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- The Bernina Express<\/strong><\/li>\n
- Vienna Railjet<\/strong><\/li>\n
- Flam Railway<\/strong><\/li>\n
- Bavarian Bullet: Innercity-Express<\/strong><\/li>\n
- The Little Yellow Train<\/strong><\/li>\n
- Balkan Flexipass<\/strong><\/li>\n
- Cinque Terre<\/strong><\/li>\n
- The Douro Line<\/strong><\/li>\n
- Rhodope Narrow Gauge<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
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1. The Bernina Express<\/h3>\n
Route: Chur to Tirano (Switzerland & Italy)<\/strong><\/p>\n
Duration: 4hours 14mins<\/strong><\/p>\n
Price: $30-50\/Interrail passes valid<\/strong><\/p>\n
Kicking off the best train rides in Europe… Reaching heights of 2,253 metres above sea level this train journey is not for the faint hearted. One of the most famous scenic routes in the world, the Bernina Express follows two World Heritage\u2013listed lines, the Albula and the Bernina, and sweeps among glaciers in Switzerland and palms in Italy. Immerse yourself in the fresh mountain air in one of the trains open air carriages from June to September. The free InfoTrainment (a digital travel companion) is available for all first and second-class passengers to keep you up to date with a steady chatter detailing the railway\u2019s rich history, whilst the modern panoramic cars ensure unrestricted views of an unspoilt alpine panorama.<\/p>\n
Find Hostels in Switzerland\u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n
![\"Best](\"https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/bernina-express.jpg\")
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2. Vienna Railjet<\/h3>\n
Route: Vienna to Venice (Austria and Italy)<\/strong><\/p>\n
Duration: 8 hours<\/strong><\/p>\n
Price: \u20ac29-\u20ac70\/ Interrail passes valid<\/strong><\/p>\n
Modern, luxurious and efficient. The Railjet knows how to do train journeys and as Austria\u2019s premier train service they are a welcome respite for a weary traveller. At 140mph and free Wi-Fi on board, this route is best suited to digital nomads. All the key amenities are at your fingers tips, with power sockets, air conditioning and most importantly, a bar. The scenic route meanders through alpine peaks, 150-year-old viaducts and mountain pastures. Whilst those needing a good night sleep can choose the comfy Nightjet and wake up at the Grand Canal in Venice rested and ready to tackle platefuls of spaghetti.<\/p>\n
Find Hostels in Vienna<\/a><\/p>\n
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3. Flam Railway<\/h3>\n
Route: Flam to Mrydal (Norway)<\/strong><\/p>\n
Duration: 1-2hours<\/strong><\/p>\n
Price: $50-60\/Interrail passengers receive 30% discount<\/strong><\/p>\n
If you want to see everything Norway has to offer, then step on board this awe-inspiring train journey. Roll through the craggy mountain landscape and cast your eyes across dramatic glaciers and rolling, emerald green valleys. In under an hour you will take in rivers slicing their way through deep gorges, waterfalls cascading off steep mountainsides and mountain farms clinging to steep slopes. Take a deep breath of fresh mountain air and pair your trip with a walk or cycle tour along the Rallar Road. The railway is open all year-round and the final destination neatly sits on the Bergen railway line, so any budding travellers can continue their adventure without delay. Voted one of National Geographic Magazine\u2019s top ten train journey\u2019s in Europe, this is not one to miss.<\/p>\n
Find Hostels in Norway<\/a><\/p>\n
![\"Best](\"https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/flam-norway.jpg\")
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4. Bavarian Bullet: Innercity-Express<\/h3>\n
Route: Munich to Nuremberg (Germany)<\/strong><\/p>\n
Duration: 1 hour<\/strong><\/p>\n
Price: \u20ac20-\u20ac30\/Interrail passes valid<\/strong><\/p>\n
For those looking for a winter break with a difference this train journey fits the bill. Zoom between two historic Bavarian cities at 199 miles an hour. Each new destination provides a plethora of seasonal delight with Christmas markets selling tasty treats, gifts and steaming-hot mulled wine.<\/p>\n
Find Hostels in Munich<\/a><\/p>\n
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5. The Little Yellow Train<\/h3>\n
Route: Villefranche de Conflent to Latour de Carol (France)<\/strong><\/p>\n
Duration: 4 hours<\/strong><\/p>\n
Price: \u20ac15-\u20ac25 \/Interrail passes valid<\/strong><\/p>\n
Fancy spending a couple of hours on an open top carriage exploring the beauty of the Pyrenees? The Little Yellow Train takes you on a magical trip into medieval towns and climbs to where eagles fly and wildflowers bloom. Defo one of the best train rides in Europe. Most of the carriages that entered the service in 1909 are still trundling along the narrow gauge line that runs for almost 40 miles. The train has a choice of four closed and two open-air carriages all painted in canary yellow. This journey is definitely one to tick off your bucket list. The route runs all year, but the summer months and warmer weather lend themselves to this open-air trip.<\/p>\n
Find Hostels in Lourdes<\/a><\/p>\n
![\"Best](\"https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/the-little-yellow-train.jpg\")
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6. Balkan Flexipass<\/h3>\n
Route: Belgrade to Montenegro (Serbia)<\/strong><\/p>\n
Duration: 10 hours<\/strong><\/p>\n
Price: A one-way ticket from Belgrade to Bar costs around $20-30\/15-day travel pass<\/strong><\/p>\n
Also known as \u2018Roughing it by Rail\u2019, this train journey is for the out and out traveller. No fancy carriages and mod-cons on this ride, as rail travel goes back to basics. The Flexipass offers unlimited travel for up to 15 days through Bulgaria, Greece, Macedonia, even as far as Turkey. Enjoy the freedom attached to the flexi pass, as you can hop on and off at various points, then board a later train when you fancy moving on. So, if you\u2019re in need of some sun-soaked days in Greece before plunging into the history of Macedonia, then this pass caters for all. Adding a touch of luxury on this rough and ready voyage is the onboard nightclub \u2013 meet you at the bar?<\/p>\n
Find Hostels in Serbia<\/a><\/p>\n
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7. Cinque Terre<\/h3>\n
Route: La Spezia to Levanto (Italy)<\/strong><\/p>\n
Duration: Day trip<\/strong><\/p>\n
Price: One-way ticket from La Spezia to Levanto costs around \u20ac4-\u20ac5. Alternatively, you can also purchase a Cinque Terre Treno Card for \u20ac16, which includes unlimited train travel between La Spezia and Levanto, as well as access to the hiking trails and shuttle buses within the Cinque Terre National Park.<\/strong><\/p>\n
Translated into the five lands, this Cinque Terre short train journey is jam packed with picture-perfect villages of the Italian coastline. Hop off and follow the walking trails between five seaside villages of the Cinque Terre. Now a tourist hotspot, be sure to get an early train to miss the crowds. It runs once an hour and certainly won\u2019t break the bank with the Cinque Terre card, which includes unlimited travel, access to the hiking paths and some museum entrances. Just don\u2019t forget to validate your ticket in the small yellow machines before you set off!<\/p>\n
Find Hostels in Cinque Terre<\/a><\/p>\n
![\"Best](\"https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/cinque-terre-train.jpg\")
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8. The Douro Line<\/h3>\n
Route: Porto to Pocinho (Portugal)<\/strong><\/p>\n
Duration: 3 hours 30mins<\/strong><\/p>\n
Price: \u20ac15-20 \/Interrail passes valid<\/strong><\/p>\n
The main advantage of the Douro Line is that you can see more of this stunning region by train than by boat. The Douro river between Pinhao and Pocinho is the most scenic section and the train\u2019s flexible timings allows passengers to explore the different towns along the route. There are multiple options for a day trip along the Douro line but the last train leaves at 17.22, so set your alarms and make a day of it. Now the real prize of this jaunt is at the end. The final village is in the heart of the vineyard region \u2013 bottoms up!<\/p>\n
Find Hostels in Portugal<\/a><\/p>\n
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9. Rhodope Narrow Gauge<\/h3>\n
Route: Septemvri to Dobrinishte (Bulgaria)<\/strong><\/p>\n
Duration: 5 hours<\/strong><\/p>\n
Price: \u20ac5-10\/Interrail passes valid<\/strong><\/p>\n
Looking for something slightly off the beaten track but also one of the best train rides in Europe? Transport yourself back in time and roam through the beautiful Balkan countryside. Travel through mountains, forests and villages on the last operational narrow gauge line in Bulgaria. This little gem covers 125km and allows passengers to experience a mountainous and inaccessible region. Described as a fairground ghost train, this train is an experience in itself. Getting to Septemvri is remarkably straightforward. It is roughly midway between the Bulgarian capital of Sofia and Pldoviv, the country\u2019s second city, with trains running regularly from each. The train has four daily trips and has plenty of leisurely stops to ensure you get that perfect-panoramic shot.<\/p>\n
Find Hostels in Bulgaria<\/a><\/p>\n
![\"Best](\"https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/switzerland-train.jpg\")
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About the author:<\/h2>\n
- Vienna Railjet<\/strong><\/li>\n