A city trip by train, that’s possible!
A nice alternative
Traveling by train: It is increasingly becoming a great alternative to visit another country within Europe. There are more and more good train connections, allowing you to visit more cities in Europe by train. Are you going with a small group? In that case, traveling by train is often even cheaper than by car. The earlier you book, the cheaper. Below you can see the best journeys for your train holiday in Europe. Do you want to discover the most beautiful cities in Europe by train? Below you will find the top 9 cities.
Find the best train connections
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From one country to another, you can zoom through the entire continent in no time. And all while you sit back and relax! No long, tiring journeys before your holiday starts. You buy your tickets, plan your route, get on the train and the holiday has started! convinced? Then quickly see where you want to go on your next trip!
Interrail
You can experience the ultimate train holiday through Europe with an interrail pass. This allows you to easily travel throughout Europe and easily book your seat in different trains. Are you going by train through the mountains of Switzerland and Italy or are you traveling further towards Croatia and Montenegro? It’s all possible with interrailing!
The 9 nicest cities in Europe
Cities 1 to 5
1. Antwerp, Belgium:
Cheap travel by train
Feel like sniffing culture, but not in the mood for a long journey? Antwerp is perfect then! From Amsterdam you are in the heart of Antwerp within one hour and 15 minutes without having to change trains. A small budget is not an issue. For €20 euros you have a one-way ticket to Antwerp with Intercity Brussels. If you have student public transport or public transport discount, it will cost you absolutely nothing. With a student public transport you will spend about €5.50 to get from Utrecht to Antwerp Central.
Antwerp Central: The most beautiful train station in the world
When you have arrived at Antwerp Central Station, you can’t help but be amazed. Antwerp Central, also known as the Railway Cathedral, has been voted the most beautiful train station in the world several times.
The cathedral first opened its doors in 1905. With a 75 meter high dome, you will be amazed. So when you arrive, you can immediately check off the first sight of your bucket list.
2. London, England
London, the British city with many sights. From €88 euros you have a return ticket from Amsterdam or Rotterdam to London. With Eurostar you don’t have to transfer and you are in London City from Rotterdam within 4 hours. Perfect for the enthusiast who likes to travel comfortably!
Spotting Double Decker Buses in London
See the red phone booths and enjoy an over-touristy tour on London’s double-decker buses. Don’t forget the sustainable options, to give your train holiday in Europe an even greener touch. There are many vegetarian and even vegan restaurants and takeaway places on the Borough market.
Or opt for an active outing. Nice to get some fresh air after all the exhaust materials of the busy city center. Hyde Park is one of the largest city parks in London. While you’re walking around, don’t forget to visit Buckingham Palace, which is a 15-minute walk away.
3. Paris, France:
Spontaneous holiday by train
Spontaneous weekend to the city of love? It is possible. Thalys runs 10 times a day from Amsterdam and Rotterdam to Paris. Within 2 hours and 40 minutes you can see the French city with your own eyes from Rotterdam. This train also has no transfer from Rotterdam, Amsterdam and Schiphol. If you want to come from Utrecht, Eindhoven or Breda, you have 1 transfer.
Paris and its sights
If you want a beautiful view of Paris, a visit to the Sacré-Coeur is a must. This is a white basilica, with a grand staircase leading to the entrance. At the top of the basilica you have a fantastic view over the metropolis.
The catacombs provide a different view of this beautiful city. At the Catacombs of Paris you can enter a small section of the tunnels, where you can see old limestone quarries of bones of deceased Frenchmen and Frenchmen.
4. Copenhagen, Denmark:
Train holiday in Scandinavia
Long distance journeys are also easy to do by train. Take, for example, Copenhagen, the capital of Denmark. With Ic Berlin and the ICE you can travel to Copenhagen from various places in the Netherlands. Unfortunately, you will be on the road for a while, because the journey takes between 10 and 12 hours and has an average of 3 changes. After the trip you can enjoy lakrids. A delicious Danish delicacy made from licorice and chocolate.
Train holiday in Europe: House hunting in Copenhagen
You have probably come across the view on the cards and images: The brightly colored houses with all the colors of the rainbow. At 20 minutes walking distance you can see these houses in the Nyhavn. A creative mind? Then you can definitely visit the Vesterbro district. Here you will find the most vintage cafes and shops.
5. Bratislava: travel comfortably by train
Reducing the ecological footprint, but still want to discover the other side of Europe? Bratislava is perfect by train. With only 2 transfers you are there in no time! You are on the road for half a day from Amsterdam. From €45 you already have a single ticket to the East.
Discover nature in Bratislava, Slovakia
There are many beautiful parks around Bratislava. One of those parks is the Rusovský park. Here you can enjoy a picnic in the summer between the blooming colorful flowers. And in the balmy spring days you can relax in the shade of the chestnut trees. If you have an afternoon off in the winter, don’t forget to hit up some ski runs. At 12 kilometers from Bratislava is a mountain with 3.7 kilometers of slopes, ideal for an afternoon of skiing.
Trains through Europe: That's something different!
Cities 6 to 9
6. Luxembourg: train holiday to a small country
When it comes to public transport, Luxembourg is at the forefront. Luxembourg is definitely recommended for train holidays in Europe. Everything is close by, and the big advantage: traveling within Luxembourg is completely free! You don’t need a car to get anywhere. It takes about seven hours from Amsterdam.
The beauties of Luxembourg: Müllerthal
Luxembourg is one of the smallest countries in Europe, but there is no shortage of sights and culture. Vianden Castle is one of the most beautiful castles in the world. From the castle you can look out over the medieval town of Vianden. Do you want to be more in nature? Then there is a nature reserve with 112 kilometers of hiking trails in the Müllerthal nature reserve. You will find beautiful waterfalls, spectacular gorges and impressive rock formations here. You walk through forests and over mountains and valleys. It is not for nothing that it is one of the most beautiful walking routes in Europe.
7. Karlovy Vary, Czech Republic
Karlovy Vary, or Karlsbad, is a city south of the Czech Republic. It may not be the capital, but you should definitely not miss this city! Within 10 hours you can see Czech architecture. You travel from Amsterdam with 3 changes and you already have a one-way ticket from €38 euros.
Karlstad: A train holiday in Europe for relaxation
Are you looking for a relaxing holiday in Europe? Just like the famous Mozart, you can enjoy the hot springs and many spas in Karlovy Vary. The city itself certainly radiates tranquility. The built houses have a pastel color. Moreover, you can discover the many narrow side streets and the beautiful bridges. Have you completely relaxed? Then you can travel even further by train to Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic. This is a 4 hour train ride.
8. Zurich: Switzerland: getting to the top
Hiking in the mountains? Then Switzerland is highly recommended. With the Nightjet you sit or lie in a night train and you wake up in Zurich. If you prefer to travel during the day, you can also take the ICE to your destination. You can travel from €38 euros. In short, Switzerland is an easy country for a train holiday in Europe.
See the cultural side of Switzerland
Switzerland’s most important art collections can be found in the Kunsthaus. They show exhibitions of various artists here. Tickets for children under 18 are completely free. Adults pay about €22 euros to enter. Within walking distance you can also view Lake Zurich, which was created by the melting glaciers.
9. Mainz, Germany
Mainz, a city southwest of Frankfurt. The ideal location for holidaymakers who like the combination of old and modern. From Amsterdam it takes about 5.5 hours to get there. Train tickets are for sale from €29 euros for a single ticket.
The city for students, Mainz
Mainz has a good variety of history as well as nightlife spots. In the middle of the city you will find the old part, with St. Peter’s Church on the side of the square. You can walk in here for free to browse around. The city also really comes alive in the evening. There are many bars and terraces where you can enjoy a beer, wine or cocktails. Vegetarians and vegans can also enjoy themselves here, there are many places to eat that have vegetarian and vegan dishes on the menu.
Would you rather eat pizza in Italian Trento? Read more about it here Trento , Italy; discover this beautiful piece in the south of Europe.
Heading out in your own country? Find your sustainable holiday!
