share the article
Last update
Planning a trip to Europe this summer? These new rail routes will allow you to travel within the continent with ease and ease.
Rail travel has always been popular in Europe, with a robust network of high-speed trains connecting popular cities and regional trains making even smaller towns easily accessible.
More than ever, you may want to consider rail travel as your primary means of getting around Europe. Especially when visiting multiple destinations within a country, or multiple different countries.
Last summer, chaos at European airports resulted in delayed flights, extremely long security lines, lost luggage, and other headache-inducing travel disasters.
Additionally, France has banned short-haul flights between cities that can be traveled by train in less than 2.5 hours to combat climate change. We cannot rule out the possibility that many other countries will follow suit in the next few years.
Luckily, it’s not difficult to avoid flights in Europe. Trains are often more affordable and comfortable than traveling by plane. Some routes are as fast as flying, especially considering all the extra time required to get to and from the airport.
In addition, European rail penetration continues to grow.
These are some of the best new long-distance train routes in Europe.
1. Vienna to Paris
Tickets starting at €30 allow travelers to go from Vienna to Paris in 14 hours on the luxury nightjet train.
Trains stop in Salzburg and Munich and feature spacious seating, wireless charging stations, free WiFi and bike storage.
Top 5 Travel Insurance Plans for 2023 Starting at $10 a Week
2. Brussels to Berlin
Coming into service in May 2023, this new route from European Sleeper will take travelers from Brussels to Berlin via Amsterdam.
This night train takes less than 11 hours and fares start at just €49.
3. From Milan to Paris
Frecciarossa’s fast route has already launched and will take you between hipster Milan and Paris in less than seven hours.
Journey tickets start at €29.
4. Madrid to Valencia
Thanks to Ouigo’s new service, travelers can get from the Spanish capital of Madrid to the coastal city of Valencia in just 1 hour and 45 minutes for just €9.
In 2023, Huigo will launch services reaching other destinations in southern Spain, including Cordoba, Seville and Malaga.
5. Barcelona to Madrid
Travel between these two major cities in Spain has become even faster with the launch of this new rail service from Iryo in November 2022.
Fares start at €18 and allow travelers to travel from Barcelona to Madrid in just 2.5 hours.
6. Ljubljana to Budapest
The train is already in service with the Hungarian State Railways, taking travelers from the Slovenian capital to the Hungarian capital on a scenic ride through Graz, Austria.
The fare is just €16 and the total travel time is 7.5 hours. This is the most economical way to get from Ljubljana to Budapest.
7. From Paris to Berlin
This new TGV route is scheduled to open a bit later in early 2024, but it will be the first time it will connect travelers directly from Paris to Berlin.
Previously, traveling between these two European capitals required a change in Cologne or Frankfurt, but now passengers can travel non-stop between these two cities in seven hours.
Reasons to travel Europe by train
Traveling by train in Europe has many advantages. Affordable, comfortable and relaxing, it is a favorite of many travelers.
Instead of worrying about arriving at the airport hours earlier, you can be at the station 30 minutes before departure.
You can also bring more luggage on the train without paying extra (and worrying about losing it).
Although it can take longer than a plane, trains are much more comfortable and scenic.
traveler alert: Don’t forget your travel insurance for your next trip!
↓ Join the community ↓
of Travel Off Path Community FB Group Get the latest reopening news, conversations, and Q&As every day.
Subscribe for latest posts
Enter your email address to subscribe to Travel Off Path’s latest travel news straight to your inbox
This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com.
