Europe By Train: 10 Incredible Rail Itineraries For Your First Trip To Europe

There’s no easier way to explore Europe than by train. With efficient high-speed networks, scenic routes, city-center stations, trains offer a comfortable and stress-free way to explore. From high-speed journeys to scenic alpine rides, these ten itineraries are ideal for first-time visitors, designed to make the most of your time in each city!

From sipping espresso in Italy to wandering the cobblestone streets of Eastern Europe or scenic train rides in Norway and Switzerland Europe’s rail network is vast!

This guide features 10 curated train itineraries for first-time travelers, featuring 5-day, 7-day, 10-day, and 14-day trips. Each is designed to balance iconic sights, hidden gems, breathtaking landscapes, and minimal transit time!

Check out our guide on the biggest mistakes to avoid when planning your first trip to Europe!

a train passing through the green foothills and a lake in Switzerland

5-day Europe itinerary by train

Itinerary # 1: Italian Highlights

Destinations: Rome (2 days) – Florence (1 days) – Venice (2 days)

Day 1-2: Rome – Tour the Colosseum, Vatican Museums, and Trevi Fountain, Aperitivo in Trastevere
Day 3: Florence – Visit the Uffizi Gallery, climb the Duomo, and indulge in Tuscan food.
Day 4 -5: Venice – Ride gondolas, explore the Grand Canal, and admire St. Mark’s Basilica.

Train Times:

Rome to Florence: 1.5 hours (Frecciarossa)
Florence to Venice: 2 hours (Frecciarossa/Italo)

Ideal for: History and Art Lovers, foodies, first-time Italy visitors

This Spain train travel itinerary is perfect for travelers seeking a deep dive into Italy’s culture, this Italy Train Itinerary is fast-paced but incredibly rewarding. Explore Rome’s ancient history from the Colosseum to the Pantheon, next travel to Florence where art takes center stage. And finally, Venice is a city like no other. If you need help with what to pack checkout our guide on what to wear in Italy!

One of the red fast trains going through Italian farm fields with mountains in the background on way to Florence

Itinerary # 2 : Switzerland Escape

Destinations: Zurich (2 days) – Lucerne ( 1 day) – Interlaken (2 days)

Day 1-2: Zurich – Northern Switzerland, Lake Zurich, Fondue.
Day 3: Lucerne – Medieval Charm and Alpine Views. Ride up Mt. Pilatus or Mt. Rigi .
Day 4-5: Interlaken : Adventure lovers paradise on Lake Thun and Lake Brienz for hikes, rafting and more!

Train Times:

Zurich to Lucerne: 50 minutes (Regional)
Lucerne to Interlaken: 2 hours (GoldenPass Line) ** Switzerland scenic train routes**

Ideal for: Nature lovers, photographers, adventure lovers

A perfect Switzerland sho rt trip by train for mountain and lake lovers, featuring Switzerland’s best scenic trains. The GoldenPass Line from Lucerne to Interlaken is one of Europe’s most breathtaking train rides, passing emerald valleys, glacial lakes, and peaks like the Eiger and Jungfrau. Interlaken is a gateway to adrenaline-packed adventures while Zurich and Lucerne blend urban charm with views!

Here is our perfect Switzerland Road trip!

a train passing over a bridge with a waterfall and mountain in the background surrounded by lush green trees on one of the

7-day Europe itinerary by train

Itinerary # 3 : UK Itinerary: Castles, Colleges & Countryside

Destinations: London (2 days) – Bath (1 day) – Oxford (1 day) – Edinburgh (3 days)

Day 1-2: London – Explore Big Ben, Tower Bridge, Buckingham Palace, Museum, Afternoon tea, or a show in the West End.
Day 3: Bath – Visit the Roman Baths, the Royal Crescent, soak in the Thermae Spa.
Day 4: Oxford – Tour the historic colleges, stroll through the Botanic Garden
Day 5-7: Edinburgh – Visit Edinburgh Castle, hike Arthur’s Seat, and wander the Royal Mile.

Train Times:

London to Bath: 1 hour 20 minutes (GWR)
Bath to Oxford : 1 hour (GWR)
Oxford to Edinburgh: 5 hours 30 minutes to 6 hours (one stop)

Ideal for: History lovers, architecture buffs, literary travelers

Perfect for those first-time visitors looking to experience the UK without the stress of driving on the wrong side of the road!

This itinerary combines world-famous landmarks, historic cities, and dramatic landscapes in one loop! From the vibrant culture of London to Roman baths and Georgian charm in Bath to literally Oxford, and the medieval drama of Edinburg each stop offers something distinctly British!

the iconic Waverly station in Edinburgh with striking architecture and train tracks through center of town

Itinerary # 4 : Spain’s Iconic Cities

Destinations: Madrid (2 days) –Valencia (2 days) – Barcelona (3 days)

Day 1-2: Madrid – Spanish Capital, Prado Museum, El Retiro Park, Royal Palace, Tapas and Mercado
Day 3-4: Valencia – Malvarrosa Beach,, Valencia Cathedral, Umbracle Garden, L’Oceanogràfic Aquarium
Day 5-7: Barcelona – Gaudí’s masterpieces, Barceloneta Beach, Sagrada Familia, Old Town

Train Times:

Madrid to Valencia: 1 hour 55 minutes (OUIGO , AVE or Iryo)
Valencia to Barcelona : 3 hour 10 minutes (AVE or Euromed, Renfe)

Ideal for: Culture lovers, architecture fans, foodies, and city explorers.

Perfect for those looking to blend culture, coastlines, cuisine, and convenience. It balances Madrid’s world-class museums, nightlife, and cuisine; Valencia blends Mediterranean coastlines with amazing cuisine, and finally, Barcelona with history, beaches, and tapas bars! The mix of urban energy and Mediterranean coasts showcases the country’s diversity.

When you travel Europe by train in Spain, you have stunning ocean vistas mixed with cities on your journey

Itinerary # 5 : Germany’s Romantic Rhine and Moselle

Destinations: Cologne (2 days) –Koblenz (1 days) – Trier (2 days) – Mainz (2 days)

Day 1-2: Cologne – Cathedral, Rhine Promenade, Museums, and Brauahuses
Day 3 : Koblenz –– Rhine and Moselle River, Ehrenbreitstein Fortress, Vineyards
Day 4- 5: Trier – Germany’s Oldest City, Roman ruins, Porto Nigra and Imperial baths.
Day 6-7: Mainz – Rhine River Cruise, Gutenberg Museum, Rudesheim Vineyards, cliffs.

Train Times:

Cologne to Koblenz : 1 hour 20 Minutes (DB)
Koblenz to Trier : 1 hour 28 Minutes (DB)
Trier to Mainz : 45 Minutes (DB)

Ideal for: Wine lovers, fairy tale castles, riverside villages and scenic slow travel

This Germany train itinerary is perfect for those looking for castles, mountain views, medieval charm, , vineyards, and fairytale towns. This itinerary is perfect for those looking for a shorter Europe train itinerary with quick trains without sacrificing the amazing views!

Enjoy the winter snow traveling through Germany by red train

10-day Europe itinerary by train

Itinerary # 6 : Central Europe Grand Eastern Loop

Destinations: Prague (2 days) – Vienna (2 days) – Bratislava (2 days) – Budapest (2 days) – Zagreb (2 days)

Day 1-2: Prague – Prague Castle, Charles Bridge, and Old Town Square
Day 3-4 : Vienna –– Belvedere Palace, Mozart, Dessert and Coffee House, Opera.
Day 5-6: Bratislava : Bratislava Castle, Michalska brana Gate, Slavín Panoramic City Views
Day 7-8: Budapest – Széchenyi Baths, cruise the Danube, Museums, Ruin Bars, Fisherman’s Bastion.
cliffs.
Day 9-10: Zagreb- St. Mark’s Church, Museums, Botanic Garden, Cathedral, Plitvice Lake

Train Times:

Prague to Vienna: 4 hours (RJ or OBB)
Vienna to Bratislava: 58 Minutes (OBB)
Bratislava to Budapest : 2 hour 25 Minutes (Slovak Railways)
Budapest to Zagreb : 6 hours 05 minutes (Hungarian railways) or 4 hour 20 minute Bus Ride

Ideal for: Budget travelers, culture seekers, and city explorers.

Perfect for those who want to see a lot without breaking the bank. This Eastern Europe by train itinerary is diverse, affordable, and filled with Instagrammable moments. Rich History, Old World Charm, amazing cuisine, and relaxing baths! Perfect for budget train travel in Europe!

a train coming through the snow into the city of Budapest

Itinerary # 7 : Nordic Train Itinerary: Scandinavian Splendor

Destinations: Copenhagen (2 days) – Gothenburg (2 days) – Oslo (2 days) – Flam (2 days) – Bergen (2 days)

Day 1-2: Copenhagen – Colorful Nyhavn Harbor,Tivoli Gardens, Carlsberg Brewery.
Day 3-4 : Gothenburg –– Harbor, Shops, and the Fish Church market
Day 5-6: Oslo : Viking Ship Museum, Oslo Opera House, Museums
Day 7-8: Flam– Scenic Train Journey, Fjordland, Waterfalls in Hardangervidda plateau
Day 9-10: Bergen– Explore Bryggen, Cruise the fjords, Stunning Vistas.

Train Times:

Copenhagen to Gothenburg: 3 hours 21 Minutes (SK)
Gothenburg to Oslo: 3 hours 35 Minutes (VY)
Oslo to Flam : 5 hour 40 Minutes (Scenic route)
Flam to Bergen : 2 hours 30 minutes (Norway Railways)

Ideal for: Nature lovers, design fans, cool-weather adventurers

A Nordic train itinerary of 10 days blends modern cities with breathtaking nature, and the train routes are some of the most beautiful train rides in Europe, especially Flam to Bergen. From Fjords, Waterfalls, Scenic Cliffs, and coastal towns to Viking history.

Nordic trains prioritize comfort making long rides enjoyable. Summer travelers gain endless daylight for exploration, while winter visits offer Northern Lights chances near Oslo.

a scenic railway journey in Noway with mountains, river, an train coming out of a tunnel

Itinerary # 8 : Mediterranean Mix

Destinations: Barcelona (2 days) – Montpellier (1 days) – Nice (3 days) – Genoa ( 1 day) –Cinque Terre (3 days)

Day 1-2: Barcelona – Sagrada Família, Las Ramblas, Bunkers del Carmel.
Day 3: Montpellier- Old Town, Wine Tasting
Day 4-6 : Nice –– French Riviera, Beach Walks, and the Old town, Day trip to Monaco.
Day 7: Genoa – Port, Via Garibaldi, Cuisine
Day 8-10: Cinque Terre– Hike between villages, Seaside towns, Amazing food, Boat Tour.

Train Times:

Barcelona to Montpellier: 3 hours (TGV)
Montpellier to Nice : 5 hours (SNCF)
Nice to Genoa : 2 hour 50 Minutes (TER/ Trenitalia) Bus is 2 Hours and 20 Minutes
Genoa to Cinque Terre : 1 hour 20 minutes (Trenitalia)

Ideal for: Foodies, Beach Lovers, Adventure Lovers

This sun-drenched Southern France to Spain train route hits iconic Mediterranean highlights with scenic journeys between each city along the coast. From coastal culture to Spanish Tapas, the iconic French Riviera and Seaside Village are known for hiking, beach days, and amazing cuisine. I think this is one of the best train routes in Europe!

A train passing along the coastline in Cinque Terre Italy with train track carved out of the cliff with ocean views

14-Day Train Itineraries

Itinerary # 9 : European Grand Tour

Destinations: London (3 days) – Paris (3 days) – Brussels (1 day) –Berlin (3 days)

Day 1-3: London – Museums, Markets, Buckingham Palace, West End, Thames.
Day 4-6: Paris- Eiffel Tower, Seine River, Louvre Museum, Notre-Dame, Montmartre/Sacre-Cœur
Day 7: Brussels–– Parliament, Grand Place, Manneken Pis, and Belgian Waffles/Fries.
Day 8-10: Berlin– Brandenburg Gate, Reichstag dome, Berlin Wall Memorial

Train Times:

London to Paris: 2 hours 18 minutes (Eurostar) ** best high-speed trains in Europe**
Paris to Brussels : 1 hour 20 minutes (Thalys)
Brussels to Berlin : 6 hour 15 Minutes (DB)

Ideal for: City Lovers, Fast Paced travelers, History Buffs, and Foodies

This itinerary of European cities by train is perfect for those looking for a fast-paced trip visiting the Capital cities in Europe. Perfect for those looking for a 2 week Europe itinerary by train! City Lovers, Museums, History, Architecture, and amazing Cuisine are all highlights of this Iconic train trip through Europe! The fast trains in Europe make traveling a breeze.

a beautiful Europe by train journey through France with a lake, snow covered mountains and trees

Itinerary # 10 : Germany, Switzerland and Italy Adventure

Destinations: Munich (2 days) – Innsbruck (1 day) – Zurich (2 days) –Milan/Lake Como (3 days) – Venice ( 2 days)

Day 1-2: Munich – English Gardens, Beer Halls, Neuschwanstein Castle ( 2 hr )us _
Day 3: Innsbruck- Cable Car, Mountain Hikes
Day 4-5: Zurich–– Lake Zurich, Fondue and Chocolate, Medieval Old Town
Day 6-8 : Milan/Lake Como : Milan Cathedral, Cuisine, Lakeside Strolls ( Lake Como) 40 minutes
9-10: Venice- St. Marks Basilica, Gondola Rides, Museums, Island Hopping

Train Times:

Munich to Innsbruck: 1 hours 40 minutes (DB)
Innsbruck to Zurich : 3 hours 20 minutes (OBB)
Zurich to Milan : 3 hours 12 Minutes (EC)
Milan to Venice : 2 hours 13 Minutes (Trentalia)

Ideal for: City Lovers, Romantics, Culture Seekers

Perfect for those looking for scenic train journeys in Europe through the Alps, fairytale castles, and gorgeous Lakes. Paired with Italian charm, cuisine, and a slower pace of life perfect for those on a romantic holiday!

a red train passing over a viaduct in Switzerland at sunset with snow-capped mountains and a lake

Final Thoughts and Tips

A Eurail pass is a great option that saves money and offers flexibility. You can choose a single country, or add several countries and vary by the number of days and countries chosen.

For those traveling with children, some countries offer free travel for children under 6 ( such as Switzerland) which can save money. Discounts for students, those under 25, and seniors!

Always check the train website, as you can find special deals ( like regional travel in Germany)!

For those who want to splurge, first-class train travel offers more comfort, guaranteed seating, especially on busy trains snacks, and lounge access

There are also night trains with sleeper compartments for those wanting to travel longer distances overnight which can help budget travelers save money.

Book seats ahead of time during peak travel on high-speed trains like the TGV, AVE, and Eurostar.

Many trains offer wifi, dining cars, power outlets and some seats offer tables!