train travel companies europe

Get our Rail Planner app

Plan your trip, get extra discounts, and show your Pass as you go.

Our favorite spring routes

Celebrate spring with these 7 off-the-beaten-path train routes

All about seat reservations

Everything you need to know about booking your seats

Alternatives to Busy Routes

Travel between popular European cities without seat reservations

Through our Chatbot in the bottom right corner.

Ask the Community

Browse questions from fellow Eurail travellers, or ask your own!

• Plan your trip

Trains in Europe

• Order overview
• Reservations overview
• My Trips & Travelers
• {{translatedTraveler}} {{#promotional}} {{currencySign}} {{standardPrice}} {{/promotional}} {{quantity}}x {{currencySign}} {{finalPrice}}
• Child {{childPasses}}x FREE
• {{translatedPassType}}
• {{translatedValidityPeriodDescription}}
• {{translatedClass}}
• Remove Pass(es)
• {{variant.localizedTravelPackDescription}} {{quantity}}x Free
• {{variant.localizedPassUpgradeDescription}} {{quantity}}x {{currency}} {{price}}
• Your order will arrive by {{expectedDeliveryDate}} 1 x {{currency}} {{price}}

Your cart is empty

Trains are everywhere in Europe. Some trains travel at high speed across the continent, while others move around leisurely, either by day or night. Find out about the different European trains like sleeper trains, chocolate trains, high-speed trains and the provided facilities for a clear idea of what train travel in Europe is all about!

High-speed trains

High-speed trains are the fastest way to get around Europe. You can cover large distances in great luxury, relaxing in a comfortable chair or enjoying a bite to eat in the dining car.

More about high-speed trains →

Night trains

Night trains are a great way to get around Europe. Save precious travel time by moving between cities while you sleep and choose the accommodation that best fits you and your travel budget. 

More about night trains →

Scenic trains

Europe is a beautiful continent, but some parts of it are just exceptionally beautiful. You can find scenic trains in these parts, which will carry you through amazing mountain scenery and past picturesque coastlines.

More about scenic trains →

Regional trains

Regional trains will take you anywhere in Europe, from the smallest village to the largest capital. These trains usually don't need a reservation and are a great way to discover every little corner of Europe.

More about regional trains →

With your Eurail Pass, you can get a discount on many ferries in Europe. Take a break from trains and travel between countries over water. You can also use ferries to visit stunning islands off the coast of Spain, Italy, or Greece.

More about ferries  →

Railway carriers

A Eurail Pass is valid with many European railway companies. Aside from that, there are also participating ferry companies and public transport companies. Follow the link below to see the full list of participating companies.

More about railway carriers →

Train stations

European train stations are usually centrally located and easy to reach. There are often good facilities at the station and taxis, buses, and car rentals are never far away. If you're a little lost, let the train staff point you to your platform!

Read all about Europe's train stations

The Eurail Pass

With a single Eurail rail Pass, you can travel in up to 33 countries, hopping off along the way to experience Europe's most fascinating cities, monuments, and breathtaking scenery. Travel at your own pace and know that there is the perfect Eurail Pass for every European vacation!

The adventure begins with the train journey itself, which is why so many people choose to explore Europe by rail. Are you ready to choose the Eurail Pass for your own European adventure?

Check out the Eurail Passes

Join the Community!

Our Community is full of great questions and answers from fellow Eurail travellers. Keep up-to-date with itineraries, tips and questions and answers from fellow Eurailers.

Check out our Community →

Change of currency

You cannot change the currency once you have a Pass in your cart. Remove the Pass, and then change the currency on the website header.

Get Daily Travel Tips & Deals!

By proceeding, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use .

How to Book Train Travel in Europe: 12 Essential Sites

Caroline Morse Teel

Caroline Morse Teel is the Managing Editor for SmarterTravel Media. Follow her on Instagram @TravelWithCaroline .

Caroline joined Boston-based SmarterTravel in 2011 after living in Ireland, London, and Manhattan. She's traveled to all seven continents, jumped out of planes, and bungeed off bridges in the pursuit of a good story. She loves exploring off-the-beaten path destinations, anything outdoorsy, and all things adventure.

Her stories have also appeared online at USA Today, Business Insider, Huffington Post, Yahoo, Boston.com, TripAdvisor, Buzzfeed, Jetsetter, Oyster, Airfarewatchdog, and others.

The Handy Item I Always Pack : "Earplugs. A good pair has saved my sleep and sanity many times!"

Ultimate Bucket List Experience : Hiking Mount Kilimanjaro.

Travel Motto : "Don't be boring."

Aisle, Window, or Middle Seat : "Aisle (when the first class private suite isn't available)."

E-mail her at [email protected] .

Travel Smarter! Sign up for our free newsletter.

The train can be the fastest, easiest, and cheapest way to travel around Europe—but booking can be confusing. Here are all the essential sites for booking train travel in Europe.

For Multi-Country Train Travel in Europe

Rail europe.

Rail Europe is one of the best starting points for planning a trip around Europe, whether it’s a multi-country itinerary or single country trip. The modern, easy-to-use website offers English and U.S. Dollar display options and lets you make reservations, compare rail passes, and buy tickets. Use the customizable map to easily build out your trip.

Remember EuroRail? It’s now called Eurail , and its site is a great resource for planning a trip across the continent. Site features include a fun tool to help you find the best rail pass for your trip, plus European train timetables, maps with travel times, and even travel inspiration if you’re still deciding where to go. Eurail also helps with ferry travel, so you can easily figure out how to combine a train and ferry to get to your next destination. Note that if you’re a European resident, you’ll need to use the InterRail site to buy your passes, as there are different options for residents and non-residents.

Thalys runs high-speed trains on routes around France, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Germany. Buy tickets directly on its site—you’ll find good special offers and a deals section. Note that this site is only available in French, but Google Translate works well enough that you shouldn’t have trouble using it if you don’t speak the language.

B-Europe partners with rail companies across Europe (like Eurostar, TGV, and Trenitalia) to offer discounted train tickets. Compare prices here before booking your tickets—you can find deals like a one-way ticket from Brussels to Paris on a high-speed train for $20 if you’re flexible.

Ever bought a flight that patches together an itinerary from multiple airlines for the cheapest fare? Raileasy is the same concept, but for trains. It allows you to save tons of money by booking one leg of your journey through one train company and the rest through another—an option that most train sites don’t give you.

Not sure if you want to take the train, bus, or a combination of both on your European trip? Trainline helps you compare and book train and bus tickets across the continent. This is one of the easiest ways to check prices and times for multiple companies (like Eurostar, SNCF, Trenitalia, Renfe, Flixbus, and more) in one place. Book here and you can even pay with PayPal and Apple Pay.

Transpennine Express

Transpennine Express runs train services across Great Britain. Check here for live train times, information on how to get compensation if your train is delayed, ticket offers, and to buy tickets. It’s worth noting that you can get a group discount through Transpennine if you’re traveling in a group of three or more people.

For Single-Country Train Travel in Europe

Deutsche bahn.

Deutsche Bahn is the site you need if you’re planning train travel across Germany. Check here for great ticket deals, to buy tickets, and check train times. If your trip includes travel to/from Germany and another European country, you can buy German Rail, Interrail, and Eurail Passes here (and the site has a comparison tool to help you decide which type you need).

Swiss Railways

Train travel in Switzerland can get expensive, but Swiss Railways has some decent deals on its website, including a Swiss Coupon Pass that gives you discounts on attractions. If you’re planning a longer trip, the Swiss Half Fare Card is a good investment, as it will save you 50 percent off of rail, bus, and boat tickets for one month. In addition to train tickets, you can also book excursions and packages here.

Italiarail offers both tickets and buy rail passes, and it’s also a good resource for general information on train travel in Italy. The maps on this site are incredibly detailed, and show which trains are high-speed and which are regional—you  can even see which services and amenities are offered at each station.

For Airport Transfers Via Train in Europe

Stansted express.

The Stansted Express is one of the cheapest and fastest ways to get to and from London’s Stansted Airport. Buying your tickets online saves you hassle at the airport.

Heathrow Express

Travel between London’s Paddington station and Heathrow airport in just 15 minutes on the Heathrow Express .

Terravision

If your European train travel mainly involves getting to and from the airport, be sure to check out Terravision , which will show you prices and times for both bus and rail transport to and from airports in Europe.

What to Wear for Train Travel in Europe

Women’s bohemian outfit to wear on a sunny vacation, shop the look.

Long Dress with Tie Belt

Braided Shoulder Bag

Pineapple-C Brightening Serum

Men’s casual jean and short sleeve button down outfit.

Regular Fit Polo

Slim Fit Jeans

Women’s Comfy Outfit to Wear on a Flight

Restore Draped Jogger

Adjustable Cap

Chuck Taylor®

Men’s comfortable airplane outfit.

Crewneck Sweatshirt

No Sweat Joggers

Noise Cancelling Headphones

Women’s Outfit for Spring in a Major City

High Neck Top

Raw Hem Jeans

18k Gold Bar Studs

Textured Jacket

Slip-on Sneakers

Men’s evening outfit for a cruise.

Riviera Short Sleeve Shirt

Stretch Technical Shorts

Square Sunglasses

Women’s Casual Shirt Dress Outfit

V-Neck Dress

Gulf Necklace

Market Canvas Tote

Men’s Casual Summer Outfit

Graphic Tee

Light Wash Spray On Jeans

Sprite Baseball Hat

White Watch

More from SmarterTravel:

• Top 10 Reasons to Travel by Train
• 9 Ways to Make Long Train Rides More Comfortable
• 6 Incredible Train Journeys That Won’t Break Your Travel Budget

We hand-pick everything we recommend and select items through testing and reviews. Some products are sent to us free of charge with no incentive to offer a favorable review. We offer our unbiased opinions and do not accept compensation to review products. All items are in stock and prices are accurate at the time of publication. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission.

Top Fares From

Don't see a fare you like? View all flight deals from your city.

Today's top travel deals.

Brought to you by ShermansTravel

Southwest Ireland: 8-Night Trip, Incl. Guinness...

Specialized Travel Services

Luxe, 7-Night Caribbean & Mexico Cruise...

Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Ohio: Daily Car Rentals from Cincinnati

Trending on SmarterTravel

Best Train Companies in Europe [Updated]

Europe is known for its many stunning train routes that wind through the countryside. If you’re looking to explore the continent by rail, which train company should you choose? We’ve made a list of the best European providers, so you can decide which is right for you. Whether you’re looking for a budget option or want to ride in style, there’s a perfect train company for you!

Best Train Companies in Europe

Many amazing train companies are operating throughout Europe . Here are some of the best to consider for your journey:

• Deutch Bahn

Eurostar is one of the most popular train companies in Europe. It operates high-speed trains that connect London to Paris, Amsterdam, and Brussels at speeds of up to 300 km/h. Eurostar also has a reliable service with comfortable seats and free Wi-Fi on board. Moreover, the company offers some discounted fares if you book in advance.

Eurostar offers a range of ticket types, including single and return tickets. They also have a range of special offers and discounts to help you save money on your journey. It’s a great option if you’re looking for reliable and convenient travel between major European cities. They also offer a range of comfort upgrades, including business class, which can make your journey even more luxurious. They also have a Eurostar Plus Points system, which allows you to earn points with each journey, giving you access to exclusive discounts and offers.

The Société Nationale des Chemins de fer Français, or SNCF, is the national railway system of France. An extensive network of routes throughout the country makes it a great option for getting around France quickly and easily. The company also offers comfortable intercity services to other European destinations like Amsterdam and Zurich. It’s one of the most affordable companies, too.

SNCF offers a range of ticket types, including single and return tickets. You can also book first-class tickets for even more comfort. The company also has a loyalty program, ‘Voyageur’, which gives you access to exclusive discounts and offers. They also have a range of special offers, such as discounted tickets for children and seniors. Also, if you’re travelling with a large group of people, SNCF also offers discounts on group bookings. This makes it a great option for budget-conscious travellers.

Deutsche Bahn

Deutsche Bahn (DB) is Germany’s national railway operator and one of the largest in Europe. It offers high-speed ICE trains to major cities like Berlin, Munich, Frankfurt, and Stuttgart as well as Intercity Express (ICE) services to other parts of the continent. Also, DB’s easy-to-use online booking system makes it a popular choice among travellers.

Deutsche Bahn offers a range of ticket types, including single and return tickets. They also have special fares for children and seniors as well as discounts for larger groups. Furthermore, they have a loyalty program called ‘BahnBonus’, which gives you access to exclusive discounts and offers. They also offer a range of comfort upgrades, such as first-class seating and Wi-Fi options. Also, their customer service is excellent, so you can always get help if you need it. This makes DB a great option for those who are looking for convenience and comfort.

Trenitalia is Italy’s national rail operator. It offers high-speed Frecciarossa and Intercity trains to major cities like Rome, Milan, and Florence. The company also has regional services with connecting routes to other parts of Europe. Moreover, travellers can purchase tickets online for a more convenient journey.

Trenitalia offers single and return tickets, as well as a range of special fares for children, seniors, and families. They also have a loyalty program called ‘Trenitalia Club’, which gives you access to exclusive discounts and offers. In addition, they have a range of comfort upgrades, such as first-class seating and Wi-Fi options. Moreover, their customer service is excellent, so you can always get help if you need it. This makes Trenitalia a great option for travellers looking for convenience and comfort. They also have an app that you can use to check schedules, buy tickets, and more.

FlixTrain is a relatively new train operator in Europe but is already a popular option for budget travellers. It runs routes throughout Germany and other European countries like Austria, Denmark, France, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, Switzerland and more. Prices are generally cheaper than traditional rail companies, and the service is reliable.

FlixTrain offers a range of ticket types, including single and return tickets. They also have special fares for children, seniors, and families. Furthermore, you can upgrade your tickets for more comfort, such as first-class seating and Wi-Fi. They also have an app that you can use to check schedules, buy tickets, and more. Finally, their customer service is excellent, so you can always get help if you need it. This makes FlixTrain a great option for those who are looking for value and convenience. They also have a loyalty program, ‘FlixPerks’, which gives you access to exclusive discounts and offers.

Italo provides high-speed passenger rail services throughout Italy. With its modern fleet of trains offering comfortable seats and free Wi-Fi on board, it’s one of the best options for travelling around the country. The company also offers routes to other Italian cities like Turin, Genoa, and Palermo. It’s also a great choice for budget travellers, with discounts available if you book in advance.

Italo offers single and returns tickets and special fares for seniors and children. They also have a loyalty program called ‘Italo Club’, which gives you access to exclusive discounts and offers. In addition, they have a range of comfort upgrades available, such as first-class seating and Wi-Fi. Moreover, their customer service is excellent, so you can always get help if you need it. This makes Italo a great choice for those who are looking for convenience and comfort. They also have an app that you can use to check schedules, buy tickets, and more. This makes it easier to plan and book your journey.

Renfe is Spain’s national train operator with extensive services throughout the country. It’s a popular option for both domestic and international travellers due to its reliable service, comfortable seats and free Wi-Fi on board. Renfe also offers international routes to France, Switzerland, Portugal and Germany. It’s an affordable option, too, with discounted fares available if you book in advance.

Renfe offers single and returns tickets and a range of special fares for children, seniors and families. You can also upgrade your ticket for more comfort, such as first-class seating and Wi-Fi. Moreover, their customer service is excellent, so you can always get help if you need it. This makes Renfe a great option for those who are looking for value and convenience. They also have an app that you can use to check schedules, buy tickets, and more. Plus, their loyalty program, ‘Renfe Club,’ gives you access to exclusive discounts and offers.

Bahn is one of Europe’s most prominent rail operators, with an extensive network of routes throughout Germany and other countries like Austria, Denmark, Switzerland and more. They offer affordable regional routes and long-distance services to other European cities along with high-speed ICE trains. It’s a great option for budget travellers, with discounts available if you book in advance.

Bahn offers a range of ticket types, including single and return tickets. They also have special fares for children, seniors and families. Furthermore, you can upgrade your tickets for more comfort, such as first-class seating and Wi-Fi. They also have an app that you can use to check schedules, buy tickets, and more. Plus, their loyalty program, ‘BahnClub’, gives you access to exclusive discounts and offers. Finally, their customer service is excellent, so you can always get help if you need it. This makes Bahn a great option for those who are looking for value and convenience.

No matter which provider you choose, these companies offer great options for travelling around Europe by train. With comfortable seats and reliable services, they are sure to make your journey enjoyable! So be sure to do your research and find the one that is right for you. They all offer discounts and loyalty programs, so you can save money while exploring the continent.

Bottom Line

When you’re planning a trip to Europe, choosing the right train company is essential. Whether you’re looking for a budget option or want to ride in style, many great companies are operating throughout the continent. Consider these top train providers when making your travel plans! With their reliable services and comfortable seats, they are sure to make your journey an enjoyable one.

You can enjoy special discounts and loyalty programs to save even more. So explore all your options and find the perfect train provider for your trip. You’ll be sure to have a great time travelling around Europe!

No matter what kind of route you take, travelling by train is one of the best ways to explore Europe. With so many amazing train companies offering routes throughout the continent, it’s easy to find one that perfectly suits your needs and budget! So hop aboard and enjoy the ride!

• Article based on personal opinion, experience and research.
• Photos from Unsplash & canva.

You might also like

• […] Amsterdam. With vacationer hotspots appear con... June 26, 2022 - 5:04 pm by A Europe Travel Guidebook - Find an Notion Before A person Pay a visit to - Fluent Interiors
• […] the chance to pay a visit to a large number of... June 26, 2022 - 5:03 pm by Tours To Europe – Precisely what Are The Best Student And Practice Tours In Europe? – Productos Bancarios

• December 2022
• November 2022
• October 2022

This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse the site, you are agreeing to our use of cookies.

Cookie and Privacy Settings

We may request cookies to be set on your device. We use cookies to let us know when you visit our websites, how you interact with us, to enrich your user experience, and to customize your relationship with our website.

Click on the different category headings to find out more. You can also change some of your preferences. Note that blocking some types of cookies may impact your experience on our websites and the services we are able to offer.

These cookies are strictly necessary to provide you with services available through our website and to use some of its features.

Because these cookies are strictly necessary to deliver the website, refuseing them will have impact how our site functions. You always can block or delete cookies by changing your browser settings and force blocking all cookies on this website. But this will always prompt you to accept/refuse cookies when revisiting our site.

We fully respect if you want to refuse cookies but to avoid asking you again and again kindly allow us to store a cookie for that. You are free to opt out any time or opt in for other cookies to get a better experience. If you refuse cookies we will remove all set cookies in our domain.

We provide you with a list of stored cookies on your computer in our domain so you can check what we stored. Due to security reasons we are not able to show or modify cookies from other domains. You can check these in your browser security settings.

We also use different external services like Google Webfonts, Google Maps, and external Video providers. Since these providers may collect personal data like your IP address we allow you to block them here. Please be aware that this might heavily reduce the functionality and appearance of our site. Changes will take effect once you reload the page.

Google Webfont Settings:

Google Map Settings:

Google reCaptcha Settings:

Vimeo and Youtube video embeds:

You can read about our cookies and privacy settings in detail on our Privacy Policy Page.

Call Us: +44 (0)20 8191 0620   |  Email Us: [email protected]

Luxury Train Vacations, Luxury Rail Tours & Holidays

Luxury train rides conjure up romantic notions of meandering through the snow-capped Swiss Alps, animated storytelling on-route to Vladivostok on the Trans-Siberian Railway, or departing Gare de l’Est station in Paris aboard the Orient Express. Luxury rail holidays are an incredible way to travel, making it as much about the journey as the final destination. The best luxury train vacations are focused on slowing the pace of life so you can take in the scenery.

The Luxury Train Travel Company offers the finest and most opulent luxury rail journeys across Europe, Africa, North and South America, Asia, and Australia. Luxury rail road tours allow you to sit back and unwind on a luxury sleeper train, enjoy fine dining, and soak up spectacular diverse landscapes from the comfort of a suite or observation car. Nothing quite matches the character or charm of luxurious trains, and we provide the best luxury train trips in the world.

explore the world of luxury trains

Explore the luxury train travel company.

Explore Our Range of Luxury Rail Tours Across the Globe. Learn About The Different Luxury Trains We Can Offer. View Our Tours by Region & Destinations. View our train departure Calendar.

Independent

As a family run company we go to greater lengths to ensure you have the best experience.

We give open and impartial advice and it is important to us that you book the right rail trip for you.

Your trip is financially protected through our ABTA membership, IPP cover and ATOL bonding.

We will not cut corners and take the time to make sure your tour is suited to your requirements.

Select a Train Below to View The Tours

We offer a selected range of the world’s finest trains which you can see below. Click on any train for more full details including cabin classes and tours on offer.

DANUBE EXPRESS

African explorer, deccan odyssey, golden chariot, palace on wheels, maharajas xpress, le grand tour, golden eagle, prestige c. e., glacier pullman, andean explorer, royal scotsman, transcantabrico, costa verde ex., the luxury train travel company, contact us about our luxury train tours.

We look forward to hearing from you and are happy to answer any questions you have – just email or call us or use the form below.

[email protected]

Tel: +44 (0)20 8191 0620

Please complete The Form Below

Please provide as much information as possible so we can respond with the best answer and don't forget to press the submit button at the bottom. We reply to all enquiries within one working day.

How Can We Reach You?

How can we help, which region(s) are you interested in, which train(s) are you interested in, how did you hear about us, exclusive global luxury train tours with recommended expert itineraries for the finest luxury train travel.

Every traveller that boards luxury trains bound for the distant horizon will have their perception of what to expect from a luxury rail tour. Whether it’s taking a popular route or one less travelled to expectations of service and accommodation and intriguing off-train excursions during luxury train rides. Thankfully, through years of engaging with luxury train holiday companies, we have put together curated itineraries for the most predominantly requested luxury rail tours.

Harking back to the golden age of luxury train travel in the 1930s, luxury rail road vacations have been designed to accommodate the ultimate luxurious experience for each guest aboard these dream train journeys. Whether travelling on the Golden Eagle Danube Express on an adventure, the Rovos Rail through South Africa, or the Glacier Pullman Express in Switzerland. Luxury train packages with The Luxury Train Travel Company have itineraries to please every guest and fulfil their luxury train vacation fantasies.

Offering You The Finest Luxury Rail Vacations Across The Globe

Why Choose Luxury Train Holidays with The Luxury Train Travel Company?

Deciding on one of the most luxurious train rides anywhere in the world may be a lifelong ambition, a retirement treat, or a last-minute decision. Whatever the reason behind setting out on any of our luxury rail road tours, you’ll need to be assured that nothing will take away from your relaxation, luxury, or comfort. That is why having The Luxury Train Travel Company take care of booking your luxury rail travel makes perfect sense.

From the moment you contact us to organise any of our luxury rail road vacations, we’ve got your best interests at heart. We want you to immerse yourself in the experience of a luxury rail tour without having a care in the world outside of enjoying yourself. We’ve got your back from luxury train tickets, transfers, and travel times to day trips, excursions, and schedule changes. Luxury scenic train vacations are a chance to kick back, relax, take in the scenery and let us do the heavy lifting.

Featured Luxury Train Tours

Working with the industry’s preeminent luxury rail travel operators allows us to accommodate an outstanding lineup of luxury rail road holidays. You can relax on a journey through four regions in Spain. Begin with a stay in the opulent surroundings of the Parador Santiago de Compostela hotel before disembarking for a 1250km luxury train vacation. Maybe a trip through Montenegro, Italy, Slovenia, Turkey, or Switzerland is a luxury train holiday you’re looking for.

Moving farther afield for luxury train rides and you could head east for Asia. Travel the original Trans-Siberian route from Moscow to Beijing, or travel south and explore central Asia and India. Switch continents and explore Africa by enjoying luxury train journeys from Cape Town to Dar es Salaam in Tanzania. The exceptional collection of slowly meandering tours and luxury overnight trains afforded you here are sure to provide the best luxury train packages.

Client Feedback For Our Amazing Luxury Train Journeys

Over the years we have sent many clients on luxury train tours. These luxury train journeys are often important, milestone tours for our clients. Luxury train holidays are ideal for birthdays or anniversaries or perhaps a retirement trip long dreamed of. Consequently, we are acutely aware of how important it is that the right luxury rail tour down to the right cabin is booked and that arrangements proceed as smoothly as possible. We will work with you to recommend the best luxury train vacation options that are available. Below you can see some of the feedback from our luxury rail tour clients.

Luxury Scenic Train Vacations Offering The Most Luxurious Train Rides In The World

Slowly winding your way through the astonishingly rich plains of South African National Parks on luxury rail tours or relaxing with a glass of Champagne on luxury overnight train trips heading toward New Year celebrations in the shimmering city of Vienna. You can recline in comfort in wonderfully decadent train cars, soak up the awe-inspiring scenery and indulge yourself on a luxury train vacation bound for some of the most stunning global destinations.

Passengers aboard these luxury rail holidays can navigate routes across six continents, making stops to absorb many cultural and historical attractions. Enjoy stays in beautiful hotels and ride luxury overnight trains towards cities such as Vancouver, Denver, and Whistler. Take the Rocky Mountaineer train through Jasper National Park in Canada or a luxury rail tour to Canyonlands National Park in Utah. Decide upon your dream destination for a luxury train holiday and get packing for Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe, Canada, or the USA today!

Unforgettable Luxury Train Tours & Luxury Train Packages You Will Treasure For Your Lifetime

Our finely crafted luxury train journeys have been faultlessly curated through years of industry knowledge and experience to ensure that the reality of your luxury train holiday surpasses your expectations. Some passengers have waited a lifetime to go on luxury scenic train vacations, while others book luxury rail road vacations that promise a lifetime of fantastic memories. Whichever of our luxury train packages suits your tastes, we’re sure that the routes you’ll take and the destinations you see with be unforgettable.

Set off on a romantic luxury rail tour through India on board the Deccan Odyssey bound for the majestic Taj Mahal and then take luxury overnight train trips to the holy city of Varanasi. Marvel at the landscapes afforded you on luxury rail road holidays in South America, where you can visit the shores of Lake Titicaca in Peru and the capital of the Inca Empire, Cusco. Luxury rail vacations are a splendid way of creating unforgettable memories.

Discover New Places & Experiences With Our Luxury Train Holidays & Luxury Rail Tours

Setting off on an adventure to discover new places is always tremendously exciting. Many people think only about the destination, but with luxury rail travel, passengers are indulged from the moment they step on board these luxury trains. Luxury train rides ensure that every second of a vacation is an adventure, with stunning scenery, making stops in new cities, enjoying good company, and spoiling yourself with gourmet food in the dining cars. The best luxury train trips in the world are a feast for the senses.

Whether it’s your first luxury train tour or your fiftieth, there are always new destinations, routes, and trains to discover. We are fortunate to work with the leading luxury train holiday companies and can offer the world’s best luxury train vacations. Across six continents and dozens of countries, you’ll always have new luxury train rides to immerse yourself in and unique experiences to unearth and explore with The Luxury Train Travel Company.

Exceptional Luxury Train Journeys & Luxury Train Vacations To Be Remembered

Vacations and time spent with loved ones are about having a wonderful time and creating memories that last a lifetime. Luxury train journeys are an enchanting way of slowing down the pace of life, taking a step back, breathing, and having time to appreciate everything around us. Ride along in the world’s most luxurious trains. Unwind in your cabin, complete with polished wood furnishings and creature comforts. Relax at an onboard spa, in the bar car, and eat great food.

Luxury train rides are about the journey as much as the destinations you see along the way. Luxury rail vacations are, for many, a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to go on an adventure and explore new countries, cultures, and destinations. Luxury rail road holidays ensure you can do all of the above at the height of comfort and style. The best luxury train trips in the world will leave you feeling refreshed and energised at the final stop upon the conclusion of your luxury train tour.

● RECOMMENDED ●

Click to download our calendar of luxury train departures as a pdf file.

One of the best ways to learn which trips depart and when is to download our train calendar page where you can scroll through departures in date order and view each tour.

THE MOST POPULAR QUESTIONS

Luxury train holidays & luxury train vacations faqs, what luxury train tour destinations do you offer.

We offer luxury rail road holidays that include New Year in Vienna, luxury train tours of castles in Transylvania, luxury train packages for Africa, India, Spain, Switzerland, Asia, the Americas and Australian luxury rail journeys.

What is the best luxury train vacation?

What the best luxury train trips in the world would be is a matter of opinion, but here at The Luxury Train Travel Company, we have our favourites. Boarding The Danube Express for Venice to Istanbul is a beautiful luxury train tour. Passengers get to visit nine countries, with breathtaking scenery, including Italy, Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia, Serbia, North Macedonia, Greece, Bulgaria and Turkey, while enjoying gourmet meals, a champagne bar, and luxury cabins with en suite bathrooms.

What is the most luxurious train journey in the world?

We provide the best luxury train vacations available, and all the trains used for our tours are very opulent. The individual cars are superbly maintained, the food on board is superb, the fixtures and fittings are very high-quality, and the staff are all customer-centric professionals. The feeling of luxury is a combination of all the elements working together. Whether you take a luxury train vacation in Australia or India to Canada or Peru, you’re assured of the height of luxury and the vacation of a lifetime.

How much do you charge for luxury train vacations?

Our luxury train packages start from as little as £2205 for a 9-night trip on the Orient Silk Road Express through Uzbekistan. At the other end of the scale, luxury rail holidays can cost more than £25,000 if you want to stay in the finest suite onboard and go on longer journeys.

Why should I experience luxury rail travel at least once in my lifetime?

The golden age of luxury train travel was the 1930s, and we tend to think of the Oriental Express. Go back 30+ years, and The Blue Train and Royal Scotsman were famous for travellers looking to visit new exciting destinations in luxury. These days we live in such a fast-paced world that it’s nice to take a step back, relax, travel, and once again enjoy luxury rail journeys to some fantastic places. There can’t be anything more therapeutic for the sole than slowly meandering through the Canadian Rockies, winding down the Silk Road, or heading towards the Taj Mahal on a luxury train vacation.

How do I get started if I want to book a luxury train holiday?

If you would like to look further into taking a luxury scenic train vacation, then you can contact our customer-centric team today. You can discuss the details with us, and we’ll ensure you get the luxury train holiday you’ve always dreamt of.

Why is it best to purchase a luxury train tour from a professional operator rather than buy luxury train tickets by myself?

It’s perfectly possible to purchase luxury train tickets yourself, but there are significant advantages to booking luxury train holidays through a professional operator. Professional operators like The Luxury Train Travel Company have many years of experience organising luxury rail vacations. With these expensive holidays, your trip would be financially protected through our ABTA membership, IPP cover, and ATOL bonding.

Keep Up to Date

For news on availability, new departure dates, trains and routes just fill in your email below.

• Credit cards
• View all credit cards
• Banking guide
• Loans guide
• Insurance guide
• Personal finance
• View all personal finance
• Small business
• Small business guide
• View all taxes

You’re our first priority. Every time.

We believe everyone should be able to make financial decisions with confidence. And while our site doesn’t feature every company or financial product available on the market, we’re proud that the guidance we offer, the information we provide and the tools we create are objective, independent, straightforward — and free.

So how do we make money? Our partners compensate us. This may influence which products we review and write about (and where those products appear on the site), but it in no way affects our recommendations or advice, which are grounded in thousands of hours of research. Our partners cannot pay us to guarantee favorable reviews of their products or services. Here is a list of our partners .

Why You Should Consider Train Travel in Europe

Many or all of the products featured here are from our partners who compensate us. This influences which products we write about and where and how the product appears on a page. However, this does not influence our evaluations. Our opinions are our own. Here is a list of our partners and here's how we make money .

Table of Contents

Train system in Europe

Europe train map, booking train travel in europe, 3 ways to make your european train fare cheaper, smart money move: earn points on train travel, train travel in europe recapped.

If you’ve been dreaming about visiting Europe this summer and eating gelato in Italy or visiting the Basílica de la Sagrada Familia in Spain, good news: Airfare is down 8% compared to this time last year, according to Hopper’s 2024 Summer Travel Outlook.

And once you’re in Europe, you may be able to save money if you travel by train. Traveling by train in Europe is convenient and sustainable. Plus, some trains, like the Glacier Express in Switzerland, are designed to travel through scenic destinations so you can sightsee while you relax.

If you’re considering incorporating train travel into your European itinerary , here’s what you need to know about getting around and how to save money on tickets.

There are several train companies in Europe. Some only offer regional train service, while others offer trains between countries. As you plan your trip, familiarize yourself with the train companies that serve your intended destination so you can determine if traveling by train makes sense for you.

Here are some train companies that serve different countries in Europe:

Eurostar trains travel between the U.K., France, Belgium, Netherlands and Germany. (Although the U.K. is not in Europe, it's a popular destination on its own and often coupled with a European itinerary.) 

NS is the leading train company in the Netherlands. 

Renfe is the national train company in Spain. 

Deutsche Bahn (DB) offers long-distance and regional trains in Germany.

SNCF Connect offers high-speed train travel in France.

Trenitalia is the state-run train company in Italy.

Glacier Express offers scenic trains within Switzerland.

Some of these train companies have partnerships with each other to offer convenient connection options. For example, DB-SNCF is a joint venture between DB and SNCF that links travel between Germany and France.

If you Google search “Europe train map,” you’ll find many different maps based on regions, countries, or travel throughout the continent. Here’s a European train map offered by Trainline, which shows different destinations accessible by train.

The interactive map on Trainline’s website highlights popular routes across the country. If the country you’re looking for isn’t featured or you want to see regional trains instead, make your search more specific to check availability.

Buying train tickets in Europe is fairly straightforward. You can purchase your tickets through:

An online travel agency (OTA): Several OTAs that sell train tickets in Europe include Trainline, Rail Europe, Eurail and Omio.

The train company: If you know which train company serves your destinations, consider booking directly on the train company's website in case you need make any changes, since booking travel through an OTA adds an extra layer of complexity . 

At the train station: If you don’t know (or plan) your schedule in advance, you can purchase a ticket at the train station. Keep in mind purchasing at the train station is running a risk that the train time you want might be sold out, or more expensive, since it’s a last-minute purchase. 

Depending on when and where you buy your tickets, there are a few ways to save money on train travel within Europe.

1. Comparison shop

If the train company and an OTA offer tickets, compare prices to see where those seats are cheaper. We searched for a train from Paris to Amsterdam in August 2024 on the Eurostar site and on Trainline to see which option is cheaper.

Booking directly with Eurostar (price in U.S. dollars and euros)

Booking a Eurostar train on Trainline (price in U.S. dollars and euros)

If you pay in euros, tickets on Eurostar and Trainline are the same price (60 euros). But if you pay in U.S. dollars, the fare is slightly cheaper on Trainline ($68.30 versus $70). If you don’t have a credit card that waives foreign transaction fees, you’d want to book the ticket from Trainline in U.S. dollars.

Generally though, if you’re going to Europe — or really anywhere outside of the U.S. — consider using a credit card that waives foreign transaction fees , because these pesky fees are usually between 1% to 3% and can quickly add up.

2. Take advantage of discounts

There are often discounts available for students, seniors and families.

For example:

Spanish train operator Renfe, offers up to a 30% discount on tickets for those ages 14 to 25.

Eurail offers a family discount, a 10% senior discount and up to 25% off for travelers age 27 or below. 

Eurostar offers discounted rates for those under age 26 and 60 and up. 

Other discounts or sales may be available, so be sure to shop around. Booking early can also score you a deal. For comparison purposes, we searched for a ticket from Rome to Milan on Trenitalia one week and three months out. Most of the available tickets a week out were priced at $108, while the tickets three months in advance hovered around $48.

3. Consider travel insurance

According to NerdWallet’s annual summer travel survey , an impressive 84% of Americans plan on vacationing in 2024, with 45% of Americans going on a summer trip (June-August). Summer travelers plan to spend $3,594, on average, for their flights and hotel stays.

When considering an expensive vacation, travel insurance can be a good option, particularly if your trip plans are nonrefundable and you want overseas medical coverage. Even if you have a credit card that offers complimentary travel insurance , most U.S.-based medical plans don’t protect you for medical care abroad.

In addition to travel medical coverage, a comprehensive travel insurance plan includes benefits such as trip cancellation , trip interruption , baggage delay and lost luggage coverage . If you don’t need travel medical insurance, and the coverage provided by your travel credit card is sufficient, you may not need to purchase a standalone travel insurance policy.

» Learn more: How to find the best travel insurance

If you have a credit card that earns extra points for travel, using it to buy train tickets makes sense since trains are part of the travel category. Here are some popular cards that earn additional rewards for travel and don’t charge foreign transaction fees.

on Chase's website

• 2 points per $1 spent on travel, including train travel.

• 3 points per $1 spent on travel, including train travel.

• 2 miles per $1 on every purchase.

• 3 points per $1 on transit, including train travel.

Terms apply.

Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's over $900 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $1,125 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

Enjoy a one-time bonus of 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel.

Earn 40,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $3,000 on purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.

» Learn more: Best travel credit cards

Traveling around Europe by train can be a great way to explore one or several countries, all while avoiding the hassle of the airport or renting a car. There are many options for finding train tickets, but generally, purchasing tickets in advance and directly from the train company can save money.

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are some of the best travel credit cards of 2024 :

Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

No annual fee: Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card

Flat-rate travel rewards: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Bonus travel rewards and high-end perks: Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Luxury perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express

Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

On a similar note...

5 spectacular European train trips you can take this summer

As you gaze awestruck through the window at a skyline of jagged, ice-capped peaks or point excitedly as a world-famous landmark looms ahead, it hits you — epic views like these are meant to be savored, and there's no better way to do that than from the window of a train.

This summer, European train travel has even more appeal, as you can skip past long rental car lines, duck high gas prices and arrive at your destination relaxed and rested while your fellow travelers suffer the stress of the road. Not to mention the fact that traveling by train helps you contribute to the health of the planet or, at least, minimize your impact on it from travel.

So, raise a glass of wine or frosty limonada, take in the melody of the humming rails and congratulate yourself on traveling in classic, time-honored style. Here are five train trips worth planning a European vacation around.

St. Moritz to Zermatt, Switzerland

The legendary Glacier Express lives up to its name, winding its way through some of the highest peaks in the Alps on the seven-hour trip from St. Moritz to Zermatt. Along the way, the line traverses 291 bridges and ducks through 91 tunnels as it climbs 6,000 feet to the foot of the Matterhorn.

On the first leg alone, you'll cross the 200-foot-high Landwasser Viaduct along with a host of other engineering feats so marvelous that this stretch of track, known as the Albula railway line, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. If you have time, it's worth breaking up the journey with a stop in Chur, Switzerland's self-styled oldest town, with 5,000 years of history stored in its stone-paved alleys and plazas dotted with colorful flower boxes.

After the initial part of the journey, you'll make your through the Rhine Gorge, where the train streaks alongside the tumbling currents through a chasm so deep and narrow that much of it is inaccessible except by rail, before continuing up over the Oberalp Pass, the route's highest point. Red-shuttered chalets, weathered barns, goats and sheep tinkling their bells in green meadows — you'll be looking for Heidi and her herd around every bend.

Once in Zermatt, you'll learn everything you ever wanted to about the drama and tragedy surrounding the first ascent of the legendary peak at the Matterhorn Museum, and you can ride the Gornergrat Railway partway up the peak itself. One of the numerous designated car-free villages in Switzerland, Zermatt is a pleasure to walk around, with shops and restaurants clustered along and around the Bahnhofstrasse.

Jokes about clockwork aside, Switzerland's trains are as precise, pristine and predictable as the stereotype implies, with clear signage and instructions to help you navigate the well-designed network of routes that access nearly all parts of the country. The Glacier Express' Excellence Class entitles you to a guaranteed window seat in a luxurious lounge-style chair with high-touch service and multicourse dining.

Tickets from St. Moritz to Zermatt start at 159 Swiss francs ($174) for adults and 79.50 Swiss francs ($87) for children ages 6 to 16. Rides are free for those under 6.

Lisbon to Porto, Portugal

Start your Portuguese adventure in Lisbon, where you'll want to walk the walls of the Castelo de Sao Jorge and lose yourself in the mazelike alleys of the Alfama district that surrounds the castle, whether you're visiting for a day or five. Don't miss Belem, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famed for its 16th-century Manueline architecture characterized by delicate stonework. Wander the cloisters of the Jeronimos Monastery, and visit the Belem Tower, an imposing structure on the bank of the Tagus River.

From Lisbon, a daytrip by train takes you to the seaside village of Cascais, now known for its beaches and fresh seafood dishes like monkfish stew and sardinhas assadas (sea salt-sprinkled grilled sardines). Here, the lavish mansions of Portuguese nobility have become museums, such as the Museu Condes de Castro Guimarães, where the former owner's ornate silver candelabra, Moorish ceramics, illuminated manuscripts and somber portraits are displayed in elegant rooms with inlaid floors and coffered ceilings. Nearby, the Farol de Santa Marta overlooks one end of the harbor, while on the other side across from the lighthouse lies the fortress once known as Nossa Senhora da Luz, which has been transformed into the Citadel Art District, housing a luxury boutique hotel called Pestana Cidadela de Cascais, as well as a cafe, a restaurant and a gallery.

Another side trip not to be missed is the mountain village of Sintra. It's virtually studded with palaces and castles, including the Pena Palace, a favorite photo-op thanks to its crenelated red and yellow towers and the crumbling stone ruins of the eighth-century Castelo do Mouros. Other stops include the National Palace, the Monserrate Palace and its botanical gardens, and the eerie Quinta da Regaleira, a gargoyle-studded Gothic mansion built by a wealthy eccentric.

Departing from Lisbon's central Oriente station, the Alfa Pendular to Porto takes just under three hours, making a stop in Coimbra. Home to the country's oldest university and birthplace of six Portuguese kings, including the country's first ruler, Alfonso I, Coimbra is worth a visit to see the founding ruler's tomb at the Santa Cruz Monastery and check out the ornate library, Biblioteca Joanina. If you overnight in Coimbra, take in an evening of traditional folk music at the Fado ao Centro.

With its entire central historic district listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Porto is all about strolling and admiring the variety of architectural styles. Keep an eye on the azulejos, beautiful tilework that often features rich blue hues. Stunning views can be found from the bell tower of the Clerigos Tower if you can manage its 240 steep steps. If you have time, walk across the Ponte de Dom Luís I, the longest-spanning metal bridge in the world when it was completed in 1886; it connects Porto's historic city center with the port industry's warehouses and tasting rooms in Vila Nova de Gaia.

On that side of the river, artisan booths line the banks of the Douro and crowds throng the World of Wine , a 420,000-square-foot complex built in a cluster of formerly abandoned warehouses, cask storehouses and tanks. In addition to several of Porto's hottest restaurants, WoW features seven interactive museums devoted to different aspects of wine making, history and culture, a wine school and a chocolate factory with paired tastings.

Perched high atop a steep hillside overlooking the port district, The Yeatman Hotel houses one of Porto's best spas, designed to mimic a traditional European bathhouse with a marble hammam, a Roman bath, saunas, steam showers and hydrotherapy pools. An outdoor infinity pool overlooks the waterfront and features underwater porthole windows that are particularly fun for kids, who can make faces at each other through the glass.

No trip to Porto is complete without a visit to the wine country of the Douro Valley. Take the Douro Line (Linha do Douro) from Porto to Regua, which passes through 20 tunnels and over 30 bridges to navigate the rugged terrain. Taste the region's storied vintages during a stop in Pinhao.

Tickets from Lisbon to Porto start at 17 euros ($18) each way for adults and 8.50 euros ($9) for children ages 3 to 13. Rides are free for kids younger than 3.

Dublin to Rosslare, Ireland

The Irish Rail trip from Dublin to Rosslare Europort in County Wexford starts with a clang moments after you depart Connolly Station and cross the River Liffey on a wrought-iron rail bridge ... and that's only the beginning. The journey around Bray Head winds through rock-hewn tunnels and along track that feels etched into the cliff high above the thundering surf. If you find yourself holding your breath, you're in good company: The original route was so precarious that at one point, a train went into the sea and the line had to be rerouted. The engineering required to complete and maintain the route is so extreme that it gave rise to the sardonic nickname Brunel's Folly after the ambitious Victorian railway engineer Isambard Kingdom Brunel who conceived and built it.

South of Bray, the trip takes you through a string of seaside villages, many of them still bustling with fishing boats and lobster pots. A commercial port known for its lively Saturday and Thursday fish markets, Wicklow has a rich history dating back to the Normans and the Vikings. Follow the Wicklow Town Heritage Trail to see where St. Patrick supposedly first landed on his return to Ireland and to learn about local figures like captain Robert Halpin, who laid the first telegraph cables between Europe and North America. While a jail might not normally top your list of sights, Wicklow's features an interactive museum in the original prison building that narrates the stories of the men, women and, yes, even children imprisoned there under British rule.

Greystones, which takes its name from the stony coastline linking two beaches, features a quaint, walkable quayside lined with coffee shops and restaurants, while Arklow, once a center of boat building and one of the southern coast's busiest ports, is quiet today with just a small cluster of fishing boats knocking against the pier. Highlights here include a Victorian tea room complete with scones and cream and a lavender farm outside town.

Following the River Slaney, the train trundles into Wexford, where the Irish National Heritage Park has installations showing what life was like in the area from the Stone Age through the 10th century and offers falconry demonstrations. From the line's final stop, Rosslare Europort, you can expand your journey with a ferry ride to Wales, northern France or Bilbao, Spain.

Tickets from Dublin to Rosslare start at 27.50 euros ($30) one-way for adults and 12.40 euros ($13.50) for children and young adults from 5 to 19. Rides are free for children under 5.

Wroclaw to Krakow, Poland

It's hard to decide whether elegant Krakow, with its walled Old City, historic Kazimierz Jewish Quarter and hilltop Wawel Royal Castle, is the centerpiece of this trip or if that honor goes to lively Wroclaw, where you'll find a colorful market square, a gas lamp-lit historic district and an artsy neon yard. Divide your time between the two, which are connected by a three-hour journey , and leave extra days for Poland's many other sights that are also easily accessible by train.

From Krakow, visit the otherwordly underground salt tunnels of Wieliczka, make a somber pilgrimage to the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp and see the unusually large collection of vintage steam trains at The Chabowka Rolling Stock Heritage Park "Skansen." In fact, when Steven Spielberg needed trains for "Schindler's List," he borrowed from the latter's collection, which is housed in an old steam train depot.

While in Wroclaw, don't miss sprawling Ksiaz Castle, which sits atop a maze of underground Nazi tunnels recently opened to the public. In Swidnica and Jawor, a UNESCO World Heritage Site protects two of the largest timber-framed churches in Europe. Both were built in the 1600s and feature elaborate wooden galleries.

An hour and a half from Wroclaw in the other direction astride the border with Germany, Gorlitz may look familiar. This German town served as the setting of "The Grand Budapest Hotel" and "Inglourious Basterds."

Tickets from Wroclaw to Krakow start at 82 Polish zlotys ($22) for passengers ages 4 to 59 and 63 zlotys ($16) for seniors above 60. Rides are free for kids 3 and younger.

Trieste, Italy, to Rijeka, Croatia

You can have breakfast in Italy, lunch in Slovenia and feast on fresh seafood for dinner in Croatia thanks to the reopening of a long-shuttered train line linking these three neighboring countries on the Adriatic coast. Built at the height of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, the line between Trieste and Rijeka, Slovenia , was out of use for decades but reopened this spring for the summer season with plans to continue annual seasonal operations. With Croatia now part of the Schengen Area, it's easy to hop on and off at any of the eight stops on the two-hour trip, which departs from Villa Opicina on the northern edge of Trieste.

Before leaving Trieste, make time to visit the fantastical Miramare Castle, a neo-Gothic mansion built by Austrian Archduke Ferdinand Maximilian. A good choice for lunch is the polyglot village of Ilirska Bistrica, which was passed among Italy, Germany and Yugoslavia before becoming part of Slovenia. It's home to 40 watermills and miles of bike trails through verdant forests.

The tony resort colony of Opatija, Croatia, famed for its opulent 19th-century hotels and villas, makes a good choice for an overnight stop. Take an evening stroll along the 7-mile Lungomare seafront promenade and seek out the inlet marking the original harbor, Portic, where people gather to watch the sun set in front of the church of St. Jakov.

End your trip in Rijeka with visits to the Victorian glass-roofed fish market and the Sugar Refinery Palace, a local history museum housed in a repurposed sugar refinery.

Tickets from Trieste to Rijeka, which can be purchased at the station or on board, range from about $7 to $12, depending on the stops you make.

Passenger Rail Transport in Europe - Market Size, Industry Analysis, Trends and Forecasts (2024-2029)

€95.3bn

€XX.Xbn

• Profit Margin

Passenger Rail Transport in Europe industry analysis

The European Passenger Rail transport industry has performed reasonably well over the past decade, except for during the years that were hit by COVID-19-induced disruption. Increased rail infrastructure investment has supported a climb in international and domestic passenger numbers; Eurostat data shows that demand for passenger transport in the EU steadily increased between 2015 and 2019, with passenger kilometres (pkm) peaking at 414 billion in 2019. Before the pandemic, mounting tourism, an ever-growing population and rising employment numbers fuelled an increase in the volume of rail passenger transport, particularly within and across major European cities.

European coverage with a localised twist

• Market estimates from 2014 - 2029
• Detailed reports analysing industry performance, market dynamics and company data, compared across countries
• PDF report or online database with Word, Excel and PowerPoint export options

100% money back guarantee

About Spotlight Reports

Industry Statistics and Trends

Passenger rail transport in europe key trends, slovenia, spain, turkey and montenegro boost their revenue share..

Slovenia and Spain recorded the highest growth in rail passenger numbers in 2021 as travel bounced back from the COVID-19 pandemic, upping their contribution to revenue.

Passenger numbers prove slow to recover from the pandemic.

Despite travel restrictions gradually being lifted, passenger kilometres remained way below their pre-pandemic level.

Access all insights and trends with purchase. View purchase options.

• Passenger Rail Transport in Europe

Industry Revenue

Total value and annual change from 2011-2029. Includes 5-year outlook.

Access the 5-year outlook with purchase. View purchase options

Passenger Rail Transport in Europe market size (2019-2024)

Industry revenue has declined at a CAGR of 6.1 % over the past five years, to reach an estimated €95.3bn in 2024.

Trends and Insights

The COVID-19 outbreak slashes passenger numbers

• Eurostat data shows that between 2015 and 2019, demand for passenger transport in the EU steadily increased – it climbed by 10.2% overall during this period, while passenger kilometres (pkm) peaked at 414 billion in 2019.

Access all 8 market size insights and trends with purchase. View purchase options.

Passenger Rail Transport in Europe outlook (2024-2029)

Market size is projected to grow over the next five years.

The European Commission's New Action Plan boosts growth prospects

• The European Commission's 2021 action plan, combined with changes to the Trans-European Transport Network, aims to boost long-distance and cross-border passenger rail services, increasing high-speed rail capacity.

Access all 9 forward-looking insights and industry data forecasts with purchase. View purchase options.

European Leaders & Laggards

• Revenue Growth Purchase this report or start your membership to access all data for this industry.
• Business Growth Purchase this report or start your membership to access all data for this industry.

Top 5 Countries

• Finland +45.4%
• Russia +30.4%
• Belgium +18.3%
• Germany +16.7%
• Hungary +15.8%

Bottom 5 Countries

• Bulgaria -12.8%
• Croatia -10.8%
• Latvia -9.3%
• France -5.4%
• Estonia -5.0%

* CAGR values are for the years 2019-2024.

Explore all 37 country performance rankings and data sheets with your membership purchase .

Biggest companies in the Passenger Rail Transport in Europe

Access statistics and analysis on all 10 companies with purchase. View purchase options.

Products & Services Segmentation

Industry revenue broken down by key product and services lines.

Access all segmentation data and analysis with purchase. View purchase options.

Top Questions Answered in this Report

Unlock comprehensive answers and precise data upon purchase. View purchase options.

What is the market size of the Passenger Rail Transport industry in Europe in 2024?

The market size of the Passenger Rail Transport industry in Europe is €95.3bn in 2024. 

How many businesses are there in the Passenger Rail Transport in Europe industry in 2024?

There are 564 businesses in the Passenger Rail Transport industry in Europe, which has declined at a CAGR of 9.5 % between 2019 and 2024.

Has the Passenger Rail Transport industry in Europe grown or declined over the past 5 years?

The market size of the Passenger Rail Transport industry in Europe has been declining at a CAGR of 9.5 % between 2019 and 2024. 

What is the forecast growth of the Passenger Rail Transport industry in Europe over the next 5 years?

Over the next five years, the Passenger Rail Transport industry in Europe is expected to decline.

What are the biggest companies in the Passenger Rail Transport market in Europe?

The biggest companies operating in the Passenger Rail Transport market in Europe are DB Fernverkehr AG, Société Nationale SNCF SA and Renfe Operadora SA

What does the Passenger Rail Transport in Europe include?

Conventional train transport and High-speed train transport are part of the Passenger Rail Transport industry.

Which companies have the highest market share in the Passenger Rail Transport in Europe?

The company holding the most market share in Europe is DB Fernverkehr AG.

Which countries have the most businesses in the Passenger Rail Transport industry in Europe?

The European country with the most businesses in the Passenger Rail Transport industry is Russia.

How competitive is the Passenger Rail Transport industry in Europe?

The level of competition is low and steady in the Passenger Rail Transport industry in Europe.

Related Industries

This industry is covered in 37 countries.

• Passenger Rail Transport in Portugal
• Passenger Rail Transport in Switzerland
• Passenger Rail Transport in Lithuania
• Passenger Rail Transport in Sweden
• Passenger Rail Transport in Poland
• Passenger Rail Transport in Bulgaria
• Passenger Rail Transport in Luxembourg
• Passenger Rail Transport in Russia
• Passenger Rail Transport in the Netherlands
• Passenger Rail Transport in Hungary
• Passenger Rail Transport in Finland
• Passenger Rail Transport in Croatia
• Passenger Rail Transport in Austria
• Passenger Rail Transport in Belgium
• Passenger Rail Transport in Romania
• Passenger Rail Transport in Italy
• Passenger Rail Transport in Czechia
• Passenger Rail Transport in Latvia
• Passenger Rail Transport in Spain
• Passenger Rail Transport in France
• Passenger Rail Transport in Norway
• Passenger Rail Transport in Denmark
• Passenger Rail Transport in Turkey
• Passenger Rail Transport in Estonia

Explore full Europe Collection

Unlock Holistic European coverage

Members get access to 450+ industries across europe, including comparative data for 37 countries..

Or contact us for multi-user and corporate license options

Table of Contents

About this industry, industry definition.

The Passenger Rail Transport in Europe incorporates rail transportation of passengers using railway rolling stock on mainline networks spread over Europe. It includes passenger transport by interurban railways, sleeping cars or dining cars as an integrated operation of railway companies. The industry excludes the operation of urban and suburban transport systems and passenger terminal activities.

Related Terms

What's included in this industry, industry code.

4911 - Passenger rail transport, interurban in Europe

View up to 10 companies with purchase. View purchase options.

Performance

Key takeaways.

View more insights with purchase. View purchase options .

Revenue Highlights

• 2024 Revenue CAGR
• Revenue Volatility

Employment Highlights

• Employees per Business
• Revenue per Employee

Business Highlights

• Revenue per Business

Profit Highlights

• Total Profit
• Profit per Business

Current Performance

• Revenue in the Passenger Rail Transport in Europe industry (2011 -2029)
• Employees in the Passenger Rail Transport in Europe industry (2011 -2029)
• Business in the Passenger Rail Transport in Europe industry (2011 -2029)
• Profit in the Passenger Rail Transport in Europe industry (2011 -2029)

What's driving current industry performance in the Passenger Rail Transport in Europe industry?

What's driving the Passenger Rail Transport in Europe industry outlook?

What influences volatility in the Passenger Rail Transport in Europe industry?

• Industry Volatility vs. Revenue Growth Matrix

What determines the industry life cycle stage in the Passenger Rail Transport in Europe industry?

• Industry Life Cycle Matrix

Products and Markets

• Largest Market
• Product Innovation

Commuter passenger numbers edge downwards. Passenger numbers were steadily climbing between 2015 and 2019, but they’ve struggled since COVID-19 hit, failing to bounce back to pre-pandemic levels as fewer people commute to work.

Products and Services

• Products and Services Segmentation

How are the Passenger Rail Transport in Europe industry's products and services performing?

What are innovations in the Passenger Rail Transport in Europe industry's products and services?

Major Markets

• Major Market Segmentation

What influences demand in the Passenger Rail Transport in Europe industry?

International Trade

• Largest Importer
• Smallest Importer
• Total Imports into Europe
• Largest Exporter
• Smallest Exporter
• Total Exports into Europe
• Industry Concentration of Imports by Country
• Industry Concentration of Exports by Country

Data Tables

Value and annual change (%) included

• Number of Imports and Exports by European Country (2024)

Geographic Breakdown

Business locations.

• Share of Total Industry Revenue by Region (2024)
• Share of Total Industry Enterprises by Region (2024)
• Share of Total Industry Employment by Region (2024)
• Share of Total Industry Wages by Region (2024)

Industry Geographic Breakdown

Values and annual change provided for 37 European countries:

• Revenue (2024)
• Enterprises (2024)
• Employment (2024)
• Exports (2024)
• Imports (2024)

Competitive Forces

• Concentration
• Competition
• Barriers to Entry
• Substitutes
• Buyer Power
• Supplier Power

Competition in individual regions is low. Once train operating companies win a contract, they have a natural monopoly on the area they serve, so they don’t have to compete with other providers.

Supply Chain

Buyer and supply industries

Market Share

• Industry Market Share by Company (2019-2024)

Top 10 companies by market share:

• Market share (2024)
• Profit (2024)
• Profit Margin (2024)
• Countries of operation for DB Fernverkehr AG
• Countries of operation for Société Nationale SNCF SA
• Countries of operation for Renfe Operadora SA
• Countries of operation for ÖBB-Personenverkehr AG
• Countries of operation for NS Groep NV
• Countries of operation for Ferrovie dello Stato Italiane SpA
• Countries of operation for Eurostar Group
• Countries of operation for SNCB International
• Countries of operation for Nuovo Trasporto Viaggiatori SpA
• Countries of operation for Iarnród Éireann

External Environment

• Regulation & Policy

With commuters being the largest market for passenger rail transport, employment numbers in Europe have a substantial bearing on demand. Higher employment generally translates into higher passenger numbers, though other working trends also play a part in determining the level of travel. COVID-19 brought about a more widespread trend of working from home, disrupting the relationship between employment levels and passenger numbers.

External Drivers

What demographic and macroeconomic factors impact the Passenger Rail Transport in Europe industry?

Financial Benchmarks

• Average Wage
• Largest Cost

Workers want wages increased. There’s been widespread industrial action across the rail network in Europe, prompted mainly by lacklustre pay rises and reduced station staffing.

Cost Structure

• Share of Economy vs. Investment Matrix
• Depreciation

What trends impact cost in the Passenger Rail Transport in Europe industry?

Data tables

• IVA/Revenue (2014-2029)
• Imports/Demand (2014-2029)
• Exports/Revenue (2014-2029)
• Revenue per Employee (2014-2029)
• Wages/Revenue (2014-2029)
• Employees per Establishment (2014-2029)
• Average Wage (2014-2029)

Country Benchmarks

European leaders & laggards.

Top and boottom five countries listed for each:

• Revenue Growth (2024)
• Business Growth (2024)
• Job Growth (2024)

European Country Performance

Rankings available for 37 countries. Statistics ranked include:

• IVA/Revenue (2024)
• Imports/Demand (2024)
• Exports/Revenue (2024)
• Revenue per Employee (2024)
• Wages/Revenue (2024)
• Employees per Establishment (2024)
• Average Wage (2024)

Structural Comparison

Trends in 37 countries benchmarked against trends in Europe

• Capital Intensity

Key Statistics

Industry data.

Including values and annual change:

• Revenue (2014-2029)
• IVA (2014-2029)
• Establishments (2014-2029)
• Enterprises (2014-2029)
• Employment (2014-2029)
• Exports (2014-2029)
• Imports (2014-2029)
• Wages (2014-2029)

Methodology

Where does ibisworld source its data.

IBISWorld is a world-leading provider of business information, with reports on 5,000+ industries in Australia, New Zealand, North America, Europe and China. Our expert industry analysts start with official, verified and publicly available sources of data to build an accurate picture of each industry.

Each industry report incorporates data and research from government databases, industry-specific sources, industry contacts, and IBISWorld's proprietary database of statistics and analysis to provide balanced, independent and accurate insights. 

IBISWorld prides itself on being a trusted, independent source of data, with over 50 years of experience building and maintaining rich datasets and forecasting tools.

To learn more about specific data sources used by IBISWorld's analysts globally, including how industry data forecasts are produced, visit our Help Center.

Target European markets and regions confidently with forward-looking comparative data.

Explore this industry in:.

You are using an outdated browser. Please upgrade your browser .

• Trans-Siberian Express

Our 8 Best Trans-Siberian Rail Tours of 2022

Come with us on truly... The Journey of a Lifetime along the world’s longest railway. See how the landscape and culture changes as you head West to East. See Moscow, Siberia, China and more. Our Trans-Siberian Railway tours are all customizable and can be adjusted to fit any budget. Our most popular packages are listed below. Please click on the tour details to learn more or contact us for more information about our Trans Siberian rail tours using the form on the page. Feel free to also schedule a call with one of our Russian travel specialists. Many travelers have found this to be the best way to together, create an unforgettable customized tour for you.

Trans-Siberian by Imperial Russia Train

Besides the below tours, we also offer a luxurious tour by a private train

Trans-Siberian 3 in 1

This is our shortest version of our Trans Siberian railroad tours but it covers some of the most interesting cities. The trip begins in Moscow, the capital of Russia, then continues on to Yekaterinburg, located in the Ural Mountains and at the edge of Siberia. The tour ends on the shores of Lake Baikal.

• Schedule Tour can be started on any day
• Route Moscow - Yekaterinburg - Irkutsk
• Languages English-speaking guide is guaranteed. Other languages are on request.
• Accommodation The following hotel options are available: 3 stars
• PRIVATE TOUR This is a private tour, there won't be other people in your group

Great Russia by Train

This tour will take you along the full route of the Trans-Siberian railway to 3 of Russia's most interesting cities - Moscow with stunning Red Square, the Kremlin and Cathedrals, Irkutsk located in the heart of Siberia and home to the great Lake Baikal and Vladivostok - the King of the East with its harbor of the Golden Horn and Amursky Bay on the Pacific Ocean.

• Route Moscow - Irkutsk - Vladivostok

Trans-Sib - four cities

On this great Eurasian journey from West to East you will cover the entire route of the Trans-Siberian Railway, visiting four major cities along the way: Russia's capital Moscow, Yekaterinburg in the Ural Mountains, Irkutsk including incredible Lake Baikal, and finally Vladivostok on the Pacific Ocean, at the very edge of Russia.

• Route Moscow - Yekaterinburg - Irkutsk - Vladivostok

Highlights on the Trans-Sib

This tour is a great choice for seeing the highlights of Russia, Mongolia and China. From Golden-Domed Moscow you will continue on to Irkutsk and visit beautiful Lake Baikal. Mongolia will greet you with its endless steppes and the Gobi Desert. Finally, you will reach China and visit the magnificent Great Wall, Ming Tombs and Forbidden city.

• Schedule Tour can be started on any Monday
• Route Moscow - Irkutsk - Ulan Bator - Beijing

The Great Journey - East to West

This trip lasts for 2 weeks and passes through 6 fascinating cities. Starting in Vladivostok with its harbour of the Golden Horn and passing through the Buddhist city of Ulan-Ude, then to Irkutsk - home of magnificent Lake Baikal and onto Novosibirsk and Yekaterinburg - very dynamic Siberian cities, and finally ending in golden-domed Moscow.

• Route Vladivostok - Ulan-Ude - Irkutsk - Novosibirsk - Yekaterinburg - Moscow

5 stars - East to West

This tour covers the highlights of the Trans-Siberian Railway - including all 5 major cities along its route. You will admire cultural masterpieces in Beijing, learn about nomadic life in Mongolia, see amazing Lake Baikal in Irkutsk, learn about the fate of the Last Tsar in Yekaterinburg, and visit Russia's energetic capital Moscow.

• Schedule Tour can be started on any Thursday.
• Route Beijing - Ulaanbaatar - Irkutsk - Yekaterinburg - Moscow

Trans-Sib through Russia - Mongolia - China

This exciting Trans-Siberian tour takes you to three countries - Russia, Mongolia and China. From Moscow you will proceed to the Siberian cities of Yekaterinburg, Novosibirsk and Irkutsk, close to Lake Baikal. Then you will cross Mongolia with its endless steppes and the Goby Desert, and finally arrive in China with the Great Wall and more.

• Schedule Tour can be started on any Saturday
• Route Moscow - Yekaterinburg - Novosibirsk - Irkutsk - Ulaanbaatar - Beijing

Journey of a Lifetime

The tour is a great opportunity to visit three countries on one trip. You will be delighted with the capital of Russia, see the border of Europe and Asia in Yekaterinburg, admire beautiful nature in Krasnoyarsk, see the world's largest lake Baikal, steppes of Mongolia and China's cultural heritage.

• Route Moscow - Yekaterinburg - Krasnoyarsk - Irkutsk - Ulaanbaatar - Beijing

My wife & I have just completed the Journey of a Lifetime 16 day 15 night Trip as organised by Express to Russia. We also had a tour of St Petersburg & Moscow as well. The planning & execution of both trips was well above our expectations. The guides we had in all of our destinations were exceptional & the meet & greet & return to the stations went as smooth as clockwork. We had one minor hitch but that was through no fault of Express to Russia..a quick email from our Ipad had the problem resolved immediately We did have some misgivings at the start about doing the booking online ourselves but Elena was wonderful & answered all of our questions promptly & to our satisfaction. We felt comfortable with the whole process.The train trip is wonderful with Mongolia being a "special " place for us! We highly recommend Elena & her company. I am happy to answer any questions any body may wish to ask.

Thank you so very much for organizing our trip. Everything went wonderfully, and we really enjoyed our time in Russia. Moscow was beautiful, Lake Baikal was very cold, yet very fun to swim in, and the DPR Koreans that I met and made friends with in Vladivostok was beyond priceless. The guides you got for us did an exceptional job, and the drivers helped us out a lot as well. The hotels you got for us were great, and the room you got for us in the Vladivostok really made the long stay comfortable. The trains were also very enjoyable as was the Russian hospitality, although we really weren´t expecting people to be so generous or helpful. Overall, the trip was wonderful, and you arranged it magnificently. You really went out of your way to accommodate my schedule and help me with my schoolwork, so I really appreciate it; I couldn´t have done it without you. So once again, thank you for all of your efforts, and hopefully in the future you will be able to help us out again. Take care, and thank you for everything.

The Trans-Siberian Express is the longest train journey in the world. The route takes you from ancient Russian cities through deep forests and breathtaking mountains to Siberian outposts and into Asia. You will visit Buddhist temples , Lake Baikal , the Ural Mountains , Vladivostok or Beijing . Express to Russia is a specialist in travel for individuals and small groups along the route. We will make sure that you have an unforgettable journey on this incredible adventure. Choose basic packages below or contact us to arrange your own custom travel.

Our Russian tours are offered as land only where you arrange your own airfare and we meet you at the airport and handle everything else. You can easily book the discount tickets yourself through our own discount internet ticket office . Please browse our discount air tickets section to learn more.

Trans-Siberian Train

The main route of the Trans-Siberian Railway begins in Moscow and heads east to Vladivostok passing through Yekaterinburg, Chelyabinsk, Omsk, Novosibirsk, Irkutsk, Ulan Ude, Chita, Blagoveshchensk and Khabarovsk. The length of the route is 9259 km or 5753 miles. The train travels through 7 time zones and takes 8 days to complete without making overnight stops. The Trans-Siberian splits off into a few other fascinating directions as well:

Trans-Mongolian Train

The Trans-Mongolian Line was built from 1940 to 1956 between Ulan-Ude at Lake Baikal’s eastern shore and the Chinese capital Beijing. From Ulan-Ude the tracks go south towards Mongolia, crossing the great Gobi Desert and finally ending up in Beijing. This route is a mere 7867 kilometers long (Moscow - Beijing).

Trans-Manchurian Train

The Trans-Manchurian Line runs on the same route as the Trans-Siberian as far as Tarskaya, which is a few hundred miles east of Baikal. From Tarskaya, the line runs southeast into China near Zabaikalsk and makes its way down to Beijing. This route is a 9001 kilometres long (Moscow - Beijing).

Click to learn more about the history of the Trans-Siberian Railway .

Frequently Asked Questions From Our Travelers

Where does the trans-siberian railway start and where does it end.

The Trans-Siberian Railway starts in Moscow and extends all the way to Vladivostok on the Pacific Ocean. This route connects the European part of Russia, the Ural region, Siberia and the Russian Far East.

Are Beijing and Ulan Bator stops along the Trans-Siberian railway?

Beijing and Ulan Bator are parts of Trans-Mongolian railway - an offshoot of the main Trans-Siberian Railway. There are many options to arrange your travel: to visit Ulan Bator and or follow the Trans-Siberian railway to or from Vladivostok. 

Can I use the hop-on hop-off principle when traveling by Trans-Siberian train?

Unfortunately, that is not possible. Train tickets in Russia are not open, so you will need a separate ticket with a particular date for each leg of your trip - for example, you may go all the way from Moscow to Vladivostok, but you will only be able to leave the train for short stops at the railway stations. In case if you would like to explore different cities on the way, you will need separate tickets, for example Moscow – Yekaterinburg, Yekaterinburg – Irkutsk, Irkutsk - Vladivostok. We offer carefully planned private tours that will allow you to visit several cities on your way.

Are there showers aboard Trans-Siberian trains?

Most of the Trans-Siberian trains do not have showers, and there are two WCs per each carriage. Please consider it while planning your trip. We recommend to choose shorter distances (that is, to plan more overnight stops in the cities along the way) to avoid the inconvenience of not showering. Another option is to choose the trip on board a more luxurious train which has all the on-board amenities that one might need.

Are meals included on the board of Trans-Siberian express train?

When traveling with RZD regular trains meals are not included. You can easily buy your meals in the restaurant car.  Another option is to buy local specialties from “babushkas” (grandmothers, or simply Russian old ladies) on the short train stops along the way. This is a very authentic way of getting your meals.

What is the most comfortable way to travel on the Trans-Siberian railroad?

There are luxurious trains on the Trans-Siberian railway that are quite different from regular RZD trains and can be described as 5* hotels on wheels. We offer this type of accommodation on the Imperial Russia train where you can enjoy a full board menu, a shower and a comfortable compartment.

Our travel brands include

Express to Russia

Join us on Facebook

We invite you to become a fan of our company on Facebook and read Russian news and travel stories. To become a fan, click here .

Join our own Russian Travel, Culture and Literature Club on Facebook. The club was created to be a place for everyone with an interest in Russia to get to know each other and share experiences, stories, pictures and advice. To join our club, please follow this link .

We use cookies to improve your experience on our Website, and to facilitate providing you with services available through our Website. To opt out of non-essential cookies, please click here . By continuing to use our Website, you accept our use of cookies, the terms of our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service . I agree

• Share full article

Advertisement

Supported by

Floods Break Dams and Submerge Highways in Southern Germany

Several towns declared states of emergency and evacuated citizens as water submerged streets and highways and derailed a high-speed train.

By Christopher F. Schuetze

Reporting from Berlin

After a weekend of heavy rains, severe floods in regions of southern Germany led several towns to declare states of emergency and to evacuate their citizens from heavily affected areas. Water submerged streets and highways, broke dams and derailed a high-speed train. Even as rain let up on Monday, emergency crews rushed to fortify dams along rivers in anticipation of further flooding.

On Monday morning, a 43-year-old woman was found dead in her basement in the Neuburg-Schrobenhausen district in Bavaria, according to the local authorities. She had been missing since Saturday night.

Several hours later, responders who were pumping water out of a basement in Schorndorf in Baden-Württemberg found the bodies of a man and a woman, according to the police. On Saturday, a firefighter died trying to save people, according to the district he served; another firefighter has been missing since Saturday.

Tens of thousands of emergency workers, both local and from other regions, are responding to the disaster, which affected Germany’s two southern states, Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg. The responders, who include 800 soldiers, have rescued people stranded in their houses and cars, built emergency dams and set up crisis accommodations.

The German chancellor, Olaf Scholz, visited the small market town of Reichertshofen, roughly 35 miles north of Munich, on Monday and said that the flooding represented a new reality as the effects of climate change are being felt in Central Europe.

“What is also important to me is that we are very clear that this is not just an event that has been happening for centuries,” he told reporters, noting that he had visited four active flooding sites this year alone.

“We must not neglect the task of halting man-made climate change,” he told reporters on Monday. “This, too, is a lesson that we must learn from this event and this disaster.”

Between Friday at noon and Monday at noon, 120 to 160 liters of rain, or about 30 to 40 gallons, fell per square meter (about 11 square feet), which is more than usually falls in a month, according to Sebastian Altnau, a meteorologist with the German Weather Office.

The firefighter who became the first victim of the floods had set out with three colleagues on a boat late on Saturday to save a family stranded inside a building. Before they reached the house, the boat flipped. While three of the firefighters were able to save themselves, the body of the fourth was found early Sunday, a spokeswoman for the district confirmed.

In the small southwestern town of Ebersbach in Baden-Württemberg, the water pushed through a highway wall on Sunday night. A video published on the city’s Facebook feed shows how the water turned the road into an impassable river in seconds.

About 15 miles to the northeast, near Schwäbisch Gmünd, a sudden mudslide pushed a high-speed train off the rails and buried a car on Saturday night, according to the national rail service. Rescue workers were able to evacuate the train of its 185 passengers, and no one was hurt. After signaling with a flashlight, the driver, too, was picked up by rescue workers, he told the German newspaper Bild .

In both Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg over the weekend, several dams broke, in some cases leading to flooding of entire neighborhoods. On Saturday in Reichertshofen, where the chancellor visited Monday, two dams broke despite being fortified with sandbags, allowing the Baar River to flood neighborhoods. Around 5,000 emergency workers helped with rescue and evacuation operations.

Responders spent much of Monday safeguarding against flooding from bigger rivers, which have swelled since the downpour. In the medieval city of Regensburg in Bavaria, in the southeast, emergency workers built a dam on Monday along the Danube River as it continued to rise. On Monday afternoon, the Danube’s level measured at over six meters, or nearly 20 feet — twice as high as it was on Friday morning.

The flooding has brought up memories of the disastrous Ahr Valley floods in 2021, which killed 189 people. The heavy rains, which scientists said were driven by climate change , led the Ahr River to rise sharply, sweeping up buildings, bridges and roads. At the time, the authorities were criticized for not warning the local populations properly.

Nancy Faeser, who, as Germany’s interior minister, is responsible for disaster response, traveled with Mr. Scholz on Monday. She told local reporters that she could see “lessons had been learned” in the Ahr catastrophe. “Coordination and organization work much better,” she said.

Christopher F. Schuetze is a reporter for The Times based in Berlin, covering politics, society and culture in Germany, Austria and Switzerland. More about Christopher F. Schuetze

Explore Our Weather Coverage

Extreme Weather Maps: Track the possibility of extreme weather in the places that are important to you .

Heat Safety: Heat waves are becoming increasingly common across the world. Here is how to keep yourself and your loved ones cool, hydrated and healthy .

Tornado Alerts: A tornado warning demands instant action. Here’s what to do if one comes your way .

Flash Flooding: Fast rising water can be deadly. Here’s what to do if you’re caught off guard , and how to prepare for a future flooding event.

Evacuating Pets: When disaster strikes, household pets’ lives are among the most vulnerable. You can avoid the worst by planning ahead .

Climate Change: What’s causing global warming? How can we fix it? Our F.A.Q. tackles your climate questions big and small .

Get our Rail Planner app

Plan your trip, get extra discounts, and show your Pass as you go.

Our favourite spring routes

Celebrate spring with these 7 off-the-beaten-path train routes

All about seat reservations

Everything you need to know about booking your seats

Alternatives to Busy Routes

Travel between popular European cities without seat reservations

Through our Chatbot in the bottom right corner.

Ask the Community

Browse questions from fellow Interrail travellers, or ask your own!

• Plan your trip
• Tips & tricks
• Trains in Europe

Trains per country

• Order overview
• Reservations overview
• My Trips & Travelers
• {{translatedTraveler}} {{#promotional}} {{currencySign}} {{standardPrice}} {{/promotional}} {{quantity}}x {{currencySign}} {{finalPrice}}
• Child {{childPasses}}x FREE
• {{translatedPassType}}
• {{translatedValidityPeriodDescription}}
• {{translatedClass}}
• Remove Pass(es)
• {{variant.localizedTravelPackDescription}} {{quantity}}x Free
• {{variant.localizedPassUpgradeDescription}} {{quantity}}x {{currency}} {{price}}
• Your order will arrive by {{expectedDeliveryDate}} 1 x {{currency}} {{price}}

Your cart is empty

Read about the trains operated by the national railway companies of each country, as well as key routes and approximate journey times.

Go from the ancient relics of Pompeii to the Umbrian countryside.

• Switzerland

Climb on board Swiss trains and travel through the snow-capped Alps.

Ride along the Atlantic coast and down to the golden beaches.

The rest of Europe:

• Bosnia-Herzegovina
• Czech Republic
• Great Britain
• Netherlands
• North Macedonia

Change of currency

You cannot change the currency once you have a Pass in your cart. Remove the Pass, and then change the currency on the website header.

Plans of holiday makers across Europe in disarray after German travel company collapse

Irish customers of loveholidays and others caught up in unexpected liquidation of fti, germany’s third largest tourism operator.

FTI, which is the third largest tourism operator in Germany with around 200 subsidiaries, shocked the leisure travel sector when went into liquidation on Monday. Photograph: Steve Parsons/PA Wire

The travel planes of thousands of holiday makers across Europe including people in Ireland are in disarray following the collapse of a leading German tour operator earlier this week.

FTI, which is the third largest tourism operator in Germany with around 200 subsidiaries, shocked the leisure travel sector when went into liquidation on Monday after a refinancing deal collapsed.

The initial filing involved FTI’s tour operator brand, but it warned that “corresponding applications will be filed for other group companies”.

One of its subsidiaries is the UK-based YouTravel which supplies accommodation to multiple travel agents in Ireland as well as online travel agents which have a significant footprint here, including LoveHolidays.

C&C’s problems don’t go away with McMahon’s departure

Don’t put off planning for retirement

Datalex report must pave way for company to deal with 18% Desmond loans

Housing Commission’s analysis of the crisis paints a mammoth challenge but falls down on one glaring contradiction

All accommodation bookings made via YouTravel until later this month have been cancelled while customers already in destinations overseas are being asked to pay the hotel directly for their stay.

In a statement on its website, YouTravel said that “it goes without saying that this has an impact on Youtravel.com. For arrivals until June 14th (inclusive), we have taken to the decision to cancel to avoid guests arriving and not having a booking or being asked to pay again whilst we navigate through these challenging times.”

The UK travel company LoveHolidays which does a significant amount of business in the Republic, posted an update on its website which said that “a very small portion of our customers’ accommodation arrangements will be affected. However, we’re working hard to honour these bookings with other suppliers to minimise disruption to any holidays.”

It advised people with upcoming holidays that “there is nothing you need to do. Our team is working hard to honour any impacted bookings with another partner to make sure your holiday goes ahead as seamlessly as possible.”

Paul Hackett of Irish-based online travel agency Click&Go said his staff had been “been working flat out” since Tuesday to secure all bookings.

“We have been making payments direct to hotels where the hotel says they need payment from us or they seek payment direct from the customer,” he said.

He added that there was a team of people working on the issue and “to date our clients are all fine. We are rebooking at extra costs and not passing that on, we are paying hotels direct, and we are doing all we can to minimise the impact on our customers”.

He said one customer, who had not yet travelled had to move to a different hotel, 700m from the original hotel as the booking was cancelled by YouTravel and when Click&Go went to reconfirm it, the hotel had resold the room.

“Any other bookings we have are re-protected and we absorbed the additional cost,” he said.

In response to queries from The Irish Times a spokesman from the Irish Aviation Authority said that its role in relation to customers of travel agents and tour operators “only takes effect when an entity we licence collapses. We do not licence FTI.”

He said that while FTI “may be a supplier to some entities we licence, it is for the seller of the package to resolve in the first instance or if the seller does not do so it would be for the CCPC to engage. We would only have a role if an entity collapsed because of the financial impact of the FTI collapse.”

• Sign up for push alerts and have the best news, analysis and comment delivered directly to your phone
• Join The Irish Times on WhatsApp and stay up to date
• Listen to our Inside Politics podcast for the best political chat and analysis

Conor Pope is Consumer Affairs Correspondent, Pricewatch Editor and cohost of the In the News podcast

IN THIS SECTION

Dell’s rollercoaster ride highlights ai forecasting dangers, central bank chief wants lenders to ‘respond’ to ecb rate cut, ecb rate cut emboldens nonbank mortgage lenders to return from the cold, ecb rate move welcomed but across the board mortgage rate cuts are unlikely, claire byrne and mary lou mcdonald come unexpectedly close to a shouting match, suspected kinahan cartel leading figure released in spain after paying €60,000 bail, local and european elections: voter turnout reaching 50% as polling stations shut, ireland win gold in 4x400m mixed relay at european athletics championships, missing yachtsman: appeal for public to help with shore search in connemara, latest stories, the ‘splinternet’ election: campaign was fractured, aggressive, costly and humourless, divorce in ireland today: separating in a housing crisis, when it comes to ‘intelligence’, ai is still drinking piss and eating glue, lies, damned lies and photobombs as sunak’s week falls apart, ‘i feel like i’m ready’: ciara mageean perfectly poised for another european 1,500m showdown.

• Terms & Conditions
• Privacy Policy
• Cookie Information
• Cookie Settings
• Community Standards

• My View My View
• Following Following
• Saved Saved

Europe's third-largest tour operator FTI files for insolvency

• Medium Text

Sign up here.

Reporting by Andrey Sychev and Miranda Murray, additional reporting by Andreas Rinke; editing by Matthias Williams Editing by Louise Heavens and Louise Heavens

Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles. New Tab , opens new tab

Markets Chevron

Stocks retreat, Treasuries flail as US rate cut hopes wither

Global stocks pulled back from an all-time high on Friday after surprisingly strong U.S. monthly jobs data dimmed hopes that the Federal Reserve would soon follow euro zone and Canadian interest rate cuts, causing Treasury yields to shoot higher.