Explore the beauty of Europe by rail through real travel experiences, scenic routes and unforgettable train journeys. Whether youโre searching for dramatic mountain railways, relaxing coastal lines or hidden gems off the tourist trail, these stories and guides are here to inspire your next adventure.
First Time Adventures
Discover beginner-friendly rail journeys across Europe designed to help you travel with confidence while experiencing the magic of exploring by train for the very first time.
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Europe’s Most Convenient Train? Budapest ๐ญ๐บ to Munich ๐ฉ๐ช and Stuttgart ๐ฉ๐ช by EuroNight Sleeper
Excerpt
The EuroNight ‘Kรกlmรกn 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…
11โ17 minutes -
Vienna ๐ฆ๐น to Budapest ๐ญ๐บ 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!
13โ19 minutes -
NightJet ‘New Generation’ – Vienna ๐ฆ๐น to Hamburg ๐ฉ๐ช on the new game-changing sleeper train!
Excerpt
In December 2023, the รBB 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!
11โ16 minutes -
EuroCity Emona – scenic once daily train from Ljubljana ๐ธ๐ฎ to Vienna ๐ฆ๐น
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!
Alpine, Austria, Dining Car, European Train Travel, First Time Journeys, Scenic Trips, Slovenia, Train Travel
6โ9 minutes -
Simply spectacular! Oslo ๐ณ๐ด to Bergen ๐ณ๐ด 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!
Dining Car, European Train Travel, First Time Journeys, Norway, River Valleys, Scenic Trips, Train Travel
5โ8 minutes -
Enterprise – Belfast to Dublin in style and comfort by train ๐
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.
7โ11 minutes -
NightJet: Europe’s Leading Sleeper Train Provider – Sleeping Car on the Graz / Vienna ๐ฆ๐น to Berlin ๐ฉ๐ช 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!
7โ10 minutes -
EuroNight Lisinski: Stuttgart ๐ฉ๐ช and Munich ๐ฉ๐ช to Ljubljana ๐ธ๐ฎ and Zagreb ๐ญ๐ท 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?
Austria, European Train Travel, First Time Journeys, Germany, Sleeper Trains, Slovenia, Train Travel
6โ9 minutes
Hidden Gem Routes
Discover lesser-known rail journeys and hidden gems across Europe, from quiet regional routes to overlooked scenic lines far beyond the usual tourist trail.
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Sloveniaโs Scenic Adventure โ The Bohinj Railway Motorail ๐ธ๐ฎ
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.
11โ16 minutes -
The best train through the Alps? Zurich๐จ๐ญ to Graz ๐ฆ๐น 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.
Alpine, Austria, Dining Car, European Train Travel, Hidden Gems, Scenic Trips, Switzerland, Train Travel
12โ19 minutes -
Optima Express – Europe’s Longest Train Journey from Villach ๐ฆ๐น to Edirne ๐น๐ท (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 Tรผrkiye. 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…
11โ17 minutes -
Europe’s Oldest Sleeper Train – travelling back in time from Bucharest ๐ท๐ด to Cluj Napoca ๐ท๐ด
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!
8โ12 minutes -
Across Slovakia with ZSSK – amazing trip from Bratislava ๐ธ๐ฐ to Koลกice ๐ธ๐ฐ
Excerpt
Providing a vital link between the capital and the north and east of the country, the trains between Bratislava and Koลกice 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…
6โ9 minutes -
EuroCity Hungaria: Budapest ๐ญ๐บ to Hamburg ๐ฉ๐ช 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.
Czechia, Dining Car, European Train Travel, Germany, Hidden Gems, Hungary, River Valleys, Scenic Trips, Slovakia, Train Travel
6โ10 minutes -
The Istanbul-Sofia Express ๐น๐ท๐ง๐ฌ 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 Tรผrkiye by sleeping car. Find out why it turned out to be a tiring trip and a highly memorable experience!
7โ10 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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Sloveniaโs Scenic Adventure โ The Bohinj Railway Motorail ๐ธ๐ฎ
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.
11โ16 minutes -
The best train through the Alps? Zurich๐จ๐ญ to Graz ๐ฆ๐น 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.
Alpine, Austria, Dining Car, European Train Travel, Hidden Gems, Scenic Trips, Switzerland, Train Travel
12โ19 minutes -
Optima Express โ Europeโs Longest Train Journey from Villach ๐ฆ๐น to Edirne ๐น๐ท (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 Tรผrkiye. 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…
13โ19 minutes -
Optima Express – Europe’s Longest Train Journey from Villach ๐ฆ๐น to Edirne ๐น๐ท (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 Tรผrkiye. 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…
11โ17 minutes -
RailJet ‘New Generation’: Munich ๐ฉ๐ช to Northern Italy ๐ฎ๐น 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.
Alpine, Austria, Dining Car, European Train Travel, Germany, High Speed, Italy, Scenic Trips, Train Travel
14โ20 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.
8โ12 minutes -
Norway’s Innovative Night Train: Oslo ๐ณ๐ด to Bergen ๐ณ๐ดย 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.
9โ14 minutes -
A Transylvanian trip of endurance? New route from Cluj Napoca ๐ท๐ด to Budapest ๐ญ๐บ
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…
10โ15 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 ๐ญ๐บ to Koper ๐ธ๐ฎ
Excerpt
I boarded the Retro Istria Express, Hungaryโs seasonal summer night train to the Adriatic. The 1960s-era carriages lived up to the โRetroโ 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…
10โ15 minutes -
Europe’s Most Convenient Train? Budapest ๐ญ๐บ to Munich ๐ฉ๐ช and Stuttgart ๐ฉ๐ช by EuroNight Sleeper
Excerpt
The EuroNight ‘Kรกlmรกn 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…
11โ17 minutes -
Italy’s sleeper train rebrand! Rome ๐ฎ๐น to the Adriatic coast ๐ฎ๐น 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.
9โ14 minutes -
Europe’s Oldest Sleeper Train – travelling back in time from Bucharest ๐ท๐ด to Cluj Napoca ๐ท๐ด
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!
8โ12 minutes -
Norway’s Innovative Night Train: Oslo ๐ณ๐ด to Bergen ๐ณ๐ดย 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.
9โ14 minutes -
NightJet ‘New Generation’ – Vienna ๐ฆ๐น to Hamburg ๐ฉ๐ช on the new game-changing sleeper train!
Excerpt
In December 2023, the รBB 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!
11โ16 minutes -
An 18-hour European Epic! Vienna ๐ฆ๐น to Bucharest ๐ท๐ด 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.
15โ22 minutes -
New Route, Oldest Sleeper – รBB NightJet from Zรผrich ๐จ๐ญ to Amsterdam ๐ณ๐ฑ
Excerpt
As demand for flight-free travel booms, the NightJet brand, operated by รBB, have expanded their destinations and fleet recently. This has included re-launching a sleeping car from 1975, the AB33, providing a unique experience.
6โ9 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 ๐ฉ๐ช to Northern Italy ๐ฎ๐น 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.
Alpine, Austria, Dining Car, European Train Travel, Germany, High Speed, Italy, Scenic Trips, Train Travel
14โ20 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.
8โ12 minutes -
Busan ๐ฐ๐ท to Seoul ๐ฐ๐ท 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.
7โ11 minutes -
Poland’s Flagship High-Speed Train – Gdaลsk ๐ต๐ฑ to Warsaw ๐ต๐ฑ 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.
5โ7 minutes
Trains with Dining Cars
Thereโs 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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The best train through the Alps? Zurich๐จ๐ญ to Graz ๐ฆ๐น 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.
Alpine, Austria, Dining Car, European Train Travel, Hidden Gems, Scenic Trips, Switzerland, Train Travel
12โ19 minutes -
Optima Express โ Europeโs Longest Train Journey from Villach ๐ฆ๐น to Edirne ๐น๐ท (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 Tรผrkiye. 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…
13โ19 minutes -
Optima Express – Europe’s Longest Train Journey from Villach ๐ฆ๐น to Edirne ๐น๐ท (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 Tรผrkiye. 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…
11โ17 minutes -
Vienna ๐ฆ๐น to Budapest ๐ญ๐บ 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!
13โ19 minutes
