Europe’s best new train journeys to take in 2023 (2023)

FAQs

Which country has the best train system in Europe? ›

1. Switzerland. Tucked inside the small but incredibly beautiful country of Switzerland is one of the most efficient and scenic rail networks in the world.

Train travel in Europe is generally far more comfortable than flying. At the end of the day, traveling Europe by train is immensely more comfortable than flying. There's less hassle, more comfortable seats, more ease of moving around, often better views, and more control over your environment.

Cruise Train Seven Stars, Japan

Often referred to as the world's most luxurious train, Japan's Cruise Train Seven Stars brings old-school luxury to a technologically advanced railway. It lays claim to being the country's first luxury sleeper, with its first run in 2013.

The Maharaja Train is known as one of the world's best luxury train because it is equipped with all the facilities offering unmatched opulence.

Venice Simplon-Orient-Express (VSOE)

The Venice Simplon-Orient Express (VSOE) is the world's most authentic luxury train.

Indian Maharajas' Train is a luxury train in India introduced by Indian Railways Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC). A traveler gets an amazing opportunity to Experience royalty but running on wheels. Maharajas' Express Indian Luxury Train has four cabins : Deluxe, Presidential Suite, Suite and Junior Suite.

Trains are a fast, comfortable alternative to cheap flights in Europe, especially when you're visiting multiple destinations. A Eurail Pass gives you unlimited, borderless travel across Europe with just one ticket, so you can go a lot further with your money – and you'll be doing your bit for the planet, too.

Cheapest way to travel Europe by train

Rail passes are great if you're going city or country hopping throughout several weeks or months at a time. There are two main types – Eurail for non-EU citizens and Interrail for passengers from within Europe. Find out more about Eurail Passes.

Where are the world's most scenic railway journeys? ›

The Trans-Siberian stretches 9,289km (5,772 miles) and is operated by Russian Railways. It spans a record eight time zones and it takes eight days to complete the entire journey.

Eurail is the name of the consortium that works with all the national rail companies to create the Eurail train pass. Rail Europe is an official reseller of the tickets and passes that Eurail creates. Interrail is the same pass but for Europeans only; Eurail/Rail Europe is for non-Europeans.

Train travel can be expensive—especially on high-speed trains. Furthermore, there are a lot of super-cheap flights throughout Europe so flying can often be cheaper. That said, you can get some really good deals if you're able to book high-speed trains in advance.

Venice Simplon-Orient-Express prices start from £2,920/$3,600/€3,450 per person for a Twin Cabin, and £8,400/$10,350/€9,800 per person for a Grand Suite.

For dinner, we ask for formal evening attire and many guests like to don black tie and wear their most glamorous finery for the occasion. Smart daywear is appropriate during the day. At lunch, for example, a jacket/tie or equivalent is suitable. Jeans are not acceptable at any time.

Rocky Mountaineer

Distinguishing features of the ride include glass-domed rail cars to enjoy the breathtaking views in panoramic beauty, a luxury dining experience and, for those who book the Silver Leaf Plus package, an outdoor observation deck and passenger lounge car.

It probably comes as no surprise that in a global 2019 survey of railroad efficiency, the top two places went to Japan and Hong Kong, with scores of 6.8 and 6.5 (out of seven) respectively.

Which country has the best train service? ›

There is not a true Orient Express any more

The Orient Express was a service and not a particular train. While there are trains with the name 'Orient Express', each would have used different carriages throughout their lifetime as carriages were upgraded and journeys altered.

First Passage to the West is one of the best Rocky Mountaineer scenic routes because it takes passengers through the historic Spiral Tunnels and provides sweeping views of the Canadian Rockies. For even more scenery, pair the First Passage to the West itinerary with another Rocky Mountaineer route on a Circle Tour.

1) 1A – First Class AC

AC Tier-1 is the most expensive class of Indian Railways. The ticket price of 1A coach is equivalent to the fare of an aeroplane. The AC-1 coaches have eight cabins, and the half AC first-class coach has three cabins. The coach has a staff to help passengers.

MakeMyTrip is the leading portal for booking IRCTC train tickets online which is offering the most convenient ways to book train tickets, check train schedule, train availability, and view live train status. IRCTC has been the most used website for train tickets booking.

Overall, First Class tickets can definitely be worth the cost. Most carriers these days offer very minimal price differences between the two travel classes. At Trainline, we'll automatically show you if there are low-priced First Class tickets available, so you can be sure that you won't miss out on any bargains.

Eurostar high-speed train Travel between London and the rest of Europe on the Eurostar high-speed train. Transport and convenience are covered with our affordable Eurail Pass! ICE High-Speed Trains The ICE (InterCity Express) is a high-speed train that connects all major cities in Germany.

Whether you use a Eurail pass or buy cheap advance-purchase tickets, the train is the best way to tour Europe in comfort, relaxed, seeing a lot in a short time.

The late fall and winter months—from mid to late October through mid-to-late March—are often the cheapest time to fly to Europe (though fares can spike in December). It's often cheaper to fly to Europe mid-week, on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, in particular.

Do they check passports on trains in Europe? ›

Although in most European countries there are no passport border checks, companies can refuse to board you if you do not have a travelling passport (or some other ID proving that you are in Europe legally).

Booking European train tickets in advance is definitely the best way to ensure you got the cheapest fares. Like planes, European trains (by and large) work in tiers – so the cheapest tickets go on sale first, and when these are all gone, prices shift up a tier and so on.

Aside from that, you're free to take what you like. There are no strict luggage limits on trains in mainland Europe. Eurostar allows each adult two pieces of luggage each, each measuring up to 85cm, so large suitcases are no problem.

The Swiss Alps, Switzerland

Towering mountains, alpine meadows, soaring cable cars, historic cogwheel trains, scenic walking trails, quaint villages and hamlets…the Swiss Alps tops the list as one of the most beautiful places to visit in Europe.

The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express

Look outside and you'll be treated to views of leafy vineyards, the dramatic Swiss Alps and the sparkling Venice Lagoon.

Eurail and InterRail are both rail passes, and while they are similar there is one critical difference - who can buy them. Eurail Passes are only for non-European citizens or residents. InterRail Passes are only for European citizens or residents.

1. Eiffel Tower, France. The Eiffel Tower is one of France's most famous sights. Sitting in the heart of the Champ de Mars in Paris, the wrought-iron tower was originally built to serve as the entrance to the 1889 World's Fair.

1. France – 89.4 million visitors. The world's most visited country, France, is not all about the Eifel Tower, museums and wine. For more than a decade now, the country has lured the highest number of visitors, more than any other European or world country.

1. Florence, Italy. The capital of Italy's region of Tuscany is commonly regarded as one of the most beautiful cities in the world. After visiting a handful of times over the years, I've gotta say I wholeheartedly agree.

How many days do you need for the Orient Express? ›

The traditional and most popular route between London and Venice takes two days, with one night on board.

You can never be overdressed on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express. For dinner, men should wear a suit and tie and women dress in smart attire, but many guests like to don tux / black tie or evening dress for the occasion. During the day, the dress code is smart-casual.

In standard twin cabins and cabin suites there is no shower and the toilets are shared with one at each end of a carriage. However, those upgrading to a Grand Suite will have their very own en suite, complete with toilet and shower and kitted out in rich marble and a Murano glass sink.

The old 7pm rule obliges a customer to fill in the date of arrival if he boards a direct overnight train after 19:00h (7pm), provided the train arrives at its final destination after 04:00h (4am).

Americans can travel with Interrail if they reside in Europe for more than six months. This must be proven with official documents. Otherwise, a Eurail Pass must be purchased, which is today almost the same as the Interrail Pass.

The Eurail Pass does not have the same validity as the Swiss Travel Pass. The Swiss Travel Pass has a larger area of validity within Switzerland. It also includes the Swiss Museum Pass, which grants you admission to more than 500 museums throughout Switzerland.