Train Holidays: Your Adventure Begins on the Rails!

Train holidays are a relaxing and sustainable way to discover the world, where the journey itself becomes an unforgettable part of your adventure. This mode of travel combines comfort with the freedom to experience destinations in a unique way, all while the landscape glides by. Are you ready to choose the railway for your next trip? Read on to discover how to plan your ideal train holiday.

Why travel by train?

Choosing the train is choosing a smarter way to travel. It offers a range of benefits that other modes of transport often cannot match.

Comfort: Enjoy spacious seating, freedom of movement, and the ability to stretch your legs. No long queues at check-in or baggage reclaim.
Sustainability: The train has significantly lower CO2 emissions per passenger than planes or cars, making it an eco-friendly choice.
Central Locations: Train stations are located in the city centre. You step off and your adventure begins immediately, without expensive or time-consuming transfers.
Flexibility: With an extensive rail network across Europe, you can easily travel from one destination to another and adjust your route along the way.
Peace on Board: Use your travel time to work, read a book, watch a film, or enjoy the passing landscape.

‘ Prices are highly dependent on the route, class, and time of booking, but booking early is almost always more affordable. ’

Europe by Rail: Top Destinations and Route Inspiration

Europe is ideally suited for exploration by train. From the Swiss Alps to the Italian coast, there are countless possibilities. Popular routes include, for example, the journey from Paris to the Côte d'Azur, a trip through the Scottish Highlands, or a city break connecting Berlin, Prague, and Vienna. Travel times vary from a few hours between major cities to multi-day journeys. Prices are highly dependent on the route, class, and time of booking, but booking early is almost always more affordable.

Nocturnal Rail Adventures: Night Trains across Europe

Experience the charm of travelling while you sleep. Night trains such as the Nightjet (ÖBB) and the European Sleeper connect cities like Amsterdam, Berlin, Vienna, and Venice. You save on a hotel night and wake up refreshed at your destination. Choose from various comfort levels, from a simple seat to a couchette or a private sleeping compartment. Book several months in advance for the lowest prices and availability, especially during peak season.

Interrail & Eurail Passes: Flexible Travel across Europe

For those seeking plenty of freedom, Interrail (for European citizens) and Eurail (for non-European citizens) passes are a good option. With a single pass, you can travel for a fixed number of days within a specific period, unlimited, across more than thirty countries.

Advantages: Great flexibility, suitable for round trips and often more economical than individual tickets if you travel frequently.
Disadvantages: For many high-speed and night trains, an additional reservation is mandatory, incurring extra costs.

Calculate in advance whether a pass is more economical than individual tickets for your specific route. Activate the pass easily via an app, where you can also manage your reservations.

‘ These trains reach speeds of over 300 km/h and offer a comfortable and efficient alternative to short flights. ’

High-Speed Trains: Lightning-Fast Connections

Travel quickly between European metropolises with high-speed trains such as the ICE (Germany), TGV (France), Eurostar (to London and Paris), and Frecciarossa (Italy). These trains reach speeds of over 300 km/h and offer a comfortable and efficient alternative to short flights. Book your tickets approximately 3 to 6 months in advance to benefit from the lowest fares. An upgrade to first class offers extra comfort, peace, and sometimes even catering for a small additional charge.

Panoramic Routes and Scenic Rail

Some train journeys are destinations in themselves. Europe boasts countless 'scenic routes' that take you through impressive landscapes. Consider the Glacier Express and Bernina Express in Switzerland, the West Highland Line in Scotland, or the Flåmsbana in Norway. These routes are famous for their panoramic windows, spectacular viaducts, and views of mountains, fjords, and lakes. Enquire about the best seasons for the most beautiful vistas.

Rail Tours: Multi-City and Point-to-Point

Planning a train tour is not complicated. Start by outlining a logical route and use online journey planners such as those from Deutsche Bahn or Trainline to find connections. Consider booking 'open-jaw' tickets, where you fly into one city and fly back from another, to make the most of your train tour. By booking point-to-point tickets, you maintain flexibility and tailor the trip precisely to your wishes.

‘ You step directly into the city upon arrival and make the most of your time. ’

City Breaks by Rail: Compact City Hoppers

The train is perfect for short city breaks. Travel comfortably from city centre to city centre without the hassle of airports. Only take hand luggage to travel light and book a hotel or apartment near the train station for great convenience. You step directly into the city upon arrival and make the most of your time.

Themed Journeys: Specialised Rail Trips

Tailor your train holiday entirely to your interests.

Ski Trains

Various railway companies, such as the Alpen Express, offer direct connections to popular ski resorts in Austria and France. You board in the evening and the next morning you are at the foot of the slopes.

Hiking Trains

Many hiking routes, such as the West Highland Way in Scotland, are excellently accessible by train. Stations often serve as the starting or ending point of stages, and some providers arrange luggage transport.

Bike & Rail

Taking your bike on the train is possible on many routes, although rules vary by country and type of train. Reservations are generally mandatory. At many large stations, you can also rent bikes, which forms a good combination with the EuroVelo cycle routes.

Family-Friendly Travel

Travelling with children on the train is a pleasant experience. Many companies offer special child fares, family zones with more space, and play facilities on board.

Travelling with a Dog or Pet

The rules for taking pets vary greatly. Smaller animals in a travel basket can often travel for free, while for larger dogs, a ticket and sometimes a muzzle are mandatory. Always check this beforehand with the specific railway company.

Romantic Rail Trips

For a special occasion, choose a journey in a private compartment on a night train or a culinary experience in a dining car. Some luxury trains even offer complete honeymoon packages.

Train Holidays Outside Europe: International Long-Distance Routes

Outside Europe, the train also offers unique travel experiences. The Trans-Siberian Express is probably the best known, but also consider the comfortable Amtrak night trains in the United States or the ultra-modern Shinkansen in Japan. For these journeys, thorough preparation is essential, including arranging any necessary visas and booking tickets in good time.

‘ However, putting together the ideal route can sometimes be a challenge. ’

Practical Preparation and Smart Tips

Booking Tickets: Use the websites of national railway companies or international booking platforms. Booking early usually secures a good price.
Seat Reservation: For long distances, high-speed trains, and popular routes, it is advisable to reserve a seat to guarantee a spot.
Luggage: Most trains have a flexible luggage policy, but storage space can sometimes be limited. Preferably travel with compact suitcases or backpacks.
Travel Apps: Apps from railway companies or planners like Trainline are very useful for current travel information, delays, and digital tickets.

A well-planned train journey gives you the freedom to discover Europe and the rest of the world in a relaxed, sustainable, and in-depth manner. However, putting together the ideal route can sometimes be a challenge. Traveler Tips' digital travel guides and smart planners take this work off your hands. With these, you can easily create a trip that perfectly matches your wishes, allowing you to travel with confidence and good preparation. Discover how our tools can make your ideal rail journey a reality.