Best train trips in Europe 2026: 4 most beautiful railway routes for summer travel

Train travel across Europe is once again the main trend of the summer: new international routes allow you to reach the continent’s most beautiful cities quickly and comfortably, without the stress of airports. From the night express between Paris and Berlin to a scenic journey from Vienna to the Adriatic – this season, travellers have more opportunities for unforgettable train journeys. Find out more about the 4 most interesting train routes in Europe for your summer holiday in 2026

Train travel across Europe is experiencing a real boom this summer. Tourists are increasingly opting for trains over short-haul flights: not only is it more comfortable, but it also allows them to see dozens of picturesque locations simply on their way to their destination. What’s more, European operators are actively launching new international routes and bringing back popular night services that had previously been cancelled.

Another reason for the popularity of this format is the ability to travel without strict luggage restrictions, exhausting airport checks and long layovers. In a single night, travellers can find themselves in another country, and by day – enjoy views of the Alps, fjords or the Adriatic coast straight from the train window.

This summer, four international routes are attracting particular attention from tourists, combining comfort, beautiful scenery and interesting cities to explore.

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Vienna, Austria – Trieste, Italy

The route between Vienna and Trieste is considered one of the most beautiful rail journeys in Central Europe this summer. The journey begins in the Austrian capital with its imperial architecture and coffee houses, and ends on the Adriatic coast in an atmospheric Italian city that was long part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire.

Trieste is noticeably different from typical Italian tourist cities. Here you can see majestic Habsburg-style buildings, Roman ruins and ancient squares overlooking the sea. Among the most famous sights are the Arch of Riccardo, the Ancient Roman Theatre and Piazza Unità d’Italia, which is considered one of the most beautiful waterfront squares in Europe.

En route, the train passes through the picturesque regions of Austria and northern Italy, so this route is often chosen not only for the destination but also for the journey itself. It is a particularly popular choice among tourists wishing to combine a city break in Vienna with a seaside holiday.

- Journey time: 6.5 hours (departure at 06:53)

- Ticket prices: from $40 to $100

- Operator: direct Railjet service by ÖBB

- Route highlights: a combination of Alpine landscapes and the Adriatic coast

Find out more about the best cycling routes in Europe in 2026 by following the link.

Paris, France – Berlin, Germany

This summer, the European Sleeper night express is running again between Paris and Berlin, already hailed as one of the most convenient ways to travel between the two major capitals of Western Europe. The format is particularly popular with tourists who don’t want to waste time at airports or on extra overnight stays: you can board the train in Paris in the evening and wake up in the centre of Berlin in the morning.

The route combines two completely different cities.

Paris traditionally attracts visitors with evening strolls along the Seine, museums and atmospheric cafés, whilst summer in Berlin is known for its open-air art spaces, large parks, festivals and vibrant nightlife. This is precisely why the route has become popular among young travellers and tourists planning a European tour across several countries.

A particular advantage of the night train is the saving on accommodation. Depending on the carriage type, passengers can choose standard seating or full-size sleeping compartments for a comfortable night’s sleep during the journey.

- Journey time: around 15 hours

- Departure: at 18:05 from Paris, arrival at 09:00 in Berlin

- Schedule: 3 times a week (Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday)

- Cost: from $55 to $130

- Route feature: overnight travel with the opportunity to save on accommodation

Learn more about the best European cities for a short budget trip by following the link.