“Europe has become very popular due to pop culture, so a trip to Europe was definitely on my bucket list,” Kritika Goel, 30, told DW.
The social media content creator from Vellore, a city in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu, said she has always been fascinated by European history, culture and its stunning landscapes.
The 30-year-old even returns to explore the continent every three to four months. And Goel is not the only Indian to discover the joys of exploring Europe beyond the railways.
India is now the second-largest market for Rail Europe, the company that makes European rail travel more accessible to international travelers, after the United States and ahead of China and Japan.
The company supplies tickets to around 200 train operators across Europe.
Rail Europe’s global revenue soars as European destinations grow in popularity among Indian travelersImage: Devan Sethi
A train trip inspired by Bollywood
YouTuber Pratik Jain was introduced to European beauty through India’s Hindi film industry, Bollywood. In Bollywood, many popular European cities and famous landmarks feature in movies.
The 30-year-old from India’s financial capital Mumbai last year traveled to five European countries – France, Germany, Belgium, Italy and the Czech Republic – using an all-in-one train ticket known as a Eurorail pass.
“I paid over 250 euros (approximately 27,000 yen) for a four-day pass, which is convenient, flexible with time, and cheaper than a plane ticket,” said Jayne, who travels by train around the world. He talked about a ticket that gives him unlimited access to the internet. Europe.
“Europe has good rail connections, making your journey smoother and less hassle. However, if you’re only visiting one or two countries, there are other options available, including: Masu. [budget bus company] Flixbus and air tickets. ”
Devan Sethi, 35, a former software engineer who now works as a travel vlogger, also finds rail travel a winner. He crossed most of Europe by train.
All he needed was a backpack and a Eurail pass, he said.
“This pass covers over 33 countries, including Turkey and Bulgaria. I had a first class pass and was offered free meals in places like Scotland.”
49 euro ticket in Germany: explore beautiful railway lines
Here are some of the most beautiful train lines in Germany you can explore with a 49 euro travel ticket.
Image: Peter Schickert/picture Alliance
Ravenna Bridge in the Black Forest
On May 1, 2023, Germany introduced a 49 euro travel pass, also known as the Deutschland Ticket. This is valid for U-Bahn, S-Bahn, bus and tram services throughout Germany, as well as Deutsche Bahn transport services such as RB and RE trains. So why not check out the Black Forest route that crosses the Ravenna Bridge (pictured) in southern Germany?
Image: Jürgen Wiesler/Zoonar/Photo Union
A trip along the Rhine is sure to be one to remember. One of the most beautiful regions is the Upper Middle Rhine Valley, which connects Bingen, Rüdesheim and Koblenz. Dotted with castles and charming villages, this wine region was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2002. Enjoy a scenic train journey through this picturesque region.
Image: Peter Schickert/picture Alliance
Traveling by train along the Mosel River is also a breathtaking experience. Start in the city of Koblenz, where the Rhine and Mosel rivers meet, and pass through numerous vineyards and castles, including picturesque villages such as Cochem an der Mosel. Thanks to the affordable ticket price of 49 euros, you can easily stop along the way and taste local wines.
Image: Peter Schickert/picture Alliance
A train trip around Lake Constance in southern Germany is yet another amazing journey. For example, the RE5 train starts in Stuttgart and ends in the Bavarian town of Lindau, passing through tranquil wildflower meadows with stunning views of the Alps. When you arrive in Lindau, be sure to take a stroll through the old town.
Image: Werner Thoma/Zoonar/Photo Alliance
Did you know you can fly abroad for just 49 euros? Intrepid explorers will be thrilled to learn that Germany’s new low-cost travel pass lets them take the train from Bavaria across the Alps to the beautiful Austrian city of Salzburg. You’ll be happy.
Image: Fabio Lotti/Zoonar/Photo Alliance
Getting to Sylt on a budget has never been easier. Depart Hamburg and take the RE6 train directly to this popular North Sea island known for its sand dunes, bog nature reserves and countless outdoor activities. The journey takes just under 4 hours.
Image: Axel Heimken/dpa/picture Alliance
From Dresden to Decin (Czech Republic)
With its impressive sandstone rock formations, Germany’s Saxon Switzerland is easily explored by train. This route follows the Elbe from Dresden to the town of Bad Schandau, where many of the hikes begin. You can also head to the town of Decin in the Czech Republic.
Image: Michal Fludra/NurPhoto/Photo Alliance
Railway enthusiasts will love the chance to see the Gercchus Viaduct, the world’s largest brick bridge. Regional services RB4 and RB2 from Gera to Cheb in the Czech Republic pass through this impressively large structure. However, when planning your trip, keep in mind that the €49 ticket does not allow you to use ICE, IC, EC and Flixtrain connections.
Image: Wolfgang Thieme/dpa/picture-alliance
Lake Tegernsee is a truly enchanting part of Germany, surrounded by the Alps, and easily accessible thanks to a 49 euro ticket. From Munich, you can take the Bavarian Land Railway (Bavarian Oberlandbahn) to the northern end of the lake in Gmünd or to the terminal town of Tegernsee.
Image: Matthias Balk/DPA/picture Alliance
Summer in Berlin is not complete without a trip to the northern Baltic coast. Thanks to the new 49 euro ticket, it should be easier than ever to visit charming towns like Stralsund (pictured) on local trains. However, train cars can be very crowded during the summer months, so consider renting a bike at your destination.
Image: H. Blossey/blickwinkel/picture Alliance
Europe attracts more Indian travelers
Despite hurdles such as visa delays and logistical issues, a significant number of Indians are visiting popular European destinations such as Switzerland, France, the United Kingdom, Germany, Italy, Spain, Austria, and the Czech Republic. and Eastern European countries such as Hungary. .
“Despite challenges such as visa delays, the Indian market has shown remarkable resilience and strong enthusiasm for European travel,” said Bjorn Bender, President and CEO of Rail Europe. He told DW.
“The Swiss Travel Pass and Eurail Pass are particularly popular among outbound travelers in India due to their flexibility and convenience, allowing them to explore multiple destinations seamlessly,” Bender said.
Rail Europe has recorded 60% growth in global revenue as European destinations grow in popularity among Indian travelers.
Germany’s most beautiful railway lines
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Goel told DW about her favorite train journeys across Europe.
“The highlight was experiencing the Swiss Glacier Express. I’ll never forget the incredible views of the Swiss Alps on that eight-hour train journey,” said the content creator.
“Also, some of the train journeys I took through France and Italy were breathtaking.”
Sethi said the only problem was train delays, but emphasized the convenience of not needing a reservation.
“During peak seasons and in some locations, you may have to pay extra for a seat, but otherwise it’s very smooth and convenient,” Sethi said. “These are just small challenges.”
But that doesn’t seem to deter young Indians from traveling to Europe and exploring the continent by train.
“India currently holds the position of the world’s fifth-largest economy, with a population of 1.4 billion, more than China, and will attract around 40 million international tourists from India in the next few years. “We expect that,” Bender said.
