6 top European train routes for summer 2024

Are you gearing up for some summer adventures in Europe? So am I! Traveling by train has never been more thrilling, offering a blend of new routes, timeless journeys, and hidden gems to explore.

Here’s a selection of the most captivating European train trips available this summer. While some services will start with the June timetable, many are already in operation. It’s the perfect moment to begin your planning!

1. A new service connects the Baltic capitals

Lithuania has been enhancing its international rail connections in recent years. A new cross-border route to Warsaw and Kraków in Poland launched in late 2022, and since December 2023, you can travel directly between two Baltic capitals by train. The trip from Vilnius to Riga, the capital of Latvia, takes just 4 hours and 15 minutes and runs daily, making it a strong alternative to bus travel. It’s advisable to book in advance. This new Baltic route is a step towards a potential extension to Tallinn, linking all three capitals. In Vilnius, you can also connect to onward trains to Kaunas.

How to book: Reserve your tickets online via LTG Link. Fares begin at €24.

2. Experience high-speed travel from Barcelona to Seville

Iryo, a new player in Spain's ever-growing high-speed rail network, has made its mark on the busy route between Madrid, Zaragoza, and Barcelona. Its latest service links Barcelona and Madrid to the Andalusian cities of Córdoba and Seville, completing the journey from the Catalan capital to Seville in just 5 hours and 50 minutes. Utilizing the same sleek trains as Trenitalia’s Frecciarossa, Iryo also stands out for its onboard dining, featuring tapas of cheese and ham, along with sustainably sourced Spanish wines, allowing you to enjoy the swift views outside.

How to book: One-way tickets start at €40 and can be purchased online via Iryo.

3. Experience the night train from Brussels to Prague

The night train renaissance in Europe is transforming cross-continental travel. Just last year, there was no sleeper service available to reach Prague from the west. Now, you can enjoy a restful journey from Paris or Brussels to Berlin, and then on to Prague by lunchtime. One option is the Austrian Nightjet service, operating three times a week from Paris and Brussels to Berlin, where you switch trains for Prague. More conveniently, the private European Sleeper train runs on alternate nights, taking you directly to Prague. While it may lack modern luxuries, the train features older carriages from various European operators, a welcoming crew, and a speedy, efficient journey across the continent.

How to book: One-way tickets from Brussels to Prague on the European Sleeper start at €79 for a seat, €109 for a couchette, and €179 for a sleeper berth.

Explore more of Europe by sleeper train. Check out our guide to the top routes

4. Glide along İstanbul's Sirkeci waterfront line

Once a grand hub of travel, Sirkeci station now stands as a mere shadow of its former glory, nestled along the Bosphorus in İstanbul’s Sultanahmet district. Once the proud terminus for the legendary Orient Express trains, Sirkeci saw its long-distance services vanish in 2013. While the city thrums around it, the surface platforms remain deserted, while the underground Marmaray line whisks passengers beneath the old city, connecting Europe to Asia. However, Sirkeci is not without life. The new 5.2-mile light rail service to Kazlıçeşme brings trains back to the historic station. There’s hope that this revival could eventually reintroduce services to Sofia and Bucharest to the Bosphorus, rather than from the more distant Halkalı, the western terminus of the Marmaray line. For now, this offers a chance for nostalgic travelers to journey from one of Europe’s most iconic stations, perhaps stopping for a seafood feast in bustling Kumkapi, a stop along the new line.

How to book: A ticket for İstanbul’s trains costs about €0.50. Discover more about navigating the city with our guide to getting around.

5. Take the summer-only train route from Budapest to Koper along Slovenia’s Adriatic coast

Some journeys are tailor-made for summer heat, available only during Europe’s warmest months. Departing from Budapest’s lesser-known Deli station, the Citadella train makes its daily route to the Slovenian border and onward to the charming capital, Ljubljana. While the views in Hungary may be less spectacular, the segment alongside the Sava River between Celje and Ljubljana showcases Slovenia's stunning landscapes. From June 16 to August 24, travelers can continue from Ljubljana to Koper on the Slovene riviera. Koper boasts a historic center brimming with Venetian architecture, making it a worthy addition to any Central European itinerary this summer due to its unique charm and route.

How to book: Tickets start at €22 one way and can be purchased through the MÁV website.

6. Experience a month of train travel across Germany for just €49

One of the best travel bargains on the continent offers unlimited slow journeys throughout Germany for only €49. This Deutschlandticket is valid for a month and covers regional and suburban services (excluding ICE or IC long-distance trains), as well as buses, trams, and subways. It’s perfect for exploring urban areas and hopping through the picturesque Rhine and Moselle valleys, touring the Black Forest, or riding the scenic lines in the Harz Mountains. Additionally, it provides access to some regional international routes across borders. Even if you occasionally pay for intercity trains, you’ll still save overall.

How to book: The Deutschlandtickets (€49 per month) can be found on the DB website. However, they are not specifically designed for tourists, so purchasing one as a non-German resident can be a bit tricky. Check Seat61's guide for the most current advice.