Our Guide to Rail Holidays From London

London's Big Ben stands in the background, with bright pink flowers in the forefront. Travel Blog
Train holidays from London are becoming increasingly popular in the United Kingdom, for more reasons than just the unpredictability of flights at the moment. Rail journeys are an experience in themselves, with many travellers choosing train travel for the convenience, minimal stress and opportunity to see more of Europe along the way.
Our rail holidays from London often start at St Pancras station

Why Choose a Rail Holiday from London?

When you choose to explore Europe by train, you can enjoy the stress-free side of travel. Say goodbye to long airport queues, delayed flights, and waiting for your baggage to reappear on the conveyor belt. With our luxury rail journeys starting in London, you’ll notice how the effortless city-centre to city-centre connections make that positive difference to your sight-seeing holiday, avoiding the confusion of airport runs and unfamiliar directions to popular landmarks. 

Our rail holidays promise comfortable travel, with spacious carriages and cushioned seating throughout your journey. And, with large windows in each carriage, you’ll watch landscapes transform from the traditional English countryside to the mountains, lakes and coastlines of Europe. Connecting between countries and cities has never been more idyllic. 

On top of these benefits, choosing rail holidays over flying means you’re supporting a more sustainable way of travel. Eco-conscious holidays are becoming more popular, making rail travel an attractive alternative for those looking to reduce their environmental impact.

At Marvellous Escapes, our train holidays from London are completely tailor-made and flexible to suit you. Whether you’re wishing to explore one country, or six, we create itineraries that cover exactly where you want to go, combining travel, hotels and excursions in one trip.

Switzerland railways take passengers through idyllic hillsides

How do rail holidays from London work?

Your rail journey will begin at London St Pancras, where you’ll check-in to the Eurostar. When travelling across Europe, you’ll likely head to Paris, the major rail hub for connections to other countries like Switzerland, Italy, Spain, Austria and beyond. 

With Marvellous Escapes, included in your rail holiday are rail tickets, accommodation, transfers, excursions and ongoing support throughout the journey. You’ll have everything you need for a seamless adventure.

Austria's colourful houses line the streets on a sunny day.

Where can you travel by rail from London?

Our team has explored every corner of Europe, using speedy rail connections and our favourite luxury trains along the way. Here’s a few of our favourite experiences travelling by rail from London.

Switzerland

Exploring Switzerland via train from London is truly magical, blending stunning alpine scenery with world-renowned rail travel. Luxury trains featured on our Switzerland holidays include the Bernina Express, the Glacier Express and the Jungfrau Railway. 

Switzerland offers a dynamic experience for both winter sport lovers and sightseeing enthusiasts, with a wide range of ski resorts and shopping villages spread across the country. By travelling via rail, you’ll glide past beautiful snowy peaks and cosy lakeside towns before arriving at cities like Zurich, St Moritz, Zermatt and Interlaken. 

Central Europe

There are endless possibilities for a Central Europe rail holiday, with major cities like Budapest, Prague, Vienna and Berlin all connected easily via train. This is our preferred rail holiday for those wishing for a multi-destination trip. 

Across these destinations, you’ll discover centuries of rich history, from Berlin’s imperial monuments recognising its iconic past, fairytale-like castles in Budapest and Vienna’s beautiful art culture. The opportunities for sightseeing are never-ending, which is why when you book with us, we offer flexibility to extend your stay in any of the cities included in our Central and Eastern Europe rail holidays

Our clients love combining their Central Europe holiday with a trip  on the Venice-Simplon Orient Express, which is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. When our travel expert Laurie boarded the VSOE herself, she described it as timeless, glamorous and yet completely warm and welcoming. Everyone on board, passengers and staff alike, seems to share this unspoken feeling of knowing they are part of something very special.” 

To find out more about our Central Europe holidays, speak to our team for more information. 

Italy

Reaching Italy on a rail holiday from London is ideal for those who are looking for a slower-paced and more relaxed adventure. With train connections taking you through England, France and Switzerland before arriving in Italy, you’ll witness a vast change in scenery and landscapes, like luscious fields, incredible landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower and breathtaking Alpine views. This is truly a journey worth every second. 

Italy is bursting with romance across its landmarks. Explore cities such as Venice, famed for its winding canals, or Verona,renowned for its Shakespearean charm and elegant architecture. And, after a day of sightseeing across Italy’s finest of cities, why not explore the vast range of notable eateries? Italy is famous for its incredible dishes and famous wines.

The Trevi Fountain, Rome, is a popular spot for those on a rail holiday from London

Our top tips for planning a train holiday from London

Whether you’re planning your first rail holiday or you’re a seasoned traveller, a little preparation can help you make the most of your journey.

Book your rail holiday early in peak times

We will always try our best to ensure your party is able to experience everything you wish on your rail holiday, but in peak times, certain excursions and experiences are busier. To avoid disappointment, we recommend booking as early as you can, especially if you’re going away during the summer months.

Consider stopovers

Why not break up longer journeys with stopovers in different cities along the way? Whether it’s a night in Paris, a weekend in Zurich or a few days exploring Milan, adding another destination can turn the journey itself into part of the holiday experience.

Choose the right time of year

The best time to book a rail holiday depends on the type of experience you’re looking for. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures, colourful scenery and fewer crowds, while summer is perfect for exploring Europe’s lakes, mountains and vibrant cities. If you’re dreaming of snow-covered landscapes, festive markets or winter rail adventures through the Alps, travelling during the colder months can be equally rewarding. Our travel experts are on hand to choose the perfect time to visit based on your interests and destination.

Book your train holiday from London today

If you’re ready to embark on a journey like no other, get in touch with us today. We curate every aspect of your holiday, tailoring it to your interests, travel style and budget. 

To get started, contact us via our page, or give us a call on 020 3764 2445.

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