What’s the Best Way to Travel Europe—Plane or Train? The Answer Might Surprise You

When it comes to exploring Europe, the choice between planes and trains isn’t as simple as picking the fastest option.

Your decision depends on your priorities: time, cost, convenience, and—most importantly—what kind of experience you’re looking for. Both modes of transport have their strengths, but the answer may change depending on where you’re going and how you like to travel.

Here’s a closer look at planes vs. trains in Europe and how to decide what works best for you.

When Planes Are Best

Planes are ideal for covering long distances quickly. If you’re hopping between major cities—like Paris to Athens or London to Budapest—a direct flight can save you a day of travel time.

Why Choose a Plane?

1. Speed Over Distance
   Flights are unbeatable for journeys over 1,000 kilometers (600 miles). A trip like Madrid to Prague can take two hours by air, compared to over 20 hours by train with multiple connections.
2. Low-Cost Airlines Dominate
   Budget airlines like Ryanair and easyJet offer fares as low as €20 for early bookings. However, keep in mind that additional fees for baggage and seat selection can add up quickly.
3. Expansive Network
   Europe’s extensive air network means you can access even remote regions efficiently, though smaller airports may still require extra travel time to reach city centers.

Drawbacks of Flying

• Airport security and check-in times can eat into your schedule.
• Budget airlines often use secondary airports far from city centers, adding time and cost for transfers.
• You miss out on the scenery and cultural immersion.

When Trains Are the Better Option

For trips under 1,000 kilometers, trains are often the smarter choice, offering a seamless and stress-free way to get from one city center to another.

Why Choose a Train?

1. Comfort Meets Convenience
   Train travel is spacious, with room to stretch, no seatbelt signs, and no restrictions on liquids or electronics. Plus, most stations are located in the heart of the city, making it easier to start exploring right away.
2. Scenic Journeys
   Trains aren’t just transportation—they’re an experience. Routes like the Bernina Express in Switzerland or the Renfe AVE in Spain let you soak in the landscapes as you travel. The view becomes part of the adventure.
3. Eco-Friendly Travel
   Concerned about your carbon footprint? Trains are one of the greenest ways to travel, producing up to 90% less CO2 emissions than planes for the same distance.

Drawbacks of Trains

• Longer travel times for long distances.
• High-speed rail can be expensive without advance booking.
• Not all destinations are directly connected by train.

Train Travel: The Journey is the Destination

Unlike planes, trains offer a seamless way to immerse yourself in the landscapes, cultures, and even the smaller details of daily life in Europe. From rolling vineyards in France to snow-capped peaks in Switzerland, the view outside your train window becomes part of the adventure.

Here’s why trains help you see more:

1. Uninterrupted Scenery
   Traveling by train lets you witness Europe’s stunning diversity in real time—no clouds or 35,000 feet of altitude in the way. The Rhine Valley’s castles, the Dolomites’ jagged peaks, and the Tuscan countryside unfold before you like a living postcard.
2. Stop Where Planes Don’t Go
   Many charming towns and hidden gems—like Rothenburg ob der Tauber in Germany or Annecy in France—are not accessible by direct flights. Trains connect these off-the-beaten-path destinations, offering opportunities to see more than just the big cities.
3. Effortless Connections
   Train stations are central, cutting out the need for long commutes to airports. Spend less time in security lines and more time exploring.
4. Time Well Spent
   No “dead time” here—read a book, sip a cappuccino, or plan your day’s itinerary as you roll past the Alps or the Mediterranean coast. Plus, Wi-Fi on many trains means you can stay productive or entertained en route.

The New Rail Revolution

Enter European Sleeper, a fresh contender in the budget train travel scene, designed to make rail travel across borders more accessible and affordable. Modeled on the Eurostar’s success, this night-train service connects major European cities while promoting eco-friendly travel.

• Route Highlights: European Sleeper links destinations like Brussels, Berlin, and Prague, with plans to expand to Barcelona and Warsaw in the near future.
• Affordable Pricing: Tickets start as low as $12 for early-booking deals, offering unbeatable value for intercity travel.
• Overnight Convenience: Traveling overnight means you can save on accommodations and wake up refreshed in your next destination.
• Eco-Friendly Edge: With trains emitting up to 90% less CO2 than flights, it’s a guilt-free way to traverse the continent.

Why Train Travel Shows You More

1. Cultural Immersion on Every Route
   Each rail line tells a story. The Glacier Express in Switzerland offers a visual journey through high-altitude mountain passes, while Italy’s Ferrovia Circumetnea takes you around Mount Etna, giving you up-close views of a volcanic landscape. These aren’t just routes—they’re experiences.
2. Flexibility for Spontaneity
   Hop on and off at small towns, spend a few hours exploring, and pick up the next train. 
3. Dedicated Scenic Trains
   Beyond high-speed options like the TGV or ICE, Europe is full of trains designed for slow travel. Some standout routes include:
   • The Bernina Express: Sweeping through the Alps, this UNESCO World Heritage route links Switzerland and Italy.
   • The Douro Line: Following Portugal’s Douro River, this journey feels like stepping back in time, surrounded by terraced vineyards

Best Itinerary Ideas for Planes and Trains

When Flying Makes Sense

• Paris to Athens (2.5 hours by plane)
  A plane is the clear winner for this long-distance trip. Instead of spending days weaving through Europe by train, you can land in Athens quickly and dive straight into ancient history and Mediterranean charm.
• London to Budapest (2 hours by plane)
  A train journey between these two capitals can take more than a day and involve multiple connections. A flight cuts that to a couple of hours, leaving you more time to explore Budapest’s thermal baths and ruin bars.
• Rome to Iceland (4 hours by plane)
  The breathtaking landscapes of Iceland aren’t reachable by train, making this flight an easy choice. Fly directly and make the most of your time discovering glaciers, volcanoes, and hot springs.
• Barcelona to Marrakesh (2.5 hours by plane)
  This route takes you across the Mediterranean Sea, making air travel the only efficient option. Enjoy a seamless transition from Gaudi’s architecture to the vibrant souks of Marrakesh.

When Trains Are the Better Choice

• Paris to Amsterdam (3 hours by train)
  High-speed rail is unbeatable on this route. The Thalys train gets you from city center to city center faster than flying when you factor in airport transfers and security lines. Plus, you’ll enjoy views of the French and Dutch countryside along the way.
• Rome to Florence (1.5 hours by train)
  Italy’s Frecciarossa trains are perfect for connecting these cultural hubs. Instead of airport delays, you can step off the train and immediately immerse yourself in Florence’s art and history.
• Zurich to Milan (4 hours by train)
  The Bernina Express or other regional trains take you through the Alps, offering views of snow-capped peaks, sparkling lakes, and charming villages. This journey is an experience in itself.
• Madrid to Seville (2.5 hours by train)
  Spain’s AVE high-speed rail makes this trip smooth and scenic. Skip the flight and enjoy a stress-free ride through the heart of Andalusia.
• Berlin to Prague (4 hours by train)
  The rail journey between these two capitals showcases rolling hills, historic villages, and lush forests. It’s a relaxing way to transition from Berlin’s edgy vibe to Prague’s fairy-tale charm.
• Vienna to Salzburg (2.5 hours by train)
  Hop on Austria’s Railjet for a picturesque ride through mountains and meadows. It’s a stress-free way to experience both the imperial grandeur of Vienna and Salzburg’s musical heritage.

Special Mentions for Scenic Rail Journeys

• Interlaken to Zermatt, Switzerland (3.5 hours)
  For pure scenery, this route is hard to beat. Sit back and enjoy views of the Matterhorn and pristine Alpine landscapes.
• Venice to Munich via Innsbruck (7 hours)
  This leisurely train journey winds through the Dolomites and Tyrolean Alps. It’s long, but every moment offers postcard-worthy views.

The Cost Comparison

1. Flights
   Budget airlines often advertise fares as low as €20, but watch out for hidden fees like checked luggage or seat selection. A last-minute flight can easily exceed €200.
2. Trains
   High-speed rail fares vary based on booking time. Advance tickets can cost as little as €25, but closer to departure, prices may rival flights. 

Why Point-to-Point Tickets Work Best for Trains

While rail passes like Eurail might seem convenient, point-to-point tickets are often cheaper and more tailored to specific journeys. Most European railways offer discounts for early bookings, and tools like Trainline or national rail websites (like Deutsche Bahn or Trenitalia) make it easy to plan.

Tips for Point-to-Point Tickets:

• Book as early as possible—discounted fares sell out quickly.
• Check direct train availability to avoid unnecessary transfers.
• Use high-speed rail for major cities and regional trains for shorter distances or scenic routes.

Best of Both Worlds

For many trips, combining planes and trains offers the most balanced experience. Fly into a major hub like Paris or Munich, then use the rail network to explore the surrounding region. For example:

• Fly to Madrid, then take the train to Seville and Granada for a scenic dive into Andalusian culture.
• Fly to Zurich, then use Switzerland’s rail network to explore the Alps without renting a car.

Mix and Match

If your priority is speed and covering large distances, planes will get you there fast—but often at the cost of hassle and missed scenery. Trains, on the other hand, are perfect for savoring the journey, embracing slow travel, and connecting with the heart of Europe.

The real answer? Mix and match. Know when to prioritize speed and when to embrace the magic of slow travel. Whether by plane or train, Europe is yours to explore.

Looking for More Travel Tips?

Planning your travel smart doesn’t stop with the holidays! Check out these guides for more insights to save money and make the most of your trips year-round:

• The Best Time to Book Flights for Every Season
• The Sweet Spot for Booking Flights

Smart planning today means stress-free travel tomorrow. Happy travels!

Feature Image Credit: Pexels / Sascha Hormel.

For transparency, this content was partly developed with AI assistance and carefully curated by an experienced editor to be informative and ensure accuracy.