Conscious travel by train, a more fun and enjoyable experience than other transportation modes.
- Scenic views: Trains often travel through scenic routes that allow passengers to enjoy beautiful views of the countryside, mountains, and coastline.
- Socializing: Travelling by train allows one to meet new people and socialize. You can converse with fellow passengers, share stories, and make new friends.
- Comfort: Trains usually offer more legroom, wider seats, and more space to move around than other transportation forms like aeroplanes or buses.
- Relaxation: Train travel allows passengers to relax and enjoy the journey without worrying about driving, navigating or parking. You can read a book, listen to music, or watch the scenery pass.
- Convenience: Trains often travel to city centres, making getting around without additional transportation easy. They also typically have less stringent security requirements than air travel, making it easier and faster to board the train.
Choose slow travel
Traveling by train is a form of slow travel compared to traveling by plane. Enrich your travel experience by taking it slow. Instead of rushing to check everything off your list, take the time to explore places. Slow travel takes us back to the essence: immersing ourselves in an unfamiliar culture, living in the present moment, and becoming one with a destination.
Why train travel is more eco-friendly
Travelling by train is generally more eco-friendly than other modes of transportation, such as cars or aeroplanes, because trains produce fewer greenhouse gas emissions per passenger. Trains can move many passengers, making them more energy-efficient and less polluting. According to the European Environment Agency, trains emit ten times less carbon dioxide per passenger kilometre than aeroplanes. By taking the train, you can help reduce traffic congestion and lower the carbon footprint of individual vehicles. This is particularly true in urban areas where traffic congestion significantly contributes to air pollution.
Train travel remains overall the most environmentally friendly mode of motorized passenger transport in Europe — in terms of greenhouse gas emissions — as compared to travelling by car or plane, according to two transport and environment studies published by the European Environment Agency (EEA) (March 2021).
City centre to city centre travel, within a few hours. Take a fast train to London, Amsterdam, Brussels and Paris with Eurostar.
Discover the beauty of the Swiss Alps
The Bernina Express is a scenic train journey that traverses the stunning landscapes of the Swiss Alps between Chur, Switzerland, and Tirano, Italy. The route boasts vistas of snow-capped peaks, shimmering glaciers, deep valleys, lush meadows, and charming alpine villages. Some notable highlights include the Landwasser Viaduct, Lago Bianco and the Brusio Spiral Viaduct. The Bernina Express route, known as the Albula/Bernina Line, has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2008. This prestigious designation honors the engineering and architectural achievements of the railway, as well as the exceptional and unspoiled natural landscapes it passes through.
The Bernina Express features modern panoramic train cars with large windows, allowing passengers to enjoy the breathtaking scenery. The train also offers audio commentary in multiple languages, providing information about the landscape, landmarks, and history of the region. The Bernina Express operates year-round, with different services available depending on the season, and can be combined with other train routes and connections to create various itineraries. For example, travelers can start the journey from cities like Zurich or Milan, connecting to the Bernina Express in Chur or Tirano.
The Glacier Express is another panoramic train that offers a scenic journey through the landscapes of the Swiss Alps. The Glacier Express connects the mountain resorts of Zermatt and St. Moritz in Switzerland. The route includes notable highlights like the Matterhorn, Rhine Gorge, Oberalp Pass, and the Engadine Valley. You can combine the Glacier Express with the Bernina Express, creating a memorable journey through the Swiss and Italian Alps.
An unforgettable journey through the heart of Norway
The Bergen Line, or Bergensbanen in Norwegian, is a scenic railway journey that connects the cities of Oslo and Bergen in Norway. Considered one of the world’s most beautiful train rides, the Bergen Line offers views of Norway’s diverse landscapes. It passes through varied terrain, including forests, mountainous areas, valleys, and fjords. Notable highlights include the towering Hardangervidda Plateau, the charming Flåm Valley, and the iconic Myrdal Station. The Bergen Line is an impressive feat of engineering, with numerous tunnels and bridges along the route. As part of the Bergen Line, the journey includes a section on the famous Flåm Railway. This 20-kilometer (12-mile) line connects Myrdal with the village of Flåm and is known for its steep inclines, sharp curves, and incredible scenery.
The Bergen Line operates year-round, whether it’s the winter wonderland of snow-covered landscapes or the vibrant colors of spring and autumn. The Bergen Line connects with other train lines, making it convenient to explore more of Norway. In addition, there are several excursion options, such as fjord cruises. While the Bergen Line is a non-stop journey from Oslo to Bergen, many travelers choose to make stops along the way to explore specific regions or embark on outdoor activities. Notable stops include Finse, known for its beautiful mountain vistas, and Voss, a gateway to outdoor adventures like hiking, kayaking, and skiing.
10 most beautiful train journeys worldwide
The night train in Europe, travel while you sleep
Europe’s night train network connects various major cities and regions across the continent. Night trains usually offer different types of sleeping accommodations, ranging from standard seats to private cabins with various levels of comfort (couchettes or sleeping compartments with bunk beds). Some trains also provided amenities like dining cars, lounge areas, and showers. Night trains allow travellers to save time by combining transportation with overnight accommodation.
Night train operators in Europe
Several national railway companies and private operators run night train services across Europe:
Rest your head in one city and wake up in another with night trains in Europe: The Trainline
Great-value travel on the night train, arrive relaxed and rested at your destination – right in the city centre: ÖBB Nightjet
Save precious travel time by moving from one destination to the next while you sleep: Eurail
This article is part of the series by Conscious Travel Guide, your resource for mindful globetrotting.
