On a recent trip to Europe, I traveled by plane, train, rental car, ferry, cruise ship, and Uber. I enjoyed trains the most, by far, and I would always choose the rails whenever given the option.

For many Americans, the idea of traveling by train doesn’t even come to mind. Travel means getting on an airplane and renting a car at your destination. THIS IS WRONG! Now, I know train travel brings to mind something slow and outdated – Amtrak routes that inch across the country, often delayed by freight traffic.

But in Europe, the train is not a relic of the past; it’s the heartbeat of modern travel. The first time you step onto a sleek platform in Paris or Zurich and hear the quiet hum of a high-speed train arriving precisely on time, you realize: this is how travel was meant to be.

A comparison of intercity train connections: U.S. vs. Europe

The Joy of the Rails

When you travel by train in Europe, the journey is part of the experience. You’re not trapped in traffic or herded through security lines. Instead, you’re gliding past vineyards, cathedrals, and storybook towns that seem to appear just for you.

“You don’t feel like you’re losing time,” says Janet, a retired teacher from Oregon who’s spent three summers exploring Europe by rail. “You sit back, sip your coffee, and watch the countryside unfold like a movie. By the time you arrive, you’re relaxed and ready to explore.”

Unlike in the U.S., where trains are a niche option, Europe’s rail system connects nearly everywhere. High-speed lines whisk you from London to Paris in just over two hours, or from Rome to Milan in under three. Even smaller towns are served by clean, efficient local trains that drop you right in the heart of town – often just steps from a café or market square.

Why It Feels So Different

Europeans rely on trains the way Americans rely on cars. The stations are central, the schedules are reliable, and the experience feels, well…civilized. There’s no rushing, no shouting, no plastic trays to empty your pockets into. You don’t have to arrive 3 hours ahead to check your bags and make sure you get through security lines. You walk aboard, find your seat, and suddenly, life slows to the rhythm of the rails.

Trains are comfortable and thoughtfully designed, with wide seats, room for luggage, and large windows framing ever-changing landscapes. It’s ABOUT 10 TIMES BETTER THAN BEING CRAMPED ON AN AIRPLANE LIKE SARDINES!!! Many have dining cars where you can order an espresso, a croissant, even a glass of wine as you watch the countryside roll by.

And the best part? You can look out the window and see Europe. The Alps rise in the distance, olive groves stretch to the horizon, castles peek over riverbanks. It’s travel that feels both efficient and deeply romantic.

Tips for Americans New to European Rail

Book smart. For high-speed trains like Eurostar, TGV, or Frecciarossa, buy tickets early. Be aware fares climb as the date nears. For regional trains, especially in Italy, Germany, or Austria, you can often buy tickets the same day.

Know your train types.

• High-speed (Eurostar, TGV, ICE): sleek and fast, reserved seating.
• Intercity: connects major towns, still comfortable.
• Regional: slower but charming, great for day trips to smaller places.

Validate before you board. On regional lines with paper tickets, you may need to stamp them in a little yellow or green machine at the station. It’s easy to forget, and fines are steep.

Travel light. You’ll carry your bags on board, so think rolling suitcase or backpack, not oversized luggage.

Eat well. Station bakeries are often excellent. It’s easy to grab a baguette sandwich or a pastry before boarding. Many trains also have café cars offering coffee, snacks, and wine. You’d be surprised how good the food can be.

Arrive early, but not too early. There’s no security screening or check-in. Arriving 20–30 minutes before departure is perfect.

Watch the board. Platforms sometimes change at the last minute. Look for “voie,” “binario,” or “gleis”—each means “platform.”

Freedom on the Rails

Perhaps the greatest pleasure of train travel in Europe is the sense of freedom it brings. You can wake up in Amsterdam and decide, on a whim, to spend the night in Bruges or Strasbourg. There’s no stress about car rentals or airport lines. All you do is buy a ticket, find your seat, and go.

“You start to feel like Europe belongs to you,” says Tom, a retiree from Florida who spent a month traveling by train through France and Switzerland. “You’re not a tourist being shuttled around – you’re part of the rhythm of everyday life.”

And that’s the beauty of it. Trains don’t just connect cities; they connect moments – small, quiet slices of European life that you might otherwise miss. A vineyard glimpsed from your window. A grandmother boarding with her groceries. A sunset over the Seine as your train slows into Paris.

Once you experience it, you’ll understand why so many travelers fall in love with the rails, and why they never want to travel any other way.