The Canadian Explorer
The Canadian ExplorerDiscover Canada · Explore Beyond
The Canadian Explorer
The Canadian ExplorerDiscover Canada · Explore Beyond

Travel Guide

European Rail Travel Guide

Eurail passes, point-to-point bookings, sleeper trains, and the routes worth planning a trip around.

Overview

Europe's railway network is the densest and most reliable on Earth. You can plan an entire two-week trip without renting a car, without a connecting flight, and often city centre to city centre. Here's how to do it well.

Eurail passes vs point-to-point

A Eurail pass (for non-Europeans) makes sense if you're taking 5+ long-distance trains in a short window and want flexibility. Point-to-point tickets — booked 60–90 days ahead on the operator's site — are usually cheaper for fixed itineraries. ÖBB, SNCF, Trenitalia, SBB, Deutsche Bahn and Renfe all sell direct.

High-speed flagships

Eurostar (London–Paris/Brussels/Amsterdam), TGV (France), AVE (Spain), Frecciarossa (Italy), ICE (Germany), Thalys/Eurostar Group (Benelux). 90 minutes to four hours between most major capitals.

Scenic Switzerland & the Alps

Glacier Express (Zermatt–St. Moritz), Bernina Express (Chur–Tirano), GoldenPass (Lucerne–Montreux). A Swiss Travel Pass covers all three plus boats and mountain railways. The single best scenic-rail country in the world.

Sleeper trains are back

ÖBB Nightjet runs new sleeper trains from Vienna, Zurich and Berlin to Amsterdam, Paris, Rome and Brussels. European Sleeper covers Brussels–Berlin–Prague. Book private cabins early — they sell out months ahead.

Luxury & iconic

Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, Belmond British Pullman, Royal Scotsman. Two- to seven-night journeys with black-tie dinners and Art Deco cabins. Once-in-a-lifetime, priced accordingly.

Quick tips

  • Book Eurostar, TGV and AVE 60–90 days out for the cheapest fares
  • Reservations are required on most high-speed trains even with a Eurail pass
  • Pack light — European stations have stairs and short platforms; no porters
  • Trains arrive in city centres, not airports — factor that into your time budget

Good to know

Frequently
asked.

Straight answers from travellers who have been there.

Is a Eurail pass worth it?
For 5+ long-distance journeys in 2–3 weeks across multiple countries, yes. For 2–3 trains on a fixed plan, point-to-point is cheaper.
Do I need to book sleeper trains in advance?
Yes — private cabins on Nightjet, European Sleeper and similar routes sell out 2–4 months ahead, especially in summer.
Can I combine Canadian and European rail in one trip?
Absolutely — many of our planning clients pair a Rocky Mountaineer or VIA Canadian leg with a Swiss scenic week. Different operators, same love of slow travel.

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