Top Five European Train Journeys That Beat Flying
- jamiecrow2
- 1 hour ago
- 2 min read
Flying might be faster—but it rarely competes on experience. Europe’s best train journeys turn travel into something immersive: a slow unfolding of landscapes, cultures, and quiet moments you’d completely miss at 30,000 feet.
From panoramic alpine routes to coastal tracks that hug the sea, these are five European train journeys that don’t just rival flying—they make you forget it entirely.
1. Bernina Express
If you only take one scenic train in Europe, make it this. The Bernina Express glides from icy Swiss peaks down to the palm-lined streets of northern Italy, crossing 196 bridges and passing through 55 tunnels along the way.
Expect glaciers, turquoise lakes, and gravity-defying viaducts—all viewed through panoramic windows. It’s less a train journey and more a moving postcard.
2. West Highland Line
Running from Glasgow to Mallaig, this route cuts through some of the wildest landscapes in the UK. Think misty lochs, rolling moorland, and remote stations that feel like the edge of the world.
The highlight? Crossing the Glenfinnan Viaduct, instantly recognisable from the Harry Potter films. It’s atmospheric, cinematic, and best enjoyed with unpredictable Scottish weather adding to the mood.
3. Flåm Railway
Short but unforgettable, the Flåm Railway drops dramatically from mountain heights down to a fjord-side village in under an hour.
It’s one of the steepest standard-gauge railway lines in the world, passing waterfalls, sheer cliffs, and deep valleys along the way. Every turn feels engineered for maximum drama.
4. Glacier Express
Nicknamed the “slowest express train in the world,” this journey between Zermatt and St. Moritz is all about taking your time.
Over eight hours, you’ll pass through alpine meadows, forests, and high mountain passes, with uninterrupted views from floor-to-ceiling windows. It’s relaxed, luxurious, and designed for travellers who’d rather savour the journey than rush it.
5. Cinque Terre Train Line
Connecting five colourful villages along Italy’s Ligurian coast, this short-hop train journey proves you don’t need long distances for big impact.
One minute you’re in a tunnel, the next you’re looking out over sparkling Mediterranean views. It’s fast, frequent, and far more enjoyable than navigating the same route by car.
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