Taking the train in Europe is often easier than trying to travel by car or plane and offers the chance to watch the scenery slide by the window. Combined with chances to meet locals, stretch your legs, and enjoy refreshments, taking one of these six best train rides in Europe is a great way to spend part of your vacation or retirement. From remote villages to city streets, explore more about these train excursions below.
6. Nova Gorica to Jesenice, Slovenia
Starting our list of best train rides in Europe is the route from Nova Gorica to Jesenice in Slovenia. While most people have not heard of this 55-mile route, the Bohinj Railway features unspoken beauty along the way. Departing from the Italy-Slovenia border, the train goes through Slovenia’s mountain villages along the Soča River, near Lake Bohinj, and past the world-famous Lake Bled. The trip takes around two hours.
5. The Kyle of Lochalsh Line, Scotland
Next up on our best train rides in Europe list is The Kyle of Lochalsh Line in Scotland. Filled with lots of picturesque moments, Scotland also has lots of railways, including the West Highland Line and the Far North Line. One of the lesser known lines is the Kyle of Lochalsh Line, traveling two and a half hours from Inverness through glens and munros to the shores of the North Sea. A favorite for poets and writers, it is also useful to access remote parts of the Highlands.
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4. The Bernina Express, Switzerland
Fourth on our list of best train rides in Europe are the many wonders of Switzerland’s Bernina Express. Traveling for over four hours across 96 miles, the train passes by glacier-capped mountains, waterfalls, lakes, and sprawling spruce forests. Listed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, the train passes through 55 tunnels and over 196 bridges from Chur in Graubünden to Tirano in northern Italy, marking it as one of the most scenic train rides in Switzerland.
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3. Le Petit Train Jaune, France
Rounding out the top three best train rides in Europe is the Le Petit Train Jaune (aka the Canary) in France. A favorite of many French travelers, the 1910-era train rumbles through the forests and mountains of the Pyrenees for over four hours across 39 miles. Considered one of the most scenic railways in France, be aware that you will feel the wind in your hair and the chilly mountain breeze as you traverse across the landscape.
2. Bergensbanen, Norway
Second on our list of best train rides in Europe is Bergensbanen in Norway. While not many know about this route outside of Norway, the train goes for over six hours over 308 miles, covering the range of Norway’s beauty: canyons, rivers, mountainsides, fjords, and barren icescapes. The Bergensbanen train line begins in the cityscape of Oslo but quickly leaves civilization on its journey to the coast in Bergen.
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1. Settle to Carlisle, England
Last but not least on our list is England’s Settle-to-Carlisle line running for nearly two hours along a 73-mile stretch. Part of the British rail network and used by regular mainlines and steam-hauled mainlines, these historical tracks are worth the trip. Featuring miles of Yorkshire Dales and North Pennines scenery, even the stations look pretty enough to be on a postcard.
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