italy by train.
Madrid
Spain’s vibrant capital, Madrid, is a city full of life, rich history, and cultural gems. Whether you’re exploring the Prado Museum, relaxing in Retiro Park, or enjoying tapas in the lively Plaza Mayor, Madrid is a destination that offers something for everyone.
Madrid’s Atocha and Chamartín train stations are major railway hubs, with high-speed AVE trains providing fast connections to Barcelona, Seville, Valencia, and even France. The extensive rail network makes Madrid an excellent starting point for exploring Spain and beyond.
Conclusion
Traveling by train around Europe allows you to enjoy some of the continent’s greatest cities without the hassle of navigating foreign roads, renting cars, or dealing with airport security. Trains are comfortable, often provide stunning views, and allow you to travel from city center to city center with ease. Whether you’re embarking on a short getaway or a longer journey, rail travel offers a sustainable and stress-free way to see Europe’s best destinations.
So, pack your bags, book your tickets, and get ready for an unforgettable rail adventure through Europe!
Eternal adventurer and wanderlust seeker! Always thinking about (and planning) our next adventure, hence the name”Thinking Nomads”!
Wife to Marco and mamma to Isabella and Maya. India, Nepal and Vietnam are my top three countries!
Norway, Iceland and South Africa are top of my bucket list!
