Scenic trains: Europe’s most scenic routes

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As we enter March, it feels like spring is just around the corner. With flowers blooming and baby animals appearing, this is the perfect time to plan a trip to some of Europe’s most beautiful destinations.

Moreover, more people are turning to sustainable transport following the shocking statistic that planes emit, on average, almost five times more greenhouse gases than trains, according to data from the European Environment Agency. Masu.

Traveling by train also has the benefit of allowing you to see more places that you might miss when traveling by air.

Read on for some of the most fascinating train routes to add to your bucket list this spring.

Take in stunning views of the Alps on the Bernina Express

This Swiss railway line runs from Chur or St. Moritz in the Alps to Tirano in Italy via the Bernina Pass.

This scenic route is often hailed as one of the most stunning rail journeys in the world.

Spend 4 hours exploring 155 km of impressive scenery, seeing impressive snow-capped mountain peaks and beautiful Italian scenery.

Part of the Rhaetian Railway, the line operates all year round, but the timetable is expanded during spring and summer. This 120-year-old route is made even more impressive by its UNESCO World Heritage status, which recognizes its amazing engineering feats and stunning scenery.

Perhaps unsurprisingly, this isn’t the cheapest trip, as you’ll be based in some of the most expensive regions ever. Switzerland So is its popularity.

The cheapest ticket is 70 euros one way, but some passengers complain that seats in panoramic cars (seats with very large windows) cost at least 47 euros more. But most people say it’s worth the price considering the sheer beauty of the trip.

Travel back in time with a trip on the Venice Simplon Orient Express

If you’re looking for a great value train journey, this isn’t the route for you, but it’s probably the most legendary route in the world.

Board the Venice Simplon Orient Express and embark on a luxurious journey, taking in some of Europe’s most stunning scenery along the way.

It is also possible to ride in London, but since last year passengers have had to transfer to another train in London. Paris.

When you arrive in the French capital, you’ll be transported back to the glamorous world of train travel in the 1920s and 30s, thanks to decades-old rolling stock.

It takes 24 hours to depart from Paris and arrive at your destination. venice But along the route you’ll see true European icons such as the Swiss Alps, the French Riviera and the rolling hills of Italy.

Previous passengers say the trip was like stepping back into a time capsule. Dress in classic evening wear, enjoy a live pianist, and sample some of our famous delicious food.

It’s certainly for special occasions. The absolute cheapest ticket for this route is just over 4,000 euros per person one way.

Enjoy great value train travel with Belgrade Bar Railway

At the other end of the price scale is the Belgrade Bar Railway. The journey begins in the Serbian capital and takes passengers through some of the most impressive landscapes in all of neighboring Montenegro.

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The destination, Bar, a coastal town in southern Montenegro, takes half the time and is significantly cheaper than the Venice Simplon Orient Express. The most affordable ticket costs around 24 euros, and you can get a first class seat for just a few euros more.

While there is a scenery of Serbia Although Montenegro is not as famous as the Orient Express route, it definitely deserves a place on this list.

Along the way, you’ll marvel at the contrast between mountain peaks and deep gorges, as well as Montenegro’s Biogradska Gora National Park, one of UNESCO’s network of biosphere reserves.

Trains run all year round, but the best time to travel is spring or summer. The longer daylight hours mean you can see even more spectacular scenery than in autumn or winter.

Explore a different side of Greece on the Odontotos Rak Railway

If you don’t want train travel to be your main goal, but want to incorporate train travel into your vacation, Greece’s steepest railway is the perfect choice.

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Just south of Patras, the third largest city in the country, the Odontotos Lac Railway is a relatively short journey, but one packed with history.

Opened in 1896, this line has been attracting visitors for many years. Thanks to a unique rack and pinion system, the locomotive can rise up to around 720 meters above sea level while making sharp turns in the beautiful Vlaikos Gorge, making it a must-have for engineering enthusiasts.

The sometimes hair-raising journey takes you through relatively undiscovered nature, admiring waterfalls, forests and mountains. Greek language countryside.

There are far more trains running in summer than in spring, so you’ll probably want to plan this trip a little later in the year.

This is also an affordable trip. Prices for one-way tickets start from €9.50 per person.

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Marvel at Scotland’s rugged beauty on the West Highland Line

Scotland The West Highland Line is a great trip to embark on in the spring, as the weather is notoriously poor in autumn and winter.

This route starts in the country’s second city, Glasgow, and takes you to the Scottish Highlands in four hours, ensuring you’ll see a wide variety of scenery unique to this trip.

On board, you’ll explore the rugged beauty of the Scottish countryside, including lochs, moors and mountains. glenfinnan viaductbecame even more famous for her role in the Harry Potter films.

Sunny days may be the best time to ride this train, but it’s also spectacular when it snows or when the leaves change to rich, vibrant hues.

Tickets start from €19.50 one way, and the train follows Scotland’s west coast before splitting up at Crianlarich, a pretty village that bills itself as the ‘Gateway to the Highlands’.

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From there you can choose one of two routes and continue your journey to Oban or Fort William and Mallaig. There’s no need to compromise on scenery on either route, and both routes offer unmissable views of the iconic plateau.

Avoid further exacerbating Italy’s overtourism problem with the Cinque Terre Express

Italy has an endless list of destinations. overtourism.

Cinque Terre on the Italian Riviera is one of the worst-affected, despite being on UNESCO’s World Heritage List.

Still, if you want to visit the five beautiful coastal villages, you may want to take the train to avoid crowds and reduce foot traffic.

Prices for the Cinque Terre Express start from €14.80 per day and offer unparalleled views of the coastline and Mediterranean Sea that are constantly popping up on social media.

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The journey begins in the town of La Spezia and winds through the villages of Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia and Vernazza before arriving in Monterosso al Mare.

The train stops at each of the five villages and passengers can get off wherever they like.

look cinque terre Traveling by train is also a smart choice for travelers looking for a slightly more out-of-the-ordinary experience.

The train offers unique views of the village and surrounding landscape, often overlooked by traditional tourists.