Did you know you could tour Europe country by country, city by city via train? Exploring Europe by train is less exhausting, cheaper and more eventful compared to exploring by air or bus. In this guide, we give you five simple steps to make a plan to travel to Europe by train.
Step 1: Choose the Most Favorable Rail Pass
When exploring Europe by train you have three options for train passes. You could purchase the following:
The Eurail Global Pass
This pass allows you to travel across all 33 European countries. You have various options to choose from regarding the length of validity of the pass, with some of the most preferred options being 15 days in 2 months, 10 days in 2 months, 7 days in 1 month and 4 days in 1 month, among many others.
The Eurail One Country Pass
This pass allows you to select only one European country to have access to all commuter trains to explore every inch of the country.
Individual Tickets
If you prefer to make your decisions on the go, you can always purchase train tickets at every stop to your next destination. Tickets from city to city should cost anywhere between €5 and €25.
Step 2: Decide On Your Best Season to Travel
Whilst the best season for touring Europe is entirely based on personal preference, here are a few pointers about what to expect as a tourist during different seasons.
- Summer – The busiest season to explore Europe. There are large crowds and price hikes are expected. The weather is warm and the days are longer so most ideal for fully packed tourism activities.
- Spring and Fall – These seasons have fewer crowds compared to summer. The weather is pleasant and temperatures are ideal for being outdoors.
- Winter – This is the lowest season in terms of tourist numbers. The prices of activities and commodities are also at their lowest in winter. However, the days are shorter, thus less time for exploration. The cold weather may be unbearable for some, but if you don’t mind the cold, winter can be a great season to travel to Europe.
Step 3: Select Your Most Preferred Route
Europe has been a coveted tourist destination because of its numerous scenic destinations and exploring by train allows you to experience most of these scenic views. If you are intrigued by history, taking the training route through Berlin, Vienna and Prague will allow you to visit and experience the deep cultural heritage of Central Europe. On the other hand, for lovers of nature, the Glacier Express route is highly recommended, as it meanders through breathtaking views of the Swiss Alps.
The beauty of exploring Europe via train is whatever attractions interest you, there is a train route available for you to take to explore them.
Step 4: Plan for Activities During Travel Time
While breathtaking views are guaranteed when exploring Europe by train, there will be a lot of downtimes. Prepare in advance card games to enjoy as a family or with friends, and a reading list of books to catch up on will sure come in handy as well.
If you are travelling alone, you can carry a gaming gadget like a Nintendo Switch, PS Vita, LYRA or ASUS ROG Pro to keep you entertained during the less adventurous train rides. The gaming gadgets come in quite handy in various ways.
For instance, if you are a movie lover, you can easily stream your favorite show. Besides, if you are a gaming enthusiast, some of these gadgets, such as the ASUS ROG Phone Pro, allow you to access anything from your favorite video game title to online casinos offering no deposit bonuses that you can try out on the go.
Step 5: Highlight Your Must-See Attractions
Exploring Europe by train allows you to visit a number of cities and countries all in one trip. Highlighting the attractions that you must see at the various destinations ensures you get the most out of your Europe expedition. Here’s a breakdown of what the most popular European cities are known for to help you come up with your must-see attractions:
- Amsterdam, Netherlands: Known for being the most bike-friendly city in Europe. Amsterdam is filled with picturesque canals and a rich historical heritage.
- Prague, Czech Republic: Also known as the city of a hundred spires, the city is known for its colorful and historical architecture. Explore Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque and Romanesque architecture all in one city.
- Berlin, Germany: Known for its thrilling nightlife and home of the world's largest open-air art gallery.
- Barcelona, Spain: A great destination for beach lovers that offers exemplary cuisine to explore and experience.
- Salzburg, Austria: The birth city of Mozart boasts of a rich musical heritage. The city also offers scenic mountain views and garden estates.
- Interlaken, Switzerland: Home to the Swiss Alps, this is a must-experience for winter sports enthusiasts.
- Paris, France: The city of lights is largely known for its enchanting architecture and world-class museums.
- London, England: The city is known for diverse cultural experiences as well as a hub for great entertainment.
- Rome, Italy: An ancient historical city full of stunning landmarks to explore.
See how easy it is to plan to travel through Europe by train? Follow these simple 5 steps and you will be on your next Europe adventure in no time.
