5 Awe Inspiring But Affordable Train Journeys in Europe

 

We’ve put together this list of 5 awe inspiring but affordable train journeys in Europe. We think these European train journeys not only represent great value, but are also arguably some of the most beautiful train rides in Europe.

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TRAVELLING BY TRAIN – TRAIN ROUTES THROUGH EUROPE

Some of the most amazing trips in the world are aboard the world’s most famous trains. The Golden Chariot and the Maharaja’s Express both in India, and the Seven Stars Kyushu in Japan are just a few of the world’s best and most opulent train journeys. 

Even Europe holds claim to some of the best routes and most scenic train rides. The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, for example, with its decadent 1920’s Art Deco interior guides you through the gorgeous French countryside as well as breath-taking Swiss mountains. 

Then there’s the Golden Eagle Danube Express that is perhaps most famous for its Silk Road and Trans-Siberian routes. And then perhaps most enticing for me, The Royal Scotsman, which perfectly captions the wonders and magic of the Scottish Highlands.

These are truly once in a lifetime bucket list trips, I for one plan on doing at least one! BUT, the problem is that the ticket price of the world’s best train journeys are often out of reach for the majority of us.

That’s why, at a time when train travel is becoming more and more popular, Adrian and I have put together a list of 5 awe inspiring but affordable train journeys in Europe. These journeys won’t break the bank, but we’re hoping they’ll get you choo choo-ing to your nearest train station!…..Sorry, not sorry! (smugly)

Also, check out our post on tips for making the most of train travel, which goes over some of the benefits of train travel as well as ways to save yourself time, money, and most of all HASSLE!

 

AFFORDABLE TRAIN TRAVEL – BEST TRAIN JOURNEYS IN EUROPE

The Glacier Express – Switzerland

ROUTE: St Moritz to Zermatt

BEST FOR: Most scenic train journey in Europe

DURATION: 8 hours 

Warmly referred to as the slowest express train, this journey takes you between two of Switzerland’s most exclusive ski resorts through breath-taking alpine landscapes. It’s a unique experience as you make your way through 91 tunnels, over 291 bridges, and traverse the UNESCO world heritage site of Landwasser Viaduct.

Designed as a tourist train, the large panoramic windows ensure that you don’t miss a second of the glorious views.

The Glacier Express is not the cheapest at £650 per couple for first class (268 CHF per person, plus reservation fee of 39 CHF, and 3 course meal at 54 CHF per person), although you can save yourself some money if you have a Swiss half fare card. Reduced fares available for children aged 6 to 16, and children under 6 travel free of charge.

The food, which is all cooked on board the train, receives good reviews and includes plenty of vegan options. There is however also the option of bringing your own food to reduce the cost a little. 

Don’t forget to bring headphones for the free audio guide which you can plug into directly from your seat. 

 

The Jacobite Express – Scottish Highlands, UK 

ROUTE: Fort William to Mallaig

BEST FOR: Made famous by the Harry Potter films

DURATION: 1 hour 30mins (one-way)

The West Highland Line is arguably one of the most scenic train journeys in the UK providing spectacular views of the dramatic highlands and  grand Loches. The train crosses the Glenfinnan viaduct (the scene made famous by the Hogwarts Express) which overlooks Loch Shiel and the Jacobite Monument.

Tickets for the Jacobite Express are priced at £57 for a standard adult return and £89 for a first class ticket. There’s also the option of booking a private compartment for up to 6 people, which provides great value at £385 for a return ticket.

A limited number of seats are available to purchase on the day, however to avoid missing out we recommend booking in advance.

Complimentary tea or coffee is included, and you can also pre-order a cream tea hamper for £27 per person including a vegan option.  You can also bring a delicious picnic with you.

 

British Pullman – England, UK

ROUTE: London return through Kent countryside

BEST FOR: Luxury first class day trips

DURATION: 4 hours 30 mins

The British Pullman offers a number of packages including murder mysteries and gourmet events with Michelin-star chef Lisa Goodwin-Allen (BBC1’s Great British Menu). The one we’ve chosen is the Golden Age of Travel package, which is also available aboard a luxurious steam train for a premium.

 The ambling journey takes you through the lush Kent countryside via the historic city of Canterbury, a UNESCO world heritage site, to picturesque Dover. Once at Dover you alight briefly for some entertainment and local refreshments before making the return journey via Folkestone and Paddock Wood.

You’ll want to dress to impress for this trip, but you won’t stand out against the glamorous backdrop of these fully restored 1920s carriages.

The Golden Age of Travel package includes a champagne reception and a 5 course seasonal silver service lunch paired with specially selected wines. British Pullman have prepared a full 5 course plant based based menu, which is suitable for vegans. The experience ends with afternoon tea before you arrive back at London Victoria. The package starts from £400 per passenger.

Regular offers are available on some trains including a 4 for 3 offer where a party of 4 travels for the price of 3, and another offer with which you receive a complimentary bottle of champagne. Simply use the relevant codes from the website to take advantage of the offer. 

 

The Bernina Express – Switzerland & Italy

ROUTE: Chur to Tirano

BEST FOR: Travel on the Rhaetian Railway, a UNESCO world heritage site

DURATION: 4 hours

On the highest railway tracks in Europe and the steepest in the world, the Bernina Express crosses two countries, through 55 tunnels and over 196 bridges. The train winds its way through Switzerland’s oldest town, passed Lake Poschiavo, and up to spectacular mountain views.

Much like the Glacier Express, the train is designed as a tourist train and as such has large panoramic windows so that you don’t miss a thing.

One-way tickets are priced at 63 CHF for second class (£56), and 111 CHF (£98) for first class. In addition, a small reservation fee is payable. Again, you can save yourself some money if you have a Swiss half fare card. Reduced fares available for children aged 6 to 16, and children under 6 travel free of charge.

Trains with panoramic windows on this route, such as the Bernina Express, charge the reservation fee mentioned above. But you can easily avoid this by taking one of the regular trains and enjoy the same beautiful route.

 

The Bergen Line – Norway

ROUTE: Bergen to Oslo

BEST FOR: Traverses Hardangervidda National Park

DURATION: 7 hours 30 mins 

The Bergen Line takes you through the beautiful scenery of the Hardangervidda National Park with views of the Hardangerjokulen glacier. The train passes traditional villages, scenic fjords, and stunning countryside.

This isn’t just a tourist train, it also provides essential transport links for those living in villages along the line as well as people from Oslo and Bergen.

The famous Flam line can also be accessed via the Bergen Line from the Myrdal mountain station. The short 13 mile line descends through the Flam Valley down to the Flam village at sea level. Taking this beautiful and recommended detour will and another two hours to your journey and will cost NOK 500 (£39).

A standard economy ticket from Bergen to Oslo costs around £74 or NOK 956, and a 2-bed cabin £230 or NOK 2972. 

 

CONCLUSION – BEST TRAIN RIDES IN EUROPE ON A BUDGET

And there you have it! That was our list of 5 awe inspiring but affordable train journeys in Europe.

In our opinion, the best and most scenic train journeys in Europe that don’t break the bank, are on The Glacier Express, The Jacobite Express, the British Pullman, The Bernina Express, and The Bergen Railway.

These journeys are never going to compete with the likes of the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, but we really do feel that they all have something unique to offer at a fraction of the cost. 

They also offer a great taster of what long distance train journeys are like and whether before you spend thousands on one of the world’s epic journeys.

Now that you know which budget European train trip you’re going to do next, how about you check out our post on how to make the most of train travel. 

We really hope you’ve enjoyed this post, but let us know in the comments below. Also feel free to contact us with any comments or recommendations, and take a look at our other posts.

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