Europe is home to some of the world’s most scenic rail journeys (Picture: Getty)From towering mountains to golden shores, Europe’s diverse landscape is perfect for exploring by rail.And tourists are catching on. A ‘rail renaissance’ has seen increasing numbers of holidaymakers swapping planes for trains, driven partly by a desire to travel more sustainably — something that’s now important to 83% of travellers, according to a recent Booking.
com report.Amid this uptick in interest, Lonely Planet ranked the world’s most incredible train journeys to take in 2025. There are eight European routes on the list, with one UK journey being crowned the most beautiful across the continent.
A picturesque Norway route also won out for Europe in National Geographic’s recent ranking of the 19 best train trips in the world, along with some in nearby beauty spots like Switzerland, Germany and Portugal.So whether you’re looking for an under-the-radar adventure or a luxurious sleeper train, a journey through snowcapped peaks or a cruise along the coast, there’s something for everyone.Comment nowWhat is the most beautiful train route you’ve travelled on?Comment NowSettle to Carlisle, UKThe stretch of railway between Settle, North Yorkshire, and Carlisle in Cumbria claimed the number one spot on Lonely Planet’s list of the most scenic train rides in Europe, with good reason.
The Ribblehead Viaduct is one of the highlights of this route (Picture: AFP)The journey through the Yor.
