As air-free travel gains traction, European rail travel is experiencing a renaissance.
Changing the way you travel is one of the best ways to reduce yours carbon footprint. Corresponding Eurostara flight from London to Paris emits 14 times more CO2 than a train journey.
Fortunately, countries across the EU are investing in railways that offer better – and faster – connections than ever before.
From budget night trains to intercity routes, find the latest European trains here railway lines.
Austria
Vienna to Paris with Nightjet
The Austrian state railway ÖBB is pioneering in Europe sleeping train Revitalized with NightJet since 2016. At the end of 2021, it launched a new route between Vienna and Paris via Salzburg and Munich.
The journey takes 14 hours and operates three times a week in both directions, with prices ranging from around €30 for a seat to €120+ for a private compartment.
In the summer of 2023, Nightjet will launch new-generation trains that can compete with first-class flights in terms of comfort. Expect wireless charging stations, free Wi-Fi, storage for bikes and snow sports gear, and private compartments with private showers and toilets.
Germany
Berlin to Stockholm with Snälltåget
The Swedish railway company Snälltåget has diverted its route Berlin Train service to Malmö via Hamburg and Denmark, while being extended to Stockholm. The entire journey takes just under 17 hours with prices for the direct connection starting at around €50.
Italy
Genoa to Naples with NTV Italo
Late 2021 Italian high speed train Company NTV Italo launched a Genoa service linking the previously poorly served port city in north-west Italy to the south of the country.
The journey from Genoa to Naples takes just under seven hours and costs from around 80 euros there and back.
Milan to Paris with Frecciarossa
Also in late 2021, Frecciarossa – the high-speed arm of Italian the national rail operator Trenitalia – has launched a swanky new train between Milan and Paris.
The train is faster and more luxurious than previous connections on this route and takes just under seven hours. Tickets are as cheap as €29 – but treat yourself to an ‘Executive’ fare to travel in a comfortable chair.
Netherlands
From Amsterdam to Austria with the TUI Ski Express (December 2022)
snow sports Lovers are looking forward to a new night train that starts between Amsterdam and some of Austria’s largest ski areas.
TUIs’Ski Express‘ starts every Friday evening between December 23rd and March 31st in Amsterdam. After leaving the Dutch capital at 17:30, the service makes a stop in Utrecht and then continues directly to Austria.
Amsterdam to Zurich with Nightjet
Austrian guided night train Pioneer NightJet launched a route between Amsterdam and Zurich at the end of 2021. It departs at 8:30 p.m. and arrives at 8:05 a.m.
The sleeping options range from couchette cars (from around €60) to sleeping cabins (from around €120).
Spain
Barcelona to Madrid with Iryo
travel between Spain‘s capital and its top tourist city will be faster and cheaper with a new Iryo high-speed train service.
From the end of November there will be 16 daily return trains between Barcelona and Madrid, each taking just 2.5 hours and costing just €18.
Slovenia
Ljubljana to Budapest with Hungarian Railways
The Hungarian Railways train from Ljubljana, Slovenia, to Budapest, launched in December 2021, Hungary, leads for a scenic drive through Graz in Austria. The journey takes from 7.5 hours and trains depart at 5:05am and 9:35am and start from as little as €16 each way.
Sweden
From Stockholm to Hamburg with SJ EuroNight
In September 2022, the Stockholm Central started to Hamburg-Altona night Train is powered by renewable energy. It departs daily at 5:30 p.m. and arrives at 6:30 a.m., passing through Copenhagen on the way.
The cheapest is a seat in the carriage (from €25). A bed in a shared compartment costs from 45 euros, a private compartment for two people with a washbasin from 165 euros. There are private compartments for one to three people with their own shower, toilet and breakfast from around €205. Pet friendly Train compartments are also available.
Combined with existing Eurostar and Deutsche Bahn offers, the service can also be used for arrival London to Stockholm in less than 24 hours.
Switzerland
Zurich to Rome with Nightjet (December 2022)
At a press conference in 2020, Nightjet announced it was launching a new night train between Zurich and Rome in winter 2022. It remains to be seen whether the plans will be implemented as planned. Currently only the operator Rome The routes include Vienna, Salzburg, Villach and Munich.
United Kingdom
From London to Bordeaux with Eurostar (2027, maybe)
Eurotunnel officials have hinted at plans for a route from London to Bordeaux, which they aim to launch within the next five years. They hope the new infrastructure will encourage private jet users to visit French Riviera more sustainable.
