5 Incredible Train Journeys in Europe to Experience This Summer

As you marvel at the stunning view of jagged, snow-capped mountains or excitedly point out a famous landmark approaching, you realize—such breathtaking sights are best enjoyed from the comfort of a train window.

This summer, train travel in Europe is even more enticing. Bypass long car rental queues, avoid high gas prices, and arrive at your destination feeling refreshed while others deal with the hassles of driving. Plus, traveling by train helps reduce your carbon footprint and supports the health of our planet.

So, raise a toast with a glass of wine or a refreshing limonada, listen to the soothing sound of the train tracks, and take pride in traveling in a classic, timeless manner. Here are five train journeys that are perfect for planning your European getaway.

St. Moritz to Zermatt, Switzerland

The iconic Glacier Express truly lives up to its reputation, meandering through some of the highest peaks in the Alps on a seven-hour journey from St. Moritz to Zermatt. During the ride, the train crosses 291 bridges and navigates through 91 tunnels, ascending 6,000 feet to the base of the Matterhorn.

On the first segment alone, you'll traverse the impressive 200-foot-high Landwasser Viaduct along with numerous other architectural marvels, making this section of track, known as the Albula railway line, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. If you have the chance, consider stopping in Chur, Switzerland's self-proclaimed oldest town, boasting 5,000 years of history with its cobblestone streets and vibrant flower-filled squares.

After the initial stretch, the train will glide through the stunning Rhine Gorge, where it races alongside rushing waters in a deep, narrow chasm, much of which can only be accessed by rail. The journey continues over the Oberalp Pass, the highest point of the route, where you'll see charming red-shuttered chalets, rustic barns, and goats and sheep with tinkling bells in lush meadows—keeping an eye out for Heidi and her flock around every turn.

Upon arrival in Zermatt, you'll discover everything you ever wanted to know about the dramatic and tragic stories surrounding the first ascent of the Matterhorn at the Matterhorn Museum. You can also take a ride on the Gornergrat Railway partway up the mountain itself. As one of Switzerland's many car-free villages, Zermatt is a delight to explore on foot, with shops and eateries lining the Bahnhofstrasse and surrounding areas.

Setting aside any jokes about punctuality, Switzerland's trains are as precise, clean, and reliable as their reputation suggests, featuring clear signage and instructions that guide you through a well-organized network connecting nearly every region of the country. With the Glacier Express' Excellence Class, you’re guaranteed a window seat in a plush lounge-style chair, complete with attentive service and a multi-course meal.

Fares for the journey from St. Moritz to Zermatt begin at 159 Swiss francs ($174) for adults and 79.50 Swiss francs ($87) for children aged 6 to 16. Children under 6 travel free of charge.

Lisbon to Porto, Portugal

Kick off your Portuguese adventure in Lisbon, where you can explore the walls of Castelo de Sao Jorge and meander through the labyrinthine streets of the Alfama district surrounding the castle, whether you’re there for a day or a week. Be sure to visit Belem, a UNESCO World Heritage Site celebrated for its 16th-century Manueline architecture, known for its intricate stonework. Take a stroll through the cloisters of Jeronimos Monastery and stop by the imposing Belem Tower on the banks of the Tagus River.

From Lisbon, a train day trip takes you to the charming seaside village of Cascais, renowned for its stunning beaches and delectable seafood dishes like monkfish stew and sardinhas assadas (grilled sardines sprinkled with sea salt). Here, the opulent mansions of Portuguese nobility have been transformed into museums, including the Museu Condes de Castro Guimarães, which showcases the former owner's ornate silver candelabra, Moorish ceramics, illuminated manuscripts, and somber portraits in elegantly decorated rooms with inlaid floors and coffered ceilings. Nearby, the Farol de Santa Marta watches over one end of the harbor, while across from the lighthouse lies the fortress once known as Nossa Senhora da Luz, now the Citadel Art District, featuring the luxury boutique hotel Pestana Cidadela de Cascais, along with a cafe, restaurant, and gallery.

Another essential excursion is to the mountain village of Sintra, dotted with stunning palaces and castles, including the iconic Pena Palace, famous for its crenelated red and yellow towers, and the ancient stone ruins of the eighth-century Castelo do Mouros. Other must-see sites include the National Palace, the Monserrate Palace with its beautiful botanical gardens, and the haunting Quinta da Regaleira, a Gothic mansion adorned with gargoyles and built by a wealthy eccentric.

Departing from Lisbon's central Oriente station, the Alfa Pendular train to Porto takes just under three hours, making a stop in Coimbra. This historic city, home to Portugal's oldest university and the birthplace of six kings, including Alfonso I, is worth visiting to see the founding ruler's tomb at Santa Cruz Monastery and to admire the ornate Biblioteca Joanina. If you choose to stay overnight in Coimbra, enjoy an evening of traditional folk music at Fado ao Centro.

With its entire central historic district recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Porto invites you to wander and appreciate its diverse architectural styles. Don’t miss the azulejos—beautiful blue-tiled murals that adorn many buildings. For breathtaking views, climb the 240 steep steps to the top of the Clerigos Tower. If time permits, walk across the Ponte de Dom Luís I, which was the longest metal bridge in the world when completed in 1886, connecting Porto's historic center with the port’s warehouses and tasting rooms in Vila Nova de Gaia.

On the Vila Nova de Gaia side of the river, artisan stalls line the banks of the Douro, and the World of Wine complex draws crowds with its 420,000-square-foot space, created from a cluster of formerly abandoned warehouses and cask storehouses. In addition to some of Porto's top restaurants, WoW features seven interactive museums dedicated to various aspects of winemaking, history, and culture, along with a wine school and a chocolate factory offering paired tastings.

Situated high on a steep hillside with stunning views of the port district, The Yeatman Hotel features one of Porto's finest spas, designed to evoke a classic European bathhouse, complete with a marble hammam, Roman bath, saunas, steam showers, and hydrotherapy pools. An outdoor infinity pool offers a waterfront vista and includes underwater porthole windows, which are particularly entertaining for children who can make faces at each other through the glass.

No visit to Porto is complete without exploring the renowned wine country of the Douro Valley. Travel along the Douro Line (Linha do Douro) from Porto to Regua, which weaves through 20 tunnels and crosses over 30 bridges to navigate the rugged landscape. Don’t miss the opportunity to sample the region's famous vintages during a stop in Pinhao.

Tickets for the journey from Lisbon to Porto start at 17 euros ($18) each way for adults and 8.50 euros ($9) for children aged 3 to 13. Children under 3 can travel for free.

Dublin to Rosslare, Ireland

The Irish Rail journey from Dublin to Rosslare Europort in County Wexford kicks off with a clang shortly after you leave Connolly Station, crossing the River Liffey on a wrought-iron bridge ... and that's just the beginning. The route around Bray Head winds through tunnels carved into the rock and along tracks that cling to the cliffs high above the crashing waves. If you're holding your breath, you’re not alone: the original route was so dangerous that at one point, a train plunged into the sea, leading to a reroute. The demanding engineering needed for this line earned it the ironic nickname Brunel's Folly, named after the ambitious Victorian engineer Isambard Kingdom Brunel who designed it.

Traveling south of Bray, the train takes you through a series of charming seaside villages, many of which are still active with fishing boats and lobster traps. Wicklow, known for its vibrant Saturday and Thursday fish markets, has a rich history tracing back to the Normans and Vikings. Follow the Wicklow Town Heritage Trail to discover the spot where St. Patrick is said to have first landed on his return to Ireland, and learn about notable figures like Captain Robert Halpin, who established the first transatlantic telegraph cables. While a jail might not usually make your must-see list, Wicklow’s jail features an interactive museum in the original prison building, sharing the stories of those imprisoned there under British rule.

Greystones, named for its rocky coastline linking two beaches, boasts a charming, walkable quayside filled with coffee shops and eateries, while Arklow, once a bustling boat-building hub, is now a peaceful spot with only a handful of fishing boats at the pier. Highlights include a Victorian tea room serving scones and cream, along with a lavender farm just outside of town.

As the train follows the River Slaney, it rolls into Wexford, where the Irish National Heritage Park features exhibits showcasing life in the region from the Stone Age to the 10th century, including falconry demonstrations. At the final stop, Rosslare Europort, you can continue your adventure with a ferry ride to Wales, northern France, or Bilbao, Spain.

Tickets for the Dublin to Rosslare journey start at 27.50 euros ($30) one-way for adults and 12.40 euros ($10) for children and young adults aged 5 to 19. Kids under 5 travel for free.

Travel from Wroclaw to Krakow, Poland

Deciding between the elegant Krakow, with its fortified Old City, historic Kazimierz Jewish Quarter, and the impressive Wawel Royal Castle, or the vibrant Wroclaw, known for its colorful market square, gas lamp-lit historic district, and trendy neon yard, can be challenging. Spend time exploring both cities, linked by a three-hour train ride, and allow for additional days to discover Poland's numerous other attractions, easily reachable by train.

From Krakow, explore the surreal underground salt tunnels of Wieliczka, pay a somber visit to the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp, and admire the extensive collection of vintage steam trains at The Chabowka Rolling Stock Heritage Park "Skansen." Notably, when Steven Spielberg needed trains for "Schindler's List," he sourced them from this collection, housed in an old steam train depot.

While in Wroclaw, be sure to visit the expansive Ksiaz Castle, perched above a network of newly opened underground Nazi tunnels. In Swidnica and Jawor, you can find a UNESCO World Heritage Site that protects two of Europe’s largest timber-framed churches, both constructed in the 1600s and showcasing intricate wooden galleries.

Just an hour and a half from Wroclaw towards the German border, Gorlitz might seem recognizable. This charming German town was featured in films like "The Grand Budapest Hotel" and "Inglourious Basterds."

Ticket prices from Wroclaw to Krakow begin at 82 Polish zlotys ($22) for travelers aged 4 to 59, while seniors over 60 pay 63 zlotys ($16). Children aged 3 and under can ride for free.

Trieste, Italy, to Rijeka, Croatia

With the reopening of a long-dormant train line, you can enjoy breakfast in Italy, lunch in Slovenia, and a seafood dinner in Croatia. This route, established during the peak of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, connects Trieste and Rijeka, Slovenia. After decades of inactivity, it resumed operations this spring for the summer, with plans for annual seasonal service. Now that Croatia is part of the Schengen Area, travelers can easily hop on and off at any of the eight stops along the two-hour journey that starts from Villa Opicina at Trieste's northern edge.

Before departing from Trieste, be sure to visit the enchanting Miramare Castle, a neo-Gothic mansion commissioned by Austrian Archduke Ferdinand Maximilian. For lunch, consider stopping in the multicultural village of Ilirska Bistrica, which has transitioned between Italy, Germany, and Yugoslavia before joining Slovenia. This village boasts 40 watermills and numerous biking trails winding through lush forests.

The upscale resort town of Opatija, Croatia, known for its luxurious 19th-century hotels and villas, is a perfect choice for an overnight stay. Take a leisurely evening walk along the 7-mile Lungomare seafront promenade and look for the inlet that marks the original harbor, Portic, where visitors gather to witness the sunset by St. Jakov Church.

Conclude your journey in Rijeka with visits to the Victorian-style fish market, featuring a glass roof, and the Sugar Refinery Palace, a local history museum situated in a transformed sugar refinery.

Tickets for the journey from Trieste to Rijeka can be purchased at the station or on the train, costing between $7 and $12, depending on your chosen stops.