Epic European Train Journeys
iBestTravel’s travel experts provide insightful tips and hacks to help you plan a hassle-free trip. Whenever we get a train-related query, we call on our in-house rail guru, Tom Hall.
Where to Go if the Trans-Siberian is Out of Reach
Question: I had planned to take a Trans-Siberian train journey late in 2023, but I don’t anticipate that can happen now. Could you recommend some other epic European routes?
Tom Hall: Although Europe features many lengthy train journeys, nothing quite compares to the cross-continental odyssey of traveling east from Moscow for a week or more. That said, there are still plenty of amazing routes to consider to keep you rolling for an extended journey.
Top Train Routes Across Europe
Several railways connect distant corners of the European continent. The longest route is the Snälltåget train from Malmö, Sweden, to Innsbruck, Austria. This journey primarily caters to Swedish skiers heading to the Alps, covering the 1075-mile (1720km) distance each week in approximately 22 hours, with stops at key Austrian towns for ski resort connections.
Swedish Adventures
Due to Sweden’s geographical location, you can find two additional long-distance trains departing from Stockholm. The daily service connecting Stockholm with Narvik in Norway – located 137 miles inside the Arctic Circle – spans an impressive 916 miles (1467km) over 18 hours. Additionally, sleeper services connect Stockholm with Berlin, taking between 15 to 17.5 hours to traverse southern Sweden, Denmark, and northern Germany.
UK’s Longest Train Journey
The longest train in the UK is the Cross Country service linking Aberdeen, Scotland, to Penzance in Cornwall. This 13-hour trip covers nearly 800 miles (1280km), crossing a vast swath of Britain. Interestingly, the Scillonian ferry offers a connection from Penzance to the scenic Isles of Scilly.
Experience the Local Culture
The spirit of the Trans-Siberian lies in this rolling adventure. Trains offer a unique opportunity to share a journey—and perhaps a picnic—with fellow travelers while experiencing ever-changing landscapes. For your next unforgettable journey, consider exploring Turkey.
Turkish Train Journeys
Starting in Istanbul, which may be reached by your own rail odyssey from elsewhere in Europe, Anatolia awaits. The Marmaray train speeds under the Bosphorus and onto the city’s Asian side, where a high-speed train heads east to Ankara. Once in the Turkish capital, the Doğu Express encircles the countryside in a stunning 26-hour ride covering 818 miles (1310km) to Kars in northeastern Turkey. The journey reveals superb Anatolian mountains and rivers.
Another noteworthy journey is the irregularly scheduled, privately run train from Villach in Austria to Edirne in Turkey. This train, designed to transport vehicles, can take upwards of 34 hours, although the timing may extend due to border controls. It offers a glimpse into Europe’s historical auto-train network.
