‘I travelled across Europe without taking a single flight. Here are my 6 recommendations.’

Sitting here in my plush first-class train seat, heading into country #17 of the year, it’s pretty clear: this is the way to see Europe. No flights involved — just a train, an oversized suitcase (no extra fees, thank you), and a front-row view of pine forests and storybook Norwegian villages sliding by. 

Back in Australia, we’re used to thinking that flying is the cheapest, fastest way to get around. Here in Europe, it might be the quickest, but by far, the best way to travel is by train. And sometimes, it’s actually cheaper too. Trust me, I’ve crisscrossed Europe this summer without boarding a single flight.

And let’s just say it: European trains are a step above what we have in Australia. Picture recliners, tables, private compartments, and even beds on some routes.

But it’s not without its hiccups along the way, so here’s everything you might need to know about seeing Europe by train.

Watch: What it’s like travelling in a train sleep pod in Europe. Post continues below.

A Eurail pass will save you hundreds (if not thousands).

Think of the Eurail Pass as a golden ticket to Europe. With one pass covering 33 countries, I managed to save a ton on flights, bag fees, and airport transfers — a hidden cost most travellers don’t think about. Train stations are usually in the city centre, too, so I’d just walk to my hotel or Airbnb most of the time.

There are several options to choose from, but my advice? If you know you’re going to be moving around quite a bit, and for more than a month, get the 15 Days in Two Months pass. It costs around $680, but there’s no limit to how many trains you can take in a day, so it’s perfect for spontaneous adventures or those who move around a lot.

And it’s not just for those long, cross-country trips. I used my pass on local trains to get around cities, and for the scenic train rides that belong on every bucket list. With a Eurail Pass, I had access to some of Europe’s most legendary routes, and saved hundreds — if not thousands — over the course of two months.

You can bring everything but the kitchen sink, at no extra cost.

One great thing about train travel is the luggage situation — most of it is free! While some railways have size limits, places like Italy and France don’t seem to mind. I even saw someone bring a giant framed painting on board — it took up most of the aisle, and they just rolled it right in on a trolley. My fiancé even brought his golf clubs without any fuss, and at no extra cost. Plus, most trains are pet-friendly, which means there’s almost always a dog or two along for the ride.

You’ll never tire of the views.

There’s a special kind of romance to train travel, one that more travellers are starting to rediscover. Watching the scenery shift as you move from country to country is something I’ll never get tired of. I’ve seen so much more of Europe this way, from the olive groves and coastlines of southern Italy to the mountain peaks up north, and then into Slovenia’s lush valleys. On a train, you’re immersed in the scenery; you can’t escape it, and honestly, you wouldn’t want to.

Some of the most scenic routes are…

It’s no secret that Switzerland has some of the world’s most scenic train routes. One of the most famous is the Glacier Express, which takes you from Zermatt to St. Moritz in about 7.5 hours, crossing 91 tunnels and more than 200 bridges along the way. The views are just out of this world. For a longer, more laid-back route through Switzerland, the Golden Pass line is a dream, taking you from Lucerne to Montreux with three different trains — a perfect pace for slow travel. If you have a Eurail pass, you’re covered for the Interlaken to Zweisimmen stretch without needing a reservation, though for the other legs, a seat reservation is required and costs a bit extra.

Another great option for stunning views is the Barcelona to Valencia route, or the La Spezia to Genova line, which will give you amazing glimpses of Spain and Italy. For those heading to Eastern Europe, the Belgrade to Bar line in Montenegro is a must — it’s often called the most scenic route in Europe, and it’s definitely worth adding to your list.

Save on seat reservation costs by booking regional lines.

This summer, TikTok and Instagram Reels were full of scenes of overcrowded trains all over Europe. Train travel is clearly back in a big way, but it comes with a catch — the high-speed routes are selling out fast.

One way around this? Book a regional line instead. They’re usually less crowded, and most don’t require a seat reservation, which saves you a bit of cash. Sure, they’re slower, and might add an hour or two to your trip, but you’ll be way more comfortable — and you won’t be stuck standing for three hours with your suitcase squeezed between your legs.

For those with a Eurail pass, use your app and filter your search to “no seat reservations” for a quick way to find alternative routes.

Not all sleeper trains are the same.

When I say sleeper train, I don’t mean a grand setup with a queen bed and floral wallpaper like you get on the Venice Simplon Orient-Express and other swanky Belmond trains that come with a hefty price tag. Though, if I could afford them, it would be my preferred way of travelling.

I’m talking about the more budget-friendly overnight trains with bunk beds or cabin options. The setup varies depending on the railway and country, but there are plenty of choices out there.

If you’re travelling between England and Scotland, I’d recommend the Caledonian Sleeper (about $150 AUD per person). The classic room has two bunks in a private cabin, plus a little sink. You can even have breakfast delivered to your cabin or enjoy it in the Club Car.

Some sleeper trains can go as low as $60 AUD. The OBB Nightjet, Austria’s railway, has mini pod-style beds on some routes, like the Rome to Vienna journey. I expected mostly backpackers but was surprised to find a mix of families, business travellers, and solo adventurers. It’s easily my top pick for a sleeper train in Europe.

Feature Image: Supplied.