For a long time, air travel between Paris, Berlin, Madrid, and Rome was the usual way to get to the desired point. An interesting fact is that after 2020, the demand for the best train routes in Europe increased dramatically. This happened due to the pandemic and the trend towards eco-friendly travel.
European high-speed and night train routes in Europe provide fast travel without queues and airport formalities. If earlier people often used low-cost planes to get from the Czech Republic to France, for example, now they prefer trains. This is due to the increase in air travel prices and, at the same time, a significant decrease in comfort in those companies that try to keep prices at the same level. Often, basic services when flying cost a lot, and every traveler knows this. But on trains they are free or much cheaper.
For example, on trains, there is no fee for check-in or late boarding. There is also no such terrible feature as overbooking, and it is on trains that passengers do not risk not going somewhere just because their seat was sold twice.
During long trips, travelers are looking for ways to entertain themselves and pass the time. Online entertainment without additional equipment is a convenient solution. On Slotozilla, you can find $1 deposit casinos, reviews of the most interesting games, and the freshest bonuses for new players.
Early Development: from Classic Panoramic Routes to the First High-Speed Lines
The first scenic train routes in Europe were popular thanks to the Swiss Alps, Austria, and the Norwegian fjords. Panoramic trains have become an alternative to short flights between Zurich and Munich or Vienna.
In 2023, the total volume of rail transport in the EU reached 429 billion pkm. This was the highest figure since the start of data collection. In 2024, this figure increased to 443 billion pkm. In this case, an increase of +5.8% per year. According to a 2025 survey, almost half of Europeans said that they plan to travel more by train and less by plane in the next five years, laying the foundation for the development of the best high-speed train routes in Europe.
Development of High-Speed Transport
High-speed lines such as TGV, ICE, Frecciarossa, and AVE have reduced travel times to two to three hours. For example, Paris–Lyon by TGV takes 2:05 hours, while a flight with check-in and the journey to the airport may take 3.5 – 4 hours.
In addition, you do not need to leave for your destination several hours in advance. Boarding is much faster than by plane. The popularity of night train routes in Europe is growing. People who choose the train instead of the plane note the increased quality of comfort.
Renaissance of Night Trains in Europe
After 2021, the popularity of night train routes in Europe has grown. Companies such as Nightjet, European Sleeper, and ÖBB are popular in the market because they have improved quality sleeping cars with Wi-Fi and meals. According to the study, 66% of respondents in Europe are ready to choose a train over a plane for business trips, and 77% for leisure. Such routes are especially popular among tourists who plan scenic train routes in Europe and combine their routes in Europe and combine their trip with content for social networks.
The most beautiful routes that are actively displacing air travel
Today, people prefer beautiful locations and the general atmosphere of travel, instead of wasting their time on gray weekdays on a plane.
The Most Beautiful Train Routes in Europe
Admiring the beauty of mountain landscapes during your trip is a real jackpot. Popular destinations of the most beautiful train routes in Europe:
- Glacier Express;
- Cinque Terre Express;
- Flåm Railway.
The trains pass through mountain ranges, tunnels, and high bridges.
The Most Scenic Train Routes in Europe
Bernina Express, Glacier Express, and Flam Railway provide panoramic carriages. Here passengers can see glaciers, mountains, lakes, and fjords. Such train routes in Europe map are especially suitable for creative people. If before moving seemed like a boring routine, now you can draw inspiration from it. Media people should also pay attention to such trains. This would be great content for Instagram or Facebook.
Where Trains Replaced Airplanes
On routes such as the train from Paris to Amsterdam, from Berlin to Prague, from Vienna to Munich, up to 60% of passengers choose the railway. Passengers also highlight the environmental friendliness of this mode of transport. The availability of scenic train routes in Europe and night flights makes the train a more practical alternative to the plane on medium distances.
Where the Train Becomes the Smartest Choice in 2026
Demand for rail travel is growing in countries with a developed network of high-speed and night routes.
| Country / Region | Indicator / Trend 2025–2026 |
| Spain | 3190km of high-speed lines |
| France | Cross-border HS route expansion |
| Germany / Austria | High density of the railway network, convenient trips over medium distances |
| Central Europe | Trans-European routes have increased speed and comfort |
The train may become the smartest choice for fast, comfortable, and environmentally friendly travel around Europe.
Practical Tips for Planning Train Trips
To make your trip comfortable, you should follow simple rules. First of all, you should choose routes based on speed, beauty, and budget. For fast trips, you should use direct trains. It is cool that the most scenic train routes in Europe are suitable for photos and panoramic views.
Most passengers choose Trainline, SNCF, or Deutsche Bahn to book tickets. It is also important to check prices in advance, because when booking early, you can get discounts or much better seats.
Conclusion
European trains are gradually replacing air travel. This is happening on short and medium distances. The number of passengers choosing trains in the EU is constantly growing.
The availability of scenic train routes in Europe and high-speed routes allows you to combine the speed and beauty of travel. 2026 will be the peak year for long and medium trips, as modernization makes rail a convenient alternative to airplanes.
An overview of the most convenient and beautiful European rail routes. A comparison of time, service, environmental friendliness, and advantages of train travel. Tips for planning a train trip.