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Most Scenic Train Routes in Europe to Explore in 2025

November 02, 2024

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Travelling by train, passing by cities, landscapes, and sharing stories with other travellers, gives a unique sense of pleasure and memories. In Europe, the cities are known for their art and architecture, but what adds a special charm to your travel is train journeys across destinations! Travelling via train in Europe will change your perspective on train journeys forever! Let us give you the top scenic train rides in Europe that will leave you mesmerised.

A Quick Look at the Most Scenic Trains in Europe:

1. Bernina Express,Switzerland A UNESCO World Heritage Site crossing the Swiss Alps to reach Italy.

2. Centovalli Railway, Switzerland: Pass through a hundred valleys from Switzerland to Italy.

3.Bergen Railway, Norway: A journey that takes you through Norwegian fjords, waterfalls, and the Hardangervidda plateau.

4. West Highland Line, Scotland: T Travel deep into Scotland’s wild highlands, past moors, lochs, and the famous Glenfinnan Viaduct.

5. Arlberg Line, Austria: An adventurous train journey passing through high altitudes and long tunnels, boasting its engineering excellence with scenic vistas.

1. Bernina Express, Switzerland

We all know Switzerland is famous for its natural beauty and impeccable train journeys. Bernina Express is one of those trains that transports you into a land of natural beauty. Watch the Swiss Alps pass swiftly from your panoramic windows. Just sit and relax, and enjoy the passing glaciers, alpine lakes, and villages with a backdrop of mesmerising mountains. Hop on the Bernina Express and travel through a memorable time where you won’t be able to take your eyes off the scenery. A UNESCO World Heritage site, this train takes you on a route passing many tunnels, bridges, and over the 65-meter-high Landwasser Viaduct.

Route: Chur/St. Moritz in Switzerland – Tirano in Italy

Speciality: UNESCO World Heritage status, Highest Railway in Europe, Steepest Incline, View of Swiss Alps

Facilities: Free to Choose Departure Times, 1st Class & 2nd Class Panoramic Coaches, Allegra Regional Coaches with Openable Windows, WiFi, Snack & Drink Trolley

2. Centovalli Railway, Switzerland

An engineering marvel that takes you on a train journey through the mountainous terrains, traversing through Hundred Valleys (as the name suggests). It is also known as the Vigezzina Centrovalli Railway and is considered one of the best train journeys in Europe due to its scenic link between Italy and Switzerland. Experience a real-life panoramic film of nature’s beauty and a historical train journey passing through European villages, and enjoy its iconic landmarks. Be ready to be mesmerised and keep your video streaming on, to film the most picturesque scenes and views of waterfalls, vineyards, and chestnut forests.

Route: Domodossola in Italy - Locarno in Switzerland

Speciality: Crosses 83 bridges & 34 tunnels, Historical Significance, Engineering Feat, Year-Round Service

Facilities: Panoramic Carriages, Audio Guide, Online Ticket Reservations, Snack Trolleys, Assistance Service

TRAVEL HACK: Get a Swiss Travel Pass if you're exploring multiple scenic routes like the Bernina Express or Centovalli Railway. It offers unlimited travel on trains, buses, and boats, and includes free or discounted entry to over 500 museums.

3. Bergen Railway, Norway

Nothing can beat ‘European Train Travel’ when one wants to enjoy panoramic views of the natural landscapes, like famous mountain ranges, villages, and waterfalls, without getting down. The Bergen Line in Norway is a must-try train journey for travellers seeking a memorable experience. The line not only connects the two most important cities of Norway, but also connects the travel to nature and its beauty. It passes by Hardangervidda mountain plateau, fjords, and mountains. The train ride is an unconventional way of seeing Norwegian landscapes without getting down. The line was built in 1909, and since then, it has been a marvel to ride on!

Route: Oslo - Bergen, Norway

Speciality: Highest Railway in Northern Europe, Engineering Marvel, Family-Friendly Coach options, Key Link Between Important CitiesFacilities: WiFi, Coffee Bar, Restaurant-Bistro, Vending Machines, Family Coach with a Play Area, First-Class Coach, Online Booking

4. West Highland Line, Scotland

If you are in Scotland and you miss out on a West Highland Line train journey, then you have truly missed an experience of a lifetime. A railway line, a train journey that has been consistently ranked among the most scenic railway routes in the world, is surely not a missable adventure. Hop on the train and witness the beauty of Scottish landscapes which are not accessible on foot, but only on this train journey. Started as an important link between remote areas of Scotland to the cities, this train route has become the epitome of beautiful train routes in Europe to enjoy the Scottish highlands, lochs, and moors. Plan multiple stops along the route, explore the country and indulge in outdoor activities, and hop on the train again to experience a one-of-a-kind trip.

Route: Starts from Glasgow Queen Street, splits into 3 routes - Oban, Fort William, Mallaig

Speciality: Scenic view of Remote Wilderness, Historical Significance of Connecting Remote Lands to Cities, View of iconic Glenfinnan ViaductFacilities: Highland Explorer Carriages (room for bikes, skis, etc.), Vending Machines/Trolley, Overnight Sleeper Services, Audio Guide

TRAVEL HACK: Consider getting an Eurail Pass or Interrail Pass if you're planning to take multiple scenic routes across countries. It is reasonable and offers flexibility.

5. Arlberg Line, Austria

A railway line that enhanced the connectivity in Austria, and brought tourists and travellers, and traders over the years. While sports and heritage culture are just impeccable in Austria, one should not miss out on the train journey on the Arlberg Line. It is not only a historic symbol, but an engineering marvel as well, as it passes through high bridges and long tunnels. The route is mesmerisingly beautiful, crossing stunning views of mountains and valleys, while running at high altitude with a great steep gradient. This specific train journey is the intersection of technical marvel and visual delight. Travelling through Arlberg will captivate your heart with cultural richness and serene Alpine landscapes.

Route: Innsbruck and Bludenz

Speciality: T Trisanna Bridge, Arlberg Tunnel, Steep Gradient of 3.1%, Impressive Viaducts & Walls, Views of Paznaun Valley, Landeck to Bludenz, High Altitude.

Facilities: Children’s entertainment, Coffee Bar, Restaurant/Bistro, Shower, Video Screens, WiFi, Waiter Services

This train adventure in Europe sounds great and interesting. Plan your trip with TriWize and get the most affordable flight booking. It is a reliable platform with upgraded deals and offers, making it the one of the best flight booking websites!

FAQs

1.Should I book the train tickets in advance or instantly?
Many of these trains offer pre-season offers and deals. To get better offers, you should book the tickets in advance, and it also ensures seat availability and access to panoramic coaches.
2.Which scenic train route is best for families?
While all the above-mentioned trains are family-friendly, the Bergen Railway in Norway is pretty special and comfortable when travelling with family. It offers play areas, comfortable seating, and spectacular views, making it great for all age groups.
3.Are these train routes accessible year-round?
Most of these scenic trains, like the Centovalli and Bergen Railway, operate year-round, although service frequency and scenery can vary with seasons, especially in winter.
4.Can I get a refund on the tickets if I am unable to go on the train?
Refund and re-booking policies differ from train to train, and country to country.. Many scenic trains offer partial refunds or rebooking if cancelled in advance, but discounted or promotional tickets are often non-refundable. Check the terms on particular websites to get more information.
5.Is food service available on the above-mentioned trains?
Not all trains have a cafeteria or restaurant, but most of the trains have snack trolleys and vending machines. You can always buy a snack or beverage, or carry your own food if you wish.

1. Bernina Express, Switzerland

Route: Chur/St. Moritz in Switzerland – Tirano in Italy

Speciality: UNESCO World Heritage status, Highest Railway in Europe, Steepest Incline, View of Swiss Alps

Facilities: Free to Choose Departure Times, 1st Class & 2nd Class Panoramic Coaches, Allegra Regional Coaches with Openable Windows, WiFi, Snack & Drink Trolley

2. Centovalli Railway, Switzerland

Route: Domodossola in Italy - Locarno in Switzerland

Speciality: Crosses 83 bridges & 34 tunnels, Historical Significance, Engineering Feat, Year-Round Service

Facilities: Panoramic Carriages, Audio Guide, Online Ticket Reservations, Snack Trolleys, Assistance Service

3. Bergen Railway, Norway

Route: Oslo - Bergen, Norway

4. West Highland Line, Scotland

Route: Starts from Glasgow Queen Street, splits into 3 routes - Oban, Fort William, Mallaig

5. Arlberg Line, Austria

Route: Innsbruck and Bludenz

Speciality: T Trisanna Bridge, Arlberg Tunnel, Steep Gradient of 3.1%, Impressive Viaducts & Walls, Views of Paznaun Valley, Landeck to Bludenz, High Altitude.

Facilities: Children’s entertainment, Coffee Bar, Restaurant/Bistro, Shower, Video Screens, WiFi, Waiter Services

FAQs

1.Should I book the train tickets in advance or instantly?

Many of these trains offer pre-season offers and deals. To get better offers, you should book the tickets in advance, and it also ensures seat availability and access to panoramic coaches.

2.Which scenic train route is best for families?

While all the above-mentioned trains are family-friendly, the Bergen Railway in Norway is pretty special and comfortable when travelling with family. It offers play areas, comfortable seating, and spectacular views, making it great for all age groups.

3.Are these train routes accessible year-round?

Most of these scenic trains, like the Centovalli and Bergen Railway, operate year-round, although service frequency and scenery can vary with seasons, especially in winter.

4.Can I get a refund on the tickets if I am unable to go on the train?

Refund and re-booking policies differ from train to train, and country to country.. Many scenic trains offer partial refunds or rebooking if cancelled in advance, but discounted or promotional tickets are often non-refundable. Check the terms on particular websites to get more information.

5.Is food service available on the above-mentioned trains?

Not all trains have a cafeteria or restaurant, but most of the trains have snack trolleys and vending machines. You can always buy a snack or beverage, or carry your own food if you wish.