If you’re planning a trip to Europe, there’s no better way to explore the continent than by train. With over 8 billion passengers riding Europe’s railways each year—yes, more than the population of the entire world—it’s clear that trains are a beloved and efficient way to travel.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the history of European rail travel, discuss current challenges, highlight future expansion projects, and show you just how far you can go. And if you want a visual walkthrough, check out the full video version of this post on my YouTube channel:

A Brief History of Train Travel in Europe

The Steam-Powered Beginning

The modern railway story starts in the early 19th century with steam trains revolutionizing how goods and people moved. The first major intercity line—Manchester to Liverpool—opened in 1830, marking a turning point. Fun fact: it also had the first famous train accident in history.

Soon, countries like France and Germany began building their networks. Germany, with the help of economist Friedrich List, laid the groundwork for railways that would promote national unity, stability, and industrial development.

Post-WWII: A Continent Reconnects

After World War II, Europe’s rail systems were in ruins. In Western Europe, U.S.-backed Marshall Plan funds helped rebuild railways and restore passenger services. In contrast, Eastern Europe—then under Soviet influence—focused primarily on freight, with limited and state-controlled passenger movement.

Only after the fall of the Soviet Union and the expansion of the Schengen Area did many Eastern countries begin serious modernization. Policies like the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T) helped link East and West by rail, launching a new era of integration.

Enter High-Speed Rail

The late 20th century saw the birth of high-speed rail in Europe. The first route? Rome to Florence, followed by the iconic TGV in France, ICE in Germany, and high-speed systems in Spain. Today, Europe boasts the second-largest high-speed rail network in the world—second only to China.

Despite its strengths, Europe’s rail network isn’t perfect. Here are a few things travelers should be aware of:

• High Prices on Last-Minute Bookings: Flights can sometimes be cheaper if you book a train the day before. Always try to book early.
• Cross-Border Issues: Different rail gauges, electrical systems, and booking platforms make seamless international travel more difficult than it should be.
• Overcrowded Routes: Trains like the Eurostar or popular French TGV lines often sell out quickly.
• Strikes and Delays: Rail workers across countries like France, Germany, and the UK regularly strike, affecting service.
• Slow Expansion in Eastern Europe: While new lines are planned, many countries still lack fast, direct connections.

That said, with a bit of planning, most of these issues can be worked around.

The European Union has ambitious goals:

• Double passenger rail usage by 2030
• Triple it by 2050

How? Through massive investment in high-speed rail, electrification, and international connectivity.

Here are a few notable upcoming projects:

• Paris to Berlin: A new direct high-speed line is in the works.
• Lisbon to Porto: Portugal is expanding north-south connections.
• New Prague lines: Czechia is becoming a central hub in Central Europe.
• Hungary to Belgrade: Linking Eastern and Southeastern Europe.

Spotlight: Rail Baltica

One of the most exciting projects is Rail Baltica, a high-speed line that will connect Tallinn, Riga, Vilnius, and Warsaw, bringing the Baltic States into the broader European network. It’s expected to generate over €16.2 billion in economic benefits and may eventually extend to Helsinki via undersea tunnel.

Outside the EU, Turkey has also doubled its high-speed network in the past decade. The Istanbul–Ankara line covers 358 miles in just 3.5 hours, and a planned route to Sofia, Bulgaria will further connect Europe’s southeast.

One of the best parts of European train travel is how far you can go. Here are some popular routes and what to expect:

From London

• Paris in 2h15 via Eurostar
• Amsterdam in 3h55
• Brussels in under 2 hours

From Paris (Gare du Nord)

• London, Amsterdam, and Brussels via international high-speed trains
• Lyon, Bordeaux, and Marseille via the French TGV
• Connections to Germany, Switzerland, and Spain

Fun Fact: Gare du Nord is Europe’s busiest train station, handling over 244 million passengers annually and serving around 700,000 travelers daily.

If you plan to hop around countries, a rail pass might be a good deal.

• Eurail Pass: For non-European residents
• Interrail Pass: For EU and European country residents

Types:

• Global Pass (all participating countries)
• One Country Pass (unlimited travel within one country)

Note: Some high-speed and overnight trains require seat reservations and extra fees.

Final Thoughts: Why You Should Ride the Rails in Europe

Trains in Europe are:

• Faster than flying (city center to city center)
• More scenic and relaxing
• Better for the environment
• Easier to navigate than airports

With more expansion on the horizon and rail passes that open the door to nearly 250,000 km of track across 33 countries, there’s never been a better time to explore Europe by train.

What’s Your Dream Train Route?

Have you ridden a train in Europe? What was your favorite route? Planning a rail adventure soon?
Let me know in the comments below—or drop your questions and I’ll be happy to help!