Plan less, travel more

15 Most Beautiful Train Journeys in Europe

Anastasia Fedoseeva

Introduction

Europe is home to some of the most scenic train journeys in the world. From snow-covered Alpine peaks to Mediterranean coastlines, traveling by rail offers comfort, romance, and unforgettable views. Autumn and winter make these routes even more spectacular, as landscapes transform with colors or snow.

Whether you’re a slow travel enthusiast, a photographer looking for breathtaking scenery, or simply someone who loves the rhythm of trains, this guide covers the 15 most beautiful train journeys in Europe. And with Aitinery, you can plan your rail routes, add stops, and design a personalized itinerary that fits your style.

1. Glacier Express (Switzerland)

  • Route: Zermatt to St. Moritz
  • Highlights: Snowy peaks, deep valleys, and 291 bridges.
    Known as the “slowest express train in the world,” the Glacier Express takes around 8 hours to cross the Swiss Alps. Panoramic windows give you front-row views of glaciers, lakes, and mountain villages.

2. Bernina Express (Switzerland – Italy)

  • Route: Chur (Switzerland) to Tirano (Italy)
  • Highlights: UNESCO World Heritage landscapes, dramatic viaducts.
    This route climbs through the Alps before descending into Italy. Autumn brings golden larch forests, while winter covers everything in snow.

3. West Highland Line (Scotland)

  • Route: Glasgow to Mallaig
  • Highlights: Highlands, lochs, and the famous Glenfinnan Viaduct (Harry Potter).
    It’s one of the wildest and most romantic journeys in Britain. In autumn, the hills turn russet red and gold.

4. Cinque Terre Local Train (Italy)

  • Route: La Spezia to Levanto
  • Highlights: Coastal cliffs, colorful fishing villages.
    Short but breathtaking, this journey hugs the Ligurian coast. Each stop reveals a new postcard-perfect village.

5. Jungfrau Railway (Switzerland)

  • Route: Kleine Scheidegg to Jungfraujoch
  • Highlights: Europe’s highest railway, glaciers, and the Eiger mountain.
    A bucket-list journey that takes you to the “Top of Europe.” Snow is guaranteed year-round.

6. Flam Railway (Norway)

  • Route: Myrdal to Flåm
  • Highlights: Fjords, waterfalls, and steep valleys.
    One of the steepest railways in the world, offering a short but unforgettable 20 km journey. Autumn mist adds mystery to the fjords.

7. Tren Al Andalus (Spain)

  • Route: Seville to Santiago de Compostela (luxury train)
  • Highlights: Andalusian landscapes, cultural heritage.
    A luxury train experience with vintage carriages, gourmet dining, and views of southern Spain’s olive groves.

8. Belgrade–Bar Railway (Serbia – Montenegro)

  • Route: Belgrade to Bar
  • Highlights: 435 bridges, 254 tunnels, dramatic Balkan landscapes.
    One of Europe’s most underrated train journeys, passing through mountains and over the spectacular Mala Rijeka Viaduct.

9. Inlandsbanan (Sweden)

  • Route: Kristinehamn to Gällivare
  • Highlights: Endless forests, lakes, Arctic Circle.
    A long but magical ride through Sweden’s heartland. Autumn colors make the landscapes glow.

10. Trans-Siberian (Russia, European part: Moscow – Ural)

  • Route: Moscow to Yekaterinburg (European section)
  • Highlights: Endless birch forests, rivers, and the transition to the Urals.
    Though the full journey goes to Vladivostok, even the European leg is unforgettable in autumn.

11. Trenino Verde (Italy, Sardinia)

  • Route: Mandas to Arbatax
  • Highlights: Sardinian mountains, villages, and coastlines.
    A little-known gem with narrow-gauge tracks winding through wild Sardinia.

12. Rhine Valley Line (Germany)

  • Route: Koblenz to Mainz
  • Highlights: Castles, vineyards, and the Rhine River.
    The journey passes dozens of medieval castles perched on hillsides, especially romantic in autumn with vineyards glowing yellow.

13. Semmering Railway (Austria)

  • Route: Gloggnitz to Mürzzuschlag
  • Highlights: UNESCO-listed engineering marvel.
    Built in the 19th century, it crosses viaducts and tunnels through the Austrian Alps. Autumn forests make it magical.

14. Le Train Jaune (France, Pyrenees)

  • Route: Villefranche-de-Conflent to Latour-de-Carol
  • Highlights: Bright yellow carriages, dramatic mountain passes.
    Known as the “Yellow Train,” it crosses deep gorges and mountain landscapes of the French Pyrenees.

15. The Orient Express (Paris to Istanbul, luxury route)

  • Route: Paris to Istanbul (occasional luxury service)
  • Highlights: Romance, history, and European capitals.
    The most legendary train journey in the world, combining old-world charm with luxury.

Plan Your Rail Adventure with Aitinery

Exploring Europe by train is easier with Aitinery. You can:

  • Build a personalized rail route.
  • Add scenic stops, cities, and overnight stays.
  • Optimize connections between trains.
  • Share your journey with travel partners.

Instead of choosing just one line, you can combine several—like Bernina Express + Cinque Terre + Rhine Valley—into a grand European train adventure.

Final Thoughts

From the snowy peaks of Switzerland to the Mediterranean coastlines of Italy, Europe’s rail journeys are among the most beautiful in the world. Each route offers not just transportation, but a story told through landscapes.

With Aitinery, you can bring these journeys together into a seamless, customized itinerary. So pack your camera, grab a window seat, and let Europe’s most beautiful train rides take your breath away.

You might also like