Traveling through Europe by train is, nowadays, one of the smartest and most accessible ways to travel. With incredible views and an extensive rail network, trains are a surprisingly easy way to move between cities and even across countries. This guide will give you insight into everything you should know before making your reservations and starting your European adventure.
EURAIL PASS VS. INDIVIDUAL TICKETS
Before talking about routes and trains, we must discuss the different ticket options: the Eurail Pass and individual train tickets.
The Eurail Global Pass covers 33 countries with a single pass. It offers two different travel options: Flexi, which allows you to travel on a certain number of days within a specific period, and Continuous, which covers travel on consecutive days. For adults traveling in second class, approximate prices include 4 travel days within one month for €293, 10 travel days within two months for €472, 15 travel days for €583, and one full month for €703.
The Eurail Pass is designed for non-European residents, making it a great option for American travelers. The equivalent option for European residents is the Interrail Pass. Although the names are different, the passes offer similar benefits, and prices vary depending on the specific pass and travel dates.
So, when is it more convenient to get a pass? The pass is most convenient when you are traveling long distances frequently. If you like having flexibility, are open to changing your plans, or are using trains that don’t require a previous reservation, such as many trains in Germany or Austria where you can simply find an open seat, then a pass can be a great option.
When should you get individual train tickets? Individual tickets are a better choice when you have a specific itinerary that you want to follow and are able to make reservations three to four months in advance. Trains such as the TGV from Paris to Marseille or the AVE from Madrid to Barcelona require reservations, but booking early can help you find cheaper fares.
WHAT NO ONE TELLS YOU
There is a key factor that can make the difference between having a great train experience and arriving at the station only to discover that you cannot board your train.
Your train pass or ticket gives you the right to travel; however, many high-speed trains also require a seat reservation, which often comes with a separate fee. In 2026, approximate reservation prices include €10–€30 for TGV trains in France, around €13 for Frecciarossa trains in Italy, and Eurostar London–Paris tickets that typically start at around €30 for standard seating. For couchettes on Nightjet overnight trains, reservations can cost around €34, depending on the route and accommodation type.
One important thing to keep in mind during the summer is that Eurostar trains connecting London, Paris, Brussels, and Amsterdam have limited capacity for Eurail Pass holders. During the busy summer season, these spots can sell out months in advance. To avoid setbacks during your travels, we recommend making your reservations as soon as the train calendar opens.
The good news is that many trains in Germany, Austria, the Netherlands, Belgium, and other parts of Central Europe do not require reservations. On Germany’s ICE trains and Austria’s Railjet trains, you generally just need to show your ticket and find an available seat, unless you want to reserve a specific seat.
THE PERFECT ROUTE
THE UNESCO ROUTE THAT COMBINES GLACIERS WITH PALM TREES
The Bernina Express connects Chur or St. Moritz in Switzerland with Tirano in Italy, crossing the Alps along a route that has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is one of the highest adhesion railways in Europe, climbing to 2,253 meters at the Bernina Pass without using a rack-and-pinion system.
Along the way, the train passes over the iconic Landwasser Viaduct, a curved stone bridge that appears in many photographs of the route. It also crosses the Brusio Circular Viaduct, a 360-degree spiral viaduct on the Italian side designed to help the train overcome the change in elevation.
In summer, there is also a bus extension from Tirano to Lugano that runs along the shores of Lake Como. For those traveling from Chur to Tirano, it is recommended to sit on the right side of the carriage if you want to enjoy the best views of the Morteratsch Glacier and Lago Bianco.
Something you should know before your trip: the reservation system opens three to six months in advance, and during the summer, the best seats tend to sell out quickly. Reservations are required for the Bernina Express, so make sure to book ahead of time. Discover the gastronomic festivals in Latin America
🌙 EUROPE IN YOUR SLEEP
The night trains operated by ÖBB have been one of the greatest revelations in Europe for travelers trying to maximize their trip while minimizing hotel costs. The Nightjet from Paris to Vienna takes approximately 12 hours, with options ranging from shared cabins with bunk beds to private compartments with regular beds.
Other available routes include Rome to Munich, traveling through Florence or Bologna; Salzburg to destinations across Europe, with some overnight departures; Amsterdam to Zürich, passing through Cologne, Frankfurt, and Basel; and Vienna to La Spezia, offering a convenient way to reach the Cinque Terre region.
There is a simple advantage to these night trains: a train ticket can replace a hotel night. In cities like Vienna, Rome, or Munich, this can be a great way to save money if you’re traveling on a budget.
🚂THE MOST SPECTACULAR TRAIN JOURNEY IN NORTHERN EUROPE
The Oslo–Bergen railway crosses the Hardangervidda plateau, one of the highest and most isolated mountainous areas on the continent. During the summer, you’ll find beautiful views of crystal-clear lakes, waterfalls, and green prairies. The scenery along this train journey is simply spectacular.
The route can also be combined with the Flåm Railway, which descends toward the Aurlandsfjord, one of the most photogenic rail journeys in all of Europe. Although this may be a long travel day, it will feel more like an experience of its own than just a boring train ride.
⚡LONDON TO PARIS IN JUST OVER TWO HOURS
If you want to add London to your European trip, Eurostar is still a great and efficient way to travel to and from this incredible city. The train ride from London to Paris takes approximately 2 hours and 14 minutes, with no airport transfer or traditional baggage check-in. Instead, you’ll arrive directly in the heart of the respective cities.
It is important to make a reservation ahead of time, especially during the summer, as train tickets and seats tend to sell out months in advance.
HOW TO COMPLEMENT THIS TRIP WITH YOUR ROYAL HOLIDAY MEMBERSHIP
The train will solve many of your transportation needs, but to have the full experience, you’ll also need a place to stay once you arrive in each city.
As a Royal Holiday Vacation Club member, you can visit www.royal-holiday.com and explore the hotel options your membership provides. Book your hotel with TravelXtra and make your European adventure even easier to plan.
If you need extra help organizing your trip, Royal Travel can help you plan your flights to and from Europe. That way, you can focus on enjoying the train journeys between countries without having to constantly navigate airports.
