Epic European Train Journeys

TL;DR: Europe’s got some seriously epic train routes that beat cramped airplane seats any day. We’re talking Swiss Alps views, Norwegian fjords, Scottish Highlands, hidden Balkan gems, and more – all from the comfort of a cozy train car. Pack your camera and get ready for the ride of your life.

Let’s be real – there’s something magical about watching the world roll by through a train window. No security lines, no cramped middle seats, just pure wanderlust on rails. Europe’s train network is basically a choose-your-own-adventure book, and these six routes are the absolute showstoppers that’ll have your Instagram followers seriously jealous.

1. The Glacier Express, Switzerland: The Ultimate Alpine Eye Candy

Picture this: you’re sipping hot chocolate while glaciers and mountain peaks parade past your panoramic windows. The Glacier Express isn’t called “the world’s slowest express train” for nothing – it takes its sweet time so you don’t miss a single jaw-dropping moment.

The Route: Zermatt to St. Moritz (or vice versa) Journey Time: 8 glorious hours Best Time to Go: December-March for snow-covered magic, June-September for hiking weather

This isn’t just transportation; it’s a full-day experience. You’ll cross 291 bridges (yes, someone counted), tunnel through 91 mountains, and climb to over 6,700 feet above sea level. The Landwasser Viaduct alone is worth the ticket price – it’s that curved stone bridge you’ve probably seen on a thousand postcards.

Pro tip: Book the panoramic cars for maximum “wow” factor, but fair warning – they fill up faster than Swiss chocolate disappears from a gift shop.

The Glacier Express Schedules and Timetables

The Glacier Express operates year-round, but the frequency of trains varies significantly between seasons.

• Summer Timetable: Runs from roughly early May to mid-October. This is the peak season, with up to four trains running in each direction daily between Zermatt and St. Moritz.
• Winter Timetable: Runs from early December to early May. The service is reduced to two trains per day in each direction.
• Maintenance Break: Be aware that the Glacier Express typically does not run for a period between mid-October and early December for maintenance.

It’s highly recommended to check the official Glacier Express website for the most current timetable and to make a seat reservation, which is mandatory. MORE READ…

2. The Flåm Railway, Norway: Fjord Views That’ll Break Your Brain

Norway’s Flåm Railway is basically nature showing off. In just 20 kilometers, this little train drops 863 meters through some of the most dramatic scenery on Earth. We’re talking waterfalls that literally spray your windows, valleys so deep they make you dizzy, and mountains that look like they were carved by giants.

The Route: Flåm to Myrdal Journey Time: 1 hour each way Best Time to Go: May-September for accessibility, though winter offers serious Nordic vibes

The train stops at Kjosfossen waterfall, where you can hop off and get properly soaked by the mist. Legend has it, you might even spot the Huldra – a mythical seductress who dances by waterfalls. Whether you believe in Norse mythology or not, this place feels otherworldly.

Insider scoop: Combine this with the Norway in a Nutshell tour to hit multiple forms of epic transportation in one trip. Your future self will thank you.

The Flåm Railway Schedules and Timetables

The Flåm Railway has a consistent schedule throughout the year, with more frequent departures during the peak summer season.

• Summer Season (May – September): There are typically 9-10 daily departures in each direction between Flåm and Myrdal.
• Winter Season (October – April): The service is reduced to around four daily departures.
• Journey Time: The trip is relatively short, lasting approximately 40 minutes one way.

You can check the updated timetables directly on the official Flåm Railway website. MORE READ…

3. The West Highland Line, Scotland: Harry Potter Meets Real Life

If you’ve ever wanted to live inside a fairy tale, Scotland’s West Highland Line is your golden ticket. This route inspired countless movie scenes (hello, Harry Potter fans) and serves up a buffet of lochs, highlands, and castles that’ll make you want to pack up and move to the Scottish countryside.

The Route: Glasgow to Mallaig Journey Time: 5.5 hours of pure Scottish magic Best Time to Go: April-October for weather, though winter has its own moody charm

You’ll cross the famous Glenfinnan Viaduct – yes, the one where the Hogwarts Express chugs along in the movies. But the real stars are Loch Lomond, the haunting beauty of Rannoch Moor, and the fishing village of Mallaig where fresh seafood awaits.

Local tip: Grab a window seat on the left side heading north for the best loch views. And don’t be surprised if you hear bagpipes in the distance – Scotland doesn’t hold back on atmosphere.

West Highland Line (Scotland) Schedules and Timetables

The famous “Jacobite Steam Train” is a popular way to experience a portion of the West Highland Line. The schedule is seasonal.

• Morning Service: Operates from early April to late October, typically seven days a week.
• Afternoon Service: A second, afternoon service runs from early May to late September, also seven days a week.
• Regular Service: It’s important to note that a regular ScotRail train also runs on the West Highland Line year-round. While not the steam train, this service still offers the same spectacular views. You can check the ScotRail website for their daily schedules.

4. The Cinque Terre Express, Italy: Coastal Perfection on Rails

Italy’s Cinque Terre train might be short on journey time, but it’s massive on charm. This coastal route connects five impossibly picturesque villages perched on clifftops above the Mediterranean. It’s like someone took every Italian stereotype and arranged them perfectly along 12 kilometers of coastline.

The Route: La Spezia to Levanto (hitting all five villages) Journey Time: 30 minutes end-to-end, but you’ll want to hop on and off Best Time to Go: April-June or September-October to avoid summer crowds

Each village has its own personality – Monterosso for beaches, Vernazza for harbor views, Corniglia for hiking, Manarola for wine, and Riomaggiore for sunset photos. The train tunnels through cliffs and pops out to reveal vineyards cascading down to turquoise water.

Smart move: Buy a Cinque Terre Card for unlimited train rides between villages plus hiking trail access. Trust us, you’ll be hopping on and off like a caffeinated tourist.

Cinque Terre Express Schedules and Timetables

The Cinque Terre Express is a regional train service that runs frequently between Levanto, the five villages of Cinque Terre, and La Spezia.

• Operating Season: The “Cinque Terre Express” service runs from mid-March to early November. During this time, trains are very frequent, often running every 15-20 minutes.
• Off-Season: In the winter months (November to March), the trains still run, but with a reduced frequency of about one or two per hour.
• Tickets: It’s often most convenient to purchase a Cinque Terre Treno MS Card, which includes unlimited train travel and access to the hiking trails.

5. The Bernina Express, Switzerland: Alpine Drama at Its Peak

Switzerland strikes again with the Bernina Express, a red train that looks like it escaped from a Christmas card. This UNESCO World Heritage route serves up glaciers, alpine lakes, and mountain passes that’ll make you question if you’re still on planet Earth.

The Route: Chur (Switzerland) to Tirano (Italy) Journey Time: 4 hours of non-stop scenic overload Best Time to Go: Year-round beauty, but summer offers hiking opportunities

The showstopper? The Bernina Pass at 2,253 meters above sea level, where you’ll see the Morteratsch Glacier up close. The train spirals through the Alps like it’s dancing with the mountains, crossing the famous circular Brusio Viaduct that looks impossible from an engineering perspective.

Don’t miss: The open-air observation cars in summer – because sometimes you need to feel that mountain air on your face while you’re living your best train life.

Bernina Express Schedules and Timetables

Like the Glacier Express, the Bernina Express timetable changes with the season, with more services in the summer.

• Chur – Tirano Route: There is one daily service year-round, with an additional service added for the summer season (roughly mid-May to late October).
• St. Moritz – Tirano Route: This shorter route has one daily service in winter and three daily services in the summer.
• Maintenance: Note that there may be temporary closures or diversions for maintenance, particularly in the off-season. Always check the official Rhaetian Railway (RhB) website for the most up-to-date schedule. MORE READ…

6. The Belgrade-Bar Railway, Serbia and Montenegro: Europe’s Best-Kept Secret

Here’s the route that seasoned travelers whisper about in hostel common rooms – the Belgrade-Bar Railway. This hidden gem cuts through the heart of the Balkans, serving up dramatic gorges, pristine lakes, and mountain vistas that rival the Swiss Alps, but without the tourist crowds or eye-watering prices.

The Route: Belgrade (Serbia) to Bar (Montenegro) Journey Time: 10-12 hours of off-the-beaten-path beauty Best Time to Go: May-September for warm weather, though autumn colors are spectacular

This isn’t just a train ride, it’s a journey through living history. You’ll cross the Mala Rijeka Viaduct – the highest railway bridge in Europe at 198 meters – and tunnel through mountains that have witnessed centuries of Balkan drama. Lake Skadar appears like a mirage, and by journey’s end, you’ll smell the Mediterranean sea breeze in Bar.

The real magic happens around Kolašin, where the train winds through Biogradska Gora National Park. Ancient forests, crystal-clear lakes, and peaks that scrape the clouds – it’s like discovering Middle Earth, but with better coffee and friendlier locals.

Hidden gem alert: The stretch between Podgorica and Bar offers glimpses of traditional Montenegrin life that most tourists never see. Plus, you’ll pay a fraction of what those famous Swiss routes cost.

The Belgrade-Bar Railway Schedules and Timetables

The Belgrade-Bar railway has a year-round service, with two main trains running daily.

• Day Train: One train departs in the morning from both Belgrade and Bar.
• Night Train: A second train, with sleeping carriages, also runs in the evening, arriving at its destination the next morning.
• Journey Time: The trip takes around 11 hours.
• Service Provider: This route is operated by the national railways of Serbia and Montenegro. You can find schedules on their official websites or by using international train booking platforms.

Your Ticket-Booking Survival Guide

The Glacier Express (Switzerland)

• Book directly at glacierexpress.ch or through Swiss Travel System
• Reservation mandatory (around €35-45 on top of rail pass)
• Peak season books up 2-3 months ahead
• Tip: 1st class panoramic cars worth the splurge

The Flåm Railway (Norway)

• Book at flamsbana.no or through Vy (Norwegian railways)
• No reservation needed for regular service
• Norway in a Nutshell packages available through fjordtours.com
• Student discounts available with valid ID

West Highland Line (Scotland)

• Book through thetrainline.com or directly with ScotRail
• No reservations required for regular service
• Caledonian Sleeper available for overnight adventures
• Off-peak tickets significantly cheaper

Cinque Terre Express (Italy)

• Buy tickets at any station or through Trenitalia app
• Cinque Terre Card (€16/day) covers unlimited train travel between villages
• No reservations needed – trains run every 15-30 minutes
• Validate paper tickets before boarding (seriously, Italian fines hurt)

Bernina Express (Switzerland)

• Book at rhb.ch or through Swiss Travel System
• Panoramic cars require reservation (€10-14)
• Regular regional trains cover same route without reservation
• Eurail Pass accepted but seat reservations cost extra

Belgrade-Bar Railway (Serbia/Montenegro)

• Book at srbvoz.rs (Serbian Railways) or through station ticket offices
• International tickets can be tricky online – consider booking at Belgrade Central Station
• No reservations required but recommended for couchettes
• Tickets incredibly affordable (€15-25 for the full journey)
• Bring snacks and water – dining car service is hit-or-miss

Making the Most of Your European Train Adventure

Book Smart: European train passes can save serious cash if you’re hitting multiple routes. The Eurail Pass is your friend for spontaneous adventures, though some scenic routes (like Glacier Express) require additional reservation fees.

Pack Right: Comfortable shoes for station navigation, layers for changing climates, and a portable charger because you’ll be taking approximately one million photos. For longer journeys like Belgrade-Bar, pack snacks and entertainment.

Stay Flexible: Some routes require reservations, especially during peak season. Book popular scenic trains (Glacier Express, Bernina Express) well ahead, but leave room for spontaneous detours – that’s where the real magic happens.

Money Matters: Western European scenic routes can be pricey, but Eastern European gems like Belgrade-Bar offer incredible value. Mix expensive showstoppers with budget-friendly discoveries for the perfect balance.

Embrace the Journey: Unlike flying, train travel is about the experience, not just the destination. Chat with fellow travelers, try the local snacks from the trolley service, and put your phone down occasionally to soak in the views.

These six train journeys prove that getting there really can be half the fun. Whether you’re chasing waterfalls in Norway, sipping wine in Italian coastal villages, pretending you’re heading to Hogwarts through the Scottish Highlands, or discovering the hidden beauty of the Balkans, Europe’s railways offer adventures that no airplane window seat can match.

So ditch the departure lounges and embrace the romance of rail travel. Your Instagram feed – and your soul – will thank you for it.

Ready to trade airplane peanuts for panoramic views? These trains are waiting to show you Europe the way it was meant to be seen.