Train Travel Inspiration from across the World
Welcome aboard!
Discover the joy of rail travel across the globe through first-hand experiences, extensive photos and videos, and through comprehensive guides – because travel is about the journey, not just about the destination!
Travel Reports
First-hand insights from handpicked journeys across Europe and beyond by train
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Latest
Travel Moments: Stranded in Pozzallo – A Sicilian Adventure
Excerpt
Stranded in Pozzallo with no trains or buses, I had to act fast. My phone battery was low, and the town was quiet. A suspicious local offered help, which I declined. After a dark walk to Hotel Danieli, I finally slept. The next day, the rattling 668 train carried me safely to Siracusa.
6–9 minutes
Featured
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Optima Express – Europe’s Longest Train Journey from Villach 🇦🇹 to Edirne 🇹🇷 (Part 1: What to Expect)
Excerpt
The Optima Express is now one of the only ways to travel across the Balkan region of Europe with a unique non-stop journey through six countries linking Austria to Türkiye. Though primarily serving Turkish expats, it offers a unique slow travel experience with couchettes and onboard dining. In Part 1 we will showcase the amenities on the train and what to expect.
11–17 minutes -
RailJet ‘New Generation’: Munich 🇩🇪 to Northern Italy 🇮🇹 on the scenic Brenner Railway
Excerpt
A full review of the brand new RailJet, operated by the Austrian Federal Railways featuring the scenic Brenner Pass route. The new train features an impressive range of accommodation and catering options, which are all featured.
14–20 minutes -
EuroCity Hungaria: Budapest 🇭🇺 to Hamburg 🇩🇪 via four capitals – a European adventure!
Excerpt
One train, one day and four capitals. This trip across Europe promised to be a exciting adventure but what was it like and did it live up to expectations? Find out as I took the all day train in First Class.
6–10 minutes -
Amtrak Empire Builder: Seattle 🇺🇸 and Portland 🇺🇸 to Chicago 🇺🇸 – the cross-country route that has it all!
Excerpt
Connecting the Pacific Northwest with the vibrant city of Chicago is the Empire Builder – one of Amtrak’s ‘ultra-long distance’ rail services running across the north of the country. This journey was a feast for the eyes, and that wasn’t just the food in the onboard Dining Car, with the varied landscapes made this trip unforgettable.
11–16 minutes
Scenic Trips
Discover hidden rail gems across Europe and beyond where breathtaking landscapes unfold right outside your window from the comfort of your seat.
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Retro Istria Express: A Nostalgic Night Train from Budapest 🇭🇺 to Koper 🇸🇮
Excerpt
I boarded the Retro Istria Express, Hungary’s seasonal summer night train to the Adriatic. The 1960s-era carriages lived up to the “Retro” label, with wood panelled sleeping cars, pink curtains, and a sense of nostalgia running throughout. Accommodation ranged from basic seated compartments to four-berth couchettes, and my private sleeping-car compartment. All with great views…
10–15 minutes -
EuroCity Sava: A Trip Back in Time from Ljubljana 🇸🇮 to Zagreb 🇭🇷
Excerpt
As new trains transform Slovenia’s railways, only a few classic locomotive-hauled services remain -including the EuroCity Sava. This cross-border train offers a rare glimpse of old-style travel along the scenic Sava river. I boarded it this summer to experience the journey before it potentially changes for good.
9–13 minutes -
Trondheim 🇳🇴 to Oslo 🇳🇴 – a winter escape across Norway on the Dovre railway!
Excerpt
Norway’s Dovre Railway, linking Oslo with Trondheim offers travellers picturesque landscapes. After a bridge collapse in 2023, part of the line was closed until May 2024 but travel was still possible. This report details both the loco-hauled and Class 73 trains on the route, offering a comfortable travel environment, scenic views, and onboard amenities.
11–16 minutes -
Slovenia’s Scenic Adventure – The Bohinj Railway Motorail 🇸🇮
Excerpt
Slovenia’s motorail service links Nova Gorica and Bohinjska Bistrica along the scenic Bohinj railway. Travelling on this train offers more than A to B, with its open windows and onboard museum. The service operates five daily departures, making it an efficient and enjoyable way to transport vehicles and passengers alike.
11–16 minutes -
The best train through the Alps? Zurich🇨🇭 to Graz 🇦🇹 on the EuroCity Transalpin
Excerpt
The EuroCity Transalpin could well be regarded as a tourist train with its stunning scenery through the Alps. Without the price tag, this train offers reasonable fares, a restaurant carriage and a range of accommodation to choose from.
12–19 minutes -
Optima Express – Europe’s Longest Train Journey from Villach 🇦🇹 to Edirne 🇹🇷 (Part 2: The Experience)
Excerpt
The Optima Express is now one of the only ways to travel across the Balkan region of Europe with a unique non-stop journey through six countries linking Austria to Türkiye. Though primarily serving Turkish expats, it offers a unique slow travel experience with couchettes and onboard dining. Part 2 is all about the journey experience…
13–19 minutes -
Optima Express – Europe’s Longest Train Journey from Villach 🇦🇹 to Edirne 🇹🇷 (Part 1: What to Expect)
Excerpt
The Optima Express is now one of the only ways to travel across the Balkan region of Europe with a unique non-stop journey through six countries linking Austria to Türkiye. Though primarily serving Turkish expats, it offers a unique slow travel experience with couchettes and onboard dining. In Part 1 we will showcase the amenities…
11–17 minutes -
RailJet ‘New Generation’: Munich 🇩🇪 to Northern Italy 🇮🇹 on the scenic Brenner Railway
Excerpt
A full review of the brand new RailJet, operated by the Austrian Federal Railways featuring the scenic Brenner Pass route. The new train features an impressive range of accommodation and catering options, which are all featured.
14–20 minutes
Sleeper Trains
Embark on an overnight train adventure, crossing landscapes by night in comfort and waking up in the centre of your next destination having saved a hotel bill
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Retro Istria Express: A Nostalgic Night Train from Budapest 🇭🇺 to Koper 🇸🇮
Excerpt
I boarded the Retro Istria Express, Hungary’s seasonal summer night train to the Adriatic. The 1960s-era carriages lived up to the “Retro” label, with wood panelled sleeping cars, pink curtains, and a sense of nostalgia running throughout. Accommodation ranged from basic seated compartments to four-berth couchettes, and my private sleeping-car compartment. All with great views…
10–15 minutes -
Europe’s Most Convenient Train? Budapest 🇭🇺 to Munich 🇩🇪 and Stuttgart 🇩🇪 by EuroNight Sleeper
Excerpt
The EuroNight ‘Kálmán Imre’ sleeper train offers a time-effective option to travel from Budapest to Stuttgart and Zurich, featuring a choice of accommodation options. Despite encountering hefty delays en-route, the train retained its punctionality and arrived on time. With lower fares compared to other sleeper trains, this is a solid option to travel from eastern…
11–17 minutes -
Italy’s sleeper train rebrand! Rome 🇮🇹 to the Adriatic coast 🇮🇹 onboard the InterCity Notte
Excerpt
Italy’s InterCity train network is in the midst of a rebrand. See the future of Italy’s InterCity ‘Notte’, or ‘night’, train service on a recent trip from Rome to Bari, on the Adriatic coast in the ‘Relax’ sleeping car and what changes have been implemented.
9–14 minutes -
Europe’s Oldest Sleeper Train – travelling back in time from Bucharest 🇷🇴 to Cluj Napoca 🇷🇴
Excerpt
Sleeper trains are a convenient way to travel around Romania. The network may be somewhat dilapidated, but the carriages from 1965 that ply most of its domestic routes, provide a charm that modern trains can’t provide. See what the journey is like on Europe’s oldest sleeper train carriage!
8–12 minutes -
Norway’s Innovative Night Train: Oslo 🇳🇴 to Bergen 🇳🇴 with Vy!
Excerpt
A comfortable alternative to the scenic daytime route from Oslo to Bergen – the Vy overnight sleeper train. The train offers an impressive and well considered range of accommodation options from private sleeping cars, accommodation for groups and the innovative PlusNight. Read about my experience and to learn about each accommodation option.
9–14 minutes -
NightJet ‘New Generation’ – Vienna 🇦🇹 to Hamburg 🇩🇪 on the new game-changing sleeper train!
Excerpt
In December 2023, the ÖBB launched a brand new sleeper train for their NightJet brand in response to high demand for flight-free travel. The NightJet New Generation features Siemens-built sleeper trains, featuring a brand-new innovative product, the Mini-Cabin. This is the new future of overnight train travel in Europe!
11–16 minutes -
An 18-hour European Epic! Vienna 🇦🇹 to Bucharest 🇷🇴 in the Dacia Express sleeping car
Excerpt
The Dacia Express operates a convenient overnight direct connection from Vienna to Bucharest with delightful scenery on offer. The train provides various accommodation, including sleeping cars with en-suite bathrooms and a dining car with Hungarian dishes. However, travellers should be prepared for potential delays and the lack of breakfast service.
15–22 minutes -
New Route, Oldest Sleeper – ÖBB NightJet from Zürich 🇨🇭 to Amsterdam 🇳🇱
Excerpt
As demand for flight-free travel booms, the NightJet brand, operated by ÖBB, have expanded their destinations and fleet recently. This has included re-launching a sleeping car from 1975, the AB33, providing a unique experience.
6–9 minutes
High Speed Trains
Race across the landscape on high-speed trains – helping you to arrive at your destination quickly, comfortably, and ready to explore
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RailJet ‘New Generation’: Munich 🇩🇪 to Northern Italy 🇮🇹 on the scenic Brenner Railway
Excerpt
A full review of the brand new RailJet, operated by the Austrian Federal Railways featuring the scenic Brenner Pass route. The new train features an impressive range of accommodation and catering options, which are all featured.
14–20 minutes -
KTX-Cheongryong: South Korea’s Brand New High-Speed Train in 2024
Excerpt
The KTX-Cheongryong, launched in April 2024, is South Korea’s fastest train, reaching speeds of 320 km/h and covering the Seoul-Busan route in 2 hours 17 minutes. Despite its sleek design and charging options, the train’s comfort and class differences are disappointing compared to the older KTX-I, making it a less appealing option.
8–12 minutes -
Busan 🇰🇷 to Seoul 🇰🇷 on the KTX – South Korea’s original high speed train!
Excerpt
South Korea’s original high-speed train, the KTX, is celebrating 20 years since its launch in 2004, providing much needed capacity between Seoul and Busan. The train, based on the French TGV, offers First and Standard Class accommodation with unique features.
7–11 minutes -
Poland’s Flagship High-Speed Train – Gdańsk 🇵🇱 to Warsaw 🇵🇱 on the Express Intercity Premium
Excerpt
The best of Poland’s trains? I took a trip in First Class on the Express Intercity Premium – Poland’s flagship high speed train. Find out what it was like and what was on offer.
5–7 minutes
Trains with Dining Cars
There’s something magical about enjoying a freshly cooked meal while the world drifts by. Discover which trains feature restaurant carriages, what the experience is like, and why a meal on the rails can be as memorable as the journey itself.
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Trondheim 🇳🇴 to Oslo 🇳🇴 – a winter escape across Norway on the Dovre railway!
Excerpt
Norway’s Dovre Railway, linking Oslo with Trondheim offers travellers picturesque landscapes. After a bridge collapse in 2023, part of the line was closed until May 2024 but travel was still possible. This report details both the loco-hauled and Class 73 trains on the route, offering a comfortable travel environment, scenic views, and onboard amenities.
11–16 minutes -
The best train through the Alps? Zurich🇨🇭 to Graz 🇦🇹 on the EuroCity Transalpin
Excerpt
The EuroCity Transalpin could well be regarded as a tourist train with its stunning scenery through the Alps. Without the price tag, this train offers reasonable fares, a restaurant carriage and a range of accommodation to choose from.
12–19 minutes -
Optima Express – Europe’s Longest Train Journey from Villach 🇦🇹 to Edirne 🇹🇷 (Part 2: The Experience)
Excerpt
The Optima Express is now one of the only ways to travel across the Balkan region of Europe with a unique non-stop journey through six countries linking Austria to Türkiye. Though primarily serving Turkish expats, it offers a unique slow travel experience with couchettes and onboard dining. Part 2 is all about the journey experience…
13–19 minutes -
Optima Express – Europe’s Longest Train Journey from Villach 🇦🇹 to Edirne 🇹🇷 (Part 1: What to Expect)
Excerpt
The Optima Express is now one of the only ways to travel across the Balkan region of Europe with a unique non-stop journey through six countries linking Austria to Türkiye. Though primarily serving Turkish expats, it offers a unique slow travel experience with couchettes and onboard dining. In Part 1 we will showcase the amenities…
11–17 minutes
Travel Moments
Personal travel stories from the author
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Travel Moments: Stranded in Pozzallo – A Sicilian Adventure
Excerpt
Stranded in Pozzallo with no trains or buses, I had to act fast. My phone battery was low, and the town was quiet. A suspicious local offered help, which I declined. After a dark walk to Hotel Danieli, I finally slept. The next day, the rattling 668 train carried me safely to Siracusa.
6–9 minutes -
Travel Moments: My Favourite Local Escape Route (with a Twist)
Excerpt
A rare chance to experience the Settle & Carlisle line from an intercity perspective, combining one of Britain’s most scenic railways with the warmth of a route shaped and protected by its community.
6–9 minutes -
Travel Moments: The Train Meal That Changed How I Travel
Excerpt
On a six-hour trip from Warsaw to Berlin, hungry and bored, I took a chance on a dining car I would normally avoid. Instead of the sad convenience food I expected, I found warmth, proper plates, and a meal that reshaped how I think about long train journeys.
4–6 minutes
Ultimate Guide to Booking Train Travel
One of our clear, informative guides to get your plans on track
Book train journeys in Europe with confidence yourself – and for the lowest fares!
Rail travel is complex and I want to help! Take your rail trip planning to the next level with my Ultimate Guide to Booking European Train Travel — a comprehensive guide I’ve written packed with information you need to make your own decision on how to book almost any journey in Europe yourself – and for the cheapest price.
Amsterdam – Alicante, Zurich – Zagreb and everywhere in between.
There’s some great resources out there showing how to book specific city-to-city pairs, but what happens if you want to travel town-to-town or village-to-village within or across borders – you need some knowledge and logic to make an entirely customisable trip of your choosing.
Make your own informed decision on the best type of tickets to suit your own needs in this guide that incorporates everything I’ve learned from eleven year’s of travelling on Europe’s rails across twenty-six countries. Don’t miss out!
The writer demystifies the process of booking train travel in Europe by using his very impressive knowledge to make it as easy as possible
Maggie, UK
See trips as they happen and get a sneak preview of what might be featured on Rail-Away in the future
