Top 10 Scenic Train Journeys in Europe – Rail Adventures Across the Continent
Top 10 Scenic Train Journeys in Europe
Train travel in Europe isn’t just about getting from point A to B — it’s about soaking in landscapes, culture, and history as you glide through mountain passes, coastal cliffs, and medieval towns. Whether you're a solo backpacker or a slow travel enthusiast, scenic trains offer some of the most unforgettable experiences on the continent.
In this guide, we cover the top 10 scenic train journeys in Europe — from Swiss glacier crossings to seaside tunnels in Italy. If you loved exploring [fairytale towns](https://mytravel-tips.com/europe-most-colorful-towns-fairytale-villages/) or are planning your [budget travel Europe](https://mytravel-tips.com/backpacking-europe-on-a-budget/) adventure, these rail routes are perfect additions to your itinerary. Many are also covered under Interrail and Eurail passes, making them ideal for budget-friendly Europe travel.
For nature lovers, some routes go through alpine lakes and valleys similar to destinations listed under our [Adventure & Hiking](https://mytravel-tips.com/category/adventure/) section. If you're more into cultural immersion, historic railways in Germany and Austria connect beautifully with places featured in our [Culture & History](https://mytravel-tips.com/category/culture-history/) collection.
📸 Featured Image: Glacier Express crossing the Landwasser Viaduct – Source: Swiss Railways
🔎 Explore Routes – Clickable TOC
- 🚆 Why Train Travel in Europe Is So Scenic
- 🏔️ Glacier Express – Switzerland
- 🏖️ Cinque Terre Railway – Italy
- 🌲 Flåm Railway – Norway
- 🚣 West Highland Line – Scotland
- 🏰 Semmering Railway – Austria
- 🐎 Centovalli Railway – Switzerland to Italy
- 🏞️ Rhine Valley Line – Germany
- 🌄 Zermatt to Gornergrat – Switzerland
- 🌻 Montreux–Oberland Bernois Line – Switzerland
- 🏜️ Belgrade to Bar Railway – Serbia to Montenegro
- 🧳 Final Summary + Map Snapshot
Why Train Travel in Europe Is So Scenic
Europe’s rail network is more than just efficient — it’s visually breathtaking. From the sun-drenched cliffs of the Mediterranean to the snow-dusted peaks of the Alps, traveling by train offers a cinematic experience unmatched by flights or buses. For those seeking scenic train journeys in Europe, there’s no better way to discover the soul of the continent.
Trains in Europe connect not only capital cities but also remote alpine villages, UNESCO heritage towns, and national parks. Panoramic carriages, glass domes, and historic routes transform every window seat into a front-row view of nature and culture. These experiences pair perfectly with [budget travel in Europe](https://mytravel-tips.com/backpacking-europe-on-a-budget/), allowing travelers to explore large distances without the high cost of flying.
In countries like Switzerland, Austria, and Norway, train travel is part of the landscape experience. Onboard the Glacier Express or Flåm Railway, you’ll pass waterfalls, glacier valleys, and cliffside tunnels carved through rock — all while sipping a local drink or journaling in peace. Unlike car travel, there's no need to focus on directions — just sit back and let the rails reveal Europe’s best-kept secrets.
And let’s not forget the cultural immersion. Historic stations, small-town stops, and spontaneous connections with locals all make European train journeys part of the slow travel movement. Whether you're following up on our [fairytale villages](https://mytravel-tips.com/europe-most-colorful-towns-fairytale-villages/) or taking detours through [hidden places in Europe](https://mytravel-tips.com/tag/hidden-places-in-europe/), trains let you explore deeper, slower, and with purpose.
🌍 Quick Fact: Switzerland, home to three of our top 10 routes, has the densest scenic railway network in the world — with over 5,000km of track across mountains, lakes, and valleys.
1. Glacier Express – Switzerland
Widely hailed as the most spectacular train journey in the Alps, the Glacier Express in Switzerland runs between Zermatt and St. Moritz — connecting two world-famous alpine resorts through a cinematic, eight-hour ride. With panoramic windows, quiet cabins, and deep glacier valleys, this train allows travelers to witness the Swiss landscape from the comfort of their seats.
Despite its luxury reputation, this journey is not out of reach for budget-conscious travelers. Holders of the Swiss Travel Pass or Eurail Global Pass can access the route with a seat reservation, and many travelers choose to ride just a portion of the full route to save time and cost. For anyone dreaming of iconic peaks, ancient bridges, and peaceful alpine towns, this ride is the ultimate way to experience the **scenic railways of Europe**.
📍 Route: Zermatt ➝ St. Moritz
🗺️ Distance: 291 km
⏱️ Duration: Approx. 8 hours
🌄 Scenery Type: Swiss Alps, viaducts, glaciers, mountain passes
🎫 Pass Coverage: Swiss Travel Pass, Eurail, Interrail (seat reservation required)
💡 Key Insight: The Glacier Express crosses 291 bridges and 91 tunnels — including the world-famous Landwasser Viaduct, a UNESCO landmark and architectural masterpiece.
2. Cinque Terre Railway – Italy
The Cinque Terre Railway in Italy is one of Europe’s most romantic short-distance rail journeys. This picturesque route hugs the rugged Ligurian coastline, connecting the five iconic cliffside villages of Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore — each bursting with colorful houses, vineyards, and sea views. Much of the ride is through tunnels carved into mountains, but the intermittent views of the turquoise Mediterranean are jaw-dropping when they appear.
As part of Italy’s regional rail system, this line is both frequent and affordable — ideal for travelers on a budget trip across Italy or Europe. It’s often used as a hop-on-hop-off scenic ride with stops in multiple villages. The route can be enjoyed with a simple regional ticket or the Cinque Terre Card, which offers unlimited daily travel and trail access. This is a must-do for those who love scenic coastlines without the need for a long-haul ride.
📍 Route: La Spezia ➝ Levanto (via Cinque Terre villages)
🗺️ Distance: 40 km
⏱️ Duration: Approx. 1 hour (full stretch)
🌄 Scenery Type: Mediterranean coastline, cliffs, sea tunnels, vineyards
🎫 Pass Coverage: Trenitalia Regional Ticket, Cinque Terre Card, Eurail (local trains)
💡 Key Insight: Sit on the left side when going northbound (from La Spezia) for the best sea-facing views of Manarola and Corniglia through tunnel breaks.
3. Flåm Railway – Norway
The Flåm Railway in Norway (Flåmsbana) is often considered one of the most dramatic short train rides in the world. Climbing nearly 865 meters over just 20 kilometers, it offers a stunning transition from fjord level to mountainous terrain. What makes this journey unforgettable is the scenery: waterfalls crashing down sheer cliffs, deep green valleys, traditional wooden farms, and tunnels carved into raw rock — all within the hour-long ascent or descent.
Starting in the tiny fjord village of Flåm and ending at Myrdal (where it connects with the Bergen Line), this route is both a feat of engineering and a gateway to Norway’s most iconic landscapes. Though the fare is slightly higher compared to regional trains, it is covered by most Scandinavian and European rail passes. Ideal for photographers, nature lovers, and day-trippers alike, the Flåm Railway is a slow adventure through one of Europe’s wildest corridors.
📍 Route: Flåm ➝ Myrdal
🗺️ Distance: 20.2 km
⏱️ Duration: Approx. 1 hour
🌄 Scenery Type: Fjords, waterfalls, tunnels, alpine forests
🎫 Pass Coverage: Interrail, Eurail, Norwegian Rail Pass (seat reservation recommended)
💡 Key Insight: The train stops briefly at the famous Kjosfossen waterfall, where travelers can step out and experience the roaring falls up close — a uniquely theatrical moment on rails.
4. West Highland Line – Scotland
The West Highland Line in Scotland is arguably the UK’s most breathtaking rail route, carrying travelers from the historic city of Glasgow into the dramatic wilds of the Scottish Highlands. It passes misty lochs, lonely moors, rugged peaks, and ancient glens — a cinematic experience made world-famous by its appearance in the Harry Potter films, where the Jacobite Steam Train crosses the Glenfinnan Viaduct.
This journey feels remote, timeless, and meditative — perfect for travelers seeking solitude and scenic immersion. The line splits toward Oban or Fort William and continues on to Mallaig, one of Scotland’s westernmost ports. It’s well connected with ScotRail and accessible via BritRail, Eurail, and Interrail passes, making it ideal for cross-Europe adventurers. Whether you're a hiker, photographer, or Potterhead, this route is unforgettable.
📍 Route: Glasgow ➝ Mallaig (via Fort William / Oban)
🗺️ Distance: 264 km
⏱️ Duration: Approx. 5.5 hours
🌄 Scenery Type: Highlands, lochs, viaducts, coast
🎫 Pass Coverage: BritRail, Interrail, Eurail, ScotRail
💡 Key Insight: Ride the Jacobite Steam Train (summer only) for a vintage experience, or use standard ScotRail for year-round access at a fraction of the cost.
5. Semmering Railway – Austria
The Semmering Railway in Austria is not only scenic — it’s historic. Built between 1848 and 1854, it was the world’s first mountain railway and is now listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Winding through the Semmering Pass in the Eastern Alps, it showcases breathtaking views of gorges, forests, viaducts, and traditional alpine architecture along its route between Gloggnitz and Mürzzuschlag.
Still fully operational and integrated into Austria’s modern ÖBB system, this line is both a functional commuter route and a time capsule of 19th-century engineering. Budget travelers can access it easily using standard ÖBB tickets or Interrail and Eurail Austria Passes. For those who appreciate heritage, nature, and affordable travel — the Semmering Railway delivers all three in one unforgettable ride.
📍 Route: Gloggnitz ➝ Mürzzuschlag (Eastern Alps)
🗺️ Distance: 41 km
⏱️ Duration: Approx. 1 hour
🌄 Scenery Type: Alpine viaducts, pine forests, mountain ridges
🎫 Pass Coverage: ÖBB (Austrian Rail), Interrail, Eurail Austria Pass
💡 Key Insight: The route features 16 viaducts, 15 tunnels, and 100+ stone bridges — all built with no modern machinery, a marvel of 1800s civil engineering.
6. Centovalli Railway – Switzerland to Italy
The Centovalli Railway, or “Hundred Valleys Railway,” connects the Swiss town of Locarno with Domodossola in northern Italy through a fairy-tale journey of deep ravines, stone villages, waterfalls, and chestnut forests. This narrow-gauge railway winds through over 80 bridges and 30 tunnels across a compact, mountainous corridor — offering views you won’t get from roads or highways.
Despite its spectacular setting, the ride is short and extremely affordable. It’s one of the best options for travelers exploring southern Switzerland or northern Italy on a budget train journey in Europe. Trains depart frequently year-round, and passes like the Swiss Travel Pass or Eurail Italy-Switzerland combo are accepted with minimal surcharges. This route is the perfect hidden gem for lovers of slow, scenic travel.
📍 Route: Locarno (Switzerland) ➝ Domodossola (Italy)
🗺️ Distance: 52 km
⏱️ Duration: Approx. 2 hours
🌄 Scenery Type: Valleys, forest gorges, alpine bridges, hillside villages
🎫 Pass Coverage: Swiss Travel Pass, Eurail, Interrail (regional supplement applies)
💡 Key Insight: Travel in autumn for golden forests and vineyard views — Centovalli is one of Europe’s most colorful rail routes during October.
7. Rhine Valley Line – Germany
The Rhine Valley Railway in Germany offers one of the most relaxing and visually rich train journeys in central Europe. Running between Koblenz and Mainz, it traces the mighty Rhine River as it snakes through castle-topped cliffs, wine villages, and UNESCO-listed landscapes. The left-bank line, in particular, provides panoramic river views for nearly the entire ride — making it a top choice for travelers who want beauty without mountain altitudes.
The journey is quick, frequent, and highly affordable. Most trains are regional (RB/RE), which means you can use local day passes or the German Rail Pass without reservations. Whether you're coming from Cologne, Frankfurt, or beyond, this stretch is easy to integrate into any backpacking or rail itinerary. It’s a perfect scenic route to unwind between major cities while soaking in historic riverfront charm.
📍 Route: Koblenz ➝ Mainz (via Bingen)
🗺️ Distance: 90 km
⏱️ Duration: Approx. 1.5 hours
🌄 Scenery Type: Rhine River, castles, vineyards, river villages
🎫 Pass Coverage: German Rail Pass, Eurail, Interrail, Regional Day Tickets
💡 Key Insight: Sit on the left side going southbound for uninterrupted views of the Rhine, including the Lorelei Rock and medieval towns like Bacharach.
8. Zermatt to Gornergrat – Switzerland
The Zermatt to Gornergrat Railway is Switzerland’s highest open-air cogwheel train, ascending to a staggering 3,089 meters in just 33 minutes. This short yet steep route provides one of the most majestic panoramas in Europe — a full-frontal view of the Matterhorn, surrounded by 29 other snowcapped peaks above 4,000 meters. The visual drama of this ride makes it feel more like a summit expedition than a simple day trip.
The Gornergrat Bahn is fully electric and runs year-round, with glass-roof carriages and viewing platforms at the summit. While not included entirely in most rail passes, discounts are available with the Swiss Half Fare Card, Swiss Travel Pass, or Eurail + Swiss Add-on. It’s a must-do for nature lovers, photographers, and anyone wanting the best alpine view without a hike.
📍 Route: Zermatt ➝ Gornergrat
🗺️ Distance: 9.3 km
⏱️ Duration: Approx. 33 minutes
🌄 Scenery Type: Glaciers, alpine peaks, panoramic Matterhorn views
🎫 Pass Coverage: Swiss Travel Pass (partial), Half Fare Card, Eurail (discounts only)
💡 Key Insight: At the summit, you'll find the highest hotel in the Swiss Alps — the 3100 Kulmhotel — with direct views of the Monte Rosa glacier and Matterhorn sunrise.
9. Montreux–Oberland Bernois Line – Switzerland
The Montreux–Oberland Bernois Line, better known as the MOB or part of the GoldenPass route, is a masterpiece of alpine travel. Starting from the lakeside town of Montreux, it climbs through rolling vineyards, timbered villages, and flower-filled valleys before reaching the resort towns of Gstaad and Zweisimmen. Every bend offers a new postcard: one moment Lake Geneva sparkles below, the next you’re gliding past wooden chalets and cow-dotted meadows.
This route is part of the larger GoldenPass Express, which links Lucerne and Interlaken to Montreux, and offers both panoramic and Belle Époque-style carriages. Passengers using the Swiss Travel Pass or Eurail/Interrail Global Pass can access the route at no extra cost — just reserve in advance for premium seats. It’s one of the best scenic train rides in Europe that blends lakes, wine country, and high alpine charm in a single journey.
📍 Route: Montreux ➝ Zweisimmen (GoldenPass segment)
🗺️ Distance: 62 km
⏱️ Duration: Approx. 2 hours
🌄 Scenery Type: Lakeside vineyards, alpine pastures, wooden villages
🎫 Pass Coverage: Swiss Travel Pass, Interrail, Eurail (free with optional reservation)
💡 Key Insight: Choose the Belle Époque coach for a 1930s vintage luxury vibe — the train runs daily with different themed cabins depending on departure time.
10. Belgrade to Bar Railway – Serbia to Montenegro
The Belgrade to Bar Railway is one of the most underrated and extreme train journeys in Europe. Spanning two countries and over 400 bridges, this route cuts through the Dinaric Alps, over deep canyons, past turquoise rivers, and finally descends to the sparkling Adriatic Sea. It’s a rugged, raw ride — far from polished tourism — and that’s what makes it so breathtaking.
Designed during the Yugoslav era, this route is both an engineering marvel and a cultural throwback. Though some trains are older, the scenery is untamed and vast, making it a favorite among adventure travelers and slow travel purists. Tickets are extremely affordable, and while not covered by major European rail passes, the cost (around €20 one-way) is worth every cent for the 12-hour cinematic journey across mountains and borders.
📍 Route: Belgrade (Serbia) ➝ Bar (Montenegro)
🗺️ Distance: 476 km
⏱️ Duration: 10–12 hours
🌄 Scenery Type: Mountains, gorges, lakes, coastline
🎫 Pass Coverage: Not covered by Interrail/Eurail (local tickets only)
💡 Key Insight: The Mala Rijeka viaduct — the tallest railway bridge in Europe — stands 200 meters above a canyon and is the highlight of the entire route.
Final Summary + Map Snapshot
From glacier-carved valleys in Switzerland to sunlit coastal cliffs in Italy, these top 10 scenic train journeys in Europe prove that getting there is half the joy. Whether you're traveling with a Eurail pass, a local budget ticket, or a curated itinerary, these rail routes transform a simple transfer into an unforgettable highlight.
Many of the destinations mentioned are connected to broader travel themes we’ve covered on MyTravel-Tips. For example, some routes pass through [fairytale villages in Europe](https://mytravel-tips.com/europe-most-colorful-towns-fairytale-villages/), while others align with ideas in our guide to [backpacking Europe on a budget](https://mytravel-tips.com/backpacking-europe-on-a-budget/). Whether you're drawn to nature, history, or freedom of movement, Europe's railways make exploration accessible and exciting.
🧭 Quick Tip: For maximum flexibility and value, consider pairing the Interrail or Eurail Global Pass with scenic local trains like Centovalli, Flåm, or MOB lines. Book panoramic seat reservations in advance during summer months!
