Countries

French trains are easiest to plan by type: TGV INOUI, OUIGO, TER, INTERCITÉS, night trains, and pass reservations.

Germany's rail network is operated mainly by Deutsche Bahn (DB), with ICE high-speed trains linking major cities. Regional services cover smaller towns.

Switzerland's rail network is nearly 100% electric and integrates trains, buses, boats and cable cars into a single timetable. Operated by SBB.

Belgium built continental Europe's first steam railway in 1835. Today it's a hub for high-speed trains connecting London, Paris, Amsterdam and Germany.

Spain's rail network connects major cities and tourist destinations nationwide. Renfe operates AVE high-speed and regional services across the country.

Netherlands rail (NS) is one of Europe's most efficient and punctual networks. Fully electrified, it connects every major city from Amsterdam to Rotterdam.

Austrian trains (ÖBB) run on 100% renewable energy with a 96% punctuality rate. The network serves 474 million passengers a year across alpine routes.

The UK has one of the world's oldest and most comprehensive rail networks. This guide covers booking cheap tickets, navigating stations and key operators.

Italy's rail network connects bustling cities to charming countryside. High-speed Frecciarossa and Italo trains serve major routes; Trenitalia covers the rest.

Portugal's rail network (CP) spans 2,786 km, connecting Lisbon to the Algarve, Porto and rural regions. One of Europe's most scenic ways to travel.

Poland's modernising rail network connects Warsaw, Kraków, Gdańsk and Wrocław, with direct international trains to Berlin, Vienna and Prague.

Hungary's rail network radiates 7,600 km from Budapest, connecting Eastern and Western Europe. A key hub for international trains across Central Europe.

Luxembourg's national rail operator CFL runs a modern, efficient network. Small but well-connected, with cross-border services into France, Belgium and Germany.

Bratislava to Vienna takes just 1 hour by train. Slovakia's rail network connects Central European cities and includes a national zero-fare travel scheme.

Denmark's rail network links its islands and mainland via bridges and tunnels. DSB operates efficient services connecting Copenhagen to the rest of the country.

Czech Republic has an extensive, affordable rail network connecting cities, towns and villages. Operated by ČD, it's one of Europe's most budget-friendly systems.

Croatian trains connect Zagreb to major cities and towns. A scenic alternative to buses, though the Adriatic coast is not served by rail.

Sweden has over 15,000 km of track connecting major cities with fast, comfortable, low-carbon trains. One of Europe's most environmentally conscious networks.

Bulgaria's railway is one of Europe's most scenic, with 150+ years of history. Trains cross mountain passes and connect to international borders.

Lithuania has the most modern rail network in the Baltic states. Trains connect Vilnius, Kaunas and Klaipėda, with international routes to Warsaw and Riga.

North Macedonia has a small but historically significant rail network. This guide covers train routes, operators and practical tips for Balkan rail travel.

Latvia's rail network centres on Riga and connects the capital with coastal resorts like Jūrmala and historic cities across the Baltics.

Norway's trains cross dramatic mountain plateaus and wind through deep fjords, offering some of the world's most spectacular scenic rail journeys.

Greece's Hellenic Train connects Athens to Thessaloniki through scenic terrain, passing Mount Olympus. An affordable way to explore the country by rail.