The 12 Most Romantic Train Routes In Europe
Have you ever imagined what it would be like to fall in love with both the journey and the destination? Europe’s most romantic train routes offer just that!
It’s a chance to experience the beauty of the continent’s landscapes while savoring intimate moments with someone special.
It doesn’t matter if you’re dreaming of a luxurious escape through Italy’s hills or a serene ride through the Swiss Alps, these routes offer the kind of atmosphere where love stories unfold with every mile.
Your dream journey is waiting below!
1. The Glacier Express, Switzerland
It’s not hard to picture this image: You’re on a sleek red train slicing through the heart of the Swiss Alps, with each turn revealing another stunning view. The Glacier Express isn’t just a train ride.
It’s a leisurely glide through valleys and amidst snow-draped peaks, making you feel like you’re in a live-action snow globe. As you sip on Swiss hot chocolate, the charming village of Zermatt approaches, promising cozy warmth and delightful fondue.
This is a journey where time slows down and romance takes center stage, with every glance out the window a new chapter in your story. It’s like nature is throwing confetti, just for you and your sweetheart!
2. Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, Italy
On the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express the elegance has been alive and well since the 1920s.
Imagine yourself draped in finery, savoring gourmet meals as the Italian countryside unfolds outside. It’s as if you’ve been cast in a glamorous old movie, and your co-star is none other than the love of your life.
The journey from Venice to Paris is a beautiful mix of luxury and romance, with every detail meticulously crafted to make you feel special. From the velvet upholstery to the polished wood, it’s a travel experience that whispers sophistication at every corner.
3. The Jacobite Steam Train, Scotland
Affectionately known as the Hogwarts Express, the Jacobite Steam Train invites you on a magical journey through the Scottish Highlands.
As the steam billows from the engine, you’ll feel like you’re part of a tale, with the dramatic landscape unfolding around you. Crossing the Glenfinnan Viaduct, you may find yourself half-expecting to see a flying car or catch a glimpse of Hogwarts in the distance.
The romance of the rail is everywhere, as each bend reveals new vistas of rolling hills and shimmering lochs. With the whistle of the train echoing through the valleys, it’s an experience that tugs at the heartstrings.
4. Cinque Terre Express, Italy
Along the rugged Italian coastline, the Cinque Terre Express weaves its way through a tapestry of cute villages and azure waters. Imagine leaning out the window, the sea breeze ruffling your hair, as you pass by cliffs that plunge into the Mediterranean.
Each stop reveals a charming village, where colorful houses seem to cling impossibly to the rock face. It’s a place where romance is painted in every sunset, and every alleyway whispers stories of love lost and found.
You’ll find yourself daydreaming of living here, where life is as vibrant as the landscape. Who needs paradise when you have the Cinque Terre? It’s the epitome of romantic escapism.
5. The Flam Railway, Norway
There are few experiences in the world that can rival the pure beauty and serenity of Norway’s Flam Railway. As the train climbs away from the fjord, you’re immediately swept into a landscape that feels almost too perfect to exist.
Majestic waterfalls cascade down steep mountainsides, and valleys stretch far beyond the horizon. Each moment is more stunning than the last. Every twist of the track reveals a new marvel, making the journey feel like an escape into nature’s arms.
Whether you’re deep in conversation or simply lost in the view, the Flam Railway reminds you of the awe-inspiring wonders that still exist in our world. It’s a reminder that the most profound beauty often lies in the gentle, unspoken details of the world around us.
6. Bernina Express, Switzerland to Italy
Prepare to traverse from the snow-kissed peaks of Switzerland to the sunlit landscapes of Italy. That’s what Bernina Express has got for you!
It’s a journey that feels like a dance between two worlds. The train itself is like an artist’s brush, painting a vivid tapestry that connects cultures and landscapes. Let the rhythmic clatter of the wheels be your guide as you savor each moment.
This train ride is a passage into the heart of Europe, where romance is etched in every view and every smile shared. The Bernina Express invites you to be part of its living canvas, where nature’s splendor is the star of the show.
7. The Royal Scotsman, Scotland
There’s no experience quite like stepping aboard The Royal Scotsman. Here luxury meets adventure in the heart of Scotland.
Do me a favour and imagine yourself with a glass of smooth Scottish whisky in hand as you wind past untouched hills of heather, castles, and villages. All while wrapped in the cozy embrace of an elegant cabin.
With gourmet meals showcasing the best of local flavors and the stunning scenery unfolding at every turn, The Royal Scotsman turns every mile into a magical, romantic adventure.
8. The Douro Line, Portugal
Along the banks of Portugal’s Douro River, the train meanders through a landscape that seems frozen in time. Terraced vineyards rise steeply from the river, their grapes promising the rich wines the region is famous for.
This is a sensory journey through a world of flavors and aromas. Each village you pass through is a postcard come to life, with whitewashed houses and cobblestone streets.
As the river reflects the golden hues of sunset, you’ll find that romance isn’t just in the air. It’s woven into the very fabric of the journey.
9. The Bergen Line, Norway
How about stepping into a Norse saga? It’s possible if you travel on the Bergen Line. It takes you from Oslo to Bergen and every landscape tells a story.
Fjords stretch majestically into the horizon, and forests whisper secrets as you pass. It’s a journey that feels both epic and intimate, connecting you to nature in its purest form.
The train’s large windows frame each view like a living painting, inviting you to lose yourself in the beauty outside. Sometimes the journey is the destination, and romance is found in the quiet awe of the world around us.
10. The West Highland Line, Scotland
The West Highland Line is a wild invitation to experience the untamed heart of Scotland. As the train weaves through vast moors and mountains, you’re transported into a world where romance and adventure go hand in hand.
The air is thick with mystery, and the Highlands’ beauty is as haunting as it is exhilarating, with every twist of the track revealing a new layer of Scotland’s soul. It’s a place where you can truly lose yourself, and at the same time, find each other.
With every mile, your love story unfolds, as if the landscape itself is writing the next chapter. Ready to be swept away?
11. The Trans-Siberian Railway, Russia
The Trans-Siberian Railway is your gateway to the soul of Russia. It’s a deep, soul-stirring pilgrimage across endless forests, through villages, and into the heart of a land that’s as vast as it is untamed.
With each mile, you’re introduced to a different face of Russia. From the strong pulse of its cities to the quiet solitude of its untouched countryside. This journey isn’t just about getting from one place to another; it’s about discovering the very essence of a nation!
The romance isn’t just found in the stunning landscapes, but in the whispers of history that echo through the windows, calling you to step deeper into the mystery.
12. The Belmond British Pullman, UK
All aboard the Belmond British Pullman! It’s where the golden age of travel comes to life.
With art deco interiors and comfortable seating, this train offers a taste of old-world elegance as it glides through the English countryside. Afternoon tea is a must, and it’s served with a side of history and charm.
Each sip is a toast to the romance of travel, where every detail is crafted to evoke nostalgia and delight. As the train chugs along, you’ll feel like a character in an Agatha Christie novel, with adventure waiting at each station.