Our Guide to the Best Trains in Europe

Author: Paul, Owner Marvellous Escapes May 05, 2026 05 Minutes Read

Best trains in europe venture through a range of environments, from snowy mountains to impressive fjords

Glacier Express

The Glacier Express glides its way through Switzerland, connecting the major cities from Zermatt to St Moritz. This rail journey is famous for being the slowest express train in the world, giving passengers more time to take in the crisp views from the panoramic glass windows reaching from the ceiling to the floor.

This train route will take you across The Landwasser Viaduct, giving you unbeatable views of the valley below, before passing through the Rhine Gorge, a highlight of many passengers’ time aboard the Glacier Express. Between these landmarks, you’ll also be treated to views of the Swiss peaks, including the Matterhorn, standing at 4,478 metres high and dusted in fresh snow, all year round.

For the best chance of capturing a glimpse of these spectacular sights, our travel experts recommend sitting on the right side of the carriage when travelling from Zermatt to St Moritz. However, both sides provide excellent views in their own rights.

As you pass through 91 tunnels and over 291 bridges, fresh, gourmet dishes are served at your seat, bringing the locally- sourced flavours of the surrounding region on board. There’s a reason this is one of the best trains in Europe- everything is meticulously thought out, down to the finest details.

The Glacier Express ventures past impressive fjords and mountainsides.

Venice-Simplon Orient Express

Effortlessly combining opulence and nostalgia, the Venice-Simplon Orient Express is one of our most popular luxury trains in Europe. With the route spanning across seven to ten countries, this train ride is more than just a way of getting from A-B- It provides a whole adventure, all from your private cabin.

Along this route, you’ll have the chance to explore Budapest’s iconic architecture, from the Hungarian Parliament Building to the Fisherman’s Bastion, often described as ‘fairytale-like’. Alternatively, continue to Vienna and Prague, where both cities share a deep root in the classical art and music culture, reflected in their sophisticated buildings and slower way of life.

Onboard the Orient Express, you’ll experience five-star service and accommodation, with your own dedicated steward looking after you throughout your stay. You can enjoy fine-dining, with choices of three unique restaurant cars, Cote d’Azur, Etoile du Nord and L’Oriental, all while immersing yourself in the stunning landscapes beyond your window.

Laurie, our travel designer, recently stepped aboard the Venice-Simplon Orient Express for herself, describing the experience as “simply extraordinary.” She recommends taking the time to be fully present and absorb every detail of your surroundings, because this is a journey designed to be remembered. Read Laurie’s Venice-Simplon Orient Express experience for a closer look at life on board.

Venice-Simplon Orient Express is one of the best train routes in europe, spanning across multiple countries

Flåm Railway

The Flåm Railway connects some of Norway’s most iconic destinations in a way no other train can. The journey spans across 20.2 km, between mountainous Myrdal and the peaceful village of Flam. Our travel experts believe that the Flam Railway is one of the best trains in the world, due to its route gliding past astonishing waterfalls and mirror-like lakes.

Key highlights along the Flåm Railway include the Kjosfossen waterfall, a breathtaking natural wonder, as well as sightings of the mythical Huldra, said to live amongst the surrounding hills. Between these hills, you’ll descend through cascading hillsides and spot cosy farmyards perched on the steep cliff edges!

The train itself is designed with comfort and cosiness in mind. Carriages are decked out with traditional wooden framing and spacious seating. The large panoramic windows across the train provide excellent viewing for the surroundings, quintessential to the Norwegian landscapes. We recommend enjoying a Norway rail holiday between the months of September and April, where the northern lights are most visible from the train!

The flam railway is one of the best trains in europe because of its route through the valleys

Speak to us about your next Central Europe Rail Holiday, today!

If you are looking to escape the summer crowds and travel off of the beaten path, we have plenty of summer-suited rail holiday packages perfectly curated to your wishes. One of our favourites is the ‘Highlights of Central Europe’, allowing you to explore iconic cities across Europe with everything taken care of for you- from accommodation, transport and activities.

When booked onto this tour, you’ll travel through postcard-like cities such as Munich, Prague, Vienna and Budapest, carried over 9 days. This tour even includes a 48-hour bus pass, giving you the freedom to easily access tourist hotspots like vibrant city squares and world-famous beer gardens in Budapest and Prague.

With overnight stays in all of this tour’s locations, you can fully embrace what makes each city unique, from unwinding in the historic baths in Budapest to tasting local delicacies in artisan cafes, including Sachertorte, Vienna’s famous chocolate cake.

A full list of our Central Europe train tours are available for you to discover. Tours can be extended or shortened depending on your requirements.

Trains in central europe can give you a view of the world that other transport cant.

Get in touch

Ready to explore the iconic cities of Europe? We’re excited to hear about what you have planned! At Marvellous Escapes, we’re specialists in building tailor-made rail holidays, catered entirely to your taste. You can contact us via our online form. Alternatively, you can call us on +44 020 3764 2445.

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