Travel Reports
First-hand insights from handpicked journeys across Europe and beyond by train
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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 -
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 on offer through Slovenian Istria.
10–15 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 -
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 -
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 to western Europe.
11–17 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 on the train.
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 on the train and what to expect.
11–17 minutes -
Don’t miss our competition!
Excerpt
Access the Club Rail-Away Portal You’re one word away from accessing tonnes of bonus Rail-Away content on the Club Rail-Away portal as a subscriber. Pssst if you’re not yet subscribed, you can do so by accessing www.rail-away.com/club-sign-up/ Please enter the magic word here that was sent to you by email when joining. Enter your password Submit
2–3 minutes -
Vienna 🇦🇹 to Budapest 🇭🇺 by train – EuroCity or RailJet?
Excerpt
Vienna to Budapest is an easy journey to make by rail. There are two train types that operate frequent services on the line. Which train is the best and what amenities and accommodation is available on each? Here’s the full rundown!
13–19 minutes -
All change! News from Rail-Away
Excerpt
Access the Club Rail-Away Portal You’re one word away from accessing tonnes of bonus Rail-Away content on the Club Rail-Away portal as a subscriber. Pssst if you’re not yet subscribed, you can do so by accessing www.rail-away.com/club-sign-up/ Please enter the magic word here that was sent to you by email when joining. Enter your password Submit
4–6 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 -
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 -
A ‘Dining Day Out’ Extravaganza – experiencing Britain’s secret restaurants on wheels 🇬🇧
Excerpt
There are some hidden gems on Britain’s railways with regards to on-train dining offers. The ‘Dining Day Out’ extravaganza took in three of these, with a different train for each meal featuring breakfast, lunch and evening meal in just one day – a trip of overindulgence! Here’s the full rundown.
11–16 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 -
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 -
A Transylvanian trip of endurance? New route from Cluj Napoca 🇷🇴 to Budapest 🇭🇺
Excerpt
Due to long term engineering works, the once daily train from Cluj Napoca to Budapest has become an endurance test with the already-slow journey times extended to over eleven hours! Join me on a trip on the InterCity Claudiopolis and see why the duration wasn’t everything and the journey turned out to be an enjoyable experience.
10–15 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 -
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 -
Europe’s lesser-known international train – Kosice 🇸🇰 to Budapest Keleti 🇭🇺 by EuroCity
Excerpt
The EuroCity Hornád train provides a convenient and scenic connection from Košice, Slovakia to Budapest, Hungary. Despite the absence of catering, it offers good value fares. The journey promises picturesque views and a relaxing travel experience.
5–7 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 -
Zagreb 🇭🇷 to Belgrade 🇷🇸 by train – a Balkan connection no longer possible
Excerpt
The train service between Zagreb, Croatia and Belgrade, Serbia ceased to operate during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and has not resumed as of 2024. The hope for its return is strong. Find out what the experience was onboard as I took a trip on this train in 2019.
6–9 minutes -
Villa Opicina (Trieste) 🇮🇹 to Rijeka 🇭🇷 – the inaugural run of the new direct train from Italy to Croatia!
Excerpt
Italy and Croatia are now connected with a brand new, direct train. Take a trip with me on the inaugural train from Villa Opicina (Trieste) to Rijeka operated by the ground-breaking Stadler FLIRT of the Slovenian Railways. Expect great views and Slovenian hospitality onboard.
6–9 minutes -
Europe’s best First Class carriage? Onboard the Swiss EuroCity train along the Rhine! 🇩🇪🇨🇭
Excerpt
The Swiss Federal Railways’ panorama carriage, featured on the EuroCity 8/9 train, offers a unique and delightful travel experience but is it the best in continental Europe? Alongside the Swiss Dining Car, it makes for a perfect choice for travel through Switzerland and Germany!
6–9 minutes -
EuroCity Emona – scenic once daily train from Ljubljana 🇸🇮 to Vienna 🇦🇹
Excerpt
The EuroCity Emona train is a once daily cross-border service for travel between Austria, Slovenia, and Italy. The ride offers scenic views and a very unique dining car experience!
6–9 minutes -
Simply spectacular! Oslo 🇳🇴 to Bergen 🇳🇴 by daytime train
Excerpt
The Bergensbanen is Norway’s stunning cross-country route from Oslo to Bergen, offering breathtaking scenery and a considered range of accommodation onboard. Fares are reasonable, making this seven-hour journey a must for travellers seeking natural beauty!
5–8 minutes -
Amtrak Lake Shore Limited: Chicago 🇺🇸 to New York 🇺🇸 and Boston 🇺🇸 by sleeper train
Excerpt
The trip on the Amtrak Lake Shore Limited from Chicago to the East Coast proved to be challenging due to track closure. Despite the scenic views and inclusive meals, the experience didn’t fully justify the high ticket cost.
6–9 minutes -
Enterprise – Belfast to Dublin in style and comfort by train 🚆
Excerpt
The best way to travel between Belfast and Dublin is on the Enterprise! The train has a premium feel, matched by its high-quality onboard services including freshly cooked meals.
7–11 minutes -
The Sunrise Express – Japan’s only regular sleeper train! 🇯🇵
Excerpt
The Sunrise Express, Japan’s only regularly timetabled sleeper train, operates nightly, connecting Tokyo with Takamatsu and Izumoshi. Despite some limitations, the journey provides a comfortable, unique and time-effective way to travel across Japan.
5–7 minutes -
Across Slovakia with ZSSK – amazing trip from Bratislava 🇸🇰 to Košice 🇸🇰
Excerpt
Providing a vital link between the capital and the north and east of the country, the trains between Bratislava and Košice provide all the amenities you need. The trains offer a choice of accommodation and a wonderful restaurant carriage, and, if you’re lucky, you may travel with one of the most unique restaurant carriages in Europe!
6–9 minutes -
NightJet: Europe’s Leading Sleeper Train Provider – Sleeping Car on the Graz / Vienna 🇦🇹 to Berlin 🇩🇪 route
Excerpt
NightJet has been shaking things up in the world of European night trains for the last few years. Join me for a trip on the NightJet sleeper train from Vienna, Austria to Rzepin, Poland in one of the most premium accommodations – the sleeping car – with more facilities than you might think!
7–10 minutes -
InterCity Slovenia-style! Scenic run from Ljubljana 🇸🇮 to Maribor 🇸🇮 by Pendolino train
Excerpt
A spectacular journey through Slovenia onboard the futuristic InterCity Slovenia pendolino trains that tilt on corners to reduce journey times!
4–6 minutes -
Hungary’s bizarre InterCity train – Budapest Keleti 🇭🇺 to Budapest Nyugati 🇭🇺 in 6 hours!
Excerpt
The InterCity Tokaj circular train route in Hungary is a strange one on face value. Find out what the experience like onboard and why I’d recommend it as a relaxing day trip on extended stays in Budapest – all while sampling MÁV’s brand new luxury Premium Class!
6–9 minutes -
EuroNight Lisinski: Stuttgart 🇩🇪 and Munich 🇩🇪 to Ljubljana 🇸🇮 and Zagreb 🇭🇷 by sleeper train
Excerpt
Named after the Croatian composer, the EuroNight Lisinski provides a time-effective link from Stuttgart to the Croatian capital with Croatian sleeping cars, also stopping in the cities of Munich and Ljubljana. An exciting journey – but what was the experience like?
6–9 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 -
The best of Amtrak? First Class on the Acela train – Boston 🇺🇸 to Philadelphia 🇺🇸 via New York 🇺🇸
Excerpt
The Acela is Amtrak’s Flagship service and in First Class the experience promises to be a lot! Is the Acela all it’s cracked up to be? Find out as I took a trip on the Northeast Corridor!
6–9 minutes -
Warsaw 🇵🇱 to Budapest 🇭🇺 on the EuroCity Báthory – the not so gruesome daytime international train!
Excerpt
The EuroCity Báthory is a comfortable way to travel direct from Warsaw to Budapest through four countries. The train may take all day, however, the slow pace and the on train Dining Car will make it an experience to remember.
6–9 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 -
The railway with UNESCO World Heritage Site Status – the Swiss Albula Railway 🇨🇭
Excerpt
The slower but very pleasant alternative to the Glacier Express with perfect scenery on offer on one of the Swiss routes with UNESCO World Heritage Site status – the Albula Railway from Disentis to St. Moritz.
4–6 minutes -
The famous Glacier Express train 🇨🇭 – an honest review (we left the train early)
Excerpt
The must-do Glacier Express is well known across the world for its stunning route with non-stop scenery on the route. Find out what the journey was like and why we decided to leave the train early.
6–10 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 -
From Serbia 🇷🇸 to Bulgaria 🇧🇬 – the international train with only one carriage!
Excerpt
As part of a longer Balkan adventure travelling to Istanbul by train, I took the train from Dimitrovgrad, Serbia to Sofia, Bulgaria. Despite the train being the only link from Serbia to Bulgaria per day, there was only one carriage.
6–8 minutes -
Paris 🇫🇷 to Milan 🇮🇹 by train the Italian way – onboard the new Frecciarossa service!
Excerpt
The route from Paris to Milan has a new high-speed service served by the Italian flagship high-speed train, the Frecciarossa. This operates in competition to the legacy French TGV. Find out what is on offer on this brand new service.
5–8 minutes -
The Istanbul-Sofia Express 🇹🇷🇧🇬 overnight train – comfortable but exhausting!
Excerpt
This was the final leg of my trip from the UK to Istanbul by train, crossing from Bulgaria into Türkiye by sleeping car. Find out why it turned out to be a tiring trip and a highly memorable experience!
7–10 minutes -
Milan 🇮🇹 to Geneva 🇨🇭 by tilting EuroCity train – scenic trip through the Alps!
Excerpt
One of the many direct train services connecting northern Italy and Switzerland is the EuroCity from Milan to Geneva, but how did the journey fair in the world of high speed rail?
5–7 minutes -
Amtrak Coast Starlight – San Francisco 🇺🇸 to Los Angeles 🇺🇸 by train – the most scenic route in the US?
Excerpt
You’ll see a lot less coast than you might expect on this trip, but it makes up for it in many other ways. A perfect day out along California’s coast.
8–13 minutes -
Amtrak Capitol Limited – Washington D.C. 🇺🇸 to Chicago 🇺🇸 by sleeper train
Excerpt
This was my first overnight train trip in the United States. What was it like on the Amtrak Capitol Limited and how did I save money on the Superliner Roomette fare?
9–14 minutes -
RailJet train across the Alps 🗻 – Zürich 🇨🇭 to Vienna 🇦🇹 via the scenic Arlberg Pass
Excerpt
The train from Switzerland to Austria across the striking Alpine scenery of the Arlberg Pass, through Tyrol to Innsbruck and Vienna and crossing five borders. This trip is more than your regular daily passenger service.
4–6 minutes -
The best of both: Eurostar Business Premier 🔵 vs Thalys Premium 🔴
Excerpt
Eurostar and Thalys – two different high speed international operators in Europe about to be merged as one. But how do they currently fair in their most premium class with seating, lounge access, catering and cost?
Belgium, Dining Car, European Train Travel, France, Germany, Netherlands, Train Travel, United Kingdom
7–11 minutes -
Back after 8 years – Sarajevo, Bosnia & Herzegovina 🇧🇦 to Ploče, Croatia 🇭🇷 by train
Excerpt
What it is like to travel on the recently reopened summer-only passenger train route between Bosnia & Herzegovina and Croatia.
5–7 minutes -
Holidaying with the Hungarians – Adria InterCity sleeper train from Split 🇭🇷 to Budapest 🇭🇺
Excerpt
The comfortable way to travel between Split, Croatia and Budapest, Hungary is on the popular Adria InterCity train. Find out all about it and what happened when weather disrupted our trip.
7–10 minutes -
Around Mount Etna 🌋 and Vesuvius 🌋 by train 🇮🇹
Excerpt
Italy has two railways that circulate around two of its volcanoes, Mount Vesuvius and Mount Etna, offering great views and an insight to local life.
5–8 minutes -
Corona InterCity – Budapest 🇭🇺 to Brașov 🇷🇴 by Hungarian sleeper train
Excerpt
The InterCity sleeper train with the unfortunate name… at least in 2022. Why the Corona is worth considering on a trip from Hungary to Romania.
6–8 minutes -
The Top of Europe by train – spectacular journey from Interlaken 🇨🇭 to Jungfraujoch 🇨🇭
Excerpt
At an impressive 3,454 metres high, Jungfraujoch is Europe’s highest train station – but what’s the journey like and is it worth the cost?
5–8 minutes -
Zürich🇨🇭 to Lucerne🇨🇭 – the fast train or the day trip option via Interlaken 🇨🇭?
Excerpt
Why a relaxing slow option via Interlaken turned out to be better experience than the fast direct train.
6–9 minutes -
Italy’s Most Scenic Routes by Train 🇮🇹
Excerpt
Italy which boasts a vast national rail network has a number of scenic routes with mountains, lakes, sea and even volcanoes. Here is a compilation of ten of them.
8–12 minutes -
Europe’s Only Train-on-a-Ferry route – Mainland Italy 🇮🇹 to Sicily 🇮🇹 overnight
Excerpt
A truly unique travel experience! Milan and Rome to Sicily the relaxing way by train, which crosses the Strait of Messina as part of its journey!
6–9 minutes -
Italy’s premium high speed train – the Frecciarossa 🚆🇮🇹 in Business Class during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Excerpt
I travelled to Italy for some train-sampling Trenitalia style. Here is a video showcasing travel in Business Class on Italy’s most premium high-speed rail service by the nationalised operator, the Frecciarossa.
1–2 minutes -
Japan 🇯🇵: an introduction by rail 🚆 – Kyoto, Hiroshima, Miyajima, Niigata, Tokyo
Excerpt
Making full use of our 7-day rail pass travelling across Japan by Shinkansen trains and Sunrise Izumo sleeper train.
16–23 minutes -
The now defunct train-on-a-ferry route from Hamburg 🇩🇪 to Copenhagen 🇩🇰
Excerpt
A now historical phenomenon leaving only one of its kind in Europe; I travelled from Hamburg to Copenhagen on one of the final EuroCity trains that boarded a passenger ferry as part of its scheduled journey.
3–4 minutes -
U.K. 🇬🇧 to Istanbul, Türkiye 🇹🇷 Exclusively by Train 🚆 – 2,100 miles, 12 days, 12 trains
Excerpt
A modern day take of the Orient Express route, travelling from the UK to Istanbul via nine countries by train without leaving the ground once! Follow this exciting trip train-by-train step-by-step.
21–31 minutes -
Belgrade, Serbia 🇷🇸 to Bar, Montenegro 🇲🇪 by sleeper and day-time train – a stunning trip across the Balkans
Excerpt
Truly one of Europe’s most scenic railway journeys. I travelled between Serbia and Montenegro on both the night train and day train options.
7–10 minutes
