Has anyone ever flown into a city in Europe, and then travelled Europe entirely by rail? Eurail? I'm contemplating booking a trip in 2025, flying in specifically to an airport that is on a rail line, jumping on that, getting off on whatever (small) city I feel like, book a room, stay there a day or two, then getting on the next train and go on to the next city.... (I WILL book rooms in advance, and if I cannot find a place, I'll search the next city that is ON a rail line) Rinse and repeat for 3-4 weeks... Make a big circle and (probably) end back at where I flew into... I was already looking at something like Amsterdam-Germany-Poland-Czech-Austria-Switzerland, etc. I don't want to Uber-Lyft-Taxi, but will do hop-on-hop-off to tour around in the larger cities. Doable?
Very possible. I have a younger brother that took a bicycle to Europe about 20 years ago, and used the train to ride between cities all throughout Europe. From what I remember from his stories, the bikes were great when riding from one small village to another in a specific area, but primarily used the train system to get around Europe. I have never done exclusively train transportation over there, but my brother really enjoyed the experience. Have fun. Next time I take to him, I’ll ask him for helpful hints.
Here is the response from my brother. Hope it is useful. Well, generally there are the multi-country EurRail passes...which are x-number of consecutive days or so many days in an month. I'd recommend getting the latter and spending a few days at each destination...and simply paying for local transit if necessary, instead of using up a day on the pass...would save money... They also have a few country-specific passes (BritRail and SwissRail pass)...have used both and they are great...the Swiss Rail pass is sometimes cheaper since they are trying to draw the tourists and also gets you on their inter-city post-busses (intercity bus service operated by the post office), discounts at museums, and gets you into Italy (Lake Como) and back. The rail passes are also good for discounts on mountain cable cars, etc sometimes...just need to ask at the ticket office. In Switzerland, the rail passes were good also on the old steamers that ply the waters of Lake Geneva and Lucerne...don't miss out on doing that...so neat...in the UK they had a cool old steamer in the Lake District, but, can't recall if the pass covered that...that's my favorite area of the UK...rains alot but storybook beautiful... Now days, with the discount airlines, he might consider just taking flights between long hauls, combined with a rail pass. That wasn't an option years ago. When arriving, it's good to make sure you fly into one of the airports that also has a train station...very convenient...just get off the plane, go to the lower level, get the rail pass validated and off you go...most the major cities have this...except London...Heathrow only has the tubes onsite but Gatwick has a full train station adjacent to the airport. Brussels and Amsterdam have stations under the airport, as does Zurich, etc. etc etc. The nice thing about taking the trains is that it puts you right in each city center...very nice...inside most major rail stations they have tourist offices (free) which are very helpful...even at booking a hostel or hotel if you haven't reserved ahead...I never did and never had a problem but that may be a different story now days... The stations also have detailed information about the local trains and trams...very important to get to off-the-beaten path places...for example, there is a local train from Munich to Ludwig's Castle about a half hour SE of Munich...the same might be true for Nice and Monaco (haven't been to either though)...to get a local bus from the station up into the hills to Eze, for example... It' also good to make sure you know whether each major city you're going through has one major central station or multiple ones...for example London and Paris have about five stations each...so, if you want to connect, you might have to change stations...For example, if you're trying to get from Germany to Tours / Loire Valley (Chambord is there) you'd likely arrive at the Gare de L'Est or Gare Du Nord and have to get across Paris to Montparness...quite a haul... Also, some of the stations have clean pay showers etc...really nice...they are called McClean in Germany, for example. I never took the overnight trains, so can't say much about that...maybe flying instead (e.g. between Paris and Nice) would be better...the night trains charge a supplement to the rail pass... Also, he might try to hunt down a good rail network map...those are very helpful for planning and getting around...and take a backup map in your luggage... As far as luggage goes, a convertible back pack is tops...REI would know what these are...the suspension zips closed for checking on flights and then opens up for trekking...but don't get a cheapo one if he goes that route...a real, integrated backpack suspension is a must for comfort...Osprey is probably the go-to brand now days...travel light though as the pack gets heavy...can feel very heavy at first and strain your neck...carrying or rolling luggage would be a pain on that kind of trip...unless your hotel is a couple of blocks from the rail station...it's personal preference, of course, but, that's my two bits...I have both an Eagle Creek and a Lowe Alpine with integrated rain fly conversion packs...one small and one big... Oh, also he might double check on his pass what class it is...I didn't realize for awhile that the EurRail passes are first class...at least one time one I had was...a conductor pointed it out to me...he said "vhat are you doing in second classe vhen you have a first class ticket"...first class was nice but preferred second anyhow...more fun and interesting... Also, it goes without saying to watch your valuables in the train stations...thieves target the American backpackers...just wear an in-shirt chest wallet or similar...and never let your stuff sit for even a second...left a map on a counter one time, turned around for a few seconds and it was gone... Overall it's a great way to go...meet lots of people...see the countryside...the trains go almost everywhere...and drop you off in the center of each city… Most trains have a snack or dining car too...some in Germany have roaming vendor carts with coffee, etc...the Swiss trains have Swiss Army personnel coming from their weekend drills and they toss their helmets and machine guns in the overhead racks... The trains are also a great way to see how strikingly different the architecture etc. is between regions...for example, go through the tunnels between Switzerland and Italy or vice versa and wow, a different world... Oh, if he goes to Venice, make sure to get off at Venice Mestra (I think..can't quite recall) and transfer to the puddle jumper into Venice itself...otherwise you'll end up in Slovenia... The rail passes are great in that, if you make a mistake and need to back track, etc. you can just hop on another train...no need to worry about getting another ticket... Also, finding a place to do laundry can be a challenge...just ask the train info desk or hotel...taking synthetic quick-drying shirts and travel pants help alot...can just hand wash in the hotel...also, light or midweight merino wool socks are a must...they can go for a few days without washing and don't pick up odor...(I usually get the quarter socks from REI (the Darn Tough socks are worth every penny) and also take a crew pair just to have for cool weather... Of course, a rain parka / shell is important since you'll be outdoor between stations etc..but wearing it while hauling a pack can destroy the shell fabric...from the weight of the pack...a rain shell takes up space but is worth it... Also, instead of a heavy coat, etc. just buy a really nice heavyweight base layer...can be hand washed, is warm under the shell...layering, bien sur...and packs easy (Under Armor 4.0 mock turtle is a good one)...comes in handy up in the mountains or on cooler days... Good on him for considering taking the trains...but be careful out there...has been some violent crime in a few stations (e.g. stabbings in the Marsailles station etc, aggressive folks outside the Milan station, etc) in recent years...was so sad to hear about that... Don't be afraid to get off the beaten path...those trains go to almost every town...there is even a train to the Top of Eurpoe on the mighty Jungfrau and its glacier...neatest tunnel system and high altitude station ever... Hope this helps.
an FYI about Venice, Mestre leaves you outside of Venice. you can take a train into Venice proper directly, the Santa Lucia station, I don't recall the train service itself, I believe there are 3 options for that. Sounds like a great trip!
All great info, I really appreciate it. A few things: - I will most likely just buy the $900 unlimited eurail pass for an entire month, I believe it also encompasses 6-8 rail lines. If it doesn't I'll figure it out and deal with it. - I have no real desire to do the UK at all, and doubt I do Italy or France - that may be the next trip. - That's my plan - to fly into an airport that has a train station in or near it. - I've traveled before, I have the neck Passport pouch, but I also have a secondary one elsewhere, I figure if I was mugged they'll get one but not the other. I always do this - even in the USA. - I know how to pack, most of the time I will don a long-sleeve t-shirt: those are my go-to's, along with a collared polo shirt of some kind. I have both thick and thin long-sleeve t-shirts. I also know not to wear 'advertising' shirts that scream 'Hey I'm an American!', and to not wear flashy colors. - I will be 67 when I do this, I'm doubting I do a bike, LOL!
I was adding to my prior post when the 20 min limit hit me... I took the train from Prague to Vienna in 2016, it was amazing to see how run-down the towns were in the Czech Republic, and as soon as we crossed into Austria it looked like we just crossed into Beverly Hills California! One was drab and run-down, the other was kept up well and was bright and shiny! I am going to stick to northern/eastern Europe, probably will just be a big circle starting and ending in Amsterdam, since it seems a ton of flights go into there. Not sure if I will go UP into Denmark/Sweden or just over to Berlin, Poland, Hungary, Vienna, Munich, Frankfurt, Switzerland, Luxembourg, Brussels, back to Amsterdam. London, France, Monaco, Italy, Spain may be another trip, but if I do the UK it will probably be with a rental car so I can go into the country.
Heathrow has a full rail service into Paddington Station - not just the tube. has done for quite a few years now.
Thanks for the info, it has been a few years since my brother has been there and was not aware. I love taking the tube in central London, but have never used it when transferring from the airport, I usually avoid taking subways and public transportation (except taxis) when moving around with luggage.
I can understand that. I'm going to have a decent sized travel backpack, and am debating on taking a carry-on, or just buying stuff as I need it, as I go... I've read horror stories from people that stayed in some areas of Italy where cars are not allowed, and they've had to haul their bags 1-1.5 miles on foot to where they were staying, and cobblestone/brick 'roads' are not too good on luggage wheels. (but I'm not planning on Italy, this time)
I've done it. I love trains and in America we can't really use them. So when I go to Europe its a great excuse to take the train. I love it. Especially Switzerland. Oh man... I use a backpack. It is so much easier. I also use a front "pack" by Kifaru. This way I don't have to deal with carrying things in my hand. A good rule I live by is if you can't fit it in a backpack then you don't need it. Large items I just shipped back home. Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login
Ohhh, I hate cobble stone. I agree, it is nice to look at in cute little villages, but walking on it for extended periods is annoying.
Check here, and allow extra time for delays. The rail network, mainly the bridges, are under repair: https://int.bahn.de/en Interrail, a flat rate for Europe. Be careful when you book your arrival city. Often the main station is not at an airport. Connected by train, sure, but could be an extra hour. And make sure you add the Glacier Express in Switzerland. Priceless!
Thanks for the link. Yes, I am fairly sure I will fly into Amserdam - but whatever city it is I will make SURE the trains run thru it, near it or under it, and I will be mindful of the flights - which cities cost the most or least, but my plan is to fly into one, make a big circle in Europe, and fly out of the same one a few weeks later. I do have a list of cities where the rail lines are running either under or next to the airport: AMS, BRU, CGN, CPH, DUS, FRA, GVA, VIE, ZRH, and AMS seems to be the price leader.
I did the Eur-rail thing in 1990... a lifetime ago. Was not hard (pre cell phones/ data). most recently, took train from Zurich airport to St. Moritz and back. SUPER clean and efficient. Ran like the proverbial Swiss watch!
Some airports appear to be close to a main (ICE, or TGV) station, but can be as far as 20 min by connecting trains away. Go ogle maps will tell you. My best tip might be: Come with backpack, not suitcase. You will walk a lot. Inside or under terminals and train stations. I am using Frankfurt often, and while the US typically flies into Terminal 2, the ICE trains are very close. Too close for a taxi ride.
Well...I'm sorry, but that specific example doesn't work at all: Gare de l'Est to Gare Montparnasse is exactly 15 minutes by the "Métro", and this is a direct line (#4), so no need for a change in métro lines: add 15 minutes to find your way from the train you're getting out of to the métro line, and 15 minutes to find the train you're going to, plus a 15 minutes margin = one hour is plenty, and I do mean PLENTY, if the train is one time. Believe me, I've been doing this every week for the last 40 years (the company I am working for had its headquarters at Montparnasse) so I think I know what I am taking about; did it for the last time just yesterday (= Tuesday, August 20th, 2024) , and I am now 64, so... Add 5 minutes more if it is Paris-Montparnasse to Gare du Nord, or vice-versa (same direct metro line, the #4, but one stop more). Finding your way inside the "Gare du Nord" station to the métro line below can be "a bit complicated" if it is your first time in "Gare du Nord": the art of signaletics (= showing clearly to the average dude with explicit and simple panels were to go) is not among the French best practices... Of course, it depends on luggage, but once you have found your way, gare de l'est or gare du Nord to Paris-Montparnasse is a breeeze, it can't be more simple. There s a direct TGV ("TGV" = "Train à Grande Vitesse", or "High-Speed Train") station inside (actually, under) Paris Charles-de-Gaulle airport, but it depends where you intend to go next, as it doesn't connect with all the TGV lines. Admitedly, the rail connection to:from the city of Paris from Charles-de-Gaulle airport by the regional train ("RER") is "not that great"; it works, but you need some time to find your way inside the airport to the Railway station (Signaletics are not the French's strongest point...) then to buy your ticket, plus it is not very fast (it stops at many local stations) and it depends were you are going next. The only direct connection this regional line from Charles-de-Gaulle airport has with a railway station inside the city of Paris is to Gare du Nord. It should be better and much faster next year, when the direct connection from Paris center to Charles-de-Gaulle airport without any stops opens, but that will be to/from Gare de l'Est only. All due usual due precaution in any railway station of most, if not all, countries apply: watch your luggage, wallet, cellphones, etc. Violence is actually rare (even if it does happen) but you will probably be harrased by tramps or people wanting money. Rgds
Well, I have done two extended tours in the US with Amtrak, including nights spent in the train, and their service has been absolutely first rate: one was Chicago to New-York, then to Washington after visiting New-York; the other was Chicago to Seattle, with a two-days stop in Seattle; then Seattle to San Francisco, with a three days stop in San Francisco, then back to Chicago by train. Almost as long as the trip by Transsiberian from Moscow to Vladivostok I did in 2001 (when Russia has not turned mad). Amtrak travel services were exceptional when preparing the trip: the french travel agencies were a bit lost with my demands, so I did it entirely by myself by mail with Amtrak, and got exactly what I wanted; evey small modification that came to mind, (another stop here, or night more, or less there, etc...) they answered five minutes later with an updated quote: very professional. Rgds
That is so great to hear! I have always wanted to do Amtrak over here and go from Chicago to CA. I am glad you had a great time on it.
In the US, I'll do a long trip by train in an heartbeat; nothing but praise for the people at Amtrak who helped to organize and plan. In fact, I hope to be able to do it again in "a-not-too-distant future". My "other half" is very found of the city of Chicago, so I suppose that, should we return to the US, Chicago is a must as a landing point from Paris. I'm trying to think about something that would involve going by train North from Chicago to South to New Orleans, then following the deep south up to Washington D.C and from there, fly back to Paris. That means, IF I can find someone willing to "babyseat" for my twelve cats... Rgds
I took an extended Amtrak trip a year ago: Atlanta-New Orleans-Los Angeles-Seattle-Chicago-Pittsburgh-Philadelphia-Atlanta. 9 trains in 17 days, including two days in L.A., two days in the Seattle area, and three days in Lancaster (PA) for a wedding. All the trains arrived within 90 minutes of schedule except the L.A. arrival which was 7 hours late due to disruptions on the Union Pacific railroad. (Remember that nearly all Amtrak trains are run on and by the freight railroads and are at their mercy.) Fortunately I was not connecting there. I did have a couple of connections in Chicago and Pittsburgh that I made without issue, but it is recommended that you allow at least three hours for connections. I rode in coach on trains with no more than one night aboard, and used wireless noise-canceling headphones to drown out any noise. On trains where I spent two nights aboard I spent extra for roomettes, which were quiet and comfortable. In coach you cannot eat in the dining car unless you pay an extra fee, but the food choices in the cafe are fairly plentiful and tasty (try the turkey-&-cheese sandwich or the cheese stromboli). If you stay in a room your dining-car meals are included in the price and the food quality is excellent, especially the french toast at breakfast, the angus hamburger at lunch and the flatiron steak at dinner. Unlike some passenger railroads the menu is the same each day but it has enough variety that you can try other dishes. One change enroute was made without difficulty. I had originally planned to spend only one day in L.A. and three in Seattle, but due to a planned nationwide railroad strike (which was averted before happening), my train from L.A. to Seattle was cancelled. I was able to shift that trip to the next day without any problem and arrange with my L.A. hotel (in Little Tokyo) to stay another day. The day lost in Seattle, meanwhile, was no problem because two friends I had planned on visiting were out-of-town anyway! The best scenery on the trains I took were on the Coast Starlight (L.A. to Seattle) and the Empire Builder (Seattle to Chicago). Most Eastern trains have unmemorable scenery except the Cardinal (the slower train between D.C. and Chicago) and any train between N.Y.C. and Albany. I have yet to ride either of those, nor have I ridden the California Zephyr (Chicago to Oakland), which is generally accepted as having the best scenery anywhere on Amtrak.
Thanks for the tip, Jim. Having travelled from Chicago to Seattle on the Empire Builder, and from San Francisco (Emeryville, to be precise) to Chicago on the California Zephyr in 2019, I more than agree for the scenery... Rgds
I've done this and highly recommend it. Trains in Europe are really clean and comfortable and you usually have amazing panoramic views of your surroundings to enjoy while travelling. Eurail pass was great, just be mindful that you still need to book the specific ticket you're after rather than use the pass to get on any train you like. Packing light and using easy to carry bags is a good recommendation others made. The train floor does not meet the platform floor in a lot of cases and usually requires a step or two making heavy suitcases cumbersome. Facilities are often clean, refreshments available to purchase and WiFi offered. You can use the time to relax, research your next stop or make new friends. Good luck and bon voyage
Are there any countries (or railway companies) in Europe that you would particularly recommend or avoid?
None that I would ever recommend avoiding and those I think should be visited really depend on what experiences you enjoy whilst travelling. That being said my train journeys have been particularly memorable through the Swiss/Austrian alps, French Cote d'azur and Italian coast for scenic reasons. If I were to do it again I'd perhaps explore some of the Baltic countries a little more like Slovenia, Hungary, Romania, etc. but really all of Europe is exciting to me given I live on the opposite side of the world. I think for an authentic experience avoid large cities and explore your way through smaller towns. Eat where the locals do, wander around untapped antique markets and focus on really nailing a location rather than trying to hit as many spots as possible
