10 most popular high-speed trains and main train hubs in Europe
High-speed trains | Countries | Popular routes | Travel time* | Booking window |
TGV INOUI | France | Paris <> Marseille Paris <> Lyon Paris <> Bordeaux | 3 hours 2 hours 08 mins 2 hours 04 mins | 90 days |
EUROSTAR | France, UK, Netherlands, Belgium | London <> Paris London <> Brussels London <> Amsterdam | 2 hours 15 mins 1 hour 51 mins 3 hours 52 mins | 120 days |
THALYS | France, Belgium, Netherlands, Germany | Paris <> Amsterdam Paris <> Brussels Amsterdam <> Brussels | 3 hours 25 mins 1 hour 23 mins 1 hour 53 mins | 120 days |
TGV LYRIA | France, Switzerland | Paris <> Geneva Paris <> Zurich Lausanne <> Dijon | 3 hours 12 mins 4 hours 04 mins 2 hours | 180 days |
ICE | Germany | Berlin <> Munich Berlin <> Frankfurt Munich <> Frankfurt | 4 hours 4 hours 07 mins 3 hours 19 mins | 900 days |
ITALO FRECCIAROSSA | Italy | Milan <> Florence Milan <> Venice Rome <> Venice | 1 hour 54 mins 2 hours 27 mins 3 hours 26 mins | 120 days 180 days |
FRANCE-SPAIN HIGH SPEED | France, Spain | Paris <> Barcelona Barcelona <> Lyon Barcelona <> Marseille | 6 hours 39 mins 5 hours 05 mins 6 hours 03 mins | 180 days |
OUIGO SPAIN AVE | Spain | Barcelona <> Madrid Madrid <> Barcelona Madrid <> Valencia Madrid <> Malaga | 2 hours 30 mins 2 hours 30 mins 1 hour 40 mins 2 hours 46 mins | 90 days |
Different types of trains
- High-speed trains: Perfect for long-distance travel and connects to all the main cities of Europe. They run at a speed of 300km/h!
- InterCity trains: They also cover long distances, but have an average speed of 170km/h. These trains pass by the countryside, so you can admire its wonderful landscapes as you get to your destination.
- Regional or local trains: These trains travel shorter distances as they connect to smaller cities and towns.
- Scenic trains: Here, you can literally take the scenic route. There’s no better way to get to your destination than by looking at Europe’s most beautiful vistas.
- Deluxe sleepers with one and two-berth cabins, with a shower and toilet as well.
- There are also sleepers with one, two, and three-berth cabins.
- Four or six birth couchettes, reclining seats, and bar and buffet car for light meals and drinks!
- For a smooth ride, it’s always a good idea to reserve in advance to make sure you have the seats you want.
Types of Train Tickets in Europe
- If you’re only going to a few destinations, point-to-point tickets are recommended instead of a pass.
- Depending on the routes and trains, you’ll be offered open tickets or global fare tickets. Open tickets will let you travel on a given route at a fixed price within a limited period of time. Global fares will allow you to travel on most high-speed and night trains.
- It’s best to buy a pass if your European holiday includes three or more journeys to get your money’s worth.
- There are different passes available as well: Eurail Global Pass (covering 33 countries) and passes covering only one country like the Swiss Travel Pass or Eurail German Rail Pass.
- Children travel for free on most passes, too!