How to Travel by Train in Europe

High Speed Trains in Europe

Fast trains connect most of the biggest cities in Europe. The Eurostar links London to Paris and Brussels via the Channel Tunnel. The German ICE travels between the main cities in Germany, including Munich, Berlin, Cologne and Frankfurt, and also connects to destinations in Switzerland and Austria. The French TGV trains travel at the speed of up to 200 mph from Paris to Switzerland, Germany and Luxembourg, and to dozens of French cities. The Italy-Switzerland train (Cisalpino) stops in Bern, Basel, Zurich and Geneva in Switzerland, and Milan, Venice and Florence in Italy.

Scenic Rail Journeys in Europe

There are several famous, scenic train journeys in Europe. Switzerland’s Glacier Express travels from Zermatt to Davos or St. Moritz across the Swiss Alps. The Bergen Railway from Oslo to Bergen in Norway takes passengers though some of Norway’s most beautiful scenery.

Discount Rail Passes in Europe

Individual train tickets in Europe can seem expensive, but a variety of discount passes make train travel more affordable. The EuRail Pass is available for non-European residents only and offers a variety of discount travel passes from single country passes to country combinations. The EuRail Global Pass is valid in 21 European countries and the Eu Rail Select Pass can be used in a selected region. The InterRail Pass is available for European residents, and can be used for train travel in 30 European countries. Individual country passes are also offered. EuRail and InterRail pass holders can also get discounted ferry tickets for the ferries between Stockholm and Helsinki.

Many countries also have a selection of national discount rail passes. Switzerland’s Swiss Pass is a public transportation pass available for non-Swiss travellers, and offers cheaper travel in Switzerland’s trains and buses. Some European rail operators have cheaper tickets for children, for senior citizens and for students with a valid student ID.