Popular Train Connections between European Cities

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The railway links several of Europe’s most important cities, quickly becoming one of the most popular entry points into many of the continent’s most popular attractions. The ability to move at high speeds while on board makes train travel in Europe a viable choice for getting to one’s destination.

But what cities are accessible by this method? From the Amsterdam-Berlin route to the London-Paris train route, Europe has something unique to offer everyone. This article will analyze which cities in Europe can you connect to using the railway.

 

Image showing canal in Amsterdam - Popular Train Connections between Amsterdam and BerlinAmsterdam-Berlin

Travelling by rail from Amsterdam to Berlin takes an average of 8 hours and two minutes, even though the distance between the two cities is around 357 miles (575 km). When you book in advance, tickets from Amsterdam to Berlin start at A$48.32, and there are generally 22 trains between these two cities daily.

If you take the train, you won’t have to worry about transfer times or standing around after checking in; instead, you’ll move directly from one city centre to the next. Instead, take advantage of the vast comfort of Deutsche Bahn‘s seats and kick back and relax while you utilize the WiFi to get some work done or keep yourself engaged while you’re on the go.

If hunger strikes, you may also get a bite to eat in the train dining carriage. Alternatively, you can upgrade to First Class for an even higher level of luxury, where you will receive free food and beverages directly to you!

 

Barcelona-Gijón

Train travel from Barcelona to Gijón covers 426 miles (686 kilometres) distance and typically takes roughly 13 hours and 29 minutes. However, if you select the quickest service, you can make the journey in as little as 10 hours and 41 minutes.

On average, there are around two trains that travel along this route every day. Because there are no direct services on this route, you will be required to make one change along the way. When purchased in advance, train tickets from Barcelona to Gijón start at $38.78. This represents a potential saving compared to purchasing the tickets on the day of travel.

 

Amsterdam to Brussels

Train travel from Amsterdam to Brussels typically takes two hours and eight minutes, although the trip may be completed in as little as one hour and fifty-three minutes on the quickest services. The Thalys train service offers nonstop direct service along this route. On the journey, you will be provided with comfortable seats, room for your baggage, and free WiFi as a standard amenity on board. When you purchase your tickets in advance, travel from Amsterdam to Brussels is €25, and there are generally 23 trains that run between the two cities daily.

If you are travelling by rail, you can bypass traffic and proceed directly from one city centre to another. You will disembark at Brussels-Midi station, the principal railway station in the city and just a twenty-minute walk from the Grand Place, a world-famous UNESCO monument. After arriving in the city, you can wander about and see all it offers, including the well-known market square.

 

Tower bridge across the Thanes in London - Popular Train Connections between London and ParisLondon-Paris

Using Eurostar is your best and quickest option when travelling from the United Kingdom to France. When taking the most direct route, the journey from London to Paris may be quickly completed in as little as two hours and twenty-two minutes (or 342 kilometres). In contrast to air travel, train travel does not include delays caused by waiting for luggage or airport transfers. The train may carry you from one city centre to another, the ticket price starts at €38.50.

After you have checked in, get onboard a contemporary Eurostar e300 or e320 train at London St. Pancras station. You will immediately have access to comfortable seats, free WiFi, a café-bar area, and power plugs. These amenities are standard. When you upgrade to Standard Premier or Business Premier, you will get additional privileges, such as complimentary food and drink.

Some submersion is involved in the journey from London to Paris by train. The length of the Channel Tunnel, also known as the “Chunnel” if you choose its moniker, is slightly more than 50 kilometres, making it the longest continuous underwater tunnel in the globe. It takes a Eurostar train travelling between London and Paris about 35 minutes to traverse the underwater section of the Chunnel at its maximum speed of 100 miles per hour (160 kilometres per hour).

 

Madrid-Granada

Are you working out the details of your trip from Madrid to Granada? If you go there by rail, you can be confident that you will have a luxurious and convenient ride. When travelling by rail from Madrid to Granada, which is about 223 miles away, the trip takes an average of 4 hours and 44 minutes (360 km).

When booking in advance, tickets for the trip from Madrid to Granada start at €18, and there are generally nine trains that operate in each direction between the two cities daily. The AVE trains that Renfe uses for its high-speed service are equipped with air conditioning, free WiFi, and power plugs.

Relax in the roomy seats and take in the scenery without being bothered by the need to pay attention to the road or remember where you are going. You indeed owe it to yourself to treat yourself by moving up to First Class, where you’ll have more room to stretch out.

The railway station in Granada is a convenient location for reaching the most important landmarks in the city. You can reach the city’s heart by bus or walk there in only twenty minutes. The magnificent Alhambra palace-fortress is located here, in addition to the lively Plaza Nueva area and the church that dates back to the 16th century.

 

Munich-Salzburg

It indeed takes about the same amount of time to go from one city to the other as it does to drive, but using the high-speed OBB Railjet train is a far less stressful option. The trip takes just under two hours. First Class customers enjoy adjustable leather chairs with more legroom and a meal and drink cabin service – you won’t get that on a vehicle trip! If you want to travel comfortably, consider flying first class.

The journey by rail from Munich Hbf to Salzburg Hbf covers about 116 kilometres (72 miles) and takes an average of 1 hour and 53 minutes (117 km). When you buy your tickets in advance, you can get a ticket for this route for as little as one euro, and there are generally 45 trains every day that goes from Munich Hbf to Salzburg Hbf.

You can easily reach the picturesque Austrian town of Salzburg from Munich, making a trip there a convenient option whether you want to see the spectacular fortress atop Festungsberg Hill or take a stroll through the UNESCO World Heritage sites that are located in Old Town.

 

Paris-Rome

You will be able to appreciate the breathtaking scenery while being seated comfortably, having plenty of legroom, and benefiting from an onboard culinary service. If you were flying, you would most likely lose out on these opportunities.

When travelling by rail from Paris to Rome, which is about 687 miles away, the trip takes an average of 14 hours and 21 minutes (1105 km). When you finally purchase your tickets in advance, you may get on one of the 17 trains that run between Paris and Rome for as little as €51.90. This route is serviced by 17 trains every day.

Taking the high-speed TGV and Frecciarossa trains throughout the day will allow you to reach these two cities in around half a day if you travel between them. Before going to the Italian capital, you will also have the opportunity to stop at Milan or Turin and do some sightseeing before continuing your trip. As soon as you exit the Roma Termini railway station, you won’t have to wait long to begin basking in the enchantment of Rome’s atmosphere.

 

Prague-Vienna

The train is not only the most convenient and pleasant transportation between Prague and Vienna but also the most economical. By travelling on a high-tech Railjet train, you may avoid the chaos at the airport. It takes little more than four hours to go from the Prague station to the Wien Hbf station in Vienna through Railjet services that operate directly between the two locations. Have we mentioned that Railjets serves beer poured directly from the tap?

When travelling by rail from Prague to Vienna, which is about 249 kilometres in the distance, the trip typically takes 5 hours and 1 minute (251 km). When you buy your tickets in advance, travel from Prague to Vienna can be had for as little as €11.90, and there are generally 24 trains that run between the two cities daily.

When you arrive at Wien Hbf, you’ll be at a convenient location to explore Vienna. It takes less than half an hour to use public transportation to go to Schonbrunn Palace, which was the official house of the Habsburg royal family for many years and is widely considered to be one of the most identifiable structures in all of Austria. While you’re there, stop at the Schonbrunn Zoo, which can be found just adjacent to the Palace. From this location, make your way into the heart of Vienna and spend some time seeing the MuseumsQuartier.

 

Conclusion

The European rail network allows connections between a wide variety of train lines throughout the continent, from the routes London to Paris and Amsterdam to Berlin and many more fantastic railway routes in Europe. In line with this, we have supplied sufficient information on which cities are accessible by train, so be sure to consult our list before planning your next trip to Europe by rail.

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Julian

Over 100.000KM traveled
Julian Schmid, founder of Rail Escape, is an avid traveler with over 60,000 miles of firsthand experience on Europe’s railways. His passion for exploring the continent began in childhood, and over the years, he has visited more than 55 countries, mastering the art of European rail travel. Julian’s deep knowledge of scenic routes, hidden gems, and local cultures makes him the perfect guide for those seeking authentic and memorable journeys through Europe. On this blog, Julian shares his insights and tips for making the most of train travel, from choosing the best routes to discovering local traditions and cuisine. With a focus on luxury and independent travel, Julian invites you to experience the joy and convenience of exploring Europe by rail.

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