Train holidays in Europe have been having a moment for a while now, and I certainly hope the trend will continue. The slower pace of the journey brings a more tranquil energy to any trip, and allows you to start relaxing and disconnecting from the get-go, before you’ve even checked into your hotel and wrapped yourself in a cosy robe.
While it’s possible to travel by train pretty much everywhere in the world, we’re particularly spoiled for choice in Europe when it comes to rail travel. For a dreamy old-time travel experience, nothing beats an overnight ride on one of the best sleeper trains in Europe – from the luxurious Venice Simplon-Orient-Express to the scenic Santa Claus Express. But there are so many bucket-list-worthy trips, you could easily fill your passport without ever setting foot in an airport again.
There are some routes, like a dreamy Mediterranean journey from the French Riviera to the Ligurian coast, that have been on my list for many years, but in 2027 rail operators across Europe are set to introduce a host of new routes, so it’s the perfect time to plan next year’s train adventures before anyone else.
Here are some new and some classic train holidays in Europe you should add to your 2027 rail travel bucket list.
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