Best Transit Options in Europe: Train or Fly?
With a dizzying array of transit options in Europe, planning how to travel between European cities is key to an unhurried yet immersive vacation.
One of Europe’s tourist assets is a modern high-speed rail network that connects cities and crosses borders, linking with regional rail services to transport visitors off the beaten path. Competing on speed and sometimes price is a thriving mix of budget airlines and national carriers linking cities big and small. With good local transport in most cities, it has never been easier to weave contrasting locales and countries into one vacation.
Ultimately, the best transit options for seeing more of Europe come down to a choice between trains or flying. Here’s a handy guide to the differences that matter for international visitors.
The Fastest Transit Options in Europe
For raw travel times, jet travel wins every time. But that’s only half the story, as getting to the airport and time spent in the airport typically adds a few hours, including the trip to the out-of-town airport, baggage check, and security checks. On many European routes, you’ll spend more time in the airport than in the air.
Meanwhile, rail passengers hop onboard five minutes before departure, luggage safely stored in a nearby rack. Then disembark in city centers, close to their hotel and even closer to the action.
Moreover, if you picture yourself hopping between cities around western and central Europe, with time to visit castles, villages, and offbeat destinations, high-speed rail combined with regional trains can be just as quick, opening up a world of wanderlust possibilities.
Here are some popular tourist routes to underline the differences, comparing the fastest, direct trains to flying:
Convenience: European Trains vs Planes
What could be more convenient than city-center to city-center travel and no airport transfers? It’s a major reason that many travelers choose trains as the best way to see Europe.
Without limited or zero security checks, you can board the moment train doors open. No need to show your passport when crossing international borders in 29 Schengen Area Countries, many of which star in our most popular European rail tours. Then jump off moments after arrival and step straight into the cultural milieu.
There are a few other notable differences with the convenience of the leading transit options in Europe.
Departure Frequency
Major cities see multiple daily departures of high-speed regional and international trains. On busy high-speed rail lines, there may be more than one rail operator, offering even more travel choices. Book early and you can pick a departure time that fits your schedule.
Airlines offer fewer daily flights and some routes only operate during peak season. While budget and national airlines compete on busy routes, particularly between capitals, you might need a little flexibility with departure times to smaller cities.
Delays
Train punctuality varies across Europe and if you’re hopping between cities and towns, you might encounter one or two short delays. However, punctuality is high in most countries (credit to Switzerland’s SBB as Europe’s most reliable trains) and delays of 5 minutes or more are generally infrequent.
Train cancellations are even rarer and offset by alternative departures later that day or the introduction of rail replacement services. Aka, a bus.
We’d love to say cancellations are rare when flying around Europe. But it’s a crowded airspace. In the 2024 summer season (June to August), almost 40% of flights were delayed or canceled! And unlike trains, you can’t always find another flight later that day.
The Booking Process
Different systems, ticket types, and travel rules can complicate cross-border European rail journeys. Happily, the right ticket usually presents itself when booking online, even if you find yourself occasionally lost in FAQs.
Most European rail tickets are e-tickets, via an app or printed. Some operators let you book online and collect tickets using a code at station machines. Check if the ticket needs validation before travel.
You might notice the budget airline ethos creep into European rail tickets. For example, SNCF in France, one of Europe’s busiest operators, now offers competing TGV services: InOui and Ouigo. InOui is the premium ticket, whereas Ouigo works like budget airlines, with additional fees for baggage, seat reservations, Wi-Fi, and ticket flexibility.
In contrast, the booking process for national carriers and budget airlines can be more straightforward and similar across platforms. Pick your flight, add your extras, and show the app’s QR code or printout at the airport.
Baggage
Another win for trains. Baggage fees are sometimes higher than the fare on budget airlines, particularly if you need to check suitcases or sports equipment into the hold.
While popping up more, baggage fees are still rare on trains. Even better, luggage travels with you, safely in sight and with zero chance of being forwarded to the wrong destination.
The Comfort Factor: Trains or Planes?
With most of Europe reachable on short flights and no-frills budget airlines filling the skies, it’s safe to say comfort is not a top priority for air travelers. You might gain a little more legroom on national airlines like KLM or Air France, yet first class is either unavailable or limited.
It’s a different story on European trains. While regional trains and commuter services prioritize function over comfort, high-speed trains are designed for comfort. A moment to recharge and take in the views as you dash between destinations, perhaps following Europe’s most scenic routes.
Facilities on Europe’s high-speed trains can include:
- 1st class seating and executive class on some routes.
- Station lounges at major stations for first-class travelers.
- Seating choices – sit with family around a table or enjoy peace in the quiet carriage.
- Free Wi-Fi and onboard catering
- Overnight sleeper trains, with couchettes and deluxe private cabins, for the mix of adventure and the chance to properly unwind.
Make the Journey Part Of The Adventure
Spotting great European landmarks as your plane lands can be a delight. The rest of the air travel experience is usually forgettable.
For those who enjoy the little experiences that could only happen on vacation, trains are the best transit option in Europe. An opportunity to connect with the local pace of life, recline in first-class comfort, open up a picnic of regional delicacies, and see parts of the country that tourists miss.
Options to elevate the entire trip abound on Europe’s rail system. See natural wonders on iconic tourist trains like the Bernina Express and Glacier Express, highlights of our Swiss rail tours.
Or traverse the Scottish Highlands on the Jacobite Express (better known by some as the Hogwarts Express). Or experience the old-time magic of rail travel on Spain’s Renfe luxury trains that pair supreme indulgence with the country’s most absorbing regions.
Even rail stations can be part of the travel story. History and architecture fans will find culturally interesting stations, from the mosaic murals in Porto’s Sao Bento station to the grandeur of Milan’s Central Station.
If you want to make the journey part of the adventure, rail travel is the ticket.
Money Matters: Comparing European Transit Costs
With different ticket types, dynamic pricing, and occasional promotional offers, European train fares vary significantly, even on the same route on the same day. It adds up to a wide menu of pricing points for customers.
In general, the further you travel the more economical flying becomes. Hopping between cities just a few hours apart by high-speed train will likely be cheaper than flying, particularly when you add airline baggage fees, seat reservations, and airport-city links.
Frequent promotions and dynamic prices are common with Europe’s rail and air operators. The trick to finding the best value transit options in Europe is booking early. Especially if you can adjust your itinerary slightly; rail and airfares are often cheaper at different times or adjacent days.
High-speed train tickets are posted 2-4 months before travel on most routes and airlines make seats available a year before travel. Signing up for newsletters is a handy way to beat the rush.
For regional trains, the rules vary across Europe. But in many countries, prices are fixed and early booking is unnecessary.
The Eco-friendly Way to Travel Europe
There’s no contest when comparing the sustainability of Europe’s transit options. With a much lower carbon footprint per passenger per mile, trains are more sustainable and environmentally friendly than flying.
The European Union in tandem with national governments is investing in the future of rail, fueling a renaissance in sleeper services and cross-border rail links.
It’s good news for the planet. And good news for rail travelers, with a boom in low carbon travel transit.
Planes, Trains, and Unhurried Vacations
With all the big and little details outlined, which European transit option is best for your vacation?
Flying unlocks the most expansive trips, opening up more of the continent’s map and allowing travelers to visit different corners of Europe without eating into your vacation time.
Meanwhile, trains are frequent, fast, and comfortable. Itineraries can be more flexible and you see more of the continent while recharging your sightseeing batteries.
Because so many richly layered countries squeezed into Europe, you can loop contrasting cultures and cities into one unhurried, immersive vacation.
Visit some of France’s eight neighboring countries by TGV in a few hours from Paris; roam Nordic countries; skip between imperial capitals in central Europe; or follow picturesque routes through the countries bordering the Alps. For these memorable vacations, only rail travel will do.
If your sightseeing batteries are fully charged and ready for a European rail adventure, our Destination Guides burst with ideas that showcase what is possible.
